There are 3 main types of solar systems to choose from: On-Grid, Hybrid, Off-Grid, and each one suits different needs. This article explains the differences, recommends which one to choose, and highlights the best models in Thailand for 2026.
Table of Contents
1. How the 3 systems differ
On-Grid (Grid-Tied)
How it works: The solar system connects directly to the utility grid. It uses solar power first, and the excess is sold to / exchanged with the utility (Net Metering / Net Billing).
Power outage: The system shuts down (Anti-islanding) for safety.
Hybrid (with battery)
How it works: A solar system + battery + grid connection. It uses solar power first, stores the excess in the battery for nighttime use, and only then sells the surplus to the grid.
Power outage: You can still use power (Backup function) from the battery + solar.
Off-Grid (independent)
How it works: A solar system + battery that is not connected to the utility grid, operating 100% independently, like an island.
Power outage: There is no grid to begin with, so the battery is the main power source.
2. On-Grid - selling power back to the utility
How it works
- Solar panels produce DC power
- The On-Grid Inverter converts it to AC
- Power is fed into the home first
- The excess is sold to / exchanged with the utility (bi-directional meter)
What programs are available in Thailand?
- Net Metering (old) - exchanged kWh for kWh - discontinued since 2019
- Net Billing 2.2-2.4 baht/unit (the Solar for the People program, 2024-present) - sells excess power at about 1/2 of the purchase price
- 8-year FiT (Adder system) - discontinued, now replaced by Net Billing
✅ On-Grid advantages
- Lowest price (no battery)
- Great ROI, fast payback in 3.8-4.5 years
- Can sell excess power
- Low maintenance (no battery)
- Long service life
❌ On-Grid disadvantages
- Power outage = solar unusable
- Selling price is much lower than buying (1/2)
- Requires utility approval (60 days)
- Nighttime usage still has to be bought from the grid
3. Hybrid - storing power with batteries
How it works
- Panels produce power → used in the home first
- Excess → charges the battery
- Battery full → sell to the grid (if connected)
- Nighttime / power outage → use from the battery
✅ Hybrid advantages
- Can use power at night
- Still works during outages (UPS Backup)
- Reduces grid dependence
- Can be converted to Off-Grid in the future
- Increases home value (Energy independence)
❌ Hybrid disadvantages
- Costs 2-3 times more than On-Grid
- Slower ROI of 6-8 years
- Battery lifespan of 8-15 years, requires replacement
- Requires battery maintenance
4. Off-Grid - no grid connection
Suitable for areas without utility power, such as islands, forest homes, remote resorts, etc.
How it works
- Panels produce power → used in the home
- Excess → charges the battery
- Not enough power → use from the battery + Generator (option)
- No grid = cannot sell power
✅ Off-Grid advantages
- 100% independent from the utility
- No MEA/PEA approval required
- Usable in remote areas
- No monthly electricity bill
❌ Off-Grid disadvantages
- Highest price (large battery)
- Needs ample battery reserve (5-7 days backup)
- Exceeding capacity = power outage
- Requires a backup Generator
- Battery replacement every 10 years
5. Comparing the 3 systems across every dimension
| Topic | On-Grid | Hybrid | Off-Grid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Has a battery? | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ (required) |
| Grid-connected | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Sells power back | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Works during outages | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nighttime use | Uses grid power | Uses battery | Uses battery |
| Starting price (5kW) | 110,000-150,000 | 180,000-250,000 | 250,000-350,000 |
| ROI | 3.8-4.5 years | 6-8 years | Not calculated (replaces Generator) |
| Approval required | ✅ MEA/PEA | ✅ MEA/PEA | ❌ (not grid-connected) |
| Best for | City homes, daytime usage | Nighttime homes, voltage drops | Remote areas |
