Grid-Tied Objective: To reduce dependence on power from the electrical grid Advantages v Costs less than Off-Grid v Virtually no maintenance v Cash incentives for connecting to Okanogan PUD system $ Net metering $ SNAP program payments $ Bonneville Environmental Foundation “Green Tags” v Grid acts as a battery
Disadvantages v Dependent upon grid power for system to function—when the grid is down, so are you. v Users can remain unaware of
their energy use | Off-Grid Objective: To be completely independent of the electrical grid Advantages v Can be used where utility line extensions are cost-prohibitive v Complete independence from the grid and potential rate increases v Makes users more aware of their energy use
Disadvantages v Added expense and some added maintenance for battery systems v May have to charge the battery with a generator during a several day period with no sun--especially in winter |
