What type of PV system application is lighting considered to be?

Lighting is considered a grid-tied application when it is powered by a photovoltaic (PV) system connected to the utility grid. In this scenario, the PV system generates electricity that can either be directly used to power lighting fixtures or supplement the electric supply from the grid. During the day, when the solar panels are producing electricity, the energy can be utilized for lighting, reducing reliance on grid power.

Grid-tied systems allow for two-way energy flow: while the PV system supplies power to the home's lighting and other electrical loads, any excess energy generated can be sent back to the grid. Conversely, during nighttime or periods of low solar generation, the lighting can draw electricity from the grid. This arrangement provides flexibility and energy efficiency, especially in residential or commercial settings.

In contrast, direct-coupled systems typically power specific loads directly from the PV system without energy storage or connection to the grid, which is not the primary mode for lighting in most applications. Battery storage systems are designed to store energy for later use but are not inherently related to standard lighting applications unless they serve specific off-grid scenarios. Off-grid systems usually operate independently from the utility grid and are more common in remote locations where grid access is not available, rather than typical lighting setups.