What is a hybrid solar inverter?
A hybrid solar inverter combines solar inverter and battery in one piece of equipment that can intelligently manage power from solar panels, solar batteries, and the utility grid simultaneously.
A traditional solar grid tie inverter converts the direct electrical current (DC) generated by a photovoltaic (PV) system into the alternating current (AC) that powers your home, which also allows excess power age to be sent to the utility matrix.
The battery inverter handles converting the DC stored in the solar battery storage into alternating current that can be used in your home.
By combining all these functions into 1 device, the grid hybrid solar inverter simplifies and improves classic solar inverter operations. Even better, since the amount of solar energy available can depend on the weather and the seasonality, the hybrid inverter can draw power from the power grid to charge the battery storage system if needed.
What are the functions of a solar hybrid inverter?
The primary purpose of an inverter is to convert the DC input from the solar panel to the AC output that your home can use. However, the functionality of using a hybrid solar inverter takes this process to the next level, including the following benefits.
Two-way DC-to-AC power conversion: Solar batteries are typically charged either by electricity received directly from solar panels (DC coupled) or by electricity converted from AC electricity by a solar inverter (AC related). Then to release this energy, the inverter needs to convert the stored DC electricity into the AC electricity.
With a hybrid inverter and the battery, one device can do both roles. For example, a mixed grid inverter can convert DC into AC electricity to power your home. Still, it can also take AC electricity from the grid and convert it into DC electricity that can be stored in batteries for the later use.
Energy regulation: Solar energy can fluctuate as levels of sunlight increase and decrease, based on the time of day and weather patterns. The hybrid inverter regulates this power to ensure the system operates within the required parameters.
Energy Monitoring: The grid-tied hybrid solar inverters can be equipped with solar monitoring software to measure and monitor the PV system via a display or connected smartphone app to help identify malfunctions.
Power Maximization: Hybrid inverters with Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPT) monitor solar output and correlate it to battery voltage. This enables optimum power output and conversion of DC electricity to the best voltage for maximum battery charge. In addition, MPPT ensures that your solar power system operates efficiently under every condition, such as varying amounts of solar light, solar panel temperature, and electrical loads.
How does a hybrid inverter compare to other types of inverters?
A grid-tied hybrid inverter allows for seamless integration between your home’s solar energy system and the electricity grid. Once the solar array generates enough power for your home, you can use any excess electricity to charge the solar battery system and then transfer the rest to the grid after the battery is fully charged.
Its bi-directional power transmission capabilities distinguish a hybrid inverter from other central inverters available for your home. As we discussed earlier, the battery inverter switches between AC and DC power for storage. In contrast, the grid-tie inverter manages the connection between the home, the home’s solar system, and the electricity grid. (There are three basic versions of solar inverters: the string inverter, the micro inverter, and the power optimizer.
Solar Panels
How to Install the Solar Panels?
When installing solar panels, one of the more valid questions is how we can determine which direction the board is supposed to be placed. Unfortunately, the answer to this question varies from country to country.
Why should solar panels in India be south-facing?
There are few countries in the northern hemisphere, so when the sun travels, it takes an elliptical path that runs from east to west with an inclination towards the south; thus, to get the most solar energy, we must position our plate accordingly. So, the tilt is toward the south, whether summer or winter.
After the direction, another critical factor is the angle of inclination.
What should be the angle of solar panels in India?
The latitude of your location determines the angle of inclination. For example, if you live in Cochin-Kerala, the angle of inclination of the solar panel will be approx. 10-12 degrees. If you were to incorporate a board in Delhi, your angle of inclination would be about 28-30 degrees.
Before integrating the panel, we need to ensure no long obstacle between the sunlight and the board, as the block’s shadow will fall on the forum. Its efficiency will degrade, so next time you think of installing a solar panel, take your devices, check the direction, and enjoy the benefits of free energy – solar energy.
