On-Grid, Hybrid and Battery Systems: What’s the Difference?

There are 2 main types of home solar commonly installed: on-grid systems and hybrid systems that work with a battery. Both use the same solar panels; the difference lies in the inverter and how power is stored.

On-grid systems

The inverter converts power from the panels for your home to use alongside grid electricity. During the day your home uses solar power first; if that is not enough, it automatically draws extra from the grid. At night it uses grid electricity as usual.

During a power cut, an on-grid system stops supplying power immediately for the safety of utility workers repairing the lines. This system is easy to install, has the lowest starting price, and suits homes that mainly use electricity during the day.

Hybrid systems and batteries

A hybrid system uses an inverter that can connect to a battery. Surplus power generated during the day is stored in the battery and used in the evening or at night, and the system can be designed to supply selected circuits during a power cut, depending on the equipment model and design.

A battery adds to the system cost and has a service life based on the number of charge cycles, so it suits homes that use a lot of electricity in the evening or are in areas with frequent power cuts.

How they compare

• Daytime: both systems use solar power first. A hybrid system charges the battery with the surplus.
• Night-time: an on-grid system uses grid electricity. A hybrid system uses battery power first.
• Power cut: an on-grid system stops supplying power. A hybrid system supplies backup power to the circuits it was designed for.

Which system should you choose?

If your home mainly uses electricity during the day and you want the best value, an on-grid system is a good starting point. If you want to use solar power at night or need backup power, consider a hybrid system with a battery. See more about battery systems for homes or ask an engineer to help you choose based on your home’s actual electricity use.