Solar systems have become increasingly common in recent years. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), it accounts for 81% of new electric-generating capacity in the United States.
Solar systems are characterized by the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells that capture and convert sunlight into electricity. When sunlight strikes a PV cell, it will release stored electrons, which produces electricity. An inverter will then convert this direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) so that it can be used to power homes and devices. There are different types of solar systems, however, one of which is a hybrid system.
The Basics of Hybrid Solar Systems
A hybrid solar system is a type of solar panel system that features characteristics of both a grid-tied and off-grid solar system. Hybrid solar systems feature many of the same components as other solar systems, including PV cells, batteries and wiring. They also work in the same way by capturing and converting sunlight into electricity. Rather than being completely grid-tied or off-the-grid, though, hybrid solar systems fall somewhere in the middle.
Some solar systems are grid-tied, whereas others are off-grid. As the names suggests, grid-tied systems are connected to the power grid, while off-grid systems are not. Hybrid solar systems are connected to the power grid but can generate and store electricity independently when needed.
Benefits of Hybrid Solar Systems
With a hybrid solar system, homeowners and business owners can save money on their monthly power bills. It will generate power during the day when the sun is out. Any excess electricity will be stored in batteries for use at night. As a result, homeowners and business owners can lower their electricity expenses by investing in a hybrid solar system.
Hybrid solar systems offer redundancy. Power grids can go down. Whether it’s a lightning strike, fallen tree limb or regular maintenance, customers may temporarily lose power. A hybrid system, however, will keep the lights on. Even when the power grid goes down, the hybrid system will provide electricity to the home or business with which it’s used.
Hybrid solar systems are more cost-effective than grid-tied systems. With a grid-tied system, excess electricity is typically sent to the power grid in exchange for credits. But the exchange rate for these credits is relatively low. A hybrid system allows homeowners and business owners to fully use this excess electricity rather than selling it these low rates.