recommendations for grid tie inverter/charger | DIY Solar Power Forum

Hi, I have a complete working system, that is operating well, and under warranty, it consits of 34 x 405W panels on one 10,000W Solar Edge grid tied inverter, and 12 x 405W panels tied to a W Solar Edge grid-tied inverter.

The system exports on average, 30kWh of excess energy during the day, which is about what my home consumes from the grid when the solar panels are not producing enough. We do have net metering where I live, but I’m paid about $0.013/kWh exported, meanwhile I’m charged about $0.14/kWhr imported.

The Solar Edge inverters and panels are under a 20year cost free production and maintenance guarantee, I’m not free to modify it. The system came with the home, I made the owners pay off the loan on it when I purchase the home.

After studying how the home and system perform as a whole, I believe a 20-30kWh grid-tied inverter/charger hybrid battery storage solution “add-on” would potentially offer some significant savings.

My home is supplied split-phase 240/120 200A, 60Hz service. Since I cannot modify or upgrade/replace my existing inverters to support batteries), even though hybrid battery-compatible inverters are offered by SolarEdge, I cannot due to the existing contract….if I want to store the 20-30kWh of exported daytime energy so it can be used at night instead of utility import power, I believe I will need to install some sort of independent, third AC-DC battery-charger/DC-AC inverter with import/export CTs. In my idea, this additional charger/inverter, would charge the batteries at a varying rate, keeping up with the charge rate required to prevent energy being exported during high sunlight times.

This device I’m looking for would have only one AC connection to bring in 240VAC to charge the batteries when the CTs and voltage sense excess AC power being exported. It should activate charging, rectify the AC power to DC (suffer the conversion efficiency hit) and direct power to the batteries until they are full. In the evening as the sun goes down and the CTs and voltage sense that the home starts to draw power from the grid, the new charger/inverter begins to draw DC power from the batteries to the inverter which pushes AC power into the main panel to feed the home loads amd avoid import, at least until the batteries are depleted. I am thinking W would be ideal, as outside of start inrush, there is no time at night where this power demand is exceeded.

Does anyone know of such a device they can recommend?

Note: Tge device should have fused 48 VDC input to accept any regular stand-alone LiFeP batteries, and come with 2 x 200A split-core CTs that can be installed around the incoming 240V L1 and L2 conductors in my main panel.

Thanks in advance for any advice, links, manuals.

If someone can point me to a quality brand+product inverter/charger, it would be highly appreciated.

Eg4 18kpv, eg4 gridboss/flexboss, sol-ark 15k.

Each can accept the solaredge as AC connected PV, and control the power between the grid/battery/main panel.

I have read the EG4 and Sol Ark manuals and essentially these devices, offer allot of great features. Most are features I neither need, nor want, they seem excessive honestly.

I understand my existing inverters could be connected to GEN (or LOAD in one scenario) input as AC coupled PV, meanwhile the existing line side tap would need to go to a new 200A fused disconnect to protect the tap conductors and new inverter. So these are changes that would definitely affect more than I would like, altering the Solar-Edge equipment, and conduits is undesirable.

What I would really prefer is to have a new inverter device that had CT’s I could install CT’s in the main panel on the incoming grid lines before my existing Solar-Edge inverters’ line side tap connections. I have an apartment suite about 100ft from the main panel with a 100A main breaker and sub panel, plenty of breaker spaces. In my ideal world my new inverter would connect to this remote 100A subpanel with, lets just say a 50A breaker for its “grid” input. The existing solar inverters stay as they are. The CT’s inform the new inverter (need to run some 100+ft twisted pairs I would assume) when the two line side taps are exporting grid directed power in excess of home demand, and the new inverter activates in ESS mode and begins to draw power from the 50A subpanel to charge the batteries, but only to the limit of excess solar at the time, pulls until the CTs are at zero, and modulates as home load comes and goes, and only if the battery SOC demands charging. Once fully charged the new inverter would cease acting as a charger, back down and lie dormant. Later when the sun goes down, the new inverter should be informed by the CTs of power flow beginning to flow into the main panel from the grid, the new inverter should wake up, and draw DC power from the batteries, invert it to 120/240 in such an amount to satisfy home loads (current raised until grid CT’s get back to zero), and this mode continues, raising and lowering current as home night loads come and go, until such time as the battery reaches low SOC and the inverter shuts off, and allows power in from the grid, or hopefully the batteries have enough energy to serve the home through the night and morning until
such time that solar takes over the home loads, the new inverter backs down and stops drawing from the batteries, and eventually when PV climbs and grid export is imminent, the inverter starts to activate to recharge the batteries with the excess PV only as long as there is sufficient solar to satisfy the home loads (again target export CTs zero) until batteries are fully recharged, if the CT’s go positive meanwhile, any excess exports to the grid. Wash repeat.

