Comparing Ongrid, Offgrid and Hybrid Solar Inverters: Which one fits your needs?
Posted: Mon May 06, 2024 6:18 pm
When it comes to setting up a solar power system, choosing the right solar inverter is crucial. With different options available in the market, understanding the differences between ongrid, offgrid, and hybrid solar inverters is essential for making an informed decision that aligns with your energy needs and preferences.
Ongrid Solar Inverters:
Ongrid solar inverters are the simplest and most commonly used option. They convert solar DC power into AC power, which can be used to power your home and feed excess energy back into the grid. Ongrid inverters are typically the most cost-effective and easiest to install. However, one significant drawback is their inability to function during a power outage. When the grid goes down, the solar system shuts off, limiting your ability to utilize solar power when you need it most. Additionally, you cannot stop exporting solar power to grid unless you have one of those ongrid inverters that have option to connect an add-on zero export device.
Offgrid Solar Inverters:
Contrary to what the name suggests, offgrid solar inverters can still be connected to the grid but do not allow for exporting solar power back to it. These inverters are designed for scenarios where grid independence is preferred, such as remote locations or areas prone to frequent power outages. Offgrid inverters typically require batteries for energy storage, allowing you to use solar power even when the grid is down. They offer flexibility in charging batteries from solar or grid power and powering loads using a combination of energy sources. However, the cost of offgrid inverters varies widely depending on the brand, size, and type, which includes transformer-based and transformer-less options.
Hybrid Solar Inverters:
Hybrid solar inverters represent the most advanced option available. They offer a comprehensive solution by combining the functionalities of ongrid and offgrid inverters. Hybrid inverters can work with batteries, allowing you to store excess solar energy for later use, even during a power outage. Additionally, they can export surplus energy back to the grid, enabling you to benefit from net metering or sell electricity to utility companies. While hybrid inverters come with a higher price tag compared to other options, they provide the utmost versatility and reliability, making them an ideal choice for many homeowners, especially those facing power cuts but still interested in selling solar power to the grid.
Choosing the Right Inverter for You:
To simplify the decision-making process, here's a tabular summary highlighting the differences between ongrid, offgrid, and hybrid solar inverters:
A few brands:
Ongrid: Anchor, Havells, Luminous, Growatt, Polycab, Solis
Offgrid (transformer based): Asha Power, Enertech, Exide, Microtek, Luminous, Statcon, UTL, Victron
Offgrid (transformer-less based): Flin Energy, Fronius, Nexus
Hybrid: Flin Energy, Deye, Cellcronic, Enertech, Lux Power, Nexus, Solis
Conclusion:
Selecting the right solar inverter depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you prioritize cost-effectiveness and have a stable grid supply, an ongrid inverter might suffice. However, if you're in an area prone to power outages or seek grid independence, an offgrid inverter with battery storage could be the better choice. For maximum versatility and functionality, especially if you wish to export surplus energy to the grid while maintaining backup power capabilities, investing in a hybrid solar inverter is recommended.
Feel free to comment below if you still are not sure which solar inverter is best for you. Based on your requirement, I will provide my suggestion to you.
Ongrid Solar Inverters:
Ongrid solar inverters are the simplest and most commonly used option. They convert solar DC power into AC power, which can be used to power your home and feed excess energy back into the grid. Ongrid inverters are typically the most cost-effective and easiest to install. However, one significant drawback is their inability to function during a power outage. When the grid goes down, the solar system shuts off, limiting your ability to utilize solar power when you need it most. Additionally, you cannot stop exporting solar power to grid unless you have one of those ongrid inverters that have option to connect an add-on zero export device.
Offgrid Solar Inverters:
Contrary to what the name suggests, offgrid solar inverters can still be connected to the grid but do not allow for exporting solar power back to it. These inverters are designed for scenarios where grid independence is preferred, such as remote locations or areas prone to frequent power outages. Offgrid inverters typically require batteries for energy storage, allowing you to use solar power even when the grid is down. They offer flexibility in charging batteries from solar or grid power and powering loads using a combination of energy sources. However, the cost of offgrid inverters varies widely depending on the brand, size, and type, which includes transformer-based and transformer-less options.
Hybrid Solar Inverters:
Hybrid solar inverters represent the most advanced option available. They offer a comprehensive solution by combining the functionalities of ongrid and offgrid inverters. Hybrid inverters can work with batteries, allowing you to store excess solar energy for later use, even during a power outage. Additionally, they can export surplus energy back to the grid, enabling you to benefit from net metering or sell electricity to utility companies. While hybrid inverters come with a higher price tag compared to other options, they provide the utmost versatility and reliability, making them an ideal choice for many homeowners, especially those facing power cuts but still interested in selling solar power to the grid.
Choosing the Right Inverter for You:
To simplify the decision-making process, here's a tabular summary highlighting the differences between ongrid, offgrid, and hybrid solar inverters:
A few brands:
Ongrid: Anchor, Havells, Luminous, Growatt, Polycab, Solis
Offgrid (transformer based): Asha Power, Enertech, Exide, Microtek, Luminous, Statcon, UTL, Victron
Offgrid (transformer-less based): Flin Energy, Fronius, Nexus
Hybrid: Flin Energy, Deye, Cellcronic, Enertech, Lux Power, Nexus, Solis
Conclusion:
Selecting the right solar inverter depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you prioritize cost-effectiveness and have a stable grid supply, an ongrid inverter might suffice. However, if you're in an area prone to power outages or seek grid independence, an offgrid inverter with battery storage could be the better choice. For maximum versatility and functionality, especially if you wish to export surplus energy to the grid while maintaining backup power capabilities, investing in a hybrid solar inverter is recommended.
Feel free to comment below if you still are not sure which solar inverter is best for you. Based on your requirement, I will provide my suggestion to you.