Difference between ‘grid-tie’ and ‘off-grid’ wind turbines

Many people are also taking interest in the benefits of wind energy to power our needs. Wind energy and solar energy are now in the forefront of providing electricity to millions of people all across the world. Wind power is generated by wind turbines who harness the power of the wind which is then converted into electricity. In case of wind turbines, we have two choices, grid tie and off grid wind turbines.

With grid tie wind turbines you can avail the best of both the worlds as you get power from the power system as well as the wind system. When wind power is harnessed wind power will be utilized. When there is no wind power then the power which is baled up in the inverter will be utilized. Hence when there is no wind or slow wind then the turbine will provide regular power supply.

In case the turbine has generated more power than required then the excess power can be sold to the power company which will give you credit for the same. You can leverage your costs by buying backup batteries which can store excess power. In case of any power outrage, the inverter will simply start using the power of the backup batteries. Grid tie wind turbines are the best choice in case of blackouts. The inverter will automatically switch itself off when normal power comes back.

The off grid is the second type of wind turbine that is extremely self reliant. You can supplement power from off grid with solar power. There is no electrical system connected to the off grid like the grid tie. The wind power generated by the off grid system is stored in battery cells. Once you get used to the off grid wind power you will not even look at the conventional power system.
However the off grid wind turbines cannot be relied on throughout the year. You will have to do a detailed analysis of the required electrical power before you install the off grid wind turbines. The off grid system has low maintenance costs. There is no need of an expensive grid connection and hence you can save on your costs.

The above mentioned differences are the major differences between grid tie and off grid turbines. You will have to gauge your requirements and find out the pros and cons of each grid so that you can make a final choice about the type of installation.