If you’re building an off-grid power system, an inverter is one of the most critical components. Without it, the DC (direct current) energy your panels produce can’t be used by your home’s AC (alternating current) appliances. Inverters bridge that gap, making clean, solar-powered living possible. In this guide, we’ll break down how solar inverters work, the different types available, and how to choose and size the right one for your off-grid setup.
As energy is used in the home, DC flows from the battery into the inverter.
Products like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Solar Generator (PV220W) have built-in inverters for easy installation and operation.
Hybrid models are connected to the grid and send energy to and draw from it. They also shut your system off automatically during a blackout. However, hybrid models are more complex and expensive.
When sizing your off-grid inverter, first determine your daily electricity needs. Calculate it from your monthly power bill or by listing the wattage of your appliances and multiplying each by the hours it runs each day, then totaling the list.
Appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners require starting watts that are 2-5 times the running watts. Consider this when making your list.
Once you have your daily needs, calculate the size of your array from your direct sunlight hours. Say you need 15,000Wh daily and you have 5 hours of direct sunlight. Then, you need approximately 15,000Wh÷5h, equating to 3,000W of photovoltaic panels.
This means you need an inverter rated at least 3,000W. However, it’s best to choose one slightly larger to allow for future growth.
That’s why products like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) are ideal. It starts at W of AC/DC output, but is easily expandable to 25kW.
The average home needs approximately 10-30kW of solar power. Tiny houses may require less, and large, power-hungry homes may need more. You can calculate your needs by adding up the wattage of your appliances and multiplying each by how many hours it runs daily.
If you’re going off-grid, choosing the right inverter is critical. From syncing with your battery storage to converting your panels’ DC energy into usable AC electricity, they’re the heart of any solar setup.
For a complete, ready-to-go solution, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) combines a powerful inverter, efficient photovoltaic input, and expandable capacity, making off-grid energy simple, smart, and scalable.
This blog will examine the pros and cons of Hybrid Solar Inverter vs Off-grid Inverter, breaking down the necessary factors for customers to decide whether to buy a Hybrid Solar Inverter or an Off-grid Storage Inverter.
Hybrid solar inverters and off-grid inverters both convert DC to AC to power loads and can connect to energy storage. The key difference is grid connectivity. Hybrid inverters are grid-tied, allowing the use of solar power while staying connected to the utility grid. Off-grid inverters operate as standalone systems, independent of the electrical grid, relying solely on solar panels and batteries.
While one system may be perfect for some solar investors, it could be less than ideal for others. All systems offer benefits in their own ways. Hence, end-users need to be equipped with the necessary knowledge about Hybrid Solar Inverters and Off-grid Storage Inverters to make an informed decision when purchasing the right inverter.
A Hybrid Solar Inverter is a versatile system that combines the functions of a grid-tied solar inverter and a battery inverter into one unit. Its bidirectional power conversion capability allows it to handle power seamlessly from multiple sources - solar panels, battery storage, and the utility grid. The inverter converts DC from solar panels into AC to power loads while also converting AC into DC to charge the solar batteries. A key advantage is its ability to draw from the energy storage system during outages or periods of high demand, providing reliable backup power.
For users in regions with net metering policies, the grid-tied nature of the hybrid inverter enables exporting of surplus solar power to the utility grid, resulting in cost savings. Conversely, when solar production is insufficient, the inverter can charge batteries by drawing AC power from the grid. This all-in-one design offers a compact and versatile solution, allowing homeowners and businesses to maximise the utilisation of harvested solar energy from photovoltaic modules while maintaining grid connectivity.
An off-grid storage inverter is a type of inverter designed to operate independently from the utility grid, relying solely on solar panels and energy storage systems to meet energy needs. It is optimised to work with solar batteries, where surplus solar energy harvested from photovoltaic (PV) modules can be stored to provide a consistent and reliable power supply for end-users. Off-grid storage inverters are particularly well-suited for regions with poor grid infrastructure or remote areas where grid connectivity is unavailable or unreliable. By combining solar panels with an energy storage system, these inverters offer a self-sufficient and sustainable solution for powering homes, businesses, or off-grid applications without reliance on the traditional utility grid. Their ability to operate autonomously makes them attractive to those seeking energy independence and resilience against grid outages or disruptions.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Jiwei.
