AC-Coupled vs. DC-Coupled System
Two architectures for connecting solar, batteries, and inverters. In a DC-coupled system, solar panels and batteries share a common DC bus — solar charges batteries directly before inversion to AC. In an AC-coupled system, solar has its own inverter producing AC power, which is then re-converted to DC to charge batteries — introducing conversion losses. DC-coupled systems are typically more efficient (one conversion stage). AC-coupled systems are easier to retrofit onto existing solar installations because the existing solar inverter is preserved. Microgrid retrofits on properties with existing solar are often AC-coupled for this reason.
Related Terms
A power electronics device that converts DC (direct current) electricity — from solar panels or batteries — to AC (alternating current) electricity that home circuits use. In a microgrid, inverters are bidirectional: they can also convert AC grid power to DC to charge batteries (operating as a rectifier). Inverter capacity sets the maximum AC output a battery system can deliver. A 10 kW inverter can sustain 10 kW of continuous AC output regardless of how large the battery bank is. Inverter selection is a critical engineering decision — residential microgrids typically use multi-mode inverters capable of grid-tied and off-grid operation simultaneously.
On-site electrochemical energy storage that allows a property to store electricity and discharge it on demand. In a microgrid, storage may support backup operation, energy buffering, and reduced generator runtime. Transfer behavior depends on the selected equipment, system design, and operating conditions. Storage is sized in kWh for energy capacity and kW for power output; both metrics affect supported loads and duration.
Everything Stays On.
Customer-sited generation + energy storage + backup generation + intelligent controls = whole-property power continuity.
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