Are you interested in going solar on the North Coast? That’s great news! Between recurring outages, skyrocketing electricity rates, and solar incentives, we think it’s a great idea. However, several types of solar energy systems are available and there are numerous factors to consider when determining which type is best for your specific needs.
Six Rivers Solar provides high-performance solar installations for homes and commercial properties throughout Humboldt and Del Norte counties. We offer a wide selection of choices for your energy system: grid-tied, off-grid, solar with battery storage, and microgrid systems. In this guide, we’ll briefly explain each of them and review their pros and cons.
Grid-Tied Solar
Grid-tied solar is the most common type of solar for both residential and commercial installations in the North Coast. They are connected to the central electric grid, which allows you to both send energy to and receive energy from it. Having a grid-tied system also means that you don’t need to install enough solar panels to power your entire property and can participate in net metering if your electricity provider offers it.
Pros:
- Lower upfront costs
- Utility credits through net metering
- Grid reliability as backup
- Simpler maintenance
Cons:
- Dependent on utility grid
- No power during grid outages
- Potential changes in net metering policies could eliminate incentives
Off-Grid Solar
Off-grid solar systems do not connect to the central electric grid, which means that they must be able to completely power your property on their own. To do this, off-grid systems are equipped with battery storage. Solar batteries store the excess electricity your panels generate to provide power at times when the sun isn’t shining, like at night or on cloudy days.
Pros:
- Complete energy independence
- Ideal for remote locations
- No electricity bills
Cons:
- Higher upfront costs
- Requires battery storage
- More complex maintenance
- Need for careful energy management
Hybrid Systems
Also known as solar plus battery storage, hybrid systems are connected to the central electric grid but also have backup battery storage. This means that during an outage, your solar energy system can temporarily operate as an off-grid system until power is restored. Having battery storage also means that you can avoid paying higher electricity rates by switching to stored power during on-peak hours.
Pros:
- Provides backup power during outages
- Increased energy independence
- Optimizes energy usage
Cons:
- Higher initial cost than grid-tied systems
- More complex than simple grid-tied systems
- Batteries require maintenance and eventual replacement
Microgrids
Microgrids are localized power systems that can integrate multiple energy sources and operate either with or without a grid connection. Solar microgrids primarily harness solar energy and store it with battery storage, but can also utilize generators and other forms of renewable energy as well. Microgrid systems can power single or multiple locations, depending on their size and proximity. The term “microgrid,” however, can be a bit deceiving– microgrids are typically systems that are behind-the-meter and generally more utility-sized, often consisting of 100+ solar panels.
Pros:
- Increased reliability and resilience
- Can integrate multiple energy sources
- Benefits entire communities
Cons:
- More complex to implement
- Higher initial costs
- Requires coordinated management
North Coast Renewable Energy Solutions Since 1980
Regardless of what type of solar installation is best for your home or business, Six Rivers Solar offers high-quality installations. As a local leader in renewable energy, we tailor our installation services to meet the specific needs of your property. We believe in the power of renewable energy in the Redwood Curtain and have built a reputation as the solar company locals trust. We start every solar installation with a free on-site consultation so that we can better understand your clean energy goals and electricity needs. Are you ready to see how Six Rivers Solar can help you?
