Some people who are interested in solar power gravitate towards the idea of being completely removed from the grid. However, remaining connected to the grid and investing in a battery backup system will actually provide more benefits.
When you're connected to the grid, you can count on it for backup power in the event that your solar battery runs out of power. You can also sell extra electricity back to your utility company through net metering.
A hybrid system is a great way to be in control of your power supply. You have the ability to be your own energy provider with solar panels and a backup battery, with the added safety net of being connected to the electricity grid.
Hybrid systems will save you money by reducing your electricity bills, which makes the higher upfront system costs worth it. Your solar battery will store most, if not all, of the excess power your system generates instead of selling it back to your utility. So, while you won't see those net metering credits on your utility bill, you're still getting the same value for your electricity. If your utility doesn't offer full retail net metering, you might even be saving more with a hybrid system!
What makes a hybrid system unique is the fact that you will be covered during inclement weather and nighttime use. You have your backup battery filled with energy and access to grid power if you need more than your battery can provide, and vice versa. Hybrid solar systems are the best way to make sure you never run out of power.
The hybrid solar systems provide power continuously, without any interruption, as the batteries connected to them store the energy. So, when there is an electricity outage, the batteries work as inverters to provide backup.
The maintenance cost of the hybrid solar energy systems is low as compared to the traditional generators which use diesel as fuel. No fuel is used and they do not require frequent servicing.
The hybrid solar energy systems work more efficiently than your traditional generators which waste the fuel under certain conditions. Hybrid solar systems work efficiently in all types of conditions without wasting the fuel.
Because the batteries are connected to the system to store the energy, there is no waste of the excess energy generated on bright sunny days. So, these systems make use of the renewable energy in the best way, storing energy on a good day and utilizing the stored power on a bad day. The balance is maintained.
Unlike traditional generators, which provide high power as soon as they are turned on, most hybrid solar power systems manage load accordingly. A hybrid solar system may have technology that adjusts the energy supply according to the devices they are connected to, whether it's an air conditioner requiring high power or a fan which requires less.