Solar hybrid inverter pros and cons

02 Sep.,2024

 

Solar hybrid inverter pros and cons

Ever wondered what a solar hybrid inverter is and how it differs from a regular inverter? This Canstar Blue guide answers these questions and more.

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The world of solar energy can be confusing. From solar panels to battery storage systems, the solar generation options available to households are expanding. One area that&#;s seen a particular growth over the last few years is solar inverters, thanks to newer hybrid capabilities.

In this article, we&#;ll deep dive into the complex world of solar hybrid inverters. An we will explaine how they work, the benefits, and whether they are worth installing.

What is a solar hybrid inverter?

Essentially, a hybrid solar inverter is a solar inverter and battery inverter combined into one model. This means that this inverter can both convert the sunlight into electricity. Also it can convert energy stored within solar rechargeable battery into electricity for use in the home.

You can use this charge controller to transfer the extra power back to the grid. Instead of shutting down completely, this solar hybrid inverters for home can go into standby mode if any problems emerge.

The PROS of hybrid solar inverter

Constant Power Supply

A hybrid solar power system, with the aid of storage batteries that are connected to the inverter, provides an uninterrupted power supply. In case of an electricity outage, the batteries function as an inverter and provide backup.

Optimal Utilisation of the Renewable Resource

A battery system connected to a hybrid system ensures maximum utilisation of the abundant solar radiation on bright sunny days. Therefore, such a system results in optimal usage of solar radiation by storing energy on sunny days and using the stored power when there is an overcast.

Low Maintenance

A hybrid solar inverter is a low-maintenance system, especially compared to traditional sources of energy.

The CONS of hybrid solar inverter

Supplemental Add-ons or modifications for an Existing solar panel systems

If you currently have a solar panel system and plan to incorporate a battery, an AC-coupled battery with an inverter is an option. A hybrid scheme will entail extra labour and cost because your solar panel system currently has a grid-tied inverter.

Costly installation

The addition of a hybrid inverter plus batteries to your current system is likely to fetch a higher price than installing a grid-tied solution.

If you have regular power outages or want to use a battery for savings on your utility bill, the extra expense may be a beneficial investment. The conventional grid-tied solar system may be an affordable choice if your power grid is reliable in your area and your utility company offers a favourable net metering incentive.

How does a solar hybrid inverter differ from a regular inverter?

Where a regular inverter, whether it be string (most common) or battery (used for energy storage) can only convert energy for one type of system, a hybrid inverter combines these two functions to allow for use in multiple systems.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of OEM dc coupled hybrid inverter factory. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

A hybrid inverter can still generate power in the same way as any other kind of inverter. Its standout feature however, is that it already has built-in connection for energy storage systems. This means that if a household already has a battery, it can connect to that system straight away, as well as the panel system.

Why do you need an inverter?

An inverter is needed to help convert the electricity generated by solar panels into energy compatible for household use and storage ability. This is because solar panels create direct current &#; DC &#; energy whereas household appliances generally run off alternating current &#; AC &#; electricity. Therefore, without an inverter, the energy generated from a solar panel is practically useless in the home.

What can you do with a hybrid solar inverter?

Since a hybrid solar inverter is combining the functions of two separate systems, there are a few notable things it can do that a regular inverter can&#;t. Some functions you may find in a hybrid inverter include: grid-tie mode, hybrid mode, backup mode and off-grid mode.

Please note, not all inverter manufacturers will include these specific features in each of their models.

  • Grid-tie Mode: This is a function that allows the hybrid inverter to default to simple solar inverter operations. In this mode, battery features are switched off.
  • Hybrid Mode: Under this option, the inverter defaults to battery operation, working to help support the storage of excess solar energy during the day for use in the evening.
  • Backup Mode: This allows the inverter to act as a backup power source during grid outages. Generally, this feature allows the system to automatically switch itself to this mode if an absence of grid power is detected. This is a less common feature among hybrid inverters.
  • Off-grid Mode: As the name suggests, this feature allows the inverter to operate as its own power source and provide independence from the grid. It uses its own power to generate solar energy, power the home and charge any battery systems. Only a select few hybrid inverters come with this feature.

Should I get a solar hybrid inverter?

Ultimately, this decision comes down to the needs of your solar system and home energy usage. If you&#;re installing a solar power system for the first time, it might be worth looking into a solar hybrid inverter as a means to future-proof your panel system. This way there is some flexibility should you decide to add a battery system later on.

If you aren&#;t interested in battery storage you can still get everything you need for your solar system from a standard string inverter. Going with this option however, may just mean that you&#;ll need additional inverters or equipment, should you decide to add a battery system down the track.

Before making any purchase decisions it is best to get in contact with a licensed solar installer who can evaluate the energy needs of your home and help you choose the inverter that&#;ll make the most of your solar energy. They can also take into consideration your budget and solar energy goals and suggest an inverter that meets these needs.

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DC coupling and AC coupling, what is the difference ...

1 cost comparison

DC coupling includes controller, bidirectional inverter and transfer switch, AC coupling includes grid-connected inverter, bidirectional inverter and power distribution cabinet. From the perspective of cost, the controller is cheaper than the grid-connected inverter. The transfer switch is also cheaper than the power distribution cabinet. The DC coupling scheme can also be made into a control and inverter integrated machine, which can save equipment costs and installation costs. Therefore, the cost of the DC coupling scheme is a little lower than that of the AC coupling scheme.

2 Applicability comparison

DC coupling system, the controller, battery and inverter are connected in series, the connection is relatively close, but the flexibility is poor. In the AC coupling system, the grid-connected inverter, storage battery and bidirectional converter are parallel, the connection is not tight, and the flexibility is good. For example, in an already installed photovoltaic system, it is necessary to install an energy storage system, it is better to use AC coupling, as long as a battery and a bidirectional converter are installed, it will not affect the original photovoltaic system, and the energy storage system In principle, the design has no direct relationship with the photovoltaic system and can be determined according to the needs. If it is a newly installed off-grid system, photovoltaics, batteries, and inverters must be designed according to the user's load power and power consumption, and a DC coupling system is more suitable. However, the power of the DC coupling system is relatively small, generally below 500kW, and it is better to control the larger system with AC coupling.

3 efficiency comparison

From the perspective of photovoltaic utilization efficiency, the two schemes have their own characteristics. If the user loads more during the day and less at night, it is better to use AC coupling. The photovoltaic modules directly supply power to the load through the grid-connected inverter, and the efficiency can reach More than 96%. If the load of the user is relatively small during the day and more at night, and the photovoltaic power generation needs to be stored during the day and used at night, it is better to use DC coupling. The photovoltaic module stores electricity to the battery through the controller, and the efficiency can reach more than 95%. If it is AC coupling , Photovoltaics must first be converted into AC power through an inverter, and then converted into DC power through a bidirectional converter, and the efficiency will drop to about 90%.

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