Hybrid Inverter

Definition of hybrid inverter

• A hybrid inverter is common in home solar panel systems. Primarily, it functions to convert DC generated by solar panels into AC, which is what we use in our day-to-day applications. This is necessary because the DC we generate cannot be used in electrical systems; thus, we need to convert it to AC for practical uses.
• The term hybrid here refers to the fact that this special feature of the hybrid inverter allows the operation to work with and without a connection to the grid-using and storing electricity via batteries. In most other features, this type of inverter is similar to a conventional grid-connected or self-consumption inverter; however, it also works with batteries. This means that with the batteries, hybrid inverters can utilize solar energy efficiently, enabling storing of excess power for a rainy day. This is how one can function using stored power on days when solar production falls, hence enhancing energy self-sufficiency.

Main components of a hybrid inverter

• Energy Management System: This system intelligently monitors and distributes the developed power by solar panels. It decides on the utilization of how much electricity for direct power supply, how much to be stored in a battery, or how much to feed back into the grid according to demand for energy at a given time and state of charge. This intelligent mechanism of distribution makes the usage of solar energy very effective with minimal wastage of energy.
• Battery Charger: The battery charger serves as a major module in the hybrid inverter, converting AC power to DC power that is appropriate for charging batteries. A hybrid inverter cannot work with a battery system and subsequently attain the essence of energy storage and self-sufficiency whenever needed without a battery charger.

Hybrid inverters are electric devices that integrate modified sine wave technology with pure sine wave technology.

• MSW: Modified sine wave, this is a lower-cost waveform for most devices unable to take a pure sine wave.
• True Sine Wave: This waveform is closer to the grid-supplied waveform and is suitable for applications requiring high power quality, such as some sensitive electronic devices.

Following are some of the key benefits of the hybrid solar inverters:

• Efficiency: Hybrid solar inverters are more efficient when compared to the traditional ones. The wider applicability and the ability to work with a range of battery storage systems are its prime features.
• Ease of operation: Hybrid inverters are very easy to operate, there is no need for the user to switch from one device or system to another; rather, it is the inverter that will do all the work automatically. This makes it ideal for those users who want to make use of solar energy but do not want to delve deep into complicated technical information.
• Compatibility: They are highly compatible with a wide range of battery storage systems, especially for those reliant on solar energy, whether it be their main or backup source of energy.
• Backup power: This hybrid solar inverter provides backup power during an outage, keeping your home or business powered when the grid is down, proving very useful in areas where power outages are pretty frequent.
• Monitoring becomes easy: because all household energy is routed through the hybrid inverter, users can monitor and understand how much of solar energy generation, battery storage, and backup power are involved to better manage their energy use.
• Seamless Buyback: The Hybrid Solar Inverter monitors, switches, and stores energy to facilitate the usage of buying back programs for the users. When the solar panels produce more power than they consume, the inverter will automatically sell the excess power back to the grid and help the users save on their energy bills while contributing toward green energy programs.

Basic elements of the hybrid photovoltaic system

The fact is that in order for a solar panel installation to bear the name hybrid, all it needs is to have the equipment of a hybrid inverter. What about the rest of the elements that will make up these installations?

• Solar panels: These are the more obvious main components since they will be used for absorbing energy from the sun. Batteries. Another very important component-optional, but it can work with or without batteries, very important if we want self-consumption.
• Hybrid inverters are the center of such facilities.
• Another important feature is the grid connection. If the installation is not connected to the grid, we cannot speak about a hybrid installation.