I found out later that the system I installed at my vineyard house was actually an off-grid setup. I also learned that there is a system called on-grid. Off-grid power works completely independent from the utility network, while on-grid systems operate together with the main grid.

But that’s not the only difference. One of the biggest advantages of an on-grid setup is the ability to send unused electricity back to the grid, if local rules and agreements allow it. Honestly, if I had installed an on-grid system, I could have sold all the electricity produced during weekdays since I only visit the vineyard on weekends.

Of course, an on-grid system does not use batteries; it depends directly on the grid. Both systems have their own pros and cons. Even though off-grid systems are more expensive, they are ideal for people like me who live in places without access to public electricity. If I had grid power on my land, I wouldn’t bother buying solar panels, batteries, an inverter, or an MPPT controller. Still, producing and using your own energy is a great feeling.

I also found out about something called a hybrid system. It combines the idea of both on-grid and off-grid setups. This type of inverter is expensive, but it includes battery support, works even during outages, and—just like an on-grid system—can feed excess power back to the grid when permitted. The rules change depending on where you live.

In the end, the best system depends on your needs and your budget. If your property, home, or workplace already has grid electricity and you prefer to produce power through solar anyway, then hybrid or on-grid might be better options—assuming you have permission to sell excess energy. Licensing requirements vary by country, region, and sometimes even by neighborhood. For example, in my area you cannot get approval.

To help you understand the differences, advantages, and limitations of all three systems, here’s a quick comparison table:

For me, installing an off-grid system wasn’t difficult—mostly because I had no choice. My land had no utility access, so I had to build my own power setup. If grid electricity had been available, I would have simply connected to it and skipped all the equipment and installation work.