Best Hybrid Inverters 2024
What is a hybrid inverter?
Hybrid inverters are essentially two inverters in one; they combine a solar inverter and a battery inverter into one simple unit. These advanced inverters use solar energy to power your home, charge a battery or send excess energy into the electricity grid. Most hybrid inverters can also provide emergency backup power during a blackout. Hybrid inverters for residential use are available from 3kW up to 15kW in single or 3-phase varieties with various intelligent control features. In this review, we list the top five hybrid inverters from some of the world’s leading manufacturers based on features, quality, compatibility and backup power capability.
Hybrid System Operating Modes Explained
Hybrid inverters, sometimes called multi-mode inverters, can operate in different modes depending on household power consumption and backup power requirements. Like regular string solar inverters, hybrid inverters convert solar DC power from strings of solar panels to AC (alternating current) power used to power your home. However, unlike solar inverters, excess solar energy is used to charge a connected battery system or exported to the electricity grid.
Basic hybrid system power flow diagram: Solar DC power is used to either charge the battery or converted to AC power and fed to the household or electricity grid.
Household loads first, grid export last.
Most hybrid inverters' default operating mode, or power flow direction, is from the solar panels directly to the household loads via the inverter. If the solar array generates more power than is being used, excess solar energy is diverted to charge the battery. Once the battery is full and if the loads are lower than the solar output, excess power is exported to the electricity grid. The reason for this order is very logical: to reduce grid electricity consumption and associated costs. However, most hybrid inverter software settings allow some flexibility in this power delivery and can also be adjusted to limit the export power to the electricity grid, which is a requirement by some grid operators. Battery time-of-use (TOU) settings are also available with some inverters to allow charge and discharge schedules to be pre-programmed so the battery use can be optimised to maximise savings.
Hybrid inverter operating modes in order of priority
Due to the sophisticated high-speed power electronics and clever software, hybrid inverters can transfer power in multiple directions simultaneously and switch between operating modes seamlessly. Here are the default modes in order of priority:
Solar Priority - Solar power is first used to power the household loads
Battery Priority - Solar power is used to charge the battery
Grid Priority - Excess solar is exported to the electricity grid
Backup mode – Off-grid or backup mode when the grid is disconnected.
Force charge mode – Off-peak or TOU battery charging (optional)
Backup power mode
If the electricity grid becomes unstable or there is a blackout, most hybrid inverters will automatically disconnect from the electricity grid, known as islanding, and provide instantaneous backup (UPS) power. The changeover time from grid-tie to backup or off-grid mode is typically less than 30 ms (0.03 seconds), depending on the inverter. Some hybrid inverters deliberately take 10 to 60 seconds to change to backup power. This may sound annoying, but it immediately indicates to the homeowner that there has been a grid outage so they can start to conserve battery power.
It is important to note that not all hybrid inverters are capable of continuous backup (off-grid) operation due to limited power output and restricted functionality during a blackout. More advanced off-grid inverters should be considered for locations with frequent, prolonged grid outages. We explain more about this in the section below: Can hybrid inverters be used for off-grid systems?
1. Sungrow SH-RS Hybrid inverters
Best hybrid inverter with integrated backup power (UPS)
Sungrow SH-RS series are our favourite hybrid inverters due to their numerous features, wide variety of sizes, high backup power rating, simple design and affordability. The SH-RS series is available from 3.0kW to 10kW and features 200% solar oversizing, a digital display, instantaneous backup power, and high efficiency. The smaller 3 to 6kW versions provide backup power with ten milliseconds (10ms) change over time and a peak power rating of 8400VA for 10 seconds. The larger 8 & 10kW single-phase inverters have continuous power ratings of 8 & 10kVA, with impressive peak (surge) backup power ratings of 13.6kVA, enabling backup of very large loads, including air-conditioning, water pumps, and other high-surge loads.
The SH-RS inverters have a wide MPPT voltage operating range from 40V to 560V, while the more powerful 8 &10KW units offer an impressive 4 MPPTs, enabling greater flexibility when designing solar arrays. The inverters are also equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, such as an IV curve scan, to identify faults or degradation issues in solar panels. A notable feature is the built-in PID recovery function, addressing potential induced degradation (PID) in panels, a feature typically only found in large-scale commercial and utility inverters.
