An on-grid system is connected to the electricity grid. Its design and operation depend on local utility rules and the selected equipment; many standard grid-tied systems shut down during an outage for safety unless designed with suitable backup capability.
An off-grid system is designed to operate without a utility grid connection and generally requires careful battery and load planning. The size and cost depend on the loads that must be served and the available solar resource.
The right option depends on your location, outage requirements, energy use, budget, and applicable rules. Request a site-specific assessment rather than choosing by system name alone.
Educational information only. Solar suitability, performance, costs, regulations, and incentives depend on local conditions and should be verified for your project.