A hybrid inverter is a smart inverter that allows excess solar energy to be stored in a battery system for personal use.
Hybrid inverters function similarly to standard grid-tie solar inverters, but may usually operate in one of many distinct modes depending on the function, including battery backup mode, which offers a small amount of backup power in the case of a blackout.
Most hybrid inverters may also work without a battery, acting similarly to a grid-tied solar inverter by exporting surplus solar energy to the power grid. Because hybrid inverters combine all of the key features for solar and battery storage into a single simple plug-and -play inverter, they are generally much less expensive and easier to install than more complex battery storage systems, which frequently require multiple inverters.
What is the working principle of a hybrid inverter?
As domestic energy storage devices have grown in popularity, a new type of sophisticated inverter called a hybrid inverter has arisen. A hybrid inverter is a device that combines a battery inverter/charger and the solar inverter into a single unit. These inverters are a particularly cost-effective solution to enable “self-use” or “load shifting” of electricity.
It allows you to store solar or off-peak energy in a battery and use it during peak hours. More modern hybrid inverters can run in backup mode continuously and even totally off-grid if the loads are controllable and there is enough sunlight all year. Hybrid inverter price in Kenya depends on the type of inverter and its power rate.
There are three types of hybrid inverters
- A hybrid inverter for solar storage and backup power
- Battery energy storage systems (BESS)
- The basic hybrid inverter for solar storage
Things to note before purchasing hybrid inverters
There are things to consider before purchasing a hybrid inverter and are discussed below.
Examine the inverter’s safety certification
Hybrid inverters, like any other item, must be thoroughly inspected for safety. You must ensure the inverter has been certified by a self-reliant testing laboratory before buying.
Know the power rating and the surge protection
A hybrid inverter is often available in a variety of power ratings. Surge ratings differ depending on the type of inverter.
Typical power and peak power
Inverters must provide two different types of power: typical power and peak power.
- Typical power is the power delivered by an inverter consistently once the device to which it is delivering electricity starts up.
- Peak power on the other hand is the greatest power that an inverter can deliver for a short time, generally some seconds and up to 15 minutes. Certain appliances require more power to run regularly after being turned on.
Having a working knowledge of the essential terminology
Before purchasing a hybrid inverter, you should be fully familiar with all of the associated terms. watt-hours, amp-hours, and the efficiency of the hybrid inverter’s functioning are common terms you should be familiar with.
Conclusion
Hybrid inverters are an amazing option for households who wish to be more self-sufficient with solar and batteries but do not want to unplug from the grid and encounter blackouts.