Net metering vs off-grid: which to choose?

The architectural choice before any install: grid-tied with net metering, or fully off-grid with batteries? Each fits a very different user profile. Here it is.

Grid-tied with net metering

• Lower investment (no battery): $7,000-14,000 for an average home
• Payback: 5-8 years in most markets
• Maintenance: minimal
• Limitation: disconnects during blackouts (anti-island)
• Dependency: requires a working utility
• Paperwork: interconnection agreement + permit

Off-grid

• Higher investment (battery + generator): $14,000-30,000 for an average home
• Payback: 7-12 years (depends heavily on cost of grid extension)
• Maintenance: semi-annual check + battery swap at 12-15 years
• Full independence: blackouts don't matter
• Sized for the worst month of the year
• No utility paperwork

When to pick each

If your home has grid service or it's nearby (<650 ft): grid-tied with net metering almost always wins. If reaching the grid costs $30,000-100,000+, off-grid with battery wins.

Hybrid: best of both

If you can afford battery + hybrid inverter + grid connection, you get the best: export surplus, panels feed loads directly, battery covers night and outages, and the grid is the ultimate backup. Cost: $17,000-25,000 — the most resilient and profitable 15-year system.

Dive deeper into solar without a battery, complete off-grid system and what to do with solar surplus.