Choosing the Perfect Solar Inverter: OnGrid or Hybrid

6 December 2024 | 2 min read

Solar inverters are the main part of any solar energy solution, and their configuration usually determines the configuration of the entire system. For example, there is no such thing as hybrid solar panels or hybrid solar batteries; there are, however, hybrid solar inverters and on-grid inverters, two of the most popular configurations for both solar inverters and solar energy systems by large. This means that when it comes to Pakistan, you will essentially have a choice between the two configurations: either hybrid inverters or on-grid inverters. But what exactly are the differences, and which one might be better for you?

In this blog post, we will look at choosing the perfect solar inverter; whether your requirements befit that you get an on-grid inverter and system or a hybrid one, which solar inverter might be a better choice for you? With RS Energy, you get the best and most comprehensive solar energy solutions in Pakistan, boasting unparalleled efficiency and performance. Let’s start by establishing the distinction between the two and proceed onto choosing the perfect solar inverter.

Hybrid vs on-grid inverters: the difference

With the two most popular configurations for solar energy inverters, here is a quick explainer that will help you understand each one’s functionality and features better, helping you pick the right one for yourself.

On-grid inverters

On-grid inverters are designed to work in tandem with the grid, combining both the energy from the grid and the solar panels to provide access to a mix of energy that supplements the household. Given the requirements of this particular configuration, on-grid inverters are not designed to operate with battery power and, therefore, are not of much use in blackout conditions when grid power isn’t available.

Hybrid inverters

Hybrid inverters, much like their configuration, are the jack of all trades and work by combining the input from the solar panels, the grid, and the battery to provide uninterrupted access to energy. Since these inverters efficiently deal with energy from three different sources, hybrid inverters are extremely robust, long-lasting, and very efficient, resulting in a price point that far exceeds that of its on-grid counterpart. That being said, hybrid inverters also represent the best of what solar energy has to offer: by combining three different sources of energy, they ensure unbridled access to energy that can power an entire premises, even on solar energy alone.

Aside from pricing and their configuration, the differences between on-grid inverters and hybrid inverters aren’t that much considerable, and with that being said, understand that the configuration of a system is entirely dependent on the inverter. Both inverters will use essentially the same solar panels to generate energy.

Which is better for you?

Both hybrid and on-grid inverters come with their own set of benefits and features. As explained beforehand, on-grid inverters are designed to run in tandem with the grid, requiring grid energy for their operation. Which means that once the grid goes down, so does your solar energy solution.

On the other hand, hybrid solar energy solutions and inverters are much more resilient to such issues and boast many more features and an upgraded level of utility over their on-grid counterparts. With hybrid inverters, if you have enough solar panels and a hefty solar battery setup that provides exceptional storage capacity, you can essentially make it run as an off-grid system, requiring no input from the grid at all. With hybrid solar energy solutions, the system is essentially a mix of both on-grid and off-grid systems and offers the usability and functionality of both systems within one, which might help explain why it is also somewhat expensive.

All in all, while both solar energy solutions have their own set of benefits and issues, what eventually determines what system is made for you is going to be your own requirements. If you want a solar energy solution that operates even during blackouts, you’d want to go with a hybrid solar solution. However, with on-grid solar solutions, you get additional benefits, so always go with what your requirements are. If you live in a place where blackouts are far too common and you need energy reliability, go with the hybrid inverter. If you’re just looking for bill reduction, the on-grid inverter and system is probably a better choice for you.

RS Energy: the best solar company in Pakistan!

While there are a ton of solar companies in Pakistan, only a select few deserve to be monikered as the top solar company in Pakistan. And when it comes to solar panel installation, the list gets even shorter. However, the best solar panels and solar panel installation services can be yours; RS Energy is a company that is consistently ranked as the best solar company in Pakistan, owing to its focus on innovation, customer service, and a stringent aftersales service programme. With this company at the helm of solar panel installation on your premises, you can be sure that the equipment is top-notch and the installation services themselves are the envy of others. Be sure to look them up when you want to go solar.