WHAT
ARE HYBRID SOLAR
SYSTEMS?

Businesses and households across Australia are welcoming the concept of sustainability in all walks of life, especially in the way they consume electricity.

Many gravitate towards environment-friendly energy sources like on-grid (grid connected) and off-grid solar power systems to save money on utility bills and offset carbon emissions. This also allows them to become proponents of clean & green power consumption.

Another type of solar power system that is gradually gaining interest among Australians is the Hybrid Solar System. Let us further explore how hybrid solar systems work, its benefits, and the best application areas.

Hybrid solar PV systems are a mix of on-grid and off-grid solar power systems, i.e., grid-tied solar system with battery storage. With hybrid solar, you get an upgraded source of power generation that combines the best features of on-grid and off-grid solar systems.

Hybrid solar power systems operate like a typical solar system, and stores excess energy generated into solar batteries like off-grid systems. The only difference is that any additional power generated can be further fed back into the grid.

These hybrid solar systems are attached to a “smart” inverter that transfers direct current (DC) from your batteries. Then it can channel as needed from the Alternating current (AC) and grid as needed.

Here the hybrid solar panels remain connected to the grid’s power lines and a backup is maintained by the battery to store excess power.

Some Quick important points that you must know while choosing a hybrid solar system are:

• You will have to use less grid electricity as even though hybrid solar systems are grid-tied they have battery storage. This will help you in maximizing consumption.
• This is more suitable for making your home future ready. Various hybrid systems are customizable hence you can extend the capacity of your system by adding more panels and batteries in the future.
• They offer more ROI as it has a power management system. So, one can optimize automatically that big electric appliance can be used during the peak daylight hours of the day. This will decrease you expenditure on the electricity bill.

Solar Panels

Hybrid Solar panels are comprised of a collection of solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity.

Solar Inverters

Hybrid Solar inverters convert the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be utilised to power the property.

Solar Battery

Hybrid Solar batteries are used for storing excess power generated by a solar system, and can be used when required, especially during emergencies.

Racking & Mounting

These are the framework equipment’s that are needed to install a solar panel. Mounting is to keep the panels tilted based on season, latitude and time of day to grab the maximum benefit of the solar energy.

There are many benefits of using hybrid solar systems, some of which are:

Get the Best of Both Worlds

As previously mentioned, a hybrid solar system combines the best aspects of both on-grid and off-grid systems. You get to be considered self-sufficient while also having a backup option to rely on as a hybrid grid solar system.

Invest in a Future-Oriented Asset for your Business

Technological innovation comes with the realm of solar power, which means choosing hybrid solar energy is not just a future-oriented decision, but a smart choice.

Enjoy Cost-Effective Energy Production and Utilisation

Hybrid solar systems can help considerably reduce electricity bills and also allow users to store any excess off-peak (low-cost) electricity generated by the system.

Downsize Battery Capacity and Save on Unnecessary Expenses

Since hybrid solar systems combine both battery storage and grid connectivity, you can choose to install solar battery storage of lower capacity and avoid any unnecessary spending for the same.

Switch to Off-Grid in Case of Grid Failure

While grid connectivity with a hybrid solar system provides electricity when there isn’t much solar power generation, the same holds true vice versa when the grid fails, allowing you to stay powered up off-grid.

Get Uninterrupted Supply of Power Even During Emergencies

Hybrid solar systems allow commercial and residential establishments to enjoy a continuous supply of power without having to rely too much either on the grid or on solar during unforeseen circumstances.

Here are some things to consider before choosing a hybrid solar system:

You may have to pay higher upfront costs

Since hybrid solar systems are the next big upgrade in sustainable power and combine the best of both on-grid and off-grid solar, their upfront costs can be high, mostly due to the complex installation process.

Hybrid solar systems can require regular maintenance

Just like an off-grid solar system, hybrid solar installations also require maintenance on a regular basis mainly in terms of battery servicing and replacement.

There might be limited usage of backup power

Another thing to consider when opting for a hybrid solar system is to understand that backup power is only available for supporting critical loads and not all appliances may run on it.