There are many homes in our lives that have chosen to install solar energy systems, mainly because they bring us some economic benefits and are more environmentally friendly and reliable. While the installation and maintenance of solar systems is relatively easy, choosing the best type of solar system for your home can be difficult. This means that you have to consider the advantages and disadvantages of various solar systems before installing one. Below we will introduce you to the more common types of solar systems: hybrid solar systems and grid-tied solar systems.
1. Comparison of Hybrid solar systems and Grid-Tied Solar Systems
Upfront cost:
In a grid-connected solar system, in addition to the basic solar panels and solar inverter, a grid-connected solar panel system also requires solar battery. This is one of the main reasons for increasing the cost of a grid-connected solar system. And the hybrid inverter has more outputs and functions compared to the grid-connected inverter, resulting in a more expensive hybrid inverter.
For grid-connected solar system, it has less upfront cost investment and solar battery are not required in grid-connected solar system, which makes the cost of grid-connected solar system lower.
Functionality:
Hybrid solar systems can store electricity in the solar cells, so when the home loses power, the power backup can work. And if the power needs of both the home and the solar battery are met, the hybrid solar system can also deliver excess power to the grid.
A grid-connected solar system will deliver excess power to the grid after the home’s electricity needs are met. But when the grid goes down, the grid-tied solar system also has to stop working, which can result in your home being dependent on the grid for electricity. This is one of the disadvantages of a grid-tied solar system.
Reliability:
For a hybrid solar system, it can also use batteries to power your home when the grid fails. When the solar batteries are damaged, the grid is ready to power the home. So, the reliability of hybrid solar system is still better. But for grid-tied solar system, as long as there is a problem with the grid, the grid-tied solar system can’t work properly, which seriously affects the home’s electricity consumption.
Reserve capacity:
Hybrid solar systems have solar battery, so it can be said that only if your hybrid solar system has enough battery, your hybrid solar system can store all the electricity generated by the solar panels.
For grid-tied solar systems, only the solar panels can store a small amount of power, and it can almost be said that grid-tied solar systems do not provide power backup, which also means that grid-tied solar systems have no reserve capacity.
Energy Utilization Efficiency:
In a hybrid solar system, electricity is delivered in the order of household electricity, solar battery, and the grid. In the process, the power passes through losses between the inverter and the batteries, and further losses are made when you need the electricity from the batteries. For a grid-tied solar system, there is less energy loss, it doesn’t require electricity to be transported back and forth through cables, and it is more efficient in utilizing the electricity generated by the solar panels.
How the inverter is connected: A hybrid inverter connects the solar panels, the solar reserve system and the grid together to form a more stable solar system. Grid-connected inverters only connect the solar panels to the grid, and such solar systems are more affected by the grid.
Applicable areas:
Hybrid solar systems are more suitable for areas where the power grid is unstable and frequent power outages occur. Because hybrid solar systems have power backup, they can provide more stable power support for users. Because grid-connected solar systems are more closely linked to the grid, for some areas where the grid is more stable and closer to the grid, such areas can install grid-connected solar systems, which just solves the problem of grid-connected solar systems.
Conclusion:
For hybrid and grid-connected solar systems, both solar systems have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the final choice also depends on the actual energy needs and budgetary costs of individuals. The biggest difference between them is the availability of power backup, and if you are in an area with frequent power outages, a hybrid solar system is a better choice. For areas with a more stable power supply, a grid-tied solar system is a better choice. Beyond that, you’ll need to carefully consider their budget and the associated subsidies and incentives when making your choice.