The main reasons I would like it this way are (apartment subpanel is located in a location with easy access, and also, it is actually half garage, and would be in an ideal location as the apartment is attached as the back half of a detached garage structure, and the garage interior would be a nice indoor (at least out of the weather) place to set the 30kWh-ish battery stack. Unfortunately the main panel and Solar-Edge PV are installed on an exterior wall of the master BR closet, and theres no way my wife is going for a huge atack of LFP batteries where her shoe collection sits now. There are only bedrooms in both directions, so no even remotely convenient place to set the batteries nearby.

i have no need of a priority loads panel or whole home backup. I have a breaker interlock installed and a portable generator for backup, I don’t mind to manually open the 200A main panel breaker, slide the interlock over, allowing me to close the generator receptacle breaker. Home then isolated from grid and PV (I probably need to isolate the 50A new ESS inverter breaker) then fire up the generator connect it to the receptacle amd turn on the output breaker on the generator, run like this for however long I need and then do the reverse when power is restored. Yes I miss out on some solar, and battery backup….but outages are just not frequent enough to justify the whole home backup, transfer switch, modifying Solar-Edge conduits, battery backup, etc.

I say 50A is about right, I suppose that supports just around 10kW inverter. The scenarios when the home loads combine to draw in excess of 10kW (nighttime, no solar) both central heat pumps running simultaneously, oven on, someone using the electric clothes dryer, etc., all at once, are honestly pretty rare, and not the use cases which I find frequent enough to be justifiably mitigated.

Any idea of an ecoonomical releliable device that can operate as described?

Solar power is transforming how we generate energy, and the right solar PV inverter can make all the difference in a project’s success. Two options stand out: hybrid inverters and grid-tie inverters. Whether you’re a distributor, installer, or solar project developer, understanding the contrast between off-grid vs grid-tied solar solutions is essential. Grid-tie inverters focus on feeding solar energy into the utility grid, while hybrid inverters—sometimes called battery-ready inverters—blend solar, grid, and solar energy storage for greater flexibility.

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This guide breaks down the hybrid inverter vs grid-tie inverter debate in plain terms. We’ll explore their technical differences, practical uses, and how they fit into the push for energy independence. No jargon overload—just clear insights to help you choose the best fit for your clients’ needs, backed by the latest industry trends.

What Is a Grid-Tie Inverter?

A grid-tie inverter, often called a grid-tied solar PV inverter, is the go-to for straightforward solar setups. It takes the direct current (DC) from solar panels, converts it to alternating current (AC), and sends it to the grid. Think of it as a one-way bridge between solar power and the utility system.

How It Works: Solar panels produce energy, the inverter syncs it with the grid, and excess power flows out. If the grid fails—like during a storm—it shuts down to avoid safety risks.

Grid-Tie Inverter Key Features:

• High Efficiency: Conversion rates up to 95%-98%, maximizing solar power output.
• No Energy Storage: Cannot connect to batteries; only feeds power into the grid.
• Real-Time Grid Feed-In: Solar energy is prioritized for on-site consumption, with excess power sent to the grid.
• Minimal Management Required: Simple operation without the need for complex energy management systems.

Grid-Tie Inverter Pros:

• Affordable: Lower upfront costs, making it ideal for budget-conscious solar projects.
• Easy to Install: No battery setup required, simplifying installation and reducing labor costs.
• Perfect for Stable Grids: Works best in areas with reliable electricity, helping to cut power bills.
• High Efficiency: Maximizes the conversion of solar power into usable electricity.

Grid-Tie Inverter Cons:

• No Backup Power: Shuts down during power outages for safety reasons.
• Dependent on the Grid: Not suitable for off-grid or backup power applications.
• No Energy Independence: Users must still rely on the grid for electricity when solar power isn’t available.

For pros handling large grid-tied solar projects, this inverter keeps things simple and budget-friendly. But it can’t deliver energy independence when the grid goes dark.

What Is a Hybrid Inverter?

A hybrid inverter—sometimes dubbed a battery-ready inverter—is like a multi-tool for solar systems. It handles grid-tied duties but also supports off-grid vs grid-tied solar flexibility by pairing with batteries. This makes it a star player in solar energy storage setups.

How It Works: It converts solar DC to AC for the grid, charges batteries with extra power, and switches to battery mode during outages (in under 10 milliseconds).

Hybrid Inverter Key Features:

• Smart Power Management: Balances energy from solar panels, batteries, and the grid to optimize usage.
• Battery Compatibility: Works with various battery types, including lithium-ion and lead-acid.
• Flexible Power Range: Common models range from 3kW to 15kW, suitable for different system sizes.
• Seamless Switching: Automatically shifts to battery power during grid failures (typically within 10 milliseconds).
• Future-Proof Design: Some models offer modular configurations, allowing for easy storage system expansion.

Hybrid Inverter Pros:

• Backup Power Supply: Keeps essential devices running during blackouts.
• Enhanced Energy Independence: Reduces reliance on the grid, ideal for high electricity-cost areas or unstable grids.
• Maximizes Solar Self-Consumption: Uses solar power first, stores excess energy in batteries, and minimizes reliance on the grid.
• Off-Grid Capability: Works in remote locations, microgrids, or disaster-prone areas where grid power is unreliable.
• Smart Monitoring & Control: Some models support remote monitoring, app-based management, and AI-driven energy optimization.