Sungrow Battery Options
Sungrow’s SBR and new SBH high-voltage (HV) battery systems are the only battery compatible with the SH-RS inverters and are built using safe Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) cells. The SBR series uses compact 3.2kWh lithium modules connected with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 8 per stack, and up to 4 stacks can be combined to provide 100kWh of usable battery capacity. The peak power rating of the three modules is 6.57kW, and an impressive 17.5kW is achieved using a stack of eight modules. For larger systems, the new SBH series batteries have a 5kWh capacity with a much higher 3.5kW continuous output rating and a 5.0kW peak output. However, the minimum size is 4 modules, or 20kWh, making it less scalable at the smaller end. While the maximum capacity is an impressive 160kWh using 4 stacks of 8 modules in parallel.
See our detailed Sungrow Inverter Review
Pros
Hybrid inverter with instantaneous backup
Wide variety of sizes from 3 to 10kW
up to 200% solar oversizing
Wide solar MPPT operating voltage range
Clear digital display and Wifi included
Energy meter included
High backup surge power rating (up to 13.6kVA for 10 seconds)
Advanced diagnostic tools, including IV curve scan & PID recovery function
Great free software with remote configuration options
Cons
Only compatible with the Sungrow SBR & SBH (High-voltage) battery systems
2. Enphase IQ8 and 5P battery
Best microinverter hybrid system with UPS
Enphase's IQ8 range is the company’s eighth-generation microinverter and is packed with innovative features, including advanced grid-forming functions for backup and off-grid operation. With sizes ranging from 240VA to 380VA, they accommodate most panel types, from older 60-cell panels to the latest 500W+ panels in larger commercial installations. Unlike other microinverters, the IQ8 series can function as a rapid load-following inverter, seamlessly transitioning between on-grid and off-grid modes. Microinverters enhance solar performance by allowing each panel to operate at its maximum power point (MPP), overcoming any shading or performance issues of other panels in the array. Additionally, they enable flexible panel placement on complex roof layouts with varying orientations and tilt angles.
Enphase IQ8 system with 3 5P batteries and IQ System controller - System installed by Lakeside Electrical
The IQ system controller is the brains of Enphase's hybrid storage system, facilitating grid integration and providing seamless backup power during outages. It forms a home micro-grid and consolidates all necessary grid interconnection equipment into a compact enclosure. The controller is essential for integrating solar, storage, and backup generators to enable off-grid functionality. Each Enphase IQ Battery 5P offers 5kWh of usable storage and a continuous power delivery of 3.84 kW, with a peak output of 7.68 kW for 3 seconds. Additional storage capacity is easy using multiple batteries in parallel. The modular 5P battery system uses Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry to ensure the longest lifespan and minimises the risk of thermal runaway in case of accidents or failures.
See our detailed Enphase Review
Pros
Advanced grid-forming microinverters
Seamless transition between on-grid and off-grid modes
Basic backup power without a battery (during daylight hours)
Remote automatic updates for the latest grid requirements
Automatically detects grid outages and transitions to backup
Supports whole and partial home backup
Integration for compatible (AC) backup generators
Enables power prioritisation to critical loads during an outage (using IQ Load Controller).
Cons
Expensive
Requires the IQ combiner and IQ system controller for backup power.
3. Fronius GEN24 Plus Inverter
Best hybrid inverter based on quality and innovation
The Fronius GEN24 Plus hybrid inverter stands out from the crowd not only due to its unique retro styling but thanks to Fronius' reputation for performance and reliability. Despite the unusual design, the GEN24 conceals advanced features like active cooling, internal snap-fit connections, and a serviceable design for disassembly. Notably, it introduces the PV Point power function, offering up to 3000VA (2.4kW) of backup power during the day without a battery, powered directly by solar. The inverter's wide MPPT PV operating voltage range and high input current rating allow for short-string configurations in parallel. Its unique front-mounted fan contributes to a sophisticated thermal management system, enhancing performance and reliability.
The GEN24 inverters boast many installer-friendly features, including easy cover removal and convenient cable access facilitated by 180 locking screws and spring clip internal cable connections. This design eliminates the need for tools when connecting cables, making installation quicker and safer. Additional features include four digital inputs/outputs for smart home controls and load management. The inverter design enables neat-looking installations with rear access points and a large internal cable area. Moreover, its unique design allows for efficient inverter disassembly, facilitating servicing and the exchange of parts if needed, resulting in less waste and a longer lifespan.
