The demand for clean and renewable energy is heating up, and hybrid solar systems have emerged as a viable solution in sustainable technology. Hybrid systems combine the benefits of traditional solar panels with the versatility and redundancy of backup batteries and alternative energy sources to deliver a blend of reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
They provide a comprehensive solution that optimizes energy production and utilization, but what is a hybrid solar system and how does it work? Read on to find out how these solar solutions harness the sun’s energy to provide reliable and eco-friendly power to your home.
What is a Hybrid Solar System?
Hybrid solar systems combine solar power generation with other energy sources and storage devices, such as backup generators, wind turbines, or battery storage systems. Unlike traditional off-grid solar systems, which rely on solar panels and an energy storage system, hybrid solutions offer greater flexibility and reliability, reducing battery reliance during extended periods of low to no sun.
These costly systems are the best option for homeowners looking to maximize their energy independence and security. Hybrid solar power systems also work with grid-tied backup solutions to reduce your grid reliance by combining your solar panels with a battery backup system.
How Does a Hybrid Solar System Work?
Off-grid hybrid solar systems intelligently combine solar panels with an alternative energy source to generate, store, and supply solar energy with no help from outside resources like the grid, while grid-tied hybrid systems combine solar panels, a battery storage system, and the national grid.
Hybrid solutions use four principal components:
- Solar panels are the core component of any solar system. Each module absorbs sunlight through photovoltaic cells that lay between layers of semiconducting material like silicon. When hit with the sun’s rays, the material energizes, creating an electric field.
Solar panels generate direct current (DC) and send it to a solar charge controller that regulates your electrical flow. The DC power passes through your solar inverter and converts into alternating current, AC power, to be used by your home or stored in your solar battery system.
- Energy storage solutions include battery backup systems. These batteries store the surplus energy generated by your solar panel system for later use, such as at night or during blackouts and peak hours.
The typical on-grid solar installation requires one to two batteries. Off-grid solar systems require between eight to12 batteries to maintain complete independence and prepare for emergencies.
- Additional energy sources include wind turbines, backup generators, and the national grid. Hybrid solar systems incorporate these additional energy sources to supplement their solar power generation during low sunlight hours or high energy demand to increase reliability.
- Energy management systems control and optimize your solar system by monitoring energy production, consumption patterns, and battery levels. These smart systems decide when to use solar power or switch to stored energy or alternative sources to maximize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your system.
Cost of a Hybrid Solar System
Costs vary depending on the brand, installation size, type, setup, location, and labor rates. Most solar systems, accompanied by a battery storage system, provide clean power with enough reserve energy to power your home for two to five days. The largest difference between on-grid and off-grid solar systems is size.
On-Grid Hybrid Solar Systems
On-grid solar systems, including their battery storage solutions, are smaller and more cost-effective. However, these systems typically only power essential functions like lights and cooking appliances and do not store enough reserve power for heating or air conditioning. Solar panels cost between $15,000 to $26,000 before the federal solar tax credit, and you can expect to add between $7,850 to $16,500 to your project costs for a battery storage system.
| On-Grid Solar System Size | Average Cost Before Incentives *includes materials and labor | Average Cost Before Incentives With a Battery Storage System *includes materials and labor |
| 3 kW | $7,500 – $10,500 | $15,350 – $27,000 |
| 5 kW | $12,500 – $17,500 | $20,350 – $34,000 |
| 10 kW | $25,000 – $35,000 | $32,850 – $51,500 |
| 15 kW | $37,500 – $52,500 | $45,350 – $69,000 |
| 20 kW | $50,000 – $70,000 | $57,850 – $86,500 |
Off-Grid Hybrid Solar Systems
Off-grid solar systems are more expensive and require more solar installation components like off-grid inverters, charge controllers, backup generators, batteries, additional energy sources, and larger solar panel arrays to cover electricity usage. Traditional off-grid systems cost between $32,500 to $69,500 before the federal tax credit.
Popular alternative energy sources include wind turbines and backup generators. You can expect to spend between $5,000 to $11,000 per wind turbine and between $10,000 to $20,000 for an off-grid backup generator.
| Off-Grid Solar System Size | Average Cost Before Incentives *includes materials and labor | Average Cost Before Incentives With a Wind Turbine *includes materials and labor | Average Cost Before Incentives With a Generator *includes materials and labor |
| 3 kW | $30,000 – $35,000 | $35,000 – $46,000 | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| 5 kW | $40,000 – $45,000 | $45,000 – $56,000 | $50,000 – $65,000 |
| 10 kW | $70,000 – $80,000 | $75,000 – $91,000 | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| 15 kW | $85,000 – $100,000 | $90,000 – $111,000 | $95,000 – $120,000 |
| 20 kW | $100,000 – $120,000 | $105,000 – $131,000 | $110,000 – $140,000 |
On-Grid vs. Off-Grid Hybrid Solar Systems
Most residential solar installations are grid-connected, but both on-grid and off-grid setups can be hybrid systems. There are four main categorical differences between on-grid and off-grid hybrid solar systems: functionality, connection type, energy storage, and system design.
