Inverters have long been a cornerstone for solar power systems. As the technology has evolved, solar inverters have improved and evolved—and one of those improvements includes the development of the hybrid inverter. Hybrid inverters seamlessly combine the functionalities of traditional inverters with the energy storage of off-grid systems. Keep reading for a quick look at how hybrid inverters work and what makes them the next big thing in solar energy.
What Is a Hybrid Inverter
A hybrid inverter is a versatile piece of equipment that converts the DC power generated by solar panels into AC power that your house uses for most of its appliances. Of course, this is what all inverters do, but unlike traditional grid-tied models, hybrid inverters also integrate with energy storage systems—primarily battery banks—to store excess power for later. This dual functionality makes them ideal for optimizing your energy efficiency and ensuring you have power available at all times.
Core Functions of a Hybrid Inverter
As mentioned above, the primary function of a hybrid inverter is to convert DC power to AC power. In addition to this, however, a hybrid inverter can also manage a battery bank. It directs excess power from your solar panels into the batteries for storage and later use. When solar power isn’t available, like at night, the inverter draws power from the batteries instead of the grid, further reducing your electrical costs.
Hybrid inverters can even communicate with the electrical grid, and will export surplus energy when the system generates more power than it’s consuming. They will also pull power from the grid when you don’t have solar power and your batteries run dry; this provides an added safety net for periods of prolonged cloudy weather.
Advantages of Hybrid Inverters
Hybrid inverters are becoming more and more popular because of their ability to offer users the benefits of both grid-tied and off-grid systems. Their ability to store energy reduces dependency on the grid, lowers energy costs, and ensures uninterrupted power during any grid outages, all while making sure you keep that secure grid connection for when your renewable resources fail. On top of all that, they also offer smart energy monitoring so you can optimize your energy usage.
A Solis hybrid inverter can become a cornerstone of your solar energy system, integrating solar power creation with energy storage. Their dual functionality allows for more efficient power management and gives you the flexibility and reliability you need to meet your changing energy needs.
