top of page

Solar Solutions

What are the different types of setup for rooftop solar PV system?

"Grid-tied or On-grid" or "Utility-interactive"

 

Grid-tied setup is the simplest and most-commonly used system for rooftop solar. All electrical energy generated by solar panels are directly consumed domestically and/or send to the grid thru net metering. Since this setup is very dependent to the grid, this is most used on areas with reliable electric cooperative with very minimal electrical interruptions/blackouts. Among all rooftop solar PV setups, this is the most cost-efficient and has the fastest return on investment (ROI).

"Off-grid or Stand alone" or “Battery based" or "Remote"

​

Off-grid setup is used for facilities isolated from the electric grid (electric cooperative i.e. Meralco). Solar panels converts solar energy to electrical energy for direct domestic consumption while the excess energy generated will be stored on a battery bank (usually lead-acid or lithium ion) which will be used when the sun is down. This setup has no connection to the electric grid and relies solely on solar panels and battery banks.

"Grid-tied battery backup" or "Multimode" or sometimes wrongly called "Hybrid"

​

Multimode setup is a combination of grid-tied and off-grid system to get the most features and benefit. This system can either be described as grid-tied with battery backup or off-grid with utility backup power. This is a flexible setup for consumers who need these special features at the same time, but comes at a higher cost.

"Hybrid​"

​

Hybrid setup is when we combine solar PV systems with power sources other than the utility & batteries. Hybrid can be solar with wind, a biodiesel or other generator, micro-hydro, etc.. 

"Direct"

​

Although this is seldom used for rooftop solar, Direct solar PV system is when we connect the electrical load (appliance) to the solar panel. One example is a solar panel which is directly connected to an electric fan that will cool down the house attic at daytime.

bottom of page