6. Which one should I choose?
Choose On-Grid if:
- ✅ You are home during the day (using power when there's sunlight)
- ✅ You're in an urban area where outages are rare
- ✅ You want a fast ROI, payback within 4 years
- ✅ You don't want to maintain a battery
- ✅ Limited budget, mainly want to cut the electricity bill
Choose Hybrid if:
- ✅ You use a lot of power in the evening and at night (air conditioning, refrigerator, kids)
- ✅ Frequent voltage drops/outages (areas outside the city)
- ✅ You have a Server / equipment that needs a UPS
- ✅ You want partial independence from the utility
- ✅ You have an extra +50% budget for a battery
Choose Off-Grid if:
- ✅ Your home is remote with no grid access
- ✅ Islands, mountains, forests, remote resorts
- ✅ The cost of running grid power to the home is more than an Off-Grid system
- ✅ You want 100% independence from the utility
7. Price comparison (5kW system)
| Item | On-Grid | Hybrid (8kWh battery) | Off-Grid (16kWh battery) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiko 665W solar panels × 8 | 27,200 | 27,200 | 27,200 |
| Inverter | Solis GR1P5K 15,000 | Solis EH1P6K 26,200 | GoodWe ES-C10 30,900 |
| Battery | - | ~50,000 (8kWh LFP) | 65,000 (QES 16kWh) |
| Mounting + minor components | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| Installation + permit | 50,000 | 60,000 | 40,000 (no MEA application needed) |
| Grand total | ~112,000 | ~183,000 | ~183,000 |
| Payback period | 3.8-4 years | 6-7 years | vs. Generator: 5-7 years |
8. Recommended models 2026
Recommended On-Grid
| Size | Recommended model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5kW (small home) | Solis S6-GR1P5K | 15,000 |
| 5kW (with AFCI) | GoodWe GW5K-DNS-G40 | 16,500 |
| 10kW (3-phase) | GoodWe GW10K-SDT-30 | 28,600 |
| 30-50kW (Commercial) | GoodWe GW30K/50K-SDT | 35,500-56,100 |
| 125kW (Industrial) | GoodWe GW125K-GT | 130,200 |
Recommended Hybrid
| Size | Recommended model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6kW (1-phase) | Solis S6-EH1P6K-L-PLUS | 26,200 |
| 5kW + AFCI 3.0 | GoodWe GW5000-ES-C10 | 30,900 |
| 10kW (1-phase) | GoodWe GW10K-ES-C10 | 46,900 |
| 15-20kW (3-phase) | GoodWe ET-L-G10 | 75,200-82,600 |
| 50kW (Commercial Hybrid) | GoodWe GW50K-ET-10 | 122,900 |
Recommended battery (for Hybrid/Off-Grid)
QES Battery LiFePO4 16.08kWh (GSL-W-16K) - 65,000 baht
- IP65, can be installed outdoors
- 8,500+ cycles = 23+ years of use
- Parallel up to 15 units = 241.2kWh
- Compatible with almost every brand of Hybrid Inverter
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Currently (2026), the Solar for the People program buys excess power at 2.2 baht/unit (formerly 2.2 baht, currently adjusted to 2.4 baht in some periods), sold for 10 years per the contract - but you earn less than the electricity you buy back (5 baht/unit).
Yes - Hybrid connects to the grid just like On-Grid, but it uses its own power + charges the battery first, then only sells the excess. Typically it sells less than On-Grid because the battery stores power for self-use.
No approval is required because it is not connected to the grid - but if you have a Generator or want backup through MEA/PEA, you'll need to install an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) and may need to notify the utility.
Yes - most Hybrid Inverters support Off-Grid mode built in. Just add a battery + disconnect from the utility. But you'll need to add plenty of battery (15-20kWh or more) to last all night + rainy days.
A LiFePO4 battery such as QES Battery has a lifespan of 8,500+ cycles = if used once per day, it lasts 23 years / a Lead-acid battery lasts only 3-5 years (1,500 cycles). We recommend going straight for LiFePO4.
Summary
Quick recommendations:
- 📌 General users + home during the day → On-Grid (best ROI)
- 📌 Home at night / frequent voltage drops → Hybrid + 8-16kWh battery
- 📌 Remote areas → Off-Grid + 16-32kWh battery + Generator backup
Get a free consultation from QES Energy engineers to choose the system that fits you best. Line: @qesenergy | Call 083-987-2899