What Does Hybrid Inverter Mean?

Inverters are electronic equipment used to change direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). There is a type of inverter known as a hybrid inverter capable of functioning with both AC and DC power sources. 

Because they provide a power solution that is both more adaptable and flexible than that provided by conventional inverters, hybrid inverters are gaining a significant amount of market share. Many applications are suitable for hybrid inverters, including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind turbines, and micro-hydro systems. 

The principal benefit of utilizing one of these devices is the ability of a hybrid inverter to supply if the major power source is unavailable. For instance, if there is a power outage, a hybrid inverter may use its battery backup to ensure that the lights continue to work and that the appliances continue to function. 

The advantages of using hybrid inverters. 

When evaluating various inverter options, these are some of the most important benefits that hybrid inverters offer that you should take into consideration:

 Resiliency. 

It's a popular misunderstanding regarding solar power that if you install a system, you'll never be without electricity, even if the grid goes down. This is not true in most situations: typical grid-tied solar inverters will turn themselves off during power outages for safety, which will stop the generation of electricity from your solar panel system. 

A hybrid inverter combined with batteries is an excellent choice if you want to ensure that your home or business continues to function normally if the local power system is disrupted. If you have a hybrid inverter equipped with both on-grid and off-grid functionality, you can continue using solar power even if the electricity from the grid is cut off. 

Monitoring. 

If you have a hybrid inverter, all of the power generated by your solar panels will be converted through a single component, regardless of whether it is being fed back into the grid, used directly on your property, or kept in storage. 

This enables "centralized monitoring," which means you can monitor the operation of your solar panel system and your batteries using a single platform rather than two separate ones. 

Modifications made to existing battery storage systems. 

A hybrid inverter combines the capabilities of two distinct pieces of equipment into a single device is one of the most significant advantages offered by this type of inverter. Your solar installer may find the procedure of installation to be simplified as a result of this. 

Build a hybrid inverter from the beginning instead of purchasing a solar inverter and a battery-specific inverter separately. You may be able to save money on the total cost of the project. This is dependent on the pricing of the different components as well as the cost of labor. 

If, on the other hand, you do not intend to add battery storage to your system, you should evaluate hybrid solutions to conventional grid-tied solar inverters because hybrid systems might be less expensive initially. 

Drawbacks of Hybrid Inverters.

 To help you decide if a hybrid inverter is the best for your solar panel system, consider the following pros and cons. 

Uses for pre-existing solar power setups. 

Installing an AC-coupled battery with its inverter is the simplest method to add a battery to a solar panel system that is already up and running. Since your solar panels already come with their grid-tied inverter, switching to a hybrid solution for this part can add to the cost of your solar-plus-storage setup. 

Expenses related to necessary equipment. 

The initial investment for a hybrid system that includes an inverter and batteries is more than a grid-tied system. The added expense may be worthwhile if you have frequent power outages or plan to use a battery for electricity rate arbitrage. 

However, if your utility company offers generous net metering incentives and the grid is stable in your area, a conventional grid-tied solar panel system will be less expensive overall.