hybrid inverter

Hybrid inverter for maximum independence and self-consumption

A hybrid inverter combines two essential functions in one compact device, forming the core of modern photovoltaic systems with battery storage. Unlike conventional string inverters, it not only converts the direct current (DC) from your solar panels into grid-compliant alternating current (AC), but also simultaneously controls the charging and discharging of your battery storage. This combination enables a significantly higher self-consumption rate, as excess solar power is not fed directly into the public grid, but intelligently stored for use during the evening and night hours.

The technical superiority is evident in the reduced number of conversion steps. While separate systems must first convert solar power into alternating current (AC) and then back into direct current (DC) for storage, a hybrid inverter stores the generated DC directly in the battery. This direct storage minimizes conversion losses and increases the overall efficiency of your system by up to 5 percentage points. At PVundSO, you will find only models from leading manufacturers like Sofar, which are certified according to VDE-AR-N 4105 and thus meet all technical connection requirements for the German market.

Emergency power supply via hybrid inverter with emergency power function

Protection against power outages is becoming increasingly important for homeowners. A hybrid inverter with emergency power function switches to island mode within milliseconds in the event of a grid failure, continuing to supply selected appliances with energy from the battery and photovoltaic system. Modern hybrid inverters with emergency power function differentiate between backup power and emergency power capability. Backup power involves a brief interruption of 3 to 5 seconds, while true emergency power systems switch over seamlessly within 20 milliseconds, thus protecting even sensitive electronics.

Performance during a power outage depends on the storage capacity and the maximum discharge power. A typical 5 kWh battery storage system, combined with a three-phase hybrid inverter, can supply an average household for 4 to 6 hours. Intelligent prioritization of your appliances is crucial. Refrigerators, freezers, and heating controls should be connected to the emergency power circuit, while high-power consumers such as instantaneous water heaters or electric stoves should be deliberately excluded. Installation requires a separate emergency power distribution unit, which must be installed by a qualified electrician in accordance with DIN VDE 0100-710.

Intelligent energy management with a modern PV hybrid inverter

A PV hybrid inverter offers far more than just basic solar power storage. By integrating it into smart home systems and connecting it to energy management systems, you can precisely control your energy flows according to your needs. The devices monitor current PV generation, household consumption, and battery charge level in real time, and can then optimally control appliances such as heat pumps or wallboxes for electric vehicles. This shift of high loads to midday maximizes self-consumption and reduces costly grid electricity purchases.

Advanced PV hybrid inverters also support dynamic electricity tariffs. With variable tariffs featuring hourly price fluctuations, the system can selectively charge the battery from the grid during off-peak hours and discharge it during peak hours. This arbitrage function is particularly advantageous with large storage capacities of 10 kWh or more and price spreads exceeding 15 cents per kWh. Communication is facilitated via standardized interfaces such as Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, or MQTT protocols, enabling integration into virtually any building automation system. At PVundSO, you receive not only the hardware but also expert advice on the optimal system configuration for your specific load profile.

Hybrid inverter with storage for 24/7 power supply

The combination of a hybrid inverter with storage forms the basis for an independent energy supply throughout the day. The system size depends on your average daily consumption and the temporal pattern of your load. A typical four-person household with an annual consumption of 4.000 kWh needs approximately 8 to 10 kWh of usable storage capacity to increase self-consumption from 30 percent without storage to over 70 percent. Battery technology today is predominantly based on lithium iron phosphate cells, which achieve 6.000 to 8.000 full cycles at a depth of discharge of 90 percent, thus ensuring a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

The ratio between PV output and storage capacity is crucial for economic viability. A rule of thumb is 1 kWh of storage per 1 kWp of PV output for optimal results. A hybrid inverter with a 5 kW nominal storage capacity can typically be combined with 5 to 15 kWh of battery capacity. The charging rate should be at least 0,5C to fully utilize the midday surplus energy. For a 10 kWh storage system, this corresponds to a 5 kW charging rate. All hybrid inverters in our product range are compatible with common battery systems such as Sofar AIO, Growatt ARO, and the Pylontech US series.

Hybrid solar inverter for optimal use of your photovoltaic system

The Hybrid Solar inverter, with its MPPT technology, ensures that your photovoltaic modules always operate at their optimal point. Maximum Power Point Trackers continuously monitor the current-voltage curve of the connected module strings and regulate the operating point for maximum energy yield. High-quality devices feature two to four independent MPPT inputs, each capable of separately optimizing differently oriented module arrays or roofs with varying pitches. This allows for significantly better yields, even with partial shading from chimneys or trees, compared to systems with only one MPPT.

The electrical specifications must be compatible with the PV system. The maximum DC input voltage for modern devices is between 500 and 1.000 volts, while the MPPT voltage typically operates between 150 and 850 volts. When designing the system, it's crucial to ensure that the open-circuit voltage of the module strings does not exceed the maximum voltage at low winter temperatures. A solar hybrid inverter with a 10 kW AC nominal output can generally be operated with up to 15 kWp of DC power, representing an oversizing factor of 1,5. This oversizing compensates for yield losses due to suboptimal irradiance conditions and enables higher energy production even during the morning and evening hours.