When researching solar energy power systems, homeowners have two options to consider: on-grid and off-grid solar energy systems. Both of these systems are helpful if you live in a state like California with ample sunlight. But on cloudy days or at night, these systems alone won’t continue to power your home and you’ll need other energy options. This is where hybrid solar energy systems shine. They will provide seamless backup during an outage and will help power your home when the sun isn’t shining.
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A hybrid solar energy system is when your solar is connected to the grid, with a backup energy storage solution to store your excess power.
The hybrid solar energy systems have various advantages. Let’s examine a few of them:
A key advantage of the hybrid solar system over a traditional one is that it delivers continuous power. Because the batteries connected to hybrid solar systems store energy, they provide continuous power without interruption. During power outages, the batteries work as inverters to provide you with backup power for your home and important appliances. When the sun goes down or when there’s a power outage, batteries provide backup power to keep things running smoothly.
Because the batteries are connected to a specially designed system that stores excess solar energy, there is no waste of unused power. So, these systems make use of the renewable energy in the best way, store energy on sunny days and utilize that stored power on cloudy days or at night.
Another benefit is the system is cost-effective in the long run. Although the initial cost may be high, you will eventually save money because you will not have to pay for fuel (like you do with generators) and these systems don’t require frequent maintenance.
Unlike traditional generators, which can waste fuel under certain conditions, hybrid solar energy systems work more efficiently and sustainably. Hybrid solar systems generate power efficiently in all types of weather, storing extra energy for later use without wasting fuel.
Traditional generators provide high output only when they are turned on. On the other hand, hybrid solar power systems store energy during the day and distribute it at night. A hybrid solar system may have technology that automatically adjusts the energy supply according to the power requirements of specific devices, whether it’s an air conditioner or a fan.
As with many things in life, there can also be some disadvantages to hybrid solar energy systems. Here’s a few of them:
Because different sources of energy are used, it is helpful to be knowledgeable about those systems. The operation of different energy sources and the interaction between them can become complicated. The great thing is that by working with a trusted contractor, we will handle those complications for you.
While the maintenance cost is low, the initial investment for a hybrid solar energy system is higher compared to solar systems alone.
Home batteries connected to the system are often exposed to heat, cold or rain, so the system may have a shorter life span. This is less of a challenge if you choose the correct location for installation. (Another reason it’s important to work with an experienced installation team!)
You can connect a limited number of devices to a hybrid solar energy system, and the amount varies from system to system.
A grid-tied hybrid solar system includes home batteries that can store excess energy. A unique “smart” inverter in the system sends direct-current (DC) power to and from your batteries and channels alternating current (AC) between the grid and your home automatically. This allows for seamless backup power during an outage.
A hybrid system is less expensive to install and maintain than an off-grid one and you don’t need a backup generator to power it. Plus, you can decrease your battery size. Furthermore, compared with the high cost of diesel fuel, off-peak grid electricity costs much less.
Hybrid systems will save you money on your utility bills in the long run, making up for their higher upfront costs. Instead of selling your excess electricity back to the utility company, most (if not all) solar-generated power is stored in your home battery for future use.
Off-the-grid solar systems incorporate specialized off-the grid inverters and battery packs to store energy for two or more days. On the other hand, grid-connected hybrid systems employ less expensive, battery-based inverters and require a home battery with an overnight capacity of 5 to 10 hours.
With both advantages and disadvantages, more hybrid solar energy systems are being installed around the world in homes and businesses. Because energy storage is the key to unlocking the full potential of solar and wind power, it’s also the key to a clean energy future.
To determine if a Tesla Powerwall or SunPower SunVault home battery is right for your home energy needs, our certified Solar Technologies representatives can answer all your questions. If you’re ready to change the way you power your home and start saving more with solar, contact us today for a free customized quote.
Related Links:
What You Need to Know About Energy Storage and Solar Batteries
Home Battery Complete Review: Tesla Powerwall
How Long Will A Backup Battery Power My Home During An Outage?
Article Updated: December 2022. Originally posted in April 2018
There are three types of solar panel systems: grid-tied (on-grid), off-grid, and hybrid solar systems.
Each type of system has a unique setup that affects what equipment is used, the complexity of installation, and, most crucially, your potential costs and savings.
What would be the best in your situation? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of different solar system types.
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Grid-tied systems are solar panel installations that are connected to the utility power grid. With a grid-connected system, a home can use the solar energy produced by its solar panels and electricity that comes from the utility grid.
If the solar panels generate more electricity than a home needs, the excess is sent to the grid. In some places, a utility will purchase the solar energy sent to the grid in the form of a bill credit to offset future electricity costs thanks to a billing structure called net metering.
Grid-tied solar panel systems are so popular because they provide the best value for how much they cost, especially in areas with full-retail net metering. Their cost is low because they require less equipment than other solar system types. However, this also means grid-tied systems can’t keep your lights on when the power is out.
Cheapest home solar system
Less equipment
No backup power
See how much a grid-tied solar system can save you annually
An off-grid solar system is a solar panel system that has no connection to the utility grid at all. To keep a house running off-grid, you need solar panels, a significant amount of battery storage, and usually another backup power source, like a gas-powered generator.
Sometimes called standalone systems, they’re common among homeowners who don’t have access to the grid, like in rural areas or remote cabins.
Believe it or not, there are plenty of places throughout the country that the utility grid doesn’t service. Off-grid systems give these remote areas access to electricity. Being off-grid also makes you more self-reliant; you’re not beholden to a utility company, and the power is in your hands.
But, off-grid systems are very expensive. You need a lot of battery storage to power an entire home without help from the grid, and the cost adds up. Going off-grid also requires certain lifestyle changes. You have to be very energy-conscious when you don’t have a grid with unlimited supply. Off-grid homeowners need to monitor their consumption and solar production to ensure they have the electricity needed.
Provides electricity where there is no grid access
Self-reliant
Very expensive
Requires lifestyle changes
Hybrid solar systems combine the best of grid-tied and off-grid solar systems; the solar panels are attached to batteries and the utility grid. You’ll commonly see hybrid solar systems referred to as “solar-plus-storage” systems.
Solar-plus-storage systems are popular in areas that experience frequent grid failures or in places that don’t have full-retail net metering. Without a battery, solar panels can't run your home when the power goes out. Batteries also allow you to rely less on the grid by using stored energy when your solar panels aren’t producing electricity. This also maximizes the amount of clean energy your home uses!
Plus, batteries can even save a bit more money if you don't have access full retail net metering. However, the high upfront cost of batteries means they often don't pencil out financially.
Here are some of the pros and cons of installing a hybrid solar-plus-storage system
Provide backup power
Increase energy independence
Can potentially save more money on electricity bills
Expensive
Not always the right financial choice
A simple grid-tied system will usually be the best financial choice. Grid-tied systems generally provide the best return on investment because of their low upfront cost and simple system design.
However, there are some cases where a hybrid system may make the most sense for you, especially if you experience regular power outages. If you really value energy independence and maximizing the amount of renewable energy your home uses, then a solar plus storage system could be just what you’re looking for.
Off-grid systems are probably the least practical for everyday homeowners. But they are excellent for remote areas and may be the right choice for your mountain cabin.
The best way to figure out the right solar system for you is by contacting solar companies near you. Local solar installers will have the best understanding of the right solar system to install in your area and how you can get the most out of your solar panels.
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