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Understanding the tech: how hybrid and ongrid inverters work

Writen by Beacon Energy

Viewed 5 min read

There are primarily three configurations for solar inverters available for purchase. These three configurations essentially determine how the solar energy system will perform, how much efficiency the consumer will get out of it, and what other solar energy equipment is needed for the system to perform efficiently. Which is why, in this blog post, we will look at the two most common and popular configurations of solar inverters: hybrid and on-grid inverters. We will delve into the details about how they work, what they bring to the table in terms of efficiency, and how they are different from each other.

As always, we will also look at the best solar energy equipment dealer in UAE, Beacon Energy, and how, with its impressively comprehensive selection of solar panels, solar inverters, batteries, and other allied accessories from the best manufacturers in the world, it is looking to bring about a revolution for renewable energy in the region, allowing consumers to capitalize on the efficiency and utility of solar energy.

Let's start by discussing both hybrid and on-grid inverters, how they work, and which one might be the best for your requirements.

Hybrid Solar Inverters

Hybrid solar inverters are considered one of the best and most recognizable and high-tech pieces of solar energy equipment in the industry. As the name implies, hybrid solar inverters utilize the functionality and utility of both on-grid and off-grid inverters to provide users with a harmonious solar energy experience. For starters, let's look at what hybrid solar inverters bring to the table.

i. Constant Performance

Whereas an on-grid inverter works in tandem with the grid power and therefore loses all usability in the event of a power blackout, hybrid inverters can work on solar energy generated from the panels alone, meaning that during blackout conditions, your hybrid inverter and hybrid solar energy system can keep the household powered for extended periods of time, even if the grid might be fully knocked out.

ii. Monitoring

Since the hybrid inverter can work separately from the grid, it is also the perfect configuration for net-metering, where excess energy generated by the system can be essentially sold back to the grid. In this case, hybrid energy systems and inverters feature a centralized monitoring system that keeps track of both the solar energy and grid power and will also provide complete information on how much energy was provided to the grid, considering that the system has been enabled for net-metering.

iii. Excellent Efficiency

Hybrid solar inverters and by extension, hybrid solar energy solutions are some of the most efficient systems out there, boasting incredible energy generation and better ROI (return on investment) when compared to their on-grid and off-grid counterparts. Since they combine both grid and solar energy and can function independently as well, they are truly the best option out there when it comes to solar energy.

On-Grid Inverters

On-grid inverters, on the other hand, utilize the grid energy as the backbone of the operation and work in tandem with the grid power, supplementing where grid power might fail. However, the one thing to know about on-grid inverters is that they are not able to energize the premises in the event of a blackout, unlike hybrid inverters.

i. Efficiency

The first benefit of installing on-grid solar inverters is their efficiency. Solar inverters from reputed manufacturers like SOFAR Solar are incredibly efficient and will always perform to the maximum. The module efficiency is usually up to 98 percent, which means that like solar energy in general, there is no concept of transmission loss, and no matter how much energy the system produces and the grid supplies to your residential or commercial setup, the inverter will tackle the job efficiently, always.

ii. Cost-Effective

Solar inverters are generally expensive; both off-grid and hybrid inverters can cost a lot and will generally increase the return-on-investment (ROI) time. However, the most cost-effective option out of them all is the on-grid solar inverter, which is usually much more cost-effective and a lot less expensive, but delivers the same quality performance as the other two solar inverters on this list.

iii. Ease of Installation

With an on-grid inverter, the ease of installation is incredible compared to off-grid and hybrid inverters. Since on-grid inverters usually don’t provide the ability to function during a blackout situation and do not support net metering, hooking them up to the house’s energy box is relatively simple and requires less time and complexity. As such, on-grid inverters usually get installed rather quickly. The fact that they are usually lighter and easier to handle than either off-grid or hybrid also helps with the installation time and ease.

Beacon Energy: The Best Solar Equipment Supplier in UAE

For the best solar inverters in UAE, you need the best solar company in UAE. Which is where Beacon Energy steps in. With an extensive collection of hybrid solar inverters from some of the best manufacturers in the world including SOFAR Solar, Beacon Energy is here to simplify all your solar requirements by providing the best solar energy equipment in Dubai and across UAE. From CanadianSolar panels to SOFAR Solar inverters, Beacon Energy, the top solar company in UAE, has it all. Check us out for the latest in solar energy equipment delivered to you without any delays at all.

Tags: solar equipment supplier in UAE, best solar panel in UAE, solar panel seller in Dubai, solar panel distributor in UAE