Hybrid Solar
Hybrid Solar Solutions: The Smart Choice for Modern Energy!
Energy harnessed from the rays of the sun is solar energy. This renewable source of energy uses the photovoltaic cells to generate electricity. Hybrid solar solutions are those which can provide solar energy even when your solar panels are disconnected from the grid. These are particularly useful because the solar panels cannot always provide a stable power supply for your home appliances. Particularly in the night time and on cloudy days, an inevitable drop in power generation may occur. The grid energy covers these gaps in the solar output.
By using hybrid solar solutions you can have full control over your power supply and at the same time you are also connected with the grid and make use of it when the need arises.
What is a Hybrid Solar System?
A hybrid solar panel system is a grid tied system along with battery storage. It comes with a special smart inverter transmitting DC power to and from your batteries. This system can switch between the two modes –grid tied and the off grid mode.
A combination of two components aids in switching in between the modes. These are:
- A solar inverter that synchronizes with the grid
- A battery system that provides power off grid
The battery system in the hybrid solar panels provides energy output even without the help from the grid. Therefore, these panels are not dependent on the local power grid but they do interact with it. They use the power grid during night time instead of the solar batteries, hence, acting like a regular UPS device.
How Does a Hybrid Solar System Work?
A hybrid solar power system uses a smart hybrid inverter capable of simultaneously managing the solar panels and batteries.
This inverter converts the direct current electricity (DC) from your electricity output to alternating current electricity (AC) required to provide power to your home. It not only manages the battery charging cycle of your solar panel system but also synchronizes with the local power grid. The battery can be used tap power even when you are connected to the grid. For example, just like in case of a UPS, if your battery is charged, you can use the solar energy from the battery at night instead of using the grid power. This leads to significant cost savings in the long term.
A hybrid solar system has many interacting components, such as:
- Solar panels: containing arrays of photovoltaic cells,
- A hybrid inverter: that is capable of connecting with both solar panels and batteries.
- A Battery system: that allows you to use solar energy anytime whether it is during power blackouts or when the PV modules are not working properly to generate power.
- Energy management system: A hybrid inverter has an energy management system. It basically controls the energy flow in between your solar panels, battery system, power grid and your home appliances.
An average lifespan of a high quality hybrid solar system is up to 25 years.
Types of Solar solutions
Grid tied solar solutions
These solar solutions are tied up with the power grid. Owners of this type of solar solutions can tap into the power grid incase the power output is low or there is a power blackout. Since production of solar energy fluctuates depending upon the time of the day, weather conditions and seasons, this system helps in balancing out the solar power production.
It utilizes ‘net metering’ and hence maximizes the savings. Net metering is that if the solar system produces excess energy then the homeowners can choose to send it back to the power grid and may get a credit on their electricity bill for the same.
Grid tied systems are most commonly used by homeowners and by small to medium business owners as they are a cheaper option and require less space.
Off Grid Solar solutions
These utilize the battery storage only, to meet the energy demands and are not connected to the power grid. They rely totally on solar energy. It stores the excess energy and utilizes it during the time when the sunlight is not available, such as the cloudy days and during night time. The batteries used in the off grid system should be larger as they serve as the sole source of power. They are best suit the requirements of smaller homes and remote areas. As compared to the grid tied systems, these are more costly but at the same time provide more energy independence and freedom from fluctuating power costs.
These are less secure as they do not use the grid as a backup for power output.
Hybrid solar Solutions
These include the best features of both grid tied and off grid solar systems. These solar systems are attached to solar panels, batteries as well as power grid. The batteries allow you to tap the stored solar energy instead of relying on the power grid. By use of this, you can potentially save more money by increased energy independence. Hybrid solar systems are popular in areas with frequent power blackouts.
Both hybrid and off grid systems are a great way to adopt solar power but you need to consider various factors before taking the final decision.
Our solar experts can help you to navigate through all the issues involved and select the best option for you.
Applications of Hybrid Solar Solutions
Hybrid solar systems in Australia have many applications, including:
- In urban and remote areas the hybrid systems are providing power supply to traffic signs, street lighting, water irrigation pumps, remote are guard posts, lighting on roads and many more.
- The automotive industry, uses the hybrid systems along with the internal combustion system. They make this switch depending upon if the sunlight is available or not.
- Various manufacturing processes use solar panels as their main source of power supply. In this manner they reduce the dependency on the grid.
- The hybrid solar systems will provide you power back up just like a UPS in case of blackouts or power gaps.
- These are more reliable providing energy independence and cost savings on electricity bills.
Challenges and considerations
Whilst the hybrid solar solution offer various benefits, you need to assess all the factors before considering its installation. The first and foremost are the upfront installation costs. Use of specialized equipment adds up to the costs. Space constraint is another factor which you will need to keep in mind as a hybrid solar system has a lot of equipment that requires placing during the installation process.
The cost of hybrid solar panels in Brisbane, Sunshine coast and other Australian cities ranges from $12000 – $17000. The costs are higher than the traditional set up but you will be able to avail the additional government incentives associated with the hybrid solar systems.
For homeowners, the Hybrid solar systems can be better option than completely going off-grid as this offers a better return on investment. You can take advantage of net metering as well as other government incentives related to the grid tied systems. The additional battery backup will help in continuous power supply in case of power outages.
Before deciding upon the right solar system for your home, you must consider an expert analysis for best option suited to your conditions. Our solar experts will guide you step by step during the installation process.
FAQ's
A hybrid solar system is a better option rather than going off-grid as it offers a higher return on investment and has a shorter payback period. You can claim more solar incentives by adopting a hybrid solar solutions.
A traditional solar system cannot operate without the grid support whereas a hybrid system can operate grid tied as well as off-grid.
The battery in the hybrid solar system allows you to use solar energy anytime whether it is during power blackouts, cloudy days, night time or when the PV modules are not working properly to generate power. They can operate independently like an off-grid system.
The cost of hybrid solar panels in Brisbane, Sunshine coast and other Australian cities ranges from $12000 – $17000. You can reduce the overall costs by claiming tax incentives.
Net metering means that if the solar system produces excess energy then the homeowners can choose to send it back to the power grid and may get a credit on their electricity bill in return for it.
These are the most suitable option for your homes/buildings if your area has frequent power shortages.
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Our range of solar system installation solutions include packages suitable for small, medium and large family homes, as well as for business premises of varying sizes. If you would like us to recommend a solar panel solution for you, we will be happy to evaluate your needs and propose a system that can meet them. Solar power in Brisbane has already been adopted by more than 30% of households as the sunny conditions are ideal for this renewable energy source. The Queensland government also provides customers with rebates that significantly minimise initial installation costs.