Hybrid Inverter Cons:

• Higher Upfront Cost: More expensive than grid-tie inverters, with additional costs for battery storage.
• More Complex Installation: Requires battery wiring and system configuration, demanding skilled installation.
• Slightly Lower Efficiency: Additional energy management functions may result in slightly reduced overall efficiency compared to grid-tie inverters.
• Battery Maintenance & Lifespan: Batteries require periodic maintenance and have a limited lifespan (typically 5-15 years), adding long-term costs.

Hybrid inverters appeal to solar pros eyeing energy independence for clients. They’re built for a future where storage matters as much as generation.

Hybrid vs Grid-Tie Inverter: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s compare hybrid inverter vs grid-tie inverter options head-to-head:

FeatureHybrid InverterGrid-Tie InverterCore FunctionGrid-tied + off-grid + solar energy storageGrid-tied onlyPower RangeFlexible (e.g., 3kW-15kW)Often fixedBattery SupportYes—battery-ready inverter designNoEfficiencyHigh, though slightly less than grid-tieUp to 98%Outage PerformancePowers loads off-gridShuts down without gridCostHigher upfrontLower upfrontBest ForMicrogrids, unstable grids, storage needsLarge grid-tied solar systems

• Versatility: Grid-tie inverters stick to grid feeding, while hybrid inverters juggle solar PV inverter duties with battery backup.
• Energy Independence: Hybrids shine in off-grid vs grid-tied solar scenarios; grid-tie units don’t.
• Efficiency Trade-Off: Grid-tie inverters edge out slightly on efficiency, but hybrids optimize for broader use.

This hybrid inverter vs grid-tie inverter breakdown shows it’s all about the project’s goals—cost savings or flexibility.

Which Inverter Fits Your Project?

Picking between a hybrid inverter vs grid-tie inverter depends on your client’s setup. 

Grid-Tie Inverters: Best When…

• You’re Grid-Focused: Ideal for solar farms or urban projects with reliable grids.
• Budget Rules: Lower costs appeal to clients prioritizing upfront savings.

For example, a solar distributor in California supplies grid-tie inverters for a 100kW school rooftop system. The stable grid and net metering program make it a cost-effective win, with no need for battery backup.

Hybrid Inverters: Best When…

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• Storage or Backup Matters: Perfect for microgrids, rural sites, or businesses needing power security.
• Grid’s Shaky: Unstable grids call for battery-ready inverters.

Examples like an installer in northern India fits a 10kW hybrid inverter for a textile shop. Frequent outages once disrupted work, but now solar energy storage keeps looms humming during blackouts.

Pro Tip: Check the grid reliability and client priorities. For pure grid-tied solar, go grid-tie. For energy independence or future-proofing, hybrids lead the way. Many solar PV inverters today also carry certifications like CE or IEEE, ensuring they work worldwide.

Industry Trends: The Rise of Hybrid Inverters

The solar industry is evolving, and data backs up why hybrid inverters are gaining traction:

• Storage Surge: The global energy storage system market was valued at approximately $256 billion in and is projected to surpass $500 billion by , growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 9%.  (source: Statista). Hybrid inverters are key to this shift.
• Microgrid Momentum: A report from PV Magazine notes microgrids grew by 12% globally last year, driven by demand in remote areas—hybrids power 70% of these setups.
• Cost Drop: Battery prices fell 20% from - (per BloombergNEF), making solar energy storage more affordable with battery-ready inverters.
• Smart Features: Modern hybrids offer app monitoring and power optimization, cutting waste by up to 15%, per industry tests.

These trends signal a future where off-grid vs grid-tied solar blends into hybrid solutions, giving solar pros more options to meet client needs.

Conclusion

So, hybrid inverter or grid-tie inverter—which one’s right for your next project? Grid-tie inverters keep things simple and affordable, making them ideal for straightforward grid-connected systems. Hybrid inverters, on the other hand, bring flexibility and future-proofing, especially where storage or backup power is a priority. It all boils down to what your client needs: cost savings today or energy independence tomorrow.

The industry’s leaning toward flexibility, with stats showing storage and hybrid solutions on the rise. Whether you’re sizing up a solar PV inverter for a client or planning your next big project, it’s about matching the tech to the task. Curious about how these trends could shape your work? Chat with ACE Battery, an energy storage expert for tailored ideas—no strings attached.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do hybrid inverters cost more to maintain?

A: Not much—they’re built tough, but battery care adds a small upkeep cost.

Q: Can a grid-tie inverter become a hybrid later?

A: Nope, they’re not battery-ready. You’d need a hybrid solar PV inverter from day one.

Q: How do hybrids improve energy independence?

A: They store solar energy for use anytime, keeping power on when the grid’s off.

These insights can help you guide clients confidently.

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