What Is a Hybrid Solar System?

A hybrid solar system combines the benefits of solar energy with a traditional grid-based power supply. It allows you to store excess solar energy in batteries for use when the sun isn't shining and provides an added layer of energy security.

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Blending the perks of renewable solar energy with the consistency of grid electricity, hybrid solar power systems are changing the way we utilize green energy daily.

Whether your goal is to achieve energy independence, lower your carbon footprint, or keep a grid connection, a hybrid solar power system is an excellent choice.

Discover why hybrid solar power systems are quickly becoming the go-to choice for consumers aiming to cut their electricity bills and secure energy supply.

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

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

A typical hybrid system uses photovoltaic modules (solar panels) along with other components to generate electricity, which can be stored in a solar battery or converted to AC power for immediate use or grid transmission.

This combination of solar and storage helps overcome one of the significant drawbacks of grid-tied systems.

Traditional grid-tied solar systems do not work during a blackout

Hybrid solar power systems can significantly reduce electricity bills by utilizing grid power only during off-peak times, based on Time-of-Use pricing.

Components required for a hybrid solar power system include:

• Photovoltaic modules (solar panels)
• Charge controller (MPPT or PWM)
• Solar inverter
• Solar battery
• Storage inverter (possibly integrated with some solar batteries)
• Battery management system (BMS)
• Bidirectional or smart meter (for utility grid connection)

How Does a Hybrid Solar Power System Work?

A hybrid solar system integrates the benefits of both on-grid and off-grid power systems, leveraging both utility grid and battery storage capabilities.

Both types use solar panels to capture photons from sunlight and convert them to DC electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

Typical residential photovoltaic modules are made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells encased in a protective glass surface and steel frame.

These cells create an electric field by forming a p-n junction between two semiconductor layers, converting photons into DC electricity.

After this stage, the system's setup will determine what happens next: grid-tied, off-grid, or hybrid.

On-Grid Solar

In traditional on-grid systems, the DC electricity generated is sent to a solar inverter, which converts it to AC power for immediate use or grid transmission.

These systems toggle between solar and utility power based on set parameters and the electricity generated by the PV array.

Off-Grid Solar

Off-grid systems are independent of the grid and use solar batteries to store energy for times when solar power is unavailable, like at night or on cloudy days.

For instance, in an off-grid solar generator, solar panels send electricity to a built-in charge controller. Based on the user's settings, the controller directs power to either the battery or directly for immediate AC conversion and use.

Hybrid Solar

Hybrid solar systems combine the benefits of grid-tied and off-grid configurations. They provide energy security by maintaining utility connectivity while also offering the benefit of battery storage.

These systems can switch seamlessly between using solar power, battery power, and grid power. Off-grid systems do not have the convenience of grid power, while hybrid systems do.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra is an example of a hybrid system offering storage capacity and the ability to connect to both solar panels and the grid.

Government Incentives for Hybrid Solar Generators in Canada

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra may qualify for various government incentives across Federal, Provincial, and Municipal levels.

Canada Greener Homes Grant (for existing applicants only)

The Canada Greener Homes Grant closed to new applicants in February 2024. Those who applied before are still eligible for a grant to retrofit their home with solar panels.

Steps to qualify for the grant include:

1. Application (closed)
2. Pre-retrofit Energy Evaluation
3. Implementation of Retrofit Recommendations
4. Post-retrofit Energy Evaluation
5. Submission of Documents and Grant Request

The grant covers:

• Minimum/Maximum Grant Value: $1,000 – $5,000
• Solar Battery for Off-Grid/Hybrid Systems: $1,000
• EnerGuide Evaluations: Up to $600

Canada Greener Homes Loan

The Canada Greener Homes Loan still accepts new applicants and offers zero-interest loans from $5,000 to $40,000 for PV system retrofits.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from GECONA SOLAR.

Provincial Solar Incentives

Depending on your province, you may qualify for various incentives to switch to solar power, further reducing your payback period and maximizing your investment.

Hybrid Solar System Advantages

Hybrid solar systems are increasingly popular due to their blend of efficiency, resilience, and cost-effectiveness.

• Energy Independence: Store and utilize your own electricity, minimizing reliance on the grid.
• Energy Security: With backup battery storage, avoid issues during outages.
• Longevity: Quality components, such as EcoFlow's solar panels, provide long-lasting service.
• Exceptional Depth of Discharge
• 8,800W Multicharge Capacity
• Uninterrupted Power Supply: Instant switchover to battery power during blackouts.
• Cost Savings: Significant savings on electricity bills by using stored energy during peak hours.
• Maximize Efficiency: Prevent energy waste by storing excess electricity.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Significantly lower household carbon emissions.
• Scalability: Modular systems allow for expansion based on needs.
• Net Metering: Sell excess electricity back to the grid.
• Durability: Suitable for outdoor use with high resistance to dust and water.
• Quiet Operation: Low noise levels during operation.
• Low Maintenance: Few moving parts and minimal upkeep required.

