Comparison between Hybrid and Grid-Tie Solar System

Solar energy systems have appeared to be the most beneficial solution to the rising electricity and environmental problems. Because of the many benefits of solar systems, the worldwide demand has increased by many folds. The growing market for solar power systems has led manufacturers to set on a competitive journey, striving to produce better products. It has led to reforms, which would not have been possible in such a short time otherwise. 

With all the solar systems in the market, you might think it is troublesome to make an informed decision. However, with a bit of investigation and some basic information, you can choose which type will best suit your needs. To aid you in taking this crucial decision, we have listed a clear and comprehensive difference between on-grid and hybrid solar systems.

On-Grid Solar System in Pakistan

The grid-tied solar system is the most common solar solution in Pakistan, primarily used by industrialists and residential consumers. Premier Energy is the most recognized grid-tie solar solution provider, along with the net metering facility. A Grid-tie System does not require batteries and works in connection with the utility station as they store excess electricity in the grid. The net metering system can also be availed with an on-grid system as they require a connection between the grid and the solar system.

Hybrid Solar System in Pakistan

The on-grid system is cost-effective and allows you to sell the surplus power, and the off-grid solution permits you continuous electricity during power outages. The cons of both systems urged the manufacturers to invent a system that could provide dual functionality. The outcome was a system that had all the prominent characteristics of both on-grid and off-grid systems and could be utilized as both. The crossover properties prompted the structure to be named the Hybrid Solar system.

COMPARISON Between Hybrid And Grid-Tie Solar System

Feature	On-Grid / Grid-Tie	Hybrid
GRID CONNECTION	These systems are directly connected to the grid and cannot work without connection to the grid.	These systems are directly connected to the grid and can also perform their tasks without connection to the grid.
BATTERY	These systems do not require batteries to work with as they store excess electricity directly to the grid and use the electricity from the grid when required.	Batteries are optional for hybrid systems. They are an added feature which can be used at any time. Hybrid systems work without the batteries and with the batteries as well. It is up to the user how to use them.
NET METERING	The net metering option is available for grid-tie systems as net metering essentially requires a connection to the grid so the excess electricity supplied to the grid could be monitored.	Hybrids are a mix of off-grid and on-grid systems and perform both the functions. Thus, the net metering option is available with the hybrid systems
BACKUP GENERATOR	Since these systems do not have adjacent batteries, they do not require any backup generators.	These systems if connected to batteries would definitely require a backup generator as well.
ADVANCEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY	This is an innovative technology that allowed users to cut at expenses such as batteries and connect to grids and use net metering to save and earn money as well.	This is the latest generation of systems made to perform both off-grid and on-grid functions. This eliminates the cons of these systems.
RELIABILITY	These systems are reliable as they are easy to manage and control. However, in the case of load shedding, they may not be as reliable because of the absence of batteries.	The maintenance of batteries makes it a hassle; however, the overall performance of these system makes them extremely reliable since they can perform both on-grid and off-grid functions.
PERFORMANCE DURING A BLACKOUT	These systems do not have a battery backup and use the grid to store excessive electricity. In case of load shedding and grid failures, they would not be able to support you in blackout until the grid is back on.	They may or may not be attached to batteries so whether they can provide you with backup in a blackout situation depends upon the way the user is utilizing their potential.
MAINTENANCE	These systems do not require a lot of maintenance since they do not have any heavy equipment attached to them. They are easy to maintain and do not pose the need for maintenance every other day.	Hybrid systems perform the heaviest operations if they are performing as both on and off-grid systems so they require most frequent maintenance and servicing.
SIZE and COVER AREA	On-grid systems are usually compact and require very little space to be installed.	The hybrid systems if have batteries and backup generator to perform both on and off grid functions, occupy a lot of space. Otherwise, these systems are easy to install as a grid-tie system.
USAGE	These systems are perfect for residential and industrial usage. They are also the best option for agricultural installations.	These systems are best to be used for commercial and residential purposes. However, they may not be ideal for industrial purposes as the batteries would be very costly.

 

On-Grid Solar System Price in Pakistan

The on-grid solar system price in Pakistan is lower than an off-grid and hybrid solar system. The reason is that the inverters are the only expensive parts in an on-grid solar system.

Hybrid Solar System Price in Pakistan

Hybrid solar system price in Pakistan is higher as compared to the off-grid and grid-tie solar system mainly because to offer the cons of both the systems, the parts of both the system are required. You need net metering as well as batteries to fully enjoy your hybrid system.

Which System Should You Choose?

It depends mainly upon your choice, if you are fine with only net metering and UPS backup then a grid-tie solar system is perfect. If you are looking for a more reliable and robust setup and lesser bill then hybrid system is the best choice. However, you need to invest carefully because the batteries and the inverters in a hybrid system both will need to be replaced in a time period of 8-12 years; thus you will need to invest double the money again. Comparatively, in a grid-tie system you will have to change the inverters only. Apart from that, you will also need a higher upfront cost to purchase all the equipment in a hybrid system. To get a more detailed analysis and recommendation, Get in Touch with a solar expert who can guide you in making a choice more beneficial for you.