Best Hybrid Inverters 2025
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 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 is a very popular (single-phase) hybrid inverter due to its numerous features, wide variety of sizes, high pass-through 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 reasonable peak (surge) backup power ratings of 13.6kVA, enabling backup of 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 3 or 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 four modules, or 20kWh, making it less scalable at the smaller end. While the maximum capacity is an impressive 160kWh using four 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
✔ 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. Sigenergy Sigenstor
Best hybrid system based on features and innovation
The Sigenergy SigenStor system is a cutting-edge energy storage solution that has rapidly gained popularity and recently become one of the most sought-after systems in Australia, the UK, and Europe. With its impressive feature set, including vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional EV charging, it stands out as one of the most innovative products to hit the market in recent years. Notably, Sigenergy is the first company to release a fully integrated hybrid system that combines solar, battery storage, and bidirectional EV charging into a single unit.
At its core is the hybrid inverter, available in single-phase and three-phase models ranging from 5kW to 25kW. All inverters support 200% solar oversizing. The smaller 5kW and 6kW models come equipped with two MPPTs, enabling two separate solar panel strings, while the larger 8kW and 10kW single-phase models feature three or four MPPTs, offering greater flexibility for system design.
The battery modules, available in 5kWh and 8kWh capacities, can be stacked to provide a maximum storage capacity of 48kWh when using the larger 8kWh units. These modules operate in parallel, not series like most other high-voltage systems, enabling each battery to be managed independently and avoiding issues with mixing new and old batteries when adding extra capacity.
The additional Gateway Backup Box is required to enable backup power and provide uninterrupted power supply (UPS) functionality. It also features smart load connections to manage power consumption on specific circuits like hot water systems. The Gateway also enables the system to operate as a stand-alone (off-grid) power system by enabling the connection of a backup generator.
Bidirectional EV charging
The most exciting feature is the optional bidirectional EV charger, available in 12.5kW single-phase and 25kW three-phase models. Unlike traditional AC chargers, the SigenStor system is directly connected to the DC power bus, enabling direct DC EV charging from solar. This eliminates the limitations imposed by a vehicle’s onboard AC charger and allows for more efficient energy transfer. Due to most countries and EVs still not approving Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) connections, the bidirectional EV charger functionality is limited to Vehicle-to-home (V2H) usage, enabling EV battery power to power your home if required.
Pros:
✔ Fully integrated system combining solar, battery storage, and bidirectional EV charging in a single unit.
✔ 200% solar oversizing capability and up to 4 MPPTs to optimise solar generation.
✔ Modular battery design allows for flexible expansion up to 48kWh.
✔ DC power bus enables direct solar-to-EV charging, eliminating the limitations of AC charging.
✔ DC-DC optimizer allows mixed battery configurations, supporting different capacities and SOH/SOC.
✔ Advanced safety features, including temperature management, fire suppression, and insulation protection.
✔ Off-grid and UPS functionality for uninterrupted backup power when paired with the Gateway Backup Box.
Cons:
❌ Limited Installation location — the system must be installed close to the EV parking location due to charging cable length restrictions.
❌ Backup power requires the additional Gateway Backup Box.
3. EG4 FlexBOSS21 Hybrid Inverter
Best split-phase hybrid inverter - North America
EG4 Electronics has gained a strong reputation in the North American market for providing reliable and cost-effective energy storage solutions, particularly for off-grid and hybrid solar power systems. Catering primarily to the U.S. market, EG4 offers a range of lithium battery and inverter options designed for residential and small commercial solar installations.
One of the standout products in EG4’s hybrid inverter lineup is the Flexboss21, a powerful 48V split-phase model that builds upon the widely used 18K Hybrid Inverter. The Flexboss21 hybrid inverter/charger offers a substantial 16kW of continuous output power with PV & battery, peak output of 24kW, and up to 12kW continuous output using battery alone, making it one of the most powerful residential all-in-one hybrid inverters. The company claims it is powerful enough to start a 5-ton AC unit with its peak power rating of 18kW (1 sec), or LRA rating of 24kW (less than 0.5 sec).
A key improvement in the Flexboss21 is its enhanced MPPT charge controller, which supports an increased maximum MPPT current handling capability (26A per string on 2 of the 3 MPPTs), enabling parallel strings and increased solar capacity. Like the 18K, the Flexboss21 supports both grid-tied and off-grid operation, with seamless transfer switching between battery, grid, and solar inputs. The unit is capable of 200A pass-through current, allowing it to manage large loads without external transfer switches. Additionally, the inverter is UL 1741 and IEEE 1547 compliant, ensuring it meets North American safety and interconnection standards for grid-tied operation.
Download the EG4 FlexBOSS21 Datasheet.
Pros:
✔ High continuous power output (16kW) with 24kW peak capacity.
✔ High MPPT input current rating of up to 26A (31A Isc).
✔ Connect up to 21kW of solar via three MPPT trackers.
✔ 200A pass-through capability for large load management.
✔ Backup, UPS and Off-grid operation.
✔ Seamless transition between grid, battery, and solar power.
✔ UL 1741 and IEEE 1547 compliance for grid-tied applications.
✔ Wi-Fi and RS485 remote monitoring integration.
Cons:
❌ Only available in North America (not an international product).
❌ Solar MPPT voltage range reduced to 440V (as opposed to 500V on the 18K model).
4. 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.
5. 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.
See 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.
6. 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.
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 (on specific models). 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 been introduced under the well-known Noark brand.
See how it performs in our real-world Deye hybrid inverter review.
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 designed for 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. Some more advanced hybrid systems, including FranklinWH and Deye Hybrid inverters, contain dual AC inputs, enabling the Grid and a backup AC source, such as a generator, to be connected and managed.
However, 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 effectively manage and control backup power sources like generators. Hybrid inverters generally also have limited pass-through power capability, so only essential loads like lighting and backup appliances can be powered in backup mode. 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.
Whole house backup generally requires a more powerful hybrid/off-grid inverter. However, a few exceptions exist, such as the Sol-Ark 15K, EG4 18K, and the Deye (Sunsync & Noark) range of all-in-one hybrid inverters. 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.