Pros:
- The hybrid solar inverter is a future-proof system that allows for expansions and upgrades as energy needs evolve. Users can initially utilise it as a traditional grid-tied inverter and later incorporate energy storage system when they decide to expand their solar setup. By investing in a hybrid inverter, homeowners and businesses can future-proof their investment, ensuring compatibility with energy storage systems down the line. This flexibility provides a path for increased energy independence and maximises the versatility of the solar system, allowing it to grow and adapt to changing energy requirements.
- With both on-grid and off-grid functionality, the Hybrid Solar Inverter provide more options for the users to choose how to use their solar energy – be it to store, use, or export back to the grid – allowing users to enjoy consistent power supply in most scenarios. Customers residing in countries with stable grid conditions and wish to have an upgradable inverter system are more suited for the hybrid solar inverter, which provides the option of connection to the battery systems and power exports to the grid.
- When paired with a battery system, the hybrid solar inverter provides a consistent power supply. It stores surplus solar energy in the energy storage system for later use. During blackouts, outages, or low solar production periods, the inverter draws stored energy from the solar batteries to power the home's or business's electrical loads, optimising the usage of harvested solar energy. Users with large solar systems should consider installing a hybrid solar inverter system to better utilise their surplus solar energy.
Cons:
- The hybrid solar inverter's sophisticated construction requires more expertise for proper installation and operation. Users attempting self-installation may face difficulties unless they thoroughly understand the inverter and have prior experience with installing hybrid storage inverters. In short, customers should engage a professional solar installer to set up a hybrid solar inverter system correctly.
Pros:
- Off-grid storage inverters provide energy independence, allowing users to be self-sufficient without relying on the grid. Customers in remote areas or with poor grid conditions are well-suited for these inverters, especially when paired with an energy storage system. With sufficient solar batteries, the system discharges power during low solar output, ensuring a consistent power supply for users.
- Off-grid storage inverters are generally more economical than other inverter types. Their simpler functionality makes them easier to manufacture, leading to comparatively lower prices. Users seeking a cost-effective off-grid solar solution are well-suited for these inverters to power their homes or businesses.
Cons:
- Off-grid storage inverters cannot export power to the grid. Customers seeking inverters compatible with net metering should choose alternative options like hybrid inverters, as off-grid storage inverters operate independently from the utility grid.
- An off-grid storage system requires careful energy management. With only DC input from the PV modules, users are limited to the harvested solar power. They must carefully plan the appropriate power capacity for sufficient energy consumption in their home or business and determine the number of batteries needed to discharge power during periods of low solar input.
Selecting the right inverter system - hybrid solar or off-grid storage - is crucial for optimising the solar investment a customer intends to take. To make an informed choice, consider this checklist: energy consumption patterns, budget, location's grid reliability, future expansion plans, and desired level of grid independence versus utility supplementation. Carefully evaluating these factors will help in choosing the inverter solution that best aligns with your energy needs and goals.
Customers seeking Hybrid Solar Inverters or Off-grid Storage Inverters can consider these models suitable for residential and commercial applications:
Residential Hybrid Inverter: MIN -TL-XH, MIN -XA, MOD -TL3-XH, SPH -TL BL-UP, SPH TL-HU, SPH -TL3 BH-UP, SPA -TL3 BH-UP, and MIN -TL-XH-US
Commercial Hybrid Inverter: WIT 50-100K-HU/AU, WIT 50-100K-HU/AU-US, WIT 28-55K-HU/AU-US L2, and WIT 29.9-50K-XHU
Off-grid Storage Inverter: Future H Series, SPF ES Plus, SPF - ES, SPF TL LVM-ES, SPF -TL HVM (LVM), SPF -T HVM(DVM)-G2, SPF 4-12KT HVM, and SPF -T DVM(DVM-MPV)
Both Hybrid Solar Inverters and Off-grid Storage Inverters have their merits, but the choice ultimately depends on the solar investor's energy requirements. Hybrid inverters suit customers seeking a flexible, upgradable, and grid-tied system, while off-grid inverters cater to those pursuing complete energy independence from the utility grid.