See our detailed Fronius Inverter Review
Pros
PV point backup power without a battery (3kVA)
Wide MPPT voltage range - 65V to 530V
High MPPT input current - up to 22A for parallel strings.
Full backup power with battery (22A) + external contactor
Over-sizing solar arrays up to 150%
External relay control - Digital inputs/outputs
No tool, spring clip internal cable connections
Rear access and large internal cable area for neat installs
Easy inverter service and exchange of parts
Fast cover removal - access via 180 locking screws
Cons
External contactor (grid isolation) required for backup power
Backup power is not instantaneous (up to 60 sec delay)
Only compatible with BYD HV batteries
4. Tesla Powerwall 3
Best all-in-one hybrid system
Unlike the popular Powerwall 2 battery system, the new Tesla Powerwall 3 is an all-in-one hybrid system, integrating a solar inverter and battery into one compact unit. For those acquainted with the Powerwall+, which we previously listed in this review, the Powerwall 3 is essentially the same kind of all-in-one system but has been re-engineered with a much more powerful 11.5kW inverter and an increased 20kW solar capacity. The new Powerwall features an impressive six individual solar connections (6 x MPPTs), which marks a significant upgrade from the older Powerwall+ with 4 MPPTs. Moreover, the system is expandable with up to three optional 13.5kWh battery units, enabling a combined total of 54kWh.
One of the most notable features of the Powerwall 3 is its very high 11.5kW continuous power rating (on-grid) and impressive 185 Amp (LRA) peak surge power rating. This robust power capability is well-suited for modern all-electric homes with solar EV charging needs, offering whole-home backup power during blackouts. However, despite the very high 20kW solar capacity, a limitation lies in the battery charge power, which is limited to 5kW (AC), meaning charging a depleted battery takes approximately 2.5 hours.
The Powerwall 3 was initially only available in North America but is now for sale in Australia, the UK and Germany. Outside these regions, if a powerful solar hybrid system is needed, several other high-quality options are available in most countries, including Deye and Sungrow.
Read our detailed Tesla Powerwall 3 Review
Pros
Hybrid DC-coupled battery system with integrated solar inverter
11.5kW (AC) continuous power output
185 Amps peak power rating (LRA less than 1 sec)
20kW maximum solar input
6 x MPPTs for multiple strings in different orientations
13.5kWh capacity expandable up to 54 kWh with additional battery units.
Whole home backup or essential load backup options.
Cons
Requires the additional Gateway for backup power of selected (essential) circuits.
Additional battery capacity is only available in large 13.5kWh units.
5. Deye Sun-8K
Best hybrid inverter with off-grid functionality
Deye hybrid inverters, produced by Ningbo Deye Inverter Technology Co, have become popular for backup and off-grid applications due to their high power rating, dual AC inputs, and built-in backup generator controls. Unlike dedicated off-grid inverters, built around heavy-duty transformers, Deye hybrid inverters are transformerless, which means they are cheaper to produce but have a limited peak (surge) power rating. The maximum continuous power rating of the SUN-8K model is 8kW, and the peak power for off-grid use is listed as "2 times the rated power for 10 seconds", which is still good thanks to the large heatsink. See how it performs in the real-world Deye hybrid inverter review. Regarding solar functionality, Deye hybrid inverters have a lower maximum input voltage of 500V (Voc), meaning the number of panels in a string is slightly limited. However, the maximum solar input power is listed at 10.4kW, allowing for the connection of a large solar array, and the input current rating is very good at 26A per MPPT with a very High Isc of 39A, meaning parallel strings are no problem. The unit features a large, clear, colour touch-screen display, which is great for monitoring and programming, although the user interface can be confusing.
Deye hybrid inverters have become increasingly popular, with numerous companies rebranding and customizing them for local markets. In the UK and South Africa, SunSynk branded Deye inverters share identical hardware but feature improved operating software. Sol-Ark is the primary distributor in North America, adapting Deye inverters to meet the United States' unique split-phase power requirements. In Australia, Deye inverters have recently been introduced under the well-known Noark brand.
Pros:
Good construction & build quality with an oversized heatsink.
