For a regular  off-grid solar system you would need solar panels, a charge controller, batteries and an inverter. The general range for a solar battery's lifespan is between 5 to 15 years. If you install a solar battery, you will most likely need to replace it at least once to match the 25 to 30 year lifespan of your PV system.

Components needed for a grid-tied solar system

All solar systems need very  similar components to start with. A grid-tied solar system includes the following components:

1. Solar Panels

2. DC-AC grid-tied solar inverter

3. Solar cables

4. Mounts

For this system to function to a good standard , you require a connection to the grid.

Components needed for an On-Grid solar system

An On-Grid solar system is slightly more complicated and needs the following additional components:

1. Charge Controller

2. Battery Bank

3. A Connected Load

However, to replace a grid-tied solar inverter, you can use a standard power inverter or on-grid solar inverter to power your AC appliances. For this to work, you need a load connected to the batteries.

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Optional components Off-Grid solar system

Depending on your needs, there may be other components that you require. These include:

1. A backup Generator or a Backup Source of power

2. A Transfer Switch

3. AC Load Center

4. A DC Load Center