Trust us, we know from first-hand experience that building a solar power system is confusing when you’re first starting out. With most solar products and kits labeled with unfamiliar terms, like "hybrid" or "off-grid”, it can all feel a little bit overwhelming.
The truth is, when a lot of people first start out, they don’t even realize that there are different types of solar power systems. This only leads to confusion and puts some people off solar power before they even get started.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry, you’re not alone. We also have the solution - this third lesson in our Introduction to Solar Series will continue our efforts to help you grasp the fundamental concepts required to build a solar power system of your own by explaining the four most common types.
The main goal of today's lesson is breaking down the four main types of solar power systems:
As you’ll discover, these four types of solar power systems are designed for different applications, and to provide you with different benefits. By learning how each type of solar power system can impact and enhance your life, you’ll gain a better understanding of what it is you’re looking to get out of a solar power system.
Basically, understanding the different types of solar power systems will help you make an informed decision when deciding what you want, and when you're sizing and purchasing components for your setup. By the end of this article, you should have a clear understanding of which system aligns best with your goals and lifestyle.
Let’s get started.
An off-grid system is basically exactly what it sounds like—a system that is completely disconnected from the electrical grid. While many people envision an off-grid system as something only useful for remote cabins in the wilderness, they can actually be installed in any location where you want to generate your own power independently.
If your home currently gets its power from the grid, and you decide to sever that connection and take full responsibility for your own power needs, you’d be going off-grid. The main motivation behind going off-grid is typically energy independence. This could be due to the high cost of utility power, frequent blackouts, or just a simple desire for self-reliance.
For instance, you might decide to take your garage off-grid because that’s where you do most of your work, filming, or other activities. This could significantly reduce your household’s reliance on the grid, leading to cost savings and greater control over your power supply.
Just think of any situation or location where you would want full, independent control over your access to electricity. This would be where you would want to look at installing an off-grid solar power system.
A hybrid system is a more sophisticated type of solar power setup that combines the best of both worlds: it allows you to generate your own power while remaining connected to the grid.
With these systems, a hybrid power inverter manages the flow of electricity, deciding whether to draw power from your solar panels, your battery storage, or the grid itself.
For example, if your battery bank runs out of juice, a hybrid system will automatically switch to grid power until the batteries can be recharged—either by solar power or from grid electricity.
This type of system is ideal for areas with inconsistent sunlight, where fully off-grid living might be challenging or impractical. It provides the flexibility to use solar power most of the time while still having access to the grid for backup power.
An emergency backup system is specifically designed to store power that can be used when the grid goes down. The primary goal here is peace of mind. If you live in an area prone to rolling blackouts, natural disasters, severe storms, or just about anything else that would disrupt your access to grid power, having an emergency backup system can be a lifesaver.
You don’t necessarily need a massive system for emergency backup; it all depends on your unique needs. Some people prefer a smaller setup that just keeps the essentials running, while others opt for a more comprehensive system that can power everything in the house for days at a time.
Since backup solar power systems don't need to be very big or elaborate, they also tend to be a more affordable option, which only adds to their popularity.
Mobile or portable power systems offer the freedom to have electricity wherever you go. While portable power stations, like the EcoFlow Delta Pro, are a common example, traditional solar kits can also be adapted for mobile use. These are really popular with outdoor enthusiasts, like RV owners, campers, and people living the “van life”.
Whether you're setting off on a road trip in your RV, have a business running a food truck, or you’re just setting up a booth at an outdoor trade show, a portable solar power system ensures you have the power you need wherever you are. They’re also useful for backup power situations where you just need to be able to charge handheld devices while the power is out.
These four categories—off-grid, hybrid, emergency backup, and mobile/portable—cover the most common types of solar power systems. Understanding these systems will help you make an informed choice as you begin sizing and building your own solar power setup.
Now that you know the different types of solar power systems, you're ready for the next step: sizing your solar power system. We’ll cover those three steps in the next lessons.
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