Your home’s solar panels produce direct current (DC), but your appliances run on alternating current (AC). Solar power inverters are electrical components that convert DC power from your solar panels into usable AC power for your home.
A newer type of solar power inverter is the hybrid inverter. It functions differently than a standard solar power inverter. It has the advantage of sending energy back to the grid. It has other benefits as well, but there are also some disadvantages.
Here, you’ll get an idea of the differences between standard and hybrid solar inverters, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
A standard solar power inverter converts DC power from the solar panels into AC power to run your home appliances. But can AC power be taken from the grid and converted into DC power so you can store it in batteries? The answer is yes, with the help of a hybrid solar inverter.
Unlike standard solar power inverters, a hybrid power inverter takes excess power from the grid and stores it as DC power for your solar battery system. You now have additional capacity to draw from in case of inclement weather conditions or a power outage.
The other difference is the hybrid power inverter’s unique ability to manage and regulate power throughout the system. It allows for optimum electrical output and ensures your system works efficiently under any weather conditions.
While all hybrid solar inverters are similar in the way they function, there are some differences between them. Here’s a look at the three most common types.
This option is the most common type of hybrid solar inverter, where the system can charge the batteries using power from the grid. Once a battery charge limit is reached — or electricity from the grid is disrupted — the batteries will kick in and provide energy.
It also switches to AC power in battery mode during peak usage, eliminating power disruptions and increasing efficiency. Use this type of inverter for small spaces such as:
Some hybrid inverters employ maximum power point trackers (MPPTs) in their design. Although uncommon, these components save space by optimizing panel output and battery power. However, most older models do not tie into the grid, so you won’t be able to sell surplus energy back to it.
Unlike regular inverters, grid-tied hybrid inverters connect your home to the power grid so you can sell back any surplus energy, saving you money on your electric bills. Besides that, you have a backup source of electricity during peak loads, at night when your solar panels no longer produce power, or during inclement weather.
Chint Global’s grid-tied PV inverter products have been researched and tested to provide consistent power and efficiency for your home or business. They offer improved internal design features and compact sizes suitable for almost any application.
 
When shopping for a solar power inverter, comparing them side by side makes sense. Each type comes with unique benefits and drawbacks compared to hybrid inverters.
Hybrid and string inverters differ in terms of function and flexibility. String inverters work well for small-scale, shade-free installations. However, it suffers from decreased output when a single panel is shaded. This type of inverter also lacks the ability to provide backup power during grid disruptions.
Hybrid inverters, on the other hand, integrate solar and battery inverters. It offers a comprehensive solution for power generation, storage, and grid interactivity. They manage power flow dynamically and offer ‘pass-through power’. This allows continuous energy use during grid failures.
Hybrid and micro inverters differ primarily in their placement and conversion processes. Micro inverters, mounted on each solar panel, convert DC to AC energy at the source. This enables them to track individual panel performance, which assists in maintenance.
While micro inverters can send excess power back to the grid, you will need another component called a combiner to tie all the panels together. Also, since each panel requires a separate inverter, the initial cost of your system will increase.
In contrast, hybrid inverters, installed centrally in the house, convert electrical currents from all panels collectively. This type of inverter offers an overall system performance view. Their operational variations cater to different monitoring needs. This provides flexible solutions for businesses and construction companies managing solar installations.
Hybrid and off-grid inverters differ in grid integration and energy management. Hybrid inverters allow energy export to the grid. It can also serve as backup power during blackouts.
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Conversely, off-grid inverters draw power solely from batteries. It converts DC to AC. They are designed to operate independently, storing excess power in battery banks, and do not feed power back into the grid.
There are advantages and drawbacks to installing a hybrid power inverter on your system. We list them for you here.
Purchasing a hybrid solar inverter now can save you money later. For example, if you plan on adding battery storage to your system in the future, it will be much better to have a hybrid power inverter installed now. Adding one later means paying more for rewiring a new inverter into an existing system.
Also, investing in a hybrid power inverter now will allow you to sell back unused energy to the power grid. This way, you can save money on energy bills and recoup the extra cost quickly.
Chint Global’s grid-tied inverters offer improved performance and reliability for a wide range of solar power applications. Discover how the SCE series can improve the efficiency and reliability of your system.
Can a hybrid inverter work off-grid?
Is a hybrid inverter more expensive than a standard inverter?
Can I upgrade my existing solar system with a hybrid inverter?
As the demand for renewable energy sources continues to rise, solar power systems have become increasingly popular. One of the key components of a solar power system is the solar controller, which regulates the flow of electricity from the solar panels to the batteries. If you're considering investing in a solar power system, you may also be wondering about the benefits of a hybrid inverter. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of a hybrid inverter, and help you decide whether it's the right choice for your solar power system.
(1) Power Resiliency
One of the primary benefits of a hybrid inverter is its ability to provide power resiliency. With a hybrid inverter, you can store energy in batteries and use it when there is a power outage or during peak hours when electricity prices are high. This means you'll have access to reliable power even when the grid goes down.
(2) Easily Retrofit Battery Storage
Another advantage of a hybrid inverter is that it can easily be retrofitted with battery storage. This means you can add batteries to your system at a later date, without having to replace your existing inverter. This makes it easy to scale your solar power system as your energy needs change over time.
(3) Simplified Energy Monitoring
A hybrid inverter simplifies energy monitoring by allowing you to monitor your solar power system and battery storage from a single interface. This makes it easy to keep track of how much energy you're generating and using, and helps you optimize your energy usage for maximum efficiency.
(1) Not Ideal For Upgrading An Existing System
If you already have a solar power system with a standard inverter, it may not be cost-effective to upgrade to a hybrid inverter. This is because a hybrid inverter is designed to work with battery storage, which means you'll need to add batteries to your system as well. This can be a significant expense, and may not be worth it if your existing system is working well.
(2) Increased Equipment Expenses
Another disadvantage of a hybrid inverter is that it can be more expensive than a standard inverter. This is because it requires additional equipment, such as batteries, to work effectively. You'll need to factor in the cost of these additional components when deciding whether a hybrid inverter is right for you.
(3) Less Future Design Flexibility
A hybrid inverter may also limit your future design flexibility. If you want to add more solar panels to your system in the future, you may need to upgrade your inverter to a larger one. This can be more difficult with a hybrid inverter, as it is designed to work with a specific number of panels and batteries.
So, should you invest in a hybrid solar inverter? The answer depends on your individual energy needs and budget. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, a hybrid inverter may be a good investment to ensure that you have access to reliable power.
If you're planning to install a new solar power system, a hybrid inverter may be a good choice if you're interested in adding battery storage in the future. However, if you already have a solar power system with a standard inverter that is working well, it may not be cost-effective to upgrade to a hybrid inverter.
In conclusion, a hybrid inverter can provide many benefits for your solar power system, including power resiliency, easy retrofitting of battery storage, and simplified energy monitoring. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider, including increased equipment expenses and less future design flexibility. Ultimately, the decision to invest in a hybrid inverter depends on your individual energy needs and budget. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.