There are two main types of solar power stations: stand-alone and grid-tie. A stand-alone solar power station consists of solar panels, batteries, a controller, and an inverter. It provides power independently without being connected to the electric grid. A grid-tie solar power station is connected to the electric grid. It uses an inverter to convert solar panel DC output to AC that is fed onto the electric grid or used by local loads. Grid-tie stations can use either a central inverter for all solar panels or individual microinverters attached to each panel. Both types aim to feed solar power onto the electric grid or power local loads.