Over the past decade, hybrid solar power systems have become the gold standard in residential solar. But if you climbed aboard the solar train before hybrid systems were popular, you might now be wondering if it’s possible to upgrade. After all, hybrid systems offer numerous additional benefits over grid-tie-only systems. So, what does it take to upgrade from a grid-tied solar power system to a hybrid one? Keep reading to find out.
Assess Your Current System
Before you start swapping out equipment, it’s important to evaluate your current solar power system. Be sure to carefully check all of the following:
- Inverter Compatibility: Assess whether your current inverter can support a battery system. If not, you may need to replace it.
- Panel Output: Check the current power output of your solar panels. Do they generate enough energy to also supply a battery bank, or are they barely meeting your current needs?
- Energy Needs: You should also review your electricity usage to decide if you need to make any additional changes to your system to continue meeting your needs while still supplying a battery bank.
Choose a Hybrid Inverter
Assuming your existing inverter is a grid-tie-only inverter, you’ll need to replace it with a hybrid inverter. This is essential for managing the power flow between the grid, your solar panels, and your battery bank. When choosing an inverter, make sure you match its capacity to your system’s energy production as well as your storage needs. You’ll also need to have a general idea of the battery type you want to use so you can verify it’s compatible with the kind of inverter you want. Look for a hybrid inverter that is capable of providing seamless transitions between all your power sources.
Select a Battery Bank
Your battery bank is what makes a solar power system a hybrid system. When choosing a battery type, make sure you examine the pros and cons of different battery chemistries; most solar power users prefer lithium-ion batteries, as they’re highly efficient and durable. You’ll also need to consider the storage capacity you need to meet your home’s energy requirements. Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh, and should align with your daily energy consumption (though it can be less if you only want the batteries for backup power and not daily usage). Additionally, pay attention to the battery’s depth of discharge, or DoD, as a higher DoD allows for more usable battery capacity.
Install the System
After you buy a Sol-Ark hybrid inverter, battery bank, and any additional equipment you might need for this upgrade, it’s time to install the system. Replace your grid-tied inverter with the hybrid one and connect the battery bank. Some adjustments may need to be made to integrate the battery bank with your home’s circuitry, so be sure to work with a solar power expert. Once the equipment is installed and properly wired, you’re ready to take advantage of everything a hybrid solar power system has to offer!
