On-grid vs hybrid solar: what is the difference?

On-grid (grid-tied) systems

An on-grid system connects your panels to the utility grid through a grid-tied inverter. During the day your home uses the solar power first and takes any shortfall from the grid. There is no battery.

This is usually the simpler and lower-cost design. It is aimed at reducing your electricity bill rather than keeping the lights on during outages.

• Works together with the utility grid.
• No battery to buy or maintain.
• Shuts down automatically when the grid fails.

Why on-grid systems switch off in a brownout

Grid-tied inverters are designed to stop feeding power when the grid is down. This is a safety feature (often called anti-islanding): it prevents your system from sending power into a line that utility workers may be repairing.

So even in bright sun, a standard on-grid system will not power your home during a brownout.

Hybrid systems

A hybrid system adds battery storage and a hybrid inverter. The inverter manages solar, battery and grid together. It can store spare solar energy and, when designed for it, keep selected circuits running when the grid is down.

• Can store daytime solar energy for evening use.
• Can provide backup power to selected circuits during outages.
• Costs more than an on-grid system because of the battery and inverter.

What 'backup' really means

Backup usually covers selected circuits, such as lights, fans, the refrigerator and internet, rather than every appliance. How long it lasts depends on the battery capacity and what you run. Large loads such as air conditioners drain batteries quickly.

Whether a particular home can be backed up, and how, is decided after reviewing your loads and inspecting your electrical setup.

How to choose

• Mostly want to lower the bill and outages are rare: on-grid may be enough.
• Outages affect you or backup is important: ask about hybrid.
• Not sure: take the quiz or request an assessment and we will recommend based on your property.