Solar & storage
On-grid or hybrid solar: what changes when you add a battery?
Compare on-grid solar with hybrid inverters and battery storage, including backup circuits and the full installed cost.
By Arkasri Energy
On-grid solar offsets electricity use
An on-grid system generates electricity while operating with the utility grid. A standard grid-connected system normally disconnects during an outage. Panels on the roof alone do not mean the building has backup power.
Hybrid solar can coordinate storage
A compatible hybrid inverter can manage solar, battery and grid power. With a suitable battery and correctly designed backup arrangement, selected circuits can be supported when the grid is unavailable. Check the specific inverter’s operating modes and battery compatibility.
Specify both power and stored energy
The inverter’s kW rating relates to how much power it can supply. Battery kWh relates to stored energy. Required backup duration, usable battery capacity, load starting requirements and conversion losses all affect the design. Critical hospital loads need a separately engineered emergency power assessment.
Compare the complete quotation
Include the battery, inverter, protection, electrical changes, installation and GST when comparing options. An inverter-only price is not the price of a complete storage system. If your main aim is daytime electricity savings, compare the additional battery cost against your actual backup needs.
Further reading: US Department of Energy: solar and storage basics ↗