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As solar energy continues to gain popularity, homeowners and businesses face critical decisions when choosing a solar power system. Two common options are grid-tie and hybrid solar systems, each designed to meet different energy needs and usage scenarios. So, which one is best? Here, you will find an explanation of grid-tie vs hybrid solar system.
What is a Grid-Tie Solar System?
As the name implies, a grid-tied system is one of the solar systems using on-grid inverters designed to work directly and integrated with the regular grid system. This system generates power sourced from solar panels to be used at home as needed, and the excessive power that is not used can be sent back to the power grid.
The grid-tie solar system inverter works by converting DC to AC to power the appliances in a house. If there is excess power, the excess power is sent back to the grid using net metering so that grid-tie inverter users get credit or discounted electricity bills.
What is a Hybrid Solar System?
The hybrid solar system combines two systems using solar power and batteries using one inverter. In this system, the inverter is designed with grid-tie features that allow grid-connected power and off-grid systems with batteries flexibly.
The hybrid solar system integrates solar energy, power storage with batteries, and connection to the public power grid, offering more complete features and allowing for a more complex inverter installation process than grid-tie inverters.
Grid-Tie vs Hybrid Solar Systems: Key Differences
Grid-tied and hybrid solar inverters are two popular types of solar systems used in this century as residential and small-to-medium industrial power systems. They have key differences that will be discussed further below.
Energy Storage
For grid-tie inverters, power is generated directly from photovoltaic or solar panels to power various electronic devices in the house. If the power is unsuitable, does not meet the needs, or at night, the inverter will take the electricity supply from the grid, also called an on-grid inverter. This system has no energy storage feature.
Unlike the hybrid inverter with an off-grid feature, it can store the excessive energy generated when converting during the day in the battery. At night, the inverter will draw power from the battery to power various electronics at home. If the power supply is still insufficient, the hybrid inverter will automatically draw power from the grid to constantly meet and stabilise the power demand.
Backup Power
Because it lacks an energy storage feature, a grid-tie inverter system cannot provide power during a blackout. In contrast, hybrid inverter systems can convert the power from the battery bank to be more reliable during a power outage.
Cost
For the inverter price, grid-tie inverters require a lower upfront cost than hybrid inverters because they do not require batteries. The higher price for hybrid inverters is due to their more features and reliability as backup power.
System Complexity
Grid-tied inverters are designed to convert power from solar panels only during the day, so they have fewer features than hybrid inverters, which can be used in a broader range of cases.
Uses Cases
Grid-tie systems using grid-tie inverters are suitable for areas with stable power grids. They are ideal for users who want to reduce electricity bills without backup power. Hybrid inverters are suitable for areas that experience frequent power outages.
Grid-Tie vs Hybrid Solar Systems: Pros and Cons
Despite their similarities, each inverter has its pros and cons. Below is a table of the pros and cons of grid-tie vs. hybrid inverters.
| Aspect | Grid-Tie Inverter | Hybrid Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Lower cost as it does not require batteries. | Higher cost due to the inclusion of batteries and extra components. |
| Backup Power Capability | No backup power during grid outages. | Provides backup power during outages through battery storage. |
| System Complexity | The more straightforward system has fewer components and easier installation. | More complex due to battery integration and energy management systems. |
| Energy Efficiency | Higher efficiency as no energy is lost during charging and discharging. | Slightly lower efficiency due to battery charging and discharging cycles. |
| Grid Dependence | Entirely dependent on the grid. If the grid goes down, the system stops working. | Less grid-dependent. It can operate during outages using battery power. |
| Energy Storage Capability | No energy storage capability. | Has battery storage for energy backup and night usage. |
| Maintenance Requirements | Minimal maintenance is needed since no batteries are involved. | Requires battery maintenance and eventual battery replacement. |
| Ideal Applications | Ideal for areas with stable grid supply and users focused on lowering electricity bills. | Suitable for areas with frequent power outages or those seeking energy independence. |
| Financial Benefits | Cost savings through net metering and reduced electricity bills. | Cost savings through self-consumption, battery storage, and reduced grid reliance. |
| Nighttime Power Availability | Unavailable; relies on grid supply during nighttime. | Available through stored battery energy. |
How to Choose The Best Grid-Tie vs Hybrid Solar for Your System?
Choosing between a grid tie and a hybrid solar system depends on several factors related to your energy needs, location, budget, and power reliability. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you decide which system is best for your situation:
Determine Your Energy Needs and Usage
Know your energy consumption and evaluate the grid reliability in your area. Whether low energy needs a stable grid or higher power and backup power are required, see what size of power inverter do I need to calculate your needs.
Determine Budget and Investment Capacity
Grid-tie may be cheaper than hybrid, but a hybrid inverter offers long-term savings through energy independence and protection against rising electricity prices.
Buy the inverter by following the inverter purchase guide.
Final Thought
Ultimately, you can choose a grid-tie inverter if you have a stable grid, lower upfront investment, don’t need backup power, and need to reduce the electricity bills through net metering. You can choose a hybrid inverter if you want energy independence with battery storage, have a larger budget for long-term savings and need backup power for sensitive and critical appliances.
Plan your device manufacturing with Joeyoung Solar Inverter Manufacturers, which provides complete services such as ODM, OEM, and even after-sales.
See the single-phase hybrid inverter and single-phase grid-tie inverter for more detailed inverter specifications.
Frequently asked questions
A grid-tie inverter connects directly to the utility grid without battery storage, supplying solar energy directly to appliances or exporting excess to the grid. On the other hand, a hybrid inverter can work with both the grid and battery storage, allowing energy storage for later use.
A hybrid inverter is better for areas with frequent power outages because it includes battery storage, providing backup power when the grid goes down. Grid-tie inverters cannot supply power during outages for safety reasons.
Not directly. Most grid-tie inverters lack the hardware to support battery storage. However, you can add a battery-ready inverter or a battery storage system designed to work with grid-tie setups.
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