What Is a Hybrid Solar System?

With more and more consumers searching for sustainable and efficient energy solutions, hybrid solar systems are emerging as the perfect solution. 

Hybrid solar power systems balance the benefits of solar energy with the convenience of on-grid electricity, redefining how we utilise renewable energy in our daily lives.

If you’re looking to achieve energy independence or reliance on Eskom or reduce your carbon footprint while maintaining connection to the grid, a hybrid solar power system is the right choice.

Find out why hybrid solar power systems are becoming the #1 choice of consumers looking to save money on electricity bills and achieve energy security. 

What Is a Hybrid Solar System and What Equipment Do I Need? 

A hybrid solar system combines all the benefits of on-grid electricity with the energy security and cost savings of an off-grid power solution.

A hybrid system utilises photovoltaic modules — typically solar panels — and a balance of system to produce electricity and store it in a solar battery or convert it to AC power for immediate consumption or transmission to the utility grid.

By combining solar + storage, hybrid systems circumvent one of the primary disadvantages of grid-tied systems. 

Traditional on-grid solar power systems DO NOT work during a blackout.  

In addition to energy security, hybrid solar power systems allow you to maximise electricity bill savings by only using on-grid power during off-peak or mid-peak hours when Time-of-Use pricing is more favourable. 

Hybrid solar power systems require at least one of each of the following components:

• Photovoltaic modules (solar panels)
• Charge controller (MPPT or PWM)
• Solar inverter
• Solar battery
• Storage inverter (may be built-in with some solar batteries)
• Battery management system (BMS)
• Bidirectional or smart meter (for connection to the utility grid)

How Does a Hybrid Solar Power System Work?

A hybrid solar energy system combines the benefits of on-grid and off-grid photovoltaic systems by marrying utility grid connectivity and battery storage.

Both on-grid and off-grid residential PV systems utilise solar panels or other PV modules to harvest photons from sunlight and convert them into DC electricity using the photovoltaic effect. 

(Source: Energy Education)

In residential applications, PV modules, like solar panels, are typically made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline photovoltaic cells protected by a transparent surface like tempered glass and encased in a stainless steel frame.  

(Source: Energy Education)

Photons hit the photovoltaic surface of the panel, which is comprised of multiple solar cells. Each cell contains two semiconductors — p-type and n-type — that form a p-n junction to create an electric field. The p-n junction converts photons into direct current (DC) electricity.

At this point in the electricity generation process, what happens next differs depending on whether a system is grid-tied, off-grid, or hybrid. 

(Source: Penn State)

On-Grid Solar

In a traditional grid-tied system, the DC electricity is transmitted by cables directly to a string or central solar inverter.

The inverter converts DC to AC electricity for immediate consumption in your home or transmission to the utility grid.

An on-grid system automatically toggles back and forth between solar and utility electricity depending on how much electricity your PV array generates and the parameters you set for your system.

One essential consideration that sometimes gets overlooked is that grid-tied solar panel systems without storage DO NOT WORK during a blackout.

Instead, the system will automatically shut down and disconnect from the grid to prevent workers from being injured and further damage to infrastructure.

(Source: Penn State)

Off-Grid Solar 

Off-grid solar power systems operate independently from the grid and rely on solar batteries to deal with solar power’s inherent intermittency.

Most clean, renewable energy sources — like wind, hydro, and solar — are intermittent. 

Specific environmental or physical conditions beyond human control are required for intermittent energy sources to generate electricity.

In the case of solar power, sunlight is a prerequisite. Electricity production is diminished on cloudy days, and solar panels don’t work at night.

Off-grid solar systems solve the intermittency problem by storing electricity in solar batteries when PV modules generate no power or your consumption exceeds supply.

In an off-grid solar generator like EcoFlow DELTA Pro, solar panels send electricity to a charge controller built into the portable power station. 

Depending on the charge level of the LiFePO4 solar battery, your current consumption, and the parameters you’ve set, the charge controller will either transmit DC electricity from your PV panel array to the LFP battery or the built-in solar inverter for conversion to AC electricity and immediate use in your home.

Hybrid Solar 

Hybrid solar power systems combine the benefits of grid-tied and off-grid configurations to offer the ultimate in flexibility and energy security.

Because on-grid systems are bidirectional, solar inverters without battery storage shut down automatically during a power outage to prevent harming workers trying to restore electricity and avoid accidental damage to the grid. 

Without a blackout “kill switch,” electricity would continue to be transmitted to the grid with potentially devastating consequences. 

Off-grid systems offer greater energy security but lack the convenience of tapping into utility power if necessary. 

Portable power stations and solar generators like EcoFlow’s DELTA Series allow you to recharge using AC electricity and integrate with your home wiring using a Smart Home Panel or transfer switch.

For example, EcoFlow DELTA Pro is a hybrid solar + storage solution that offers 6 charging methods, including solar panels and household electricity, plus lightning-fast multi-charging solutions.

(Source: Vermont.gov)

Feeding In and Net Metering 

Off-grid solar power systems aren’t eligible to participate in net metering schemes, a billing mechanism for selling excess electricity generated above what you consume to your power company.

Net metering in South Africa is often called “feeding-in.”

Unfortunately, feeding in is not currently an option in many locations, but it’s worth checking to see if it’s available where you live.

Hybrid Solar System Advantages

Hybrid solar systems offer a compelling blend of efficiency, resilience, and cost-effectiveness, making them an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. 

