How To Choose A Scenario Type
GridGap has six scenario types. The right choice depends on two things: whether the loads are AC, DC, or a mix of both, and whether solar is part of the option you are modelling.
The six scenario types
The scenario type decides which inputs and result sections are relevant. Choose the one that matches the system path you actually want to test.
- AC - Battery + Inverter is for AC loads supplied from a battery through an inverter, without solar in the modelled period.
- AC - Solar + Battery + Inverter is for AC loads where solar is part of the system as well as the battery and inverter.
- DC - Battery + Distribution is for DC loads supplied from a battery and DC distribution, without solar in the modelled period.
- DC - Solar + Battery + Distribution is for DC loads where solar also supports the battery and DC distribution path.
- AC/DC - Battery + Distribution is for mixed AC and DC loads supplied from battery storage, without solar in the modelled period.
- AC/DC - Solar + Battery + Distribution is for mixed AC and DC loads where solar is also included.
Start with the load list
The appliance list should be created before you choose the scenario type. That matters because the app checks whether the saved appliances fit the scenario path.
A DC-only scenario is not suitable if the version already contains AC appliances. An AC-only scenario is not suitable if the version already contains DC appliances. If the version needs both, choose one of the mixed AC/DC scenario types.
Decide whether solar belongs in this option
Use a battery-only scenario when solar is not contributing during the period you want to model. That can be useful for outage backup, night-time use, baseline comparison, or cases where charging happens later from grid or shore power.
Use a solar scenario when solar is meant to support loads, recharge the battery, or reduce the charging burden from another source. Solar scenarios open the extra solar inputs and the solar-related result sections after calculation.
Choose guided setup or blank settings
The guided route is the clearer start when you want GridGap to walk you through the first setup. Add appliances, choose the scenario type, let the app create the load groups, enter the worst-case usage hours, and then use Continue to Scenario Settings. GridGap will show that the scenario is ready before opening the starting settings.
Use Start with blank scenario settings when you already know the inputs you want to enter yourself. That path still asks for the scenario type in the blank scenario modal, but it opens the editor without guided starting defaults.
When the scenario type is a comparison
If you are changing the scenario type because you want to compare a different option, preserve the current version first. Use Create New Version and choose the method that fits the job. That keeps the existing version available for comparison.
If you are only correcting inputs within the same scenario type, use Calculate on the current version once the edits are ready.