Using renewable energy is one way of fighting climate change. Solar serves as one of the sources of renewable energy, and a lot of people are gravitating towards that direction. There are three systems through which you can utilize solar power: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid. This post will delve deeper into hybrid solar system and why they may be the most convenient of the three.
A hybrid solar system is connected to the grid and also utilizes backup batteries to store excess energy. The batteries then provide your home’s energy at night, during power outages, or when the weather is not sunny.
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Advantages Of Having Hybrid Solar Systems
Apart from utilizing clean energy, a hybrid solar system has the following advantages:
- You get to use solar energy at peak hours (in the evenings).
- Because you will be using very little power from the grid, you have reduced electricity bills, saving money in the long run.
- You are assured of a constant power supply at all times, either from the grid or your backup batteries.
Disadvantages Of Using Hybrid Solar Panel Systems
Some of the disadvantages attached to hybrid solar systems include:
- They are pretty expensive to install.
- Depending on the type of inverter you use, there can be a limit to the number of household appliances you use at a time.
- It may take a while before you see any returns on your investment.
- The installation is more complex compared to off-grid and on-grid systems.
How A Hybrid Solar System Works
Solar energy goes through an inverter and is converted into usable power. From the inverter, the energy that is necessary to power your home at that time is directed there. Excess energy is then stored in the backup batteries. Once the batteries are fully charged, any excess energy goes through a meter into the power grid.
When there is no sunlight, your home will then use the energy in the backup batteries. In case that runs out, your home will then start consuming power from the grid.
Are Hybrid Systems Worth It?
The advantages of hybrid solar systems outweigh the disadvantages in the long run. Because you have the option of drawing power from the grid, you need not worry if your battery runs out. You will comfortably operate without the fear of an unexpected power outage unless adverse weather conditions mess with the grid supply.
An off-grid system is okay, but you will be out of power as soon as the batteries run low. An on-grid system has no storage batteries, so when there’s a power outage, it will leave you in the dark just like everyone else. A hybrid solar system is therefore worth it.
Conclusion
If you are looking to move to a solar power supply, a hybrid solar system is a great option to explore. You can reach out to a renewable energy company for more information about solar panel systems, the best batteries and inverters to use, and how much it will cost to make the move. If you have an on-grid system and would like to shift, you can look at the available options to incorporate batteries.
