PV systems that are not linked to the electrical grid are referred to as off-grid installations. Accordingly, all of the energy generated is consumed and stored locally. In essence, the energy contained in a battery bank powers off-grid photovoltaic installations.

• An off-grid system is not connected to the electricity grid and therefore requires battery storage.

• The high cost of batteries and off-grid inverters means off-grid systems are much more expensive than on-grid systems and so are usually only needed in more remote areas that are far from the electricity grid.