Hybrid PV systems provide numerous significant advantages over traditional grid-tied and off-grid systems.

Particularly in South Africa, where load-shedding and load reduction remain a way of life.

• Energy Independence: One of the most notable benefits of a hybrid system is enhanced energy independence. By generating and storing your own electricity, you rely less on the grid, reducing your vulnerability to outages and increasing self-sufficiency. 

• Energy Security: Scheduled rolling blackouts are a regular occurrence. Unplanned outages are also increasing due to ageing infrastructure and extreme weather events. Grid-tied PV systems don’t function during an outage. A hybrid PV system gives you the convenience of Eskom power with the security of off-grid storage.
  
• Longevity: High-quality mountable PV modules like EcoFlow’s rigid and flexible solar panels will provide decades of service. When it comes to solar batteries, chemistry is the most significant determiner of cycle life. EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro uses proprietary lithium iron phosphate battery chemistry and provides 3,000 cycles (full charge/discharges) before diminishing to 80% storage capacity.

• Exceptional Depth of Discharge
  
• Cost Savings: Hybrid PV systems provide significant savings on electricity bills. You can use stored solar energy during peak hours when electricity rates are higher and only use grid power off-peak.
  
• Maximise Electricity Generation Efficiency: If you live in a location that doesn’t offer feeding in and you don’t have solar battery storage, any electricity your solar panel array generates in excess of what you consume will simply go to waste. A hybrid PV system prevents this from happening, at least until your solar batteries are fully charged. You can always scale up by adding Smart Extra Batteries or chaining 2 x EcoFlow DELTA Pros in parallel (up to 25kWh). 

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Renewable energy systems, like hybrid solar, significantly reduce your household’s carbon footprint, helping in the global fight against global warming and climate change.
  
• Scalability: Modular systems like EcoFlow PowerOcean allow you to start small and add capacity as your electricity needs grow — or as your budget allows

• Net Metering (Feeding In): Some grid-connected and hybrid solar systems are net metering compatible, allowing you to sell electricity back to the grid, shorten solar payback, and eventually make money.
  
• Wide Operating Temperature Range: Lithium iron phosphate batteries operate and charge in extreme cold and heat.

• Quiet: Whisper-quiet power at ~35dB
  
• Maintenance-Free: Unlike petrol, diesel, or propane generators, off-grid and hybrid solar generators have few moving parts and require no routine maintenance. 

Hybrid Solar System Disadvantages

Hybrid solar systems offer numerous benefits, but it’s important to consider the drawbacks. 

Understanding the disadvantages and benefits of any renewable energy system enables you to make an informed decision.

Here are the primary drawbacks of hybrid PV systems.

• Higher Upfront Investment: One of the main drawbacks of hybrid systems is higher upfront costs compared to traditional systems. The additional expense is primarily due to the inclusion of battery storage and a more complex balance of system.
  
• Space Requirements: Hybrid PV systems with multiple solar batteries require installation space. EcoFlow DELTA Pro can be installed in a sheltered outdoor area, but it must not be exposed to rain.

• More Complex Installation and Setup: Installing a hybrid system is more complex than a standard off-grid or grid-tied system. You can easily DIY an off-grid PV system installation unless you want home circuit board integration through a transfer switch. Only a licensed electrician can wire your PV system to your home circuitry and connect it to the utility grid for on-grid and hybrid solutions. Not only is working with high-voltage electricity potentially deadly, but grid connectivity will require inspection and permits.  

When Do Hybrid Solar Systems Make Sense?

Hybrid solar systems are not the best option for everyone. 

However, hybrid solar offers significant advantages over traditional grid-tied and off-grid residential PV configurations in many scenarios. 

Read on to find out when a hybrid PV system makes sense (and when it doesn’t).

No Net Metering

A hybrid solar system is particularly advantageous in locations where net metering programs are unavailable or financially unrewarding. Without net metering, you can’t sell electricity you don’t consume to the utility grid. A hybrid system gives you the convenience of utility grid power and prevents the electricity your PV array produces in excess of consumption from going to waste. 

Frequent Power Outages

If you live in an area prone to blackouts, a hybrid solar system offers reliable backup power to offset an undependable grid. Traditional on-grid solar systems automatically shut down during power outages, but a hybrid PV system switches to battery power instantaneously, ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply. If you don’t want to go entirely off-grid, hybrid systems are ideal for regions with unstable grid infrastructure or severe weather conditions that frequently lead to blackouts. 

Increased Energy Independence Without Going Fully Off-Grid

Aiming to reduce your family’s reliance on ageing infrastructure? A hybrid solar power system is a viable option that allows you to stay connected (or disconnect) from the utility grid. By combining solar electricity generation with storage and grid connectivity, hybrid systems provide energy independence and flexibility. You can use the electricity you generate with solar panels 24/7 or take advantage of off-peak utility rates to cheaply supplement your production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

A hybrid solar power system gives you the best of both worlds. 

You get the convenience of utility grid connectivity coupled with the benefits of off-grid battery storage.

Many experts see the solar + storage model as the most viable path forward for individuals, industry, and governments worldwide to transition away from fossil fuel dependence.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro offers an affordable modular solution that allows you to increase your energy independence in stages and eventually — if you wish to — eliminate your reliance on the grid altogether.

All while ensuring you maximise the return on your solar investment.

EcoFlow has a wide variety of innovative solar and battery backup solutions. Check out our selection today.