A solar system for your house is a beneficial investment, but something that many people contemplate is whether they should invest in a hybrid inverter system or go completely off-grid. This article will focus on the differences between the two and which option is the better one.
If you are interested in a hybrid inverter system, Alumo Energy is here to assist you. With our experienced solar installers and our exceptional local suppliers, you will not be disappointed. Contact us today to get your solar process started.
Off-Grid Vs Hybrid Inverter Solar System For House
An off-grid inverter system uses power stored in the battery and converts this power from DC to produce AC. These systems cannot work with the utility grid. Off-grid systems have been developed to work on their own and a manual switch must be made to use power from the inverter when the grid is down. This type of inverter is unable to give power derived from a battery or solar system back into the utility grid.Â
On the other hand, hybrid inverters generate power just like common string solar inverters. The only difference is that these systems have built-in battery connections to store energy. This energy storage allows this system to provide power during blackouts and power can also be fed back to the utility grid. Hybrid inverters switch between grid and battery power automatically according to their settings.
Benefits Of A Hybrid Inverter Solar System
With a hybrid system, power can be used from the grid when not enough power has been generated via the solar panels. These systems also have storage batteries as a backup in the case of power outages. This means that hybrid inverters provide guaranteed power, so there is no need to worry about power failures. Furthermore, the built-in battery system provides maximum utilisation of solar radiation while the sun is shining. It makes the best of renewable resources.
Another great benefit of this type of system is that it does not need regular maintenance or servicing. This is a low-maintenance system. If this is something you think will work well for your home or business contact, Alumo Energy to go solar the right way, today.
Why Do We Not Recommend Going Off-Grid?
When considering off-grid vs hybrid inverter, a big con is that living off-grid can be very expensive. It requires a large investment in battery storage and solar panels, and you may need generators to successfully be independent of the grid. The cost of going off the grid may start anywhere from R500 000 or even more to completely power your home.
This will, of course, depend on the size of your home and your average electricity consumption. This is a very expensive exercise to see if you will have enough energy storage to meet all your needs. With this type of setup, having enough battery storage is key, especially for the days when your panels are not generating enough energy. The energy stored in your batteries will be the only thing keeping your lights on.Â
Generators may be necessary for the possibility that you may run out of solar energy. This may be a possibility, especially during winter months and rainy seasons when there is not enough sunlight for your panels to generate power. Additionally, these off-grid solar systems need a lot of maintenance compared to hybrid solar systems. When it comes to this type of system, there is a lot to take into consideration before making any concrete decisions.
How Does Solar Power Work?
Something known as the photovoltaic effect happens when sunlight shines on solar panels. Photovoltaic is also known as solar cells; these cells use sunlight to create electricity. When light shines on the semiconductor of a solar cell, electrons are released to generate an electric current.
The more sunlight solar panels are exposed to, the more energy will be generated. During each day there are peak sun hours, this is when solar panels will receive the most concentration of sunlight. This will allow them to generate the maximum amount of power during these hours.
Factors To Keep In Mind When Choosing An Installer for Off-Grid Vs Hybrid Inverter
When it comes to choosing a solar system installer, Alumo Energy recommends taking a few points into consideration before you make any purchases. Keeping these things in mind could save you money in the long run.
Verify the Performance of the Business
Do some research and investigate the company’s previous work performance. This can be done by reading through customer testimonials and possibly contacting previous customers. Also, ask the right questions.
For example, does this company have prior experience in solar system (for house) installations? If so, how much experience does this company have? Did they offer you end-to-end installations?
Licensing & Qualifications
Do the companies you are looking into have the necessary licensing and qualifications? The things that these companies should have include a Wireman’s license, a certificate for working at heights, PV GreenCard, and a SAPVIA registration.
Quality of the Product & Installation Techniques
Make sure that the solar panels you receive have a Certificate of Compliance that meets the IEC standards. This is the international version of the SABS. This will give you an indication of the quality of the solar panels you receive.
Furthermore, research different battery options. Batteries used for solar system (for house) storage are typically made from three different chemical compositions, which include lithium polymer, lead acid, and lithium-ion. In most cases, lithium-ion is the top recommended option.