Some other key differences and similarities include:
| On-Grid Hybrid Solar System | Off-Grid Hybrid Solar System | |
| Connection Type | National grid | Self-sufficient |
| Cost | $22,850 – $42,500 | $37,500 – $89,500 |
| Durability | 25-30 years | 25-30 years |
| Energy Storage | Battery system | Battery System, Wind Turbine, Backup Generator |
| Incentives | Solar tax credit; local net metering policies | Solar tax credit |
| Length of Installation | Less than 1 day | 3+ days |
Functionality
Homeowners install grid-tied systems to reduce traditional power consumption and monthly utility bills by using solar energy during the day and switching to grid power at night. Their homes draw power from the grid on cloudy days or during power outages unless they connect their system to an alternative power source, like a battery bank or generator.
Off-grid systems are completely independent of the electrical grid. Without a combination of batteries, wind turbines, or generators, these homes have no source of power during low-sun hours.
Connection Type
On-grid hybrid solar systems remain connected to the national grid, allowing your home to draw power when needed. However, if your solar energy production exceeds your consumption, your system can feed the excess energy back into the grid, a process known as net metering. Many locations allow you to earn credits through net metering, which lowers your utility bills.
Off-grid systems are completely independent of the grid and do not rely on a utility company for power supply. They rely on battery systems, wind turbines, or backup generators when solar production is insufficient.
Energy Storage
Energy storage is optional for on-grid systems. When present, the system becomes an on-grid hybrid solution. Your battery storage unit provides backup power during grid outages. However, most on-grid hybrid solar systems do not prioritize energy storage. Instead, they focus on maximizing solar energy use, leveraging the national grid as backup.
Off-grid hybrid systems require one or more energy storage devices. Batteries store excess solar energy for utilization during periods of low production or at night. Typically, batteries are sufficient for a consistent power supply, but many homeowners opt for alternative power sources like wind turbines or backup generators for peace of mind and redundancy.
System Design and Size
Solar professionals size on-grid hybrid systems to offset a portion of your electricity consumption to reduce your reliance on grid power. The size of your system depends on roof space, local regulations, and your energy usage. On-grid setups typically feature a 10kW system and one to two home batteries.
Contractors size off-grid systems to meet the maximum energy demands of your property. They consider your energy needs, daily solar production, alternative energy sources, and desired autonomy when designing your system. On average, hybrid off-grid PV systems feature eight to 12 batteries.
Overall, off-grid systems are larger and more expensive, but they offer living flexibility, while on-grid systems are less expensive and provide peace of mind.
Pros and Cons of a Hybrid Solar System
Even grid-attached hybrid solar systems offer a degree of self-sufficiency. Hybrid photovoltaic solutions combine solar power generation with energy storage capabilities and alternative power sources. Unfortunately, the technology comes with a high price tag and might not be best for those with limited space.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Increased energy independence ✔ Backup power ✔ Cost savings ✔ Optimized system | ✘ Expensive ✘ Complex installation ✘ High maintenance ✘ Space requirements |
Is a Hybrid Solar System Right for Your Home?
Energy independence requires significant upfront costs. However, hybrid solar systems are worth considering if you live in a remote area with a lot of sunshine or your region has unreliable grid stability.
When deciding whether a hybrid solar system is right for your home, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Hybrid solar systems are expensive to install, but they decrease your grid reliance and electricity bills.
- Location: Off-grid hybrid systems are best suited to remote areas where connecting to the national grid is not possible or cost-effective. Many locations have governing net metering policies to incentivize hybrid grid-tied systems.
- Climate: The amount of sunlight your home receives directly affects the power generation capabilities and performance of your solar array. Homes in less sunny locations require backup power generation.
- Backup power: Off-grid hybrid systems rely on storage alternatives, such as batteries and additional power solutions, to store excess power and meet energy needs.
- Available space: Solar panels, batteries, and alternative energy sources require roof space and open land.
FAQ About Hybrid Solar Systems
Yes. Hybrid solar energy systems are eligible for government tax credits. Systems installed between 2023 to 2032 are eligible for a 30% credit. There is no maximum amount a homeowner can claim and expenses include:
• Solar panels or cells
• Contractor labor costs, including permitting fees and inspection costs
• Balancing equipment, including wiring, mounting equipment, and inverters
• Energy storage devices with a capacity rating of 3 kilowatt-hours or greater
• Sales tax on expenses
Many states also have policies governing renewable energy, offering incentives and rebates.
The average lifespan of your hybrid system is component-dependent. Solar panels maintain maximum output and efficiency for 25 to 30 years. Longevity depends on the brand and overall solar panel maintenance, and providers offer their own warranties.
Hybrid solar inverters have a shorter lifespan than solar panels, typically lasting between 10 to 15 years. Backup batteries last five to 15 years, with lead-acid batteries having the shortest lifespans at five to 10 years. Lithium-ion batteries last 10 to 15 years on average.
Yes. Most times, it is possible to retrofit a grid-connected solar system with batteries by replacing your current inverter with a hybrid solar inverter. Hybrid inverters combine a solar inverter and a battery inverter into one piece of equipment. The smart device manages the flow of electricity between your solar panels, batteries, and the electrical grid.
Hybrid Solar System Installation Next Steps
Hybrid solar systems represent a versatile and sustainable energy solution that combines solar power generation with energy storage capabilities to reduce your carbon footprint and grid reliance.
If you are ready to claim your energy independence, contact a RoofGnome pro to learn about the process and the materials you need to maximize your solar energy utilization.
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