adamantium
Solar Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2022
- Messages
- 172
Grid tied and grid interactive are the same thing.
Grid-tied is a bidirectional connection.
An off grid AIO only connects to the grid as a load.
I can see how this terminology can be confusing. Especially when it gets repeated incorrectly a lot.
I agree, I can see how you are confused.
How grid-interactive differs from grid-tied
Grid-tied systems feed green energy into the electricity grid but must disconnect if the grid goes down. Tied systems receive credits and incentives for feeding green power into the grid but they can’t generate energy for their own use when grid electricity is unavailable.
Grid-interactive systems also feed power into the grid but they can keep generating green energy from their PV modules and battery backup systems and use this electricity to meet their own needs.
Benefits
A grid-interactive PV system offers many benefits:
- Feeding green energy into the grid when it benefits you and disengaging when it does not
- Independence to use your own clean solar and battery power in your home or business during a grid power failure
- Accessing any credits and benefits that are available for tying to the grid
- Ensuring fuller use of the clean PV power you produce, whereas in off-grid systems much of the clean energy goes to waste
- Two equally available sources of power
- A more reliable power supply and lower costs
- Contributing to a more sustainable energy future
I don't recommend expensive equipment with a lot of features that aren't needed. (Depending on specific needs) no point in paying extra for Grid-tied and AC coupling capabilities, if you aren't going to use them.
I don't see limiting your total power by your battery charger and your inverter's output capability especially if you still require the grid. No point in paying more money for less power, less functionality and old technology.