Professional solar installers can customise your solar designs to fit the design of your home or building materials.
Breakdown of Solar System (for House) Cost
When you receive your quote from any solar system installers, the quote should have every component listed as well as the cost of each. This should include labour, mounting, materials, etc. Everything should be listed so that you know exactly what you are paying for.
Site Assessment & Plan
A site assessment will be done before anything is installed. This is usually a free assessment, and a site plan should be given to you after. This plan should indicate the system component layout.
Estimate Cost of Production
Another thing that your installer should provide you with is an estimate of electricity production for your solar system (for house), along with an average weather prediction.Â
This will allow you to compare your average electricity consumption with the estimated production. Helioscope or other similar software should be used to determine your average solar annual yield.
System MonitoringÂ
It is important that you understand how to monitor the system output. This will make you aware of how your new system is performing.Â
The monitoring system will provide you with information about energy consumption and generation, how to optimise energy usage and give you alerts when your system is damaged. This will either be visible on the inverter itself and/or a system monitoring app that can be used on your phone.
Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
Any electrician performing the installation that is registered with the Department of Labour must give you a Certificate of Compliance. This must be done after the installation and all the necessary tests and checks have been done.
Installation Maintenance
Other important questions you should ask your solar system (for house) installer are about solar packages available to buy along with the installation of your system and the recommended maintenance plan for your system.
Your installer should at least guide you on how you can effectively maintain your system. This will ensure that your system continues working optimally for many years.
Warranties and Guarantees
Ensure that you receive all the necessary warranties and guarantees available. This is important for both the installation and the components. There may be differences between the manufacturer’s and the installer’s warranties and guarantees, so make sure to check this.Â
How To Compare Quotes From Different Suppliers
- ChecklistÂ
The factors to keep in mind when choosing a solar system installer can be used as a checklist to help you find a reliable solar system for house installer.Â
- Quote Detail
With each quote you request, insist that all the components are itemised. This will ensure that the supplier cannot claim additional charges that were not clearly stated in the original quote. This also makes it easier to compare with other quotes.
Make sure to find out from the supplier what exactly is and is not included in the quote. Sometimes suppliers do not include the cost of smaller things such as safety equipment or cabling. While others only supply the materials, and you may need to find your own installer to do the installation.
When you receive your quote double-check that the VAT has been included in the cost. Furthermore, ask for the specifications of the inverters, batteries, and panels.
- Batteries
There are three main specifications to look at for batteries. These specifications make it easy to differentiate between the different qualities of batteries. The three specifications include battery depth of discharge, battery charging cycles, and manufacturer.
- Inverter
When you choose between different inverters, look at the size, monitoring system, manufacturer, and approved list of inverters. The size of inverters is important for solar production and the load that they can support.
It is extremely helpful to monitor the inverter’s production to manage the settings remotely. Moreover, research different inverter manufacturers to ensure you buy one that is good quality. Another important thing to keep in mind is the approved list.Â
Some municipalities have a list of inverters that may and may not be connected to the grid. Make sure the one you purchase is on the approved list.
- Payment Options
Before you choose a payment option, ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of these options and the costs involved. The payment options may include rentals, rentals with the option to own, or evergreen rentals.
- Safety Regulations
Safety regulations must be followed. The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) has a set of minimum standards regarding the safety of the installation of a solar system. This will depend on the type of installation.Â
Contact your supplier to make sure that these safety requirements have been met. Some of these regulations include:
- Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
- Charge controllers inside inverters
- Fuses
- Surge protection
- Fireproof trunking
- DC disconnects
Conclusion on Off-Grid Vs Hybrid Inverter
To make sure that you have the best outcome when installing a solar system for house, it is essential to do your research. Make sure that you understand the process and that everything you are purchasing is of the best possible quality you can afford.
Furthermore, if you would like to use a reliable company for your solar system (for house) installation, contact Alumo Energy. We want to help our clients protect and improve their lifestyles no matter how frustrating load shedding gets. Find out more about Alumo Energy through our website and go solar today!