What is the difference between solar system and hybrid solar system?

A solar system and a hybrid solar system have the following differences:

Energy Generation and Storage

System Function and Reliability

System Complexity and Cost

Energy Management and Flexibility

Energy Generation and Storage

1. Solar System: It mainly relies on solar panels to directly convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. For example, during the day, when sunlight shines on the solar panels, electrons in the semiconductor material of the panels are excited to generate direct current, which is then converted into alternating current by an inverter for use in households or other electrical equipment. However, it lacks an energy storage device, so any excess electricity generated during the day that is not immediately used is usually fed back into the grid (in the case of grid-tied systems) or wasted (in off-grid systems without proper storage).
2. Hybrid Solar System: In addition to solar panels for generating electricity, it is equipped with energy storage devices such as batteries. This allows the system to store excess electricity generated during the day for use during periods of low sunlight or power outages. For instance, in a hybrid solar system with lithium-ion batteries, when the solar panels produce more electricity than the current demand, the surplus is stored in the batteries for later use, ensuring a continuous power supply.

System Function and Reliability

1. Solar System: Its power generation is directly dependent on sunlight, so it can only generate electricity during daylight hours and under suitable weather conditions. At night or on cloudy, rainy days, the power generation capacity is significantly reduced or even zero, resulting in a lack of power supply during these periods. In grid-tied solar systems, when the solar power generation is insufficient, electricity needs to be drawn from the grid to meet the demand.
2. Hybrid Solar System: Thanks to the energy storage function, it can provide a more stable and reliable power supply. Even when there is no sunlight, such as at night or during consecutive cloudy days, the stored electricity in the batteries can be used to power the load, reducing the dependence on the grid and ensuring the normal operation of electrical equipment. This is particularly important for applications where uninterrupted power supply is required, such as hospitals, data centers, and some industrial facilities.

System Complexity and Cost

1. Solar System: Generally has a relatively simple structure, consisting mainly of solar panels, inverters, and support frames. The installation process is relatively straightforward, and the maintenance requirements are relatively low, mainly involving regular cleaning of the solar panels and inspection of the inverter's operation status. The initial investment cost is relatively low, mainly including the cost of purchasing and installing solar panels and inverters.
2. Hybrid Solar System: Due to the addition of energy storage devices and more complex control systems, its structure is more complex. The design, installation, and commissioning require higher technical expertise. The initial investment cost is higher than that of a simple solar system, as it includes not only the cost of solar panels and inverters but also the cost of batteries and hybrid inverters. Additionally, the maintenance of the energy storage system, such as battery management and monitoring, requires more attention and effort to ensure the performance and lifespan of the batteries.

Energy Management and Flexibility

1. Solar System: In a grid-tied solar system, the generated electricity is either used immediately, fed back into the grid, or stored in an external grid energy storage system (if available). The user has relatively limited control over the energy flow, and the system mainly operates in a passive mode according to the availability of sunlight and the grid connection status.
2. Hybrid Solar System: It offers more advanced energy management functions. Users can monitor and control the charging and discharging of the battery, as well as the flow of electricity between the solar panels, the battery, and the grid according to their own energy needs and electricity price fluctuations. For example, during peak electricity price periods, users can choose to use the stored electricity in the battery to reduce electricity costs. This provides greater flexibility in energy use and management, enabling users to better optimize their energy consumption and save on electricity bills.