Hybrid Solar Systems: Combining the best of Solar and Batteries
If you’re interested in going solar, it’s important to know about the options available to you—especially because new developments mean there is better technology on the market than ever before. One compelling option is a hybrid solar system, which is tied to a grid but also has special hybrid inverters and battery combinations that allow the system to provide power in case the electrical grid is down.
Even if you use solar power, there are many benefits to staying connected to the grid. In particular, if your local utility company supports net metering, you can save even more money (and pay off your solar panels faster) with your electric bills. On the other hand, grid-tied electrical sources are not always the most reliable. By having a hybrid solar panel system in place, you can feel confident that you can still pull power from a battery when the rest of the grid is down.
Similar to a traditional solar panel system that is connected to the grid, a hybrid solar panel still uses photovoltaic (PV) materials to collect and convert sunlight into energy. In a traditional system, that electricity is routed to the grid, which allows the homeowner to go without a battery while still being able to access electricity during overcast days or the night.
With a hybrid solar system, however, the electricity is routed to a hybrid inverter and battery. Once the battery is full, the excess is channeled through a smart meter to the grid’s power lines. This allows the homeowner to retain a portion of the electricity, which can help power the home not only during overcast days or the night but also if there is an energy blackout.
Pros of a Hybrid Solar System:
You Can Get Continuous Power - the most compelling reason to invest in a hybrid solar system is that it essentially guarantees that you can keep a continuous supply of power—even if the rest of the grid is down—by pulling from your own battery.
You Can Take Full Advantage of a Renewable Resource - A hybrid solar system allows you to get the most energy possible out of your solar panels. By routing the energy generated through a hybrid inverter and into your own battery before kicking back the excess to the grid, you can feel confident that you are utilising clean, renewable energy as much as possible.
Cons of a Hybrid Solar System:
The Technology Is More Expensive - Because a hybrid solar system involves the equipment for both traditional solar panels plus a hybrid inverter and battery, it’s not surprising that it is among the more expensive options for using solar power at your home. The good news is the government have made domestic solar and battery installations 0% VAT rated so you’ll save money there.
Operation Can Be More Confusing - After installing a traditional solar panel system, little thought or maintenance is needed. However, due to the more complicated technology at play with a hybrid system, you need a certain amount of knowledge to ensure everything runs smoothly. For example, you may need to check and adjust the settings for how the hybrid inverter, battery and grid are all coordinating. But don’t worry, we’ll help!
Is a Hybrid Solar System right for me?
We’ve got over 15 years experience of providing and installing renewable energy solutions and can help you decide what system is best for you. Get in touch with one of the team.
