Grid-connected solar without a battery
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An on-grid PV system operates alongside the distribution grid. Without a physical battery, you use generation as it occurs, import any shortfall and handle surplus according to the connection and commercial agreement. Ordinary grid-connected inverters stop supplying the house during an outage.
When the simpler arrangement can suit a home
A household with substantial daytime demand may use much of its generation without storage. Time existing appliances and water heating appropriately, then compare the value of remaining exports with the extra cost of a battery.
Annual consumption alone cannot establish the direct-use share. Check demand timing, seasons and shading before choosing array power.
Do not assume future storage or backup
Confirm battery expansion options for the exact inverter rather than relying on a battery-ready description. Adding storage later can require new equipment, metering, protection and connection checks.
If outage operation is important, specify it at design stage. A zero-export setting or supplier virtual battery does not create physical backup. Include the full installed scope and export settlement when comparing prices with a hybrid alternative.