Understand the system before you buy the system.
Use these interactive diagrams to compare grid-tied solar, grid-tied solar with battery backup, and fully off-grid solar. Each graphic shows the direction of energy flow and the role of the major components.
Solar + utility grid.
The home uses available solar energy first. Excess production can move through the meter toward the grid, and the home draws utility power when solar production is not enough.
Daytime PV production is converted to AC power and serves household loads before additional energy is drawn from the utility.
Sunlight becomes DC electricity.
DC is converted to usable AC power.
Solar serves active household loads.
The meter tracks imported and exported energy.
Solar + battery + utility connection.
This architecture adds energy storage and control equipment. Solar can support the home, charge the battery and interact with the grid. During a utility outage, a backup gateway or transfer device isolates designated loads from the grid so stored energy can continue serving them safely.
During sunny periods, PV can serve household loads while additional production charges the battery for later use.
PV produces daytime energy.
Manages solar, battery and AC power.
Stores energy for later use.
Separates backup loads from the utility during an outage.
Solar + batteries without a utility connection.
An off-grid home depends on its own generation and storage. PV supports daytime use and charges the battery bank. The battery powers the home when the sun is low, and an optional generator can support the system during extended low-sun conditions or unusually high demand.
PV production passes through charge-control equipment and replenishes stored energy for later use.
Generates energy from sunlight.
Protects and manages battery charging.
Stores DC energy and supplies AC loads.
Optional backup for extended low-sun conditions.
What each piece actually does.
How solar panels work
Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into direct-current electricity. Panel production changes with sunlight, temperature, shading, orientation and system design.
What an inverter does
The inverter converts DC electricity from the PV array or battery into AC electricity compatible with household loads. Hybrid inverters can also coordinate storage and backup functions.
What happens during an outage
A standard grid-tied system normally stops producing usable power when the utility fails. A properly designed battery-backup system uses isolation controls so designated loads can operate safely while disconnected from the grid.
How batteries work
Batteries store energy for later use. Their useful backup capability depends on stored energy, inverter power, battery limits and which household loads are connected to the backup system.
Grid-tied vs. off-grid
Grid-tied homes can rely on the utility when solar is insufficient. Off-grid homes cannot, so generation, batteries, load management and optional generator support must be designed as one integrated energy system.
Why load analysis matters
Air conditioning, water heating, pumps, cooking equipment, EV charging and other large loads can dominate system sizing. The correct architecture starts with what you actually want to power and for how long.
Not sure which system fits your home?
Send us your electric bill, property location and backup priorities. We’ll help you frame the right questions before equipment is selected.