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      System Types

      Learn about the various types of solar systems on the market, their configuration, and their use case.

       

      System Types and Configurations

      Here are the various types of systems on the market:

      • Standard System Setup
      • Off-Grid Configuration
      • Grid-Tie Configuration
      • Hybrid Configuration
      • Microinverters

      Parts List 

      Let's take a look at what parts are required when building a PV system.


      Part 1 

      PV Module

      Their main function is to convert the photons from the sun and turn them into DC electricity. 


      Part 2 

      Combiner Box

      Its main function is to house and parallel multiple strings to create a single set of home run cables. 

      Part 3 

      MPPT / Charge Controller

      Its main function is to regulate incoming PV power and supply power to battery banks and inverters.

      Part 4 

      Inverter

      It's function is to convert Direct Current(DC) into Alternating Current(AC) to power AC systems from a DC power source.

      Part 5 

      Conductors

      Utilized to transport and contain electricity.

      Part 6 

      OCPDs & Disconnects

      Necessary to protect a circuit from overcurrent or surge and disconnect power sources from devices.

      Part 7 

      Load / Sub / Service Panels

      Houses breakers and distribute electricity to household appliances.

      Part 8 

      Utility Meter / Base

      The utility meter/base is the point of interconnection between the Grid and a Home's Main panel.

      Part 9 

      Battery (Additional Component)

      A battery stores the additional power produced from a PV array and provides power for later use when PV power is unavailable.

      Summary

      The parts listed are the base for creating a standard PV system. When creating the various systems within this course, each system will contain these parts in addition to those that make each system type special.

      System Types


      Off-Grid

      An Off-Grid solar inverter is primarily used in remote locations where the Grid is unavailable; however, some systems utilize an Off-Grid inverter to provide power to a small load panel during a power outage in residential applications.

      • Some Off-Grid inverters can utilize an AC input like the Grid or a Generator to charge batteries and power loads; this feature is called Grid Assist.
      • Off-Grid systems DO NOT sell power back to the Grid.
      • Off-Grid systems rely heavily on batteries to supply power during low light conditions. 

      Parts:

      • PV Modules
      • Combiner Box
      • Disconnect
      • MPPT
      • Batteries
      • Inverter
      • Disconnect
      • Panels

      System Type Videos

      Grid-Tie 

      A Grid-Tie system is solely used in residential applications for users who wish to generate and sell Solar power to the Grid. Grid-Tie systems' primary function is to utilize the PV power generated from an array and invert it into AC to power household appliances and sell back to the Grid.


      • Grid-Tie inverters DO NOT utilize batteries and will not supply backup power during an outage.
      • Grid-Tie inverters utilize a feature called Anti-islanding, which prevents the inverter from outputting power during an outage. This feature is essential for protecting linemen from electrocution when working on the Grid during an outage.
      • The additional power generated will be sold back towards the Grid. For example, if a user utilizes 10kWh and generates 15kWh, then the user will be credited for 5kWh

      Parts:

      • PV Modules
      • Combiner Box
      • Disconnect
      • Inverter's MPPT
      • Inverter
      • Disconnect
      • Panels
      • Utility Meter / Base

      System Type Videos

      Hybrid (Multimode)

       A Hybrid system is primarily used for selling power back to the Grid and providing battery backup in the event of an outage. A Hybrid system utilizes the capabilities of both Off-Grid and Grid-Tie systems. It is best used by customers who want to sell Solar power and stay operational during a power outage.


      • Hybrid inverters will have two outputs: One for Grid-Tie operations and the other for Off-Grid operations. Both are separate and should never be wired together.
      • Hybrid also utilizes Anti-islanding for its Grid-Tie output. 
      • Hybrid systems are often more expensive than Off-Grid and Grid-Tie systems.
      • Hybrid systems mainly use the Grid and Solar to support household appliances and utilize batteries during low light conditions or emergencies. 

      Parts:

      • PV Modules
      • Combiner Box
      • Disconnect
      • Inverter's MPPT
      • Batteries
      • Inverter
      • Disconnect
      • Panels
      • Utility Meter / Base

      System Type Videos

      Microinverters

      Microinverters work together to supply Alternating Current to an output panel. Each Microinverter directly connects to one or more PV Modules and inverts the Direct Current into Alternating Current inches away from the PV Modules.

      • Each microinverter will invert the power from its Modules and then daisy-chain to other microinverters on the roof. With the ability to connect up to 5 or more inverters, the combined output stacks quickly.
      • Microinverters work identically to Grid-Tie inverters; however, they are installed underneath PV modules, allowing them to perform the same task while reducing required space.

      The pictures below show the Aptos MAC-800 Microinverter. Additionally, the power flow explains how Microinverters daisy-chain together.

      Off-Grid

      Grid-Tie

      Hybrid

      Relies heavily on batteries

      Does NOT utilize batteries

      Sell back to the Grid and utilize Battery Backup

      Does NOT sell power back to the grid

      Residential Location

      Anti-Islanding 

      Utilizes a feature called Grid Assist

      Sells power back to the grid

      Two Outputs 

      Remote Location

      Anti-Islanding

      Requires the most additional components

      System Type Videos

      Which system is the right fit? 

      Which Inverter Does Robert Need? 

      Help Robert pick the system type and which inverter he needs to meet his requirements!


      – Robert: Hey! I'm looking to purchase an inverter today; I just don't know which system or inverter I need. I want to be able to sell power back to the Grid but also back to my house when there's no power.


      1. Off-Grid
      2. Grid-Tie
      3. Hybrid

      Robert is looking for a multimode or Hybrid system. This system will sell power back to the Grid, but will also be able to backup your house in the event of a power outage. 

      – Robert: What inverter do you think will work best from the three options I see here? 

      1. Schneider XW Pro 6.8kW 
      2. EG4 6000XP 
      3. Growatt 10kW

      The Schnieder XW Pro 6.8kW is a great inverter that will also allow Robert to utilize a generator.