Some people who are interested in solar power gravitate toward the idea of being completely removed from the grid. However, remaining connected to the grid and investing in a battery backup system will actually provide more benefits.
When you’re connected to the grid, you can count on it for backup power in the event that your solar battery runs out of power. You can also sell extra electricity back to your utility company through net metering.
In this blog, we will review what a hybrid solar PV system is, what solar batteries are best, and if hybrid systems are better than off-grid systems.
What is a hybrid solar system?
After installing solar panels, the energy generated from them needs to be converted to power for your home. There are a few ways to do this - you can remain connected to the grid, go completely off-grid, or have a hybrid system.
A hybrid system is when your solar panels remain connected to the grid’s power lines and have a backup battery system to store excess power. The sun’s energy absorbed by the solar panels goes through an inverter to create usable electricity. From there, electricity either goes to your home, to your battery, or to the grid.
The benefit of a hybrid solar system is that you will always have power in any situation. With a backup battery, the excess energy that your solar panels create (but your home does not use), will be stored in this battery. Then, when the sun is not shining, this battery will provide your power during the night, system blackouts, or inclement weather.
With a hybrid solar system, if you were to use up all the power in your battery, you have the ability to draw power from the electrical grid.
A hybrid solar system works by sending solar power to your inverter, which then sends energy to power your home. Extra energy that is not used to power your home goes to your home battery for storage.
This battery can provide power to your home when your solar panels are not producing energy. After all of those steps, if there is still leftover energy, that energy is sent to the grid.
Is installing a hybrid solar system better than going completely off-grid?
When you’re completely off-grid, you will only have a backup battery to maintain your energy usage, as opposed to a hybrid solar system that can draw power from the battery or the grid.
An off-grid solar system might be tempting if you want to be completely in charge of your power generation, but you will need to be very careful with energy management and your power consumption to make sure that your backup battery never runs out.
With a hybrid solar energy system, should you overuse your stored battery power or there is inclement weather for a few days and your solar panels do not get enough energy, the grid connection will help provide power until you can begin generating your own again.
Without this backup option, you could find yourself without power during a snowstorm or hurricane.
Is there a hybrid solar system DIY kit?
While, yes, you do have the option of installing solar panels yourself, technically, there is no “DIY kit” for a hybrid solar system.
You would need to research and purchase parts for the solar installation yourself. After installing your panels DIY-style, you will need to also install a solar battery in order to make the system hybrid.
While you do stand to save some money when you install solar panels on your own, it makes the most sense to rely on professionals because they can handle permitting and inspections as well as determine the right size system for your energy use.
Ultimately, when it comes to installing your own solar system, the cons outweigh the pros, especially when you consider the potential of not qualifying for certain incentives and damaging your roof, among other things.
If you choose to install solar panels yourself, you will need:
Benefits of a hybrid solar system - is it worth it?
A hybrid system is a great way to be in control of your power supply. You have the ability to be your own energy provider with solar panels and a backup battery, with the added safety net of being connected to the electricity grid.
Hybrid systems will save you money by reducing your electricity bills, which makes the higher upfront system costs worth it. Your solar battery will store most, if not all, of the excess power your system generates instead of selling it back to your utility. So, while you won’t see those net metering credits on your utility bill, you’re still getting the same value for your electricity. If your utility doesn’t offer full retail net metering, you might even be saving more with a hybrid system!
What makes a hybrid system unique is the fact that you will be covered during inclement weather and nighttime use. You have your backup battery filled with energy and access to grid power if you need more than your battery can provide, and vice versa.
Hybrid solar systems are the best way to make sure you never run out of power.
Does a hybrid system make sense for you?
If you can afford a backup battery in addition to installing solar panels, it is a great option to ensure that your home is consistently powered by solar electricity.
You will have more stability when connected to the grid and you can still save money by producing your own electricity. If the cost of a backup battery is out of reach, a grid-tied solar system can be a compromise.
But whatever you choose, installing solar panels is a great choice for saving money and ensuring your own energy independence.
Key takeaways
- Hybrid solar systems are connected to the grid and have a backup solar battery for excess energy storage.
- Hybrid systems are better than off-grid systems, as they provide a battery backup and grid assistance to cover any potential power outages.
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