Off-Grid vs. On-Grid Solutions
The main difference between off-grid and on-grid solutions is simple: an off-grid system operates independently and is not connected to the electrical grid, while an on-grid system is connected to the grid.
I happen to have firsthand experience with both. I own two houses—one is connected to the grid, while the other is completely off-grid. The reason for having two different solutions is quite practical: it is simply not possible to connect one of the houses to the grid network due to its remote location. This has given me a unique perspective on how both systems work in practice.
Energy Storage
Off-grid systems must rely on batteries to store the energy they generate, ensuring a continuous power supply even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. In my off-grid house, managing battery capacity is a daily consideration. In contrast, on-grid systems can feed excess energy back into the grid, often through net metering arrangements. My on-grid house does exactly this—sending surplus solar power to the grid on sunny days.
Cost Considerations
When it comes to cost, off-grid systems are generally more expensive to install because they require batteries, charge controllers, and sometimes backup generators. I experienced this firsthand when setting up my remote property—the battery bank alone represented a significant investment. On-grid systems are cheaper and simpler, as they use the grid itself as a virtual battery.
Power Outages
A key difference to keep in mind: on-grid systems will shut down during a power outage for safety reasons (to protect utility workers). This means my on-grid house goes dark when the neighborhood loses power. Meanwhile, my off-grid house is completely independent and continues to function normally, regardless of what happens to the grid. There is something reassuring about knowing the lights will stay on even when the rest of the area is blacked out.