---
title: Types of Solar Systems
description: "**Off-Grid / Standalone PV Solar System** For situations where mains power is not available, or the client wishes to become completely independent of the grid. All power is generated by the solar panels; a battery bank stores excess power for…"
url: "https://sparki.co.za/support/types-of-solar-systems/"
updated: "2024-01-29"
category: General
---

# Types of Solar Systems

**Off-Grid / Standalone PV Solar System**
For situations where mains power is not available, or the client wishes to become completely independent of the grid. All power is generated by the solar panels; a battery bank stores excess power for use at night or when the sun is not shining.

**Grid-Tie PV Solar System**
Very popular in European countries, where residents may feed excess power back into the grid; solar panels provide power during the day, and at night power is drawn from the mains. There is no battery bank or power storage facility in this configuration.

**Grid-Tie PV Solar System with backup**
Similar to the Grid-Tie PV Solar System but a battery bank for storage of excess power is present; client would not have to use mains if load is not excessive. Due to the fact that a grid-tie inverter must cease operation in the event of a grid failure – ie neither solar nor grid power can be fed in or out while the grid is out of commission – a small, separate backup system is recommended.

**Hybrid PV Solar System with backup**
With a Hybrid System offers, essential loads are fed by direct solar during the day, whether the grid is active or not. The grid feeds non-essential loads. Excess solar is directed first into the battery bank and then to non-essential loads, to cut down on your electrical bills. In the event of a grid failure at night, essential loads draw power from the battery bank.

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