I hope there is no such thing as a stupid question.

[Krabimike]

But can someone help me understand the difference between on grid - off grid - grid tie, when it relates to solar and inverters? If your hooked to your generator you are on the grid? Same if using shore power?

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[skipmac]

On the grid is generally used to mean connected to commercial power which is referred to as a power grid due to the interconnected nature of most power systems.

Off the grid, means you are not connected and make your own power. Generator is one way. Solar is another.

[Krabimike]

What about grid-tie?

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[skipmac]

Not certain exactly what that means. I think it means you have solar or other method to generate your own power which you then link to the grid with the proper electronics which allows you to use power from the grid when you need or feed power back into the grid (which runs your meter backwards) when you have a surplus.

[Krabimike]

Thanks for the help!

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[skipmac]

I just did a google search and confirmed grid tied is how I described it.

[out42]

A stupid question in boating is unbelievably rare, so ask away.....

[lesterbutch]

Skipmac is correct, We have a 40 panel solar array which generates almost all of our power. It is tied to the grid so when our output is greater than our need, power is shipped to the grid. and indeed the meter runs backward. Our total energy bill monthly is about eight dollars and fifty cents. Which actually represents the power companies monthly administrative fee. Before you jump on it be aware the cost of a system large enough to produce all of your energy needs, is quite high! Ours exceeded $25,000. So your payback will be several years down the road! Ours is seven years!

[Krabimike]

A boater told me I should have a FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera on board for electrical issues, it also is good to spot a mob in the water! I thought he was joking but turns out he is serious

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[jmschmidt]

Yes, there is such a thing as a stupid question but they are usually asked by politicians and news anchors, not sailors, so ask away. Maybe we can all learn something.

[knockabout]

self powered can be wind, aqualog, solar, engine alternator, genset, push bike with alternator instead of back wheel.


grid is shore power electricity / single phase or three phase usually hooked up through a power company to your bank account


self powered is pre-paid / you buy the means to generate

[bruce v]

No, there is no such thing as a stupid question! Although some are a bit amusing, the bottom line is that the asker garners information that makes him smarter than he was previously and that is in no way to be considered dumb. The difference between intellegence and smarts is measured by one's ability to gather and use information. Many very intelligent people are among the dumbest people I know (they think they know so much that they cease efforts to continue to learn). Oh, by the by, those giving you information about the grid are providing you with their perspective of what compromises the make up. As you see, there a number of different viewpoints. Feel free to pick and choose those that suit you best and keep on gathering info. You too can soon become a guru.

[steve0h]

Actually, there are dumb questions, but they are always easier to fix!

[billgewater]

There is a stupid question. It goes something like this....."Why do I have all the answers?"

[senormechanico]

I have a stupid in law who always asks,

"Can I ask you a question?"

When I answer, 'You just did!", she always apologizes. (argh)