Hybrid inverter is a new piece of solar technology. It combines the benefits of a traditional solar inverter with the flexibility of a battery inverter into a single device. A hybrid inverter is an up-and-coming solution for homeowners. They want to install a solar power system that has room for future upgrades, including a battery storage system.
When you installed solar system for your home or business, the first thing you will need is an inverter. An inverter is a device that converts DC power to AC power.
Hybrid and Battery Inverters
A hybrid solar inverter combines a solar inverter with a battery inverter into one unit. This is a very economical way to enable load shifting or self-use of energy.
It allows off-peak or solar energy to be stored in a battery for later use during peak times. However, these all-in-one inverters are not able to function during a power outage such as a black-out.
They also have limited monitoring capabilities and functionality.
If you need a hybrid solar inverter capable of powering the entire home during a power outage, you will need back-up power from an interactive inverter or UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).
Benefits of hybrid inverter
Hybrid inverters have many advantages – here are some of the top ones to consider as you’re comparing inverter solutions:
Power Resiliency
Having a solar power system does not always guarantee you will have power during a power outage. If your system uses a traditional solar grid-tie inverter, it will still automatically shut off power from your solar panel system during a blackout for safety purposes.
A hybrid inverter paired with a solar battery storage system is a great solution for such a scenario. It ensures you have both off-grid and on-grid capabilities, so you always have access to power, even during a blackout.
Easily Retrofit Battery Storage
A full solar power installation can be a significant investment, especially if you add an energy storage system to the other individual components. A hybrid inverter is designed to integrate storage at any time, allowing you to forgo the costs of installing battery storage from the get-go. You can then more easily add the battery bank later while still enjoying the full benefits of your solar energy now.
Simplified Energy Monitoring
A hybrid inverter simplifies energy monitoring because you can check vital data such as performance and energy production via the inverter’s panel, or through a connected smart device. If your system has two inverters, you have to monitor them separately.
Can hybrid inverter work without battery
A hybrid solar inverter can work without batteries. This type of system is attached to solar panels and to the power grid which supplies power from both.
The energy produced by the solar panels is directed to the house for use and they do not need to produce all the electricity to run an entire household as shortfalls can be made up from the power grid.
Advantages of installing solar power without battery backup include:
- Savings on electricity bills
- Less costly to install
- More environmentally friendly
- Fewer components to maintain
Should you invest in a hybrid solar inverter?
While a hybrid solar inverter does require a larger initial investment, it can be worth the extra cost if you plan to include solar battery storage with your initial solar installation, or shortly after.
The inverter aids in the elimination of issues like intermittent sunlight and unreliable utility grids, so it performs exceptionally well compared to other types of solar inverters. Better still, a hybrid solar inverter helps you to store energy for future consumption more effectively, including backup power to use during power outages or peak hours.
They also allow for more efficient power generation and management, especially when it comes to your relationship with the wider electricity grid through net metering and time of use rates. Additionally, ultra-modern tech allows you to conveniently monitor and manage your solar power system from anywhere via connected smartphone apps.
