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If you’re exploring the world of solar power, understanding how these systems work can seem tricky. In this guide, we will explain what a hybrid inverter does and why it’s essential for your solar power setup.
A hybrid inverter is a device that helps manage the electricity in your home when you have solar panels. It performs three main functions:
Your solar panels use the sun’s free, renewable energy and turn it into DC electricity. This DC electricity is then changed into AC electricity by your hybrid inverter. If there’s extra solar power, your hybrid inverter will send some to charge your home batteries. When your batteries are full, any extra electricity goes back to the grid. When your solar panels aren’t producing any electricity, such as overnight, your hybrid inverter will send power from your batteries or the grid to keep your home running.
Yes, a hybrid inverter can still work without a battery. It will convert the solar energy for your home and send any excess to the electricity grid. However, adding a battery allows you to store energy for later, making your system more energy efficient and helping to save more money on your energy bills.
Some hybrid inverters can. If you have a battery, some hybrid inverters can keep your home powered even if the grid goes down. The inverter will use stored energy from your home battery to power your home.
An AC coupled inverter is another option for solar systems. They’re usually used when you’re adding battery storage to an existing solar system.
In an AC coupled solar system, there are two inverters: one for the solar panels (solar inverter) and one for the battery storage (battery inverter).
The solar inverter converts DC electricity into usable AC electricity. This AC electricity is then used to charge the batteries via the battery inverter, which converts it back into DC electricity.
When your home needs power from the batteries, the battery inverter converts the stored DC electricity back into AC electricity.
A hybrid inverter combines everything in one unit, making it a simpler and often more efficient option.
An AC coupled inverter uses different devices for the solar panels and battery, which is ideal if you already have a solar PV system and want to retrofit batteries to it.
We recommend the Qcells Q.HOME CORE H4: an integrated hybrid inverter and home battery solution. With high performance inverter, SAMSUNG SDI battery cells, and boasting an impressive 15-year product and performance warranty, the Q.HOME CORE H4 is our choice for the best solar systems.
There is also an AC-coupled version, for people looking to add home batteries to an existing solar PV system, or for those who want to install home battery storage without solar panels.
In simple terms, a hybrid inverter is a smart device that helps manage the energy from your solar panels. It ensures your home gets the power it needs, stores extra energy in home batteries, and even powers your home during power outages.
Get in touch with HeatElectric today to start your journey towards a greener future. Whether you’re looking to install a brand new solar PV system, looking to add home batteries to an existing system, or even looking for home battery storage without solar panels, we’ve got you covered.
