When you’re installing a new solar power system, you’re going to have to pick out a solar power inverter. Many new solar users default to a grid-tied inverter—typically because it’s the cheapest option, and possibly because they have no intention of installing a battery bank right now anyways. However, it’s worth considering investing in a hybrid inverter upfront. Keep reading to find out why.
Easy Expansion Later
Sure, you might not be able to add a solar battery bank to your system right away (after all, a battery bank can often double the cost of installing a solar power system), but can you say with absolute certainty that you won’t want one in 5 or 10 years? If you decide that you want a battery bank sometime down the road, you’ll need to replace your grid-tied inverter in addition to adding the batteries to your system. Getting a hybrid inverter now reduces your long-term cost.
Backup Power during Outages
If and when you do decide to go fully hybrid and get a battery bank, you’ll be able to power your home using solar energy both during the day and at night. But even before that, your hybrid inverter can provide you with emergency backup power during outages. With a grid-tied system, even if the grid goes down on a sunny day, your system will be shut down to prevent stray currents from being fed back into the grid and harming utility workers.
But a hybrid inverter has a capability called “islanding,” which allows it to disconnect itself from the grid and continue running your home’s lights and appliances on solar power. Additionally, many hybrid inverters have a built-in emergency backup battery, so you get a small amount of energy storage without having to add a solar battery bank. This can let you charge devices and keep essential systems on if there’s an outage at night as well.
Long-Term Flexibility
A hybrid inverter can future-proof your solar power system too. As battery prices continue to drop and technologies improve, having an inverter that can be integrated with batteries ensures your investment is a smart one, no matter how your energy goals might change. Who knows? The day you’re able to afford a full-sized battery bank might come along much sooner than you think.
So, if you’re thinking about installing a solar power system, don’t default to a grid-tied inverter. Carefully consider all the benefits of installing a Sol-Ark hybrid inverter now, regardless of whether or not you’re installing a battery bank right now. You might be surprised to find just how beneficial the upgrade can be for your solar power system in the long run.