Battery Storage
Store solar energy for evenings and outages, sized from a clear calculation of the loads you want to support.
Hybrid Solar Systems
Solar, storage and grid, working as one system.
A hybrid system uses an inverter that manages solar panels, a battery bank and the grid together. Depending on the design, it can prioritise solar, store surplus energy and switch to battery power when the grid goes down.
At a glance
- Core components
- Panels, hybrid inverter, battery, protection
- Energy sources
- Solar, battery, grid (and optionally a generator)
- Best suited to
- Properties wanting solar use plus outage support
- Backup coverage
- Depends on battery capacity, inverter rating and connected loads
How it works
How hybrid solar systems works
A hybrid inverter decides moment by moment where power comes from. In a typical setup, solar supplies the property first, surplus solar charges the battery, and the grid fills any remaining gap.
When grid supply is interrupted, the inverter can switch to supplying the backed-up circuits from the battery and solar. How long and how much it can supply depends on the battery's usable capacity, the inverter's power rating and what is connected. These are design decisions, not fixed features.
- 01
Solar supplies the property
During daylight, solar output goes to the loads that are running.
- 02
Surplus charges the battery
Energy not used immediately is stored in the battery, up to its capacity.
- 03
Battery and grid fill the gaps
In the evening or on overcast days, the battery and grid supply the shortfall according to the settings you choose.
- 04
Outage mode
If the grid fails, the inverter supplies the backed-up circuits. Switchover behaviour varies by inverter and configuration.
Use cases
Common use cases
Areas with frequent interruptions
Homes and businesses that experience regular outages and want selected loads to keep running.
Evening energy use
Properties that use much of their energy after sunset and want to shift solar output into the evening.
Reducing generator reliance
Sites that currently run a generator during outages and want to reduce how often it is needed.
Planning
Important planning considerations
Every recommendation follows a review of your energy use and a site assessment. These are the factors we look at.
Which circuits to back up
Most hybrid systems back up a dedicated set of essential circuits. Backing up everything requires much larger battery and inverter capacity.
Battery capacity vs. power
Capacity (kWh) determines how long the battery can supply loads. Inverter and battery power ratings (kW) determine how much can run at the same time.
High-draw appliances
Electric showers, cookers, kettles and some pumps draw a lot of power. They are often kept off the backed-up circuit unless the system is sized for them.
Grid connection arrangements
Exporting power to the grid involves utility requirements. Many hybrid systems are configured not to export.
FAQs
Hybrid Solar Systems questions
How long will a hybrid system keep my power on?
That depends on the battery's usable capacity, how much power the connected loads draw and how much sunlight is available. A load calculation is needed to estimate backup time for your situation.
Is there a delay when the grid goes off?
Some inverters switch over within milliseconds, others take slightly longer. Sensitive equipment may need an inverter with fast transfer or an online UPS. This is checked during design.
Can a hybrid system work without the grid?
Many hybrid inverters can run off-grid, but a system designed mainly for off-grid use needs larger solar and battery capacity to cover days with less sun.
Related
Related solutions
Solar Backup Systems
Keep selected appliances and essential circuits running during outages, recharged by solar.
Residential Solar
Rooftop solar for households, sized around how your family actually uses power, with battery storage as an option.
Interested in hybrid solar systems?
Share a few details about your property and energy needs. We’ll follow up to discuss options. A request is not a final quote or a booking.