Grid-Tied vs Off-Grid Solar — Comparison
Published 2026-02-20 · Updated 2026-07-07 · MySunROI Research Team
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Grid-tied solar is standard — lowest cost, uses net metering, no batteries required. Off-grid needs batteries and oversized arrays — only economical without grid access.
Grid-tied advantages
- Lowest $/W
- Net metering credits
- No battery required
- Grid as backup
Off-grid when
- Remote property
- No utility connection fee justified
- Off-grid costs
Solar costs by state
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add batteries to grid-tied?
Yes — hybrid systems provide backup and TOU savings.