Hybrid inverter vs grid-tie inverter
A grid-tie inverter only converts solar to AC and shuts off during a blackout. A hybrid inverter adds battery charging and a backup mode, so it keeps your home powered during outages, stores solar for night use, and can run off-grid. If you want backup or batteries, you need a hybrid (or battery-based) inverter.
What a grid-tie inverter does
A grid-tie (or "string") inverter converts the DC electricity from solar panels into AC for your home and the grid. It's simple and efficient for offsetting your bill, but it has one major limitation: for safety, it shuts down when the grid goes down. During an outage, a grid-tie-only system produces no power even in full sun.
What a hybrid inverter adds
A hybrid inverter does everything a grid-tie inverter does, plus it charges and discharges a battery and includes a backup output. When the grid fails, it disconnects (islands) and keeps your home running from the battery and solar. Our split-phase hybrids transfer to battery in under 10 ms — fast enough that computers and lights don't blink.
Hybrids also let you store cheap or solar energy and use it at night or during peak-rate hours, and they can scale to full off-grid operation.
Which should you choose?
If you only want to lower your electric bill and never need backup, a grid-tie inverter is the cheaper path. If you want outage protection, want to add batteries now or later, or plan to go off-grid, choose a hybrid inverter — retrofitting batteries onto a grid-tie-only system later usually means replacing the inverter.
Frequently asked questions
Can a grid-tie inverter provide backup power?
No. A standard grid-tie inverter shuts off during an outage for safety and cannot power your home from solar or a battery. You need a hybrid or battery-based inverter for backup.
Do I need batteries for a hybrid inverter?
A hybrid inverter is battery-ready but can run without one initially. You can install it now and add LiFePO4 storage later, which is why it's the better choice if backup or off-grid is a future goal.
