Grid-tie systems are the most common type used by businesses and homeowners and are connected to the utility network. Grid-tie systems offer the benefit of selling unused energy back to the local utility and it is possible to receive incentives from government programs. An inverter is used to convert the DC current into AC current and the unused energy can then be fed into the grid to be used on cloudy or stormy days.

Off-grid systems are stand-alone and are designed as remote or back up applications. A set of batteries is required by these systems to store electricity to be used during cloudy periods.

Hybrid off-grid systems work much the same way as off-grid systems. However, instead of storing excess electricity in batteries, gas powered generators or wind power is used to supplement electricity shortages.

Whatever application you need, there is a photovoltaic roofing system that can be used to cut electricity costs and take advantage of abundant solar energy.