I created the following images to help explain the differences between solo and pool mining in Gridcoin. The charts provide a general overview of how your wallet and BOINC hosts fit into Gridcoin/BOINC ecosystem.

Communication between programs/websites are in grey

Transfers of GRC are colored green

Beacons cost a small amount of GRC and register your CPID with the Gridcoin network

Gridcoin wallets are in purple

First up we have the diagram for a pool miner:

Next the diagram for a solo miner:

Last we have the diagram for an investor (for completeness):

If there is anything that is incorrect or unclear and you want it changed, let me know.

Also, feel free to make a modified version.