Since ages ago, the messaging on Hybrid inverters hasn't been clear. So, lets make it clear. 

Battery ready

All Hybrid inverters are mostly battery ready due to containing more complex hardware than non Hybrid inverters. That hardware typically includes charge controllers, extra inputs for battery stacks and built in energy monitoring devices.

They're not all what they're cracked up to be

There are a few models of solar inverters that claim to be 'hybrid'; but contain less hardware than others, meaning that you'll need to invest further when you actually get the batteries, adding further components that aid the isolation from the grid, or measure the homes usage and solar generation precisely to direct the battery when to charge and discharge.

Furthermore, there are other Hybrid inverters that have all the necessary hardware, but don't offer the full functionality until the home owner pays a hefty software unlock fee! 

Do you have to get a Hybrid inverter if you want a battery?

No, you don't. In fact if you like the look of the new Tesla Powerwall, you wouldn't want to get a Hybrid inverter, as solar panels plug directly into the Powerwall! This means that if you get a Powerwall later, the solar installer will remove your solar inverter entirely.

Is the Tesla a good battery?

Sure is. Arguments can be made that it's not the 'best' battery, and of course there's the stigma of Elon, which we appreciate may not be your thing.

But the new Powerwall... It does 10kWh of continuous output, has a beautiful app with AI driving a function that charges from the grid before a storm, is incredibly safe and petite, can survive a knee high flood even when ground mounted, and is priced very competitively!

So why 'Go Hybrid'?

If you're sure you want to add a battery in the next couple of years and don't want to go Tesla, it's worth paying a little more to get a Hybrid inverter and consider the other options for backing up your home. 

There's a lot of great gear in the market with offerings from BYD, Sungrow, Sigenergy, SolaX, Enphase, Franklin and the list goes on!! 

You need a Hybrid inverter to allow select the great value modules when you're ready.

What benefits do Hybrid battery & inverter setups generally offer?

1. Sigenergy offers DC to DC car charging! Forget turning that solar energy into AC and then back to DC and let the inverter put the energy straight into your car, ensuring maximum efficiency.
2. Most hybrid inverter & battery setups are stackable. For example, BYD, Sungrow and Solax allow plug and play upgrades between 5kW and 30kW; with minor variations between each brand. 
3. They tend to have notable peak power output up to 100% more than their rated output. For example, an 8kW Sungrow Hybrid can do 13kW output for 10 seconds, which is enough to support the start of many demanding appliances such as water pumps and ducted aircon units.

The dark side of going Hybrid

Not all solar companies sell every kind of battery. That's a problem because not all batteries are compatible with every Hybrid inverter. It's a technical conundrum defined by different battery voltages and some brands aligning with some inverter brands. Every couple of years one model exits, another enters. And with that, a swath of people who went Hybrid lose the potential upgrade that was initially offered. Due to incompatability, there's countless people out there who bought a Hybrid inverter only to be let down at the time they wanted to add a battery, , or the challenge of finding a solar company who can provide the right solution for their 'old' hybrid inverter. 

Our Recommendation

If you're planning on getting a battery in the next couple of years, either:

A - get a cheap non-hybrid inverter and plan on getting a tesla later 

B - get a great Hybrid inverter and make sure you get those batteries soon.

In any case, consider using our free Solar Broker service to save time, money and hassle. 

We get you the best solar quotes for zero hassle and almost zero time commitment!