Collection: Hybrid Inverters

Direct answer: A hybrid inverter is a grid-tie inverter with battery charging and backup in one unit — sell excess solar when the grid is up, power loads from the bank when it is not. Match battery voltage first (commonly 48V DC for the in-stock Solis 16kW split-phase) and pair with LiFePO4 on Lithium / Solar Batteries. Call 877-878-4060 for sizing help — DIY and pro installers since 1999.

Hybrid inverters combine grid-tied solar inversion with battery charging and backup power in one unit. Shoppers use this category when they want whole-home or critical-load backup, time-of-use shifting, or a path to add storage without a separate charge controller for every array string.

In stock now: the Solis 16kW Hybrid Inverter (Solis S6, 120/240V split-phase, 48V battery architecture with built-in MPPT). Additional hybrid SKUs are being refreshed — call 877-878-4060 if you need a specific OutBack, Schneider, or other model.

What is a hybrid inverter?

A hybrid inverter is primarily a grid-tie inverter with battery and backup capability. It sells excess solar to the utility when the grid is up, and can power loads from batteries (and solar) when the grid fails. That differs from a pure grid-tie inverter (no battery backup) and from a classic off-grid inverter/charger (no utility sell-back). Read more on our blog: hybrid inverter vs inverter/charger.

Hybrid vs off-grid vs microinverter

• Hybrid (this page) — grid interconnection + battery charging + backup transfer in one platform. Best when you want storage and utility interaction.
• Off-grid inverters — battery-based systems with no (or limited) sell-back; common for cabins and remote sites.
• Microinverters — panel-level AC; storage usually needs a separate battery/storage stack (for example Enphase Ensemble).
• Grid-tie inverters — export solar to the grid without integrated battery backup.

Shop related gear to complete a hybrid system

• Solar batteries — 48V lithium and other chemistries sized to your hybrid’s battery architecture
• Solar panels — modules for the hybrid’s MPPT voltage/current window
• Monitoring & Control — gateways, displays, and sensors for production and battery state
• Cable & wiring and disconnects & breakers — DC/AC protection and battery cable runs (sizing table)
• Charge controllers — standalone MPPT/PWM when your design needs a separate controller (many hybrids include MPPT already)

FAQ

Questions about hybrid sizing, pass-through amps, or battery pairing? Call an altE specialist at 877-878-4060 — DIY and pro installers since 1999.

Using a hybrid inverter with your solar panels is a great way to help keep the power going when you need it most.

Hybrid Inverters are ideal for grid-uncertain situations. A hybrid inverter is primarily used for grid-tie purposes and selling back to the utility company, but they can also provide backup power to your home when the electric utility fails. Customers often use hybrid inverter systems with solar panels to keep the power going during a blackout. In some cases, hybrid solar power systems will have a generator for as-needed use. Visit our blog to learn more on the difference between a hybrid inverter and an off grid inverter/charger.

With a hybrid power system, backup power for your house is provided by deep cycle batteries. When the grid goes out, the batteries are charged and ready to go using AC power from the grid. There are some hybrid inverter/chargers with two AC inputs for charging the battery bank through its charger, one from the grid and one from a generator. This way, when the grid is up, it can keep the batteries topped off. When it goes down, a generator can be used as needed to charge them so that your generator doesn't have to run constantly while the grid is out.

Not sure what size battery-to-inverter cable or fuses/breakers to use with your inverter? Check out our handy table for quick inverter cables and breaker sizing.

Building a hybrid solar system? Start with the in-stock Solis 16kW below, or call us to size the rest of the bill of materials.