High surge rating - up to 16kW peak
Dual AC inputs (Grid & Generator)
Autostart backup generator controls
Large clear touch-screen colour display
Compatible with a large variety of 48V batteries
High PV input current per MPPT 39A Isc (19.5A x 2)
Adjustable battery time-of-use (TOU) settings and priority modes
Cons:
The user interface and Solarman App can be difficult and confusing to use
Remote monitoring can be unreliable
Can hybrid inverters be used for off-grid systems?
When dealing with frequent blackouts and concerns about grid reliability, choosing a hybrid inverter with continuous off-grid capabilities becomes crucial. It's important to note that not all hybrid inverters are capable of indefinite off-grid operation. Some hybrid inverters have restricted functionality during a blackout and cannot utilise solar power in backup mode. Instead, they rely solely on the energy stored in the batteries, which means the system can only run for a limited time before shutting down. In addition, some hybrid inverters, such as the Sungrow SH-RS, can pass through additional power directly from the grid if the load is very high. This pass-through power capability can enable the system to power an entire (efficient) home without separating essential and non-essential loads.
In general, most hybrid inverters are not suitable for providing continuous power to an off-grid home. This is primarily due to their limited surge power rating and inability to manage and control backup power sources like generators effectively. Most hybrid inverters also have limited pass-through power capability, so only essential loads like lighting and backup appliances can be powered in backup mode. Whole house backup generally requires a more powerful hybrid/off-grid inverter. However, a few exceptions exist, such as the Deye (Sunsync & Noark) range of all-in-one hybrid inverters, which are available under the Sol-Ark brand in North America. Learn more about Deye inverters in our best off-grid inverters review.
Hybrid inverters and battery compatibility
A huge variety of battery systems are now available in different sizes, operating voltages and configurations. Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) batteries are now the industry standard due to their increased lifespan and improved safety. Until recently, the most common battery voltage was 48V for off-grid and hybrid systems. However, over recent years, high-voltage (HV) lithium batteries have become increasingly popular due to their slightly higher efficiency and higher power (charge/discharge) ratings. Due to the higher battery voltages ranging from 150 to 500V, they can also deliver the same power using much smaller gauge cables, making HV systems cheaper and easier to install.
Low Voltage (48V) – 45V to 60V battery systems (High current)
High Voltage (HV) – 150V to 500V battery systems (Low current)
Like off-grid inverters, hybrid inverters must be used with the correct battery; they are not compatible with both low-voltage (48V) or high-voltage (HV) batteries. Due to the higher complexity, most high-voltage hybrid inverters can only work with one type of HV battery, which is often the same brand as the inverter. However, HV batteries generally offer more continuous and peak power per kWh, which is useful if a high backup load power is needed.
In comparison, most 48V hybrid inverters are compatible with a wide variety of (48V) battery systems, enabling more flexibility and options when designing a system. There are currently dozens of high-quality 48V rack-mount battery systems available from many reputable manufacturers, such as Powerplus Energy, Simpliphi, Pylontech, and Discover Energy. Other advantages of low-voltage (48V) battery systems include increased safety, reduced arcing risk, increased scalability, and slightly lower cost.
Smart Controls – off-peak battery charging
As hybrid inverters and energy storage systems become more popular, owners are looking at smarter ways to maximise battery storage. Increasing power prices worldwide also drive owners to seek new ways to reduce energy costs. One of the most common ways of achieving this is via time-shifting or off-peak battery charging using cheaper off-peak electricity available in many regions.
Load Management
Load management is the ability of the hybrid inverter software to control and prioritize the distribution of electricity within your home via smart controls or smart appliances (IoT). With load management capabilities, the inverter can intelligently allocate power to different appliances and loads such as a smart EV charger based on your preferences or predefined settings. This helps optimise your energy usage by directing electricity to essential appliances during peak times, reducing the reliance on the grid, and ensuring critical loads are powered during outages.
Time-of-Use Optimization
Time-of-use (TOU) optimization is a feature that allows the inverter to adjust its operations based on the electricity rates from your utility company. This involves storing excess energy when electricity is cheaper and using stored energy during peak rate hours to reduce your electricity costs.
These intelligent capabilities can significantly impact your energy savings and the overall efficiency of your system. They enable you to better manage your energy consumption, reduce costs, and enhance energy independence. When evaluating a hybrid inverter, it's important to inquire about these capabilities and how they can be customized to suit your needs and preferences.