Hybrid Solar System Disadvantages

Despite their advantages, hybrid solar systems also have some drawbacks.

• Higher Upfront Costs: Additional components make initial investment higher.
• Space Requirements: Multiple batteries and components require more space.
• Complex Installation: More intricate installation compared to traditional systems.

When Do Hybrid Solar Systems Make Sense?

Hybrid systems are best suited for certain conditions and not always the perfect fit for everyone.

No Net Metering

Ideal in areas without net metering, preventing energy waste by storing excess electricity.

Frequent Power Outages

Provides reliable backup power in regions prone to blackouts.

Increased Energy Independence Without Going Fully Off-Grid

Hybrid systems offer more flexibility while reducing reliance on the aging grid infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional on-grid solar systems use a solar inverter to convert DC electricity from photovoltaic modules to AC electricity for household use or grid transmission. A hybrid system combines on-grid connectivity with solar battery storage, offering energy security and a higher solar ROI. Traditional grid-tied systems fail during blackouts.

Off-grid systems are ideal for locations without utility electricity and operate independently of the electrical grid. Hybrid systems combine renewable energy generation with battery storage and utility connectivity, offering energy security and cost savings. Hybrid and off-grid configurations both supply electricity during blackouts.

Hybrid systems offer the convenience of grid-tied setups with the energy security of off-grid systems. Traditional on-grid setups don't work during blackouts. Hybrid systems combine solar panels, battery storage, and grid connectivity, with a potentially lower initial investment than off-grid systems.

Final Thoughts

Hybrid solar power systems offer a comprehensive energy solution.

They merge the convenience of utility grid connectivity with the benefits of off-grid battery storage.

Many experts view the solar and storage model as a sustainable path forward, away from fossil fuels.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra provides a modular solution, allowing you to gradually increase your energy independence and potentially eliminate grid reliance.

EcoFlow has a variety of innovative solar solutions. Check out our selection today!

The independence of having a solar panel system is liberating. Imagine being able to control where your excess energy goes and when? You can with a hybrid solar system.

A hybrid solar system empowers a homeowner to choose where the energy they generate is directed: either to the grid where the local utility might pay for those electrons or into a home battery system where it can be saved and stored for later use. In essence, a hybrid solar system allows you to choose when you are on or off the grid.

Going solar is typically about cashing in on the free energy the sun offers to sell it to the local utility, and having a backup source of power when the grid goes down. "You cannot always use your solar modules if the power goes out," explained New York Solar Energy Society founder Wyldon Fishman.

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To get both the utility savings and the peace of mind that comes from connecting your system to a backup battery, you're also going to have to go hybrid.

Watch this: How to Approach Home Batteries if the New 30% Tax Credit Has Your Attention

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What is a hybrid solar system and how do they work?

Hybrid systems typically combine solar panels with both a grid-tied interface and the series of charge controllers, batteries and inverters found in off-grid systems.

If you have solar panels on your roof without batteries, and you take advantage of net metering with your local utility, it's possible that the only time you ever think about your solar system is when you see the solar credit on your utility bill.

A hybrid system is a little bit more complicated than a standard grid-tied system. It needs to keep track of and control not just the electricity flowing between your panels and the grid, but also the charge of your solar batteries and the flow of energy to them.

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A hybrid solar system will typically have one or more controllers that allow you to send the excess solar energy coming from your panels either to your battery storage or to the grid. It's also possible to set your system to charge your battery first and send power to the grid only when it's full.

Using the energy from your battery might also require additional components like a charger for your electric vehicle, if you have one, and an inverter to convert the direct current in the battery to household alternating current. This is all in addition to the grid tie-in hardware most systems have. It is also possible to forgo the grid connection entirely and have a completely off-grid panel and battery system.

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To achieve this, you'll need a hybrid solar inverter. A hybrid inverter is a battery and inverter combination designed for this reason -- to be able to choose when to be on the grid or off.

Read more: Best Solar Inverters of 2023

Pros and cons of a hybrid solar system

A hybrid system brings two different approaches to solar together with numerous benefits and a few downsides to consider.

Hybrid solar system pros

Hybrid solar system cons

• Batteries are relatively expensive, typically costing several thousand dollars for an average system.
• Hybrid systems also require additional components, further increasing the total price.
• The systems can be more complicated to install than strictly grid-tied or off-grid systems.

Is a hybrid solar system right for me?

If you're only interested in solar for the savings that comes from feeding into the grid, or you don't have the option to tie into the grid at all, then a hybrid system probably isn't worth considering.

According to Corey Ramsden, the vice president for Go Solar programs at Solar United Neighbors, going hybrid is often driven by a desire for a different form of backup power rather than a generator.

"It is very much a question of how much is it worth to you when the power goes out? How often does it go out? What are you risking by having no power? Critical medical equipment for example. It's a very specific question to each homeowner."

Contact us to discuss your requirements of hybrid solar system for home. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.