Hybrid Solar System: Working, Price, Types, Pros, and Cons

Hybrid solar systems produce usable electricity with the help of hybrid solar inverters and batteries. The power stored in the batteries can be used later on. 

These Hybrid solar systems work in the same manner as traditional grid-tied solar systems. But since they can also store energy, most hybrid systems can function as a backup power source too. 

They can provide continuous energy even when there is a power outage. 

Intriguing, isn’t it? Dive in to learn more about the components, prices, and types of hybrid solar systems. 

What Is A Hybrid Solar System?

Solar power systems come in three varieties; on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid. A hybrid solar system has the good features of both on-grid and off-grid solar systems, minus their flaws. 

The hybrid solar system is connected to the grid via net metering and also has a battery backup to store the power. The energy that solar panels collect goes through a hybrid solar inverter to generate electricity. 

The most important benefit of a hybrid solar system is the power backup facility. It means you can continue using electricity without disruptions even during power outages. A battery backup helps store the extra power generated by the solar system during peak hours.

Bear in mind that:

• A hybrid solar inverter is used more than a standard battery inverter in a battery-ready system. 
• The modern hybrid solar inverter comes with a charger and a built-in connection. 
• Owing to its benefits, a hybrid solar inverter is naturally more expensive than a standard battery inverter. 

Components In Hybrid Solar System

The hybrid solar system has four elements: 

• Solar Panel 

Solar panels are used to convert solar energy into DC electricity. The solar panel is an essential component of the solar system.

• Hybrid Inverter

It is the second important component in a solar system. The hybrid inverter regulates the voltage and converts DC to AC voltage which can be later used to power household appliances. 

• DCDB

The direct current delivery box has a fuse, SPD, and MCB for security. The DCDB connects multiple solar panel wires into a string with positive and negative outputs.

• Charging Controller 

The charging controller enhances the battery life by controlling the quantity of power going inside the battery. 

Types Of Hybrid Solar Inverters

The most cost-effective hybrid solar system employs a basic inverter which includes a hybrid solar inverter and a charger. It also comprises smart controls for the most efficient use of the provided electricity. 

There are four main types of hybrid solar inverters;

• Basic hybrid solar inverter
• Multimode hybrid solar inverter
• All-in-one Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
• Advanced AC coupled system

Basic hybrid solar inverter

This is the most common type of hybrid solar inverter that allows storing solar energy in a battery. However, it cannot be reliable during power cuts because it is not connected to a grid system. 

Multimode hybrid solar inverter

This is an advanced hybrid solar inverter with a built-in backup or a separate unit. You can charge the batteries and use them during a power cut.  

All-in-one Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

The BESS is the new hybrid solar inverter with batteries and the inverter. This system can be adapted to any existing solar system without any difficulty. 

Advanced AC coupled system

AC coupled systems are widely used solar batteries. They have a hybrid solar inverter for charging the battery. These rechargeable batteries are simple to use; however, they are less efficient than their DC-coupled system. AC coupled systems are used to power AC loads, and the efficiency can be expanded by using multiple hybrid solar inverters. 

Advantages Of Hybrid Solar Inverters

• A hybrid solar power system comes with batteries. This provides an uninterrupted power supply even during a power outage.
• Solar power connected to a battery system ensures the maximum use of solar energy; thus, saving a lot on your electricity bills.
• Compared to conventional energy sources, a hybrid solar inverter does not require routine maintenance because it does not use gasoline.

How Does A Hybrid Solar System Work?

A hybrid solar system is reliable because it supplies constant electricity. Below are steps that explain how this system works:

• The panels absorb the sun rays during the day, converting them into electricity and storing the excess energy in the batteries. If any extra energy remains after using the required power, the excess amount is sent back to the grid via net metering.

• The batteries are rechargeable. If the power is cut for too long, the batteries can be recharged from the grid. 

Hybrid Solar System Cost

A hybrid solar system is more expensive than conventional on-grid and off-grid systems. However, investing in a hybrid solar system reduces your electricity bills and supplies interrupted power supply. 

The price of a 1kW hybrid solar system in India is expected to be around ₹ 1,00,000. It can also go up to ₹15,00,000 for 20kW. 

However, the prices vary depending on the quality, manufacturers, availability, etc. So, no one price line can be drawn. Prices will also vary from seller to seller, model to model, and installers to installers.

Types Of Hybrid Solar Systems

Solar Diesel Hybrid System 

The solar-diesel hybrid system is a combination of photovoltaics and diesel gensets. The diesel gensets are utilised in bridging the gap between the load of the system and the electricity provided by the photovoltaic system. 

Advantages of a solar-diesel hybrid system:

• It helps store the energy generated during the day and can be used whenever needed.
• The system provides a non-stop power supply even when the grid fails, or the PV cells produce less energy. 
• The maintenance and operations cost of a solar-diesel hybrid system is low. 

Solar PV Wind Hybrid System

The solar PV wind hybrid system uses wind as the main source to generate electricity. However, this system is not as effective as the other solar systems. It has to be combined with other energy sources to ensure continuous power generation. 

Solar Thermal Hybrid Systems

These solar systems are not only used for generating power but also for heating purposes. The lifespan of the Solar Thermal Hybrid System is approximately 20 to 25 years old. The efficiency of this system is better than most other conventional systems.

Conclusion 

The popularity of Solar energy is likely to grow in the next ten years. Solar energy is a renewable form of energy, making it highly beneficial. That being said, it is essential to know the benefits of each solar system to invest in the right one. 

The hybrid system saves money, and the most excellent feature is the battery backup feature, which ensures you don’t run out of power. 

FAQs

Q1. What is the shelf-life of a hybrid solar system?

Hybrid solar power systems typically last for around 10-15 years. However, they can last up to 20 years if proper care is taken.

Q2. What is the lifetime of a solar inverter battery?

A solar inverter battery can last up to 4 to 5 years. These batteries require regular maintenance.

Q3. Is investing in a hybrid solar system worth it?

Hybrid solar systems are ideal solutions to reduce your electricity bills. They also supply uninterrupted power supply.