With solar energy getting as popular as it is right now, what with the energy cost inflation affecting people globally, its high time a general understanding of the many components of solar energy equipment be prevalent. While there are mainly three types of solar inverters, we’ll only be looking at the differences between two of the most common types: hybrid solar inverters and on-grid solar inverters. Since an inverter is essentially the central processing unit of a modern solar energy system, an inverter will define what system you need to have, based on your requirements.

On-grid solar inverters or hybrid solar inverters both have the same job; converting the direct current generated from the solar panels into alternating current to be used by the house. The difference usually is in the operation of the inverters: hybrid inverters don’t rely on the grid to start operating, whereas the on-grid inverter, well, its pretty much self-explanatory.

Let’s look at the differences between the two, and look at the best hybrid inverters in UAE and the best on-grid solar inverters in UAE, supplied by Beacon Energy.

On-grid solar inverter vs Hybrid Solar Inverter: The Differences

On-grid solar inverters, as their name implies, are connected to the grid and require power input from there to operate. With a hybrid solar inverter, grid input is not imperative; the inverter will operate without feed-in from the grid power.

Lets look at some other differences between the two, and work our way to on-grid solar inverter price in UAE and hybrid solar inverter price in Dubai.

Grid Reliance:

As stated beforehand, on-grid inverters require grid input for start-up. Not just start-up, but constant operation is required. In short, they cannot work without the grid. Whereas hybrid inverters, while connected to the grid, can operate without input from the grid.

Battery connection:

For on-grid inverters, battery connection and storage in general is not imperative. As the name implies, energy is not stored, rather fed into the grid. With hybrid solar inverters, batteries can be used and not be used. When connected, hybrid inverters will store and use energy from the battery; if not, the inverter will simply start feeding back into the grid.

Net-metering availability:

Net-metering is available for both. For on-grid systems, the inverter is supposed to come with net-metering enabled, since the inverter is supposed to feed back to the grid. With hybrid solar inverter, again, net-metering can be done and not be done; in the latter case, the unused energy will be stored in the battery for subsequent usage.

Reliability:

While both are reliable enough, they both have their shortcomings. With on-grid inverters, the system goes offline during a blackout and obviously, cant be used. Whereas the hybrid solar inverter stays online, however, the additional batteries and their maintenance can become a hassle sometimes; however, not always.

Maintenance:

On-grid solar inverters are usually maintenance-free, requiring only the yearly check, since the operation isn’t all that intensive. However, with hybrid inverters, given the nature of their operation and intensity, maintenance is frequent.

Usage:

On-grid inverters are an excellent choice for both residential and commercial applications, owing to them being connected to the grid. For hybrid solar inverters, residential applications are more apt since the battery costs for commercial and industrial applications might be too much.

Price:

On-grid solar inverter price is considered economical, since they are pretty lightweight and no additional costly equipment is needed. With hybrid solar inverters, pricing is more expensive, since the inverter itself is very resource-intensive and additional equipment like heavy-load batteries is needed.

The best Hybrid, On-Grid solar inverter in UAE

With Beacon Energy, you have the choice of the best hybrid solar inverters in UAE and the best on-grid solar inverters in UAE. Working with brands like SOFAR Solar, offering the complete range of their on-grid and hybrid inverters, Beacon Energy has further refined the delivery process by simplifying the supply chain process, eliminating any downtime that might be needed for deliveries. This gives them an edge from other solar companies in Dubai, as you get both: equipment from the leading solar energy equipment manufacturers in the world, and also quick and prompt delivery timelines that make use of excellent supply chain processes to ensure what you want gets to you when you want it. Here’s more on Beacon Energy.