- On-Grid Solar Solution: Grid-Tied, On-Grid, Utility-Interactive, Grid Intertie and Grid-Back Feeding are all terms used to describe the same concept; a solar system that is connected to the utility power grid. Most home owners will need to replace their current power meter with one that is compatible with net metering. This device, often called a net meter or a two-way meter, is capable of measuring power going in both directions, from the grid to your house and vice versa. You should consult with your local utility company and see what net metering options you have. In some places, the utility company issues a power meter for free and pay full price for the electricity you generate; however, this is not always the case.
- Net / Reverse Metering: Here your solar system will be connected with your electric distributor solar meter. The electric energy produced by your solar will be deposited in the meter by going through the solar inverter. Depending upon the home consumption your inverter will take the solar generated electric energy from the meter and the remaining of the electric energy will be stored in your meter for any further use. This concept is known as Net/Reverse Metering.
- Off-Grid System: Is a solar system that in some cases is not connected to the power grid. They completely rely on electricity powered by the sun and that will be stored in batteries as a Backup. A solar PV system is a type that converts solar irradiation into electrical power.
- Hybrid Solar Solution: Hybrid solar systems generate power in the same way as a common grid-tie solar system but use special hybrid inverters and batteries to store energy for later use. This ability to store energy enables most hybrid systems to also operate as a backup power supply during a blackout, similar to a UPS system.