What Are Hybrid Solar Inverters? Explore Types, Pros, Cons, and Price Details in 2025

Hybrid solar inverters are advanced inverters that work as a grid-tied solar inverter and a battery inverter/charger. They convert DC output from solar panels and batteries into AC for home appliances, charge the lithium battery bank when solar panels generate excess energy, export or limit export to the grid, and can keep essential devices running during a power outage by isolating them from the grid. 

In short, a hybrid solar inverter manages the flow of electricity among solar panels, battery, home loads, and the grid within a single inverter. It’s an intelligent device that can easily switch between multiple power modes (solar, battery, and the grid) to provide an uninterrupted power supply. 

Unlike grid-tied inverters that convert solar DC power to AC for immediate use, hybrid solar inverters can store excess energy in batteries for later consumption and provide backup power during outages.

The primary functions of hybrid solar inverters include: 

• • Converting direct current from solar panels into alternating current
  • Charging the lithium batteries
  • Grid synchronization
  • Automatic switching between solar, battery, and grid power

Most importantly, hybrid solar inverters can convert AC power into DC power to charge the batteries. Needless to say, if your solar system doesn’t generate enough power on some given day and the batteries require charging, a hybrid solar inverter can import AC power from the grid, convert it to DC power, and use it to charge the batteries. 

In this blog, we’ll explain what a hybrid solar inverter is, how it works, its types, functions, pros, and cons. We will also walk you through the hybrid solar inverter prices in India in 2025, help you understand whether hybrid solar inverters are better than on-grid solar inverters, and whether or not you should upgrade to hybrid inverters when installing on-grid rooftop solar panel systems for homes and housing societies.

TL;DR Summary Box: Is it Worth Getting a Hybrid Solar Inverter?

Getting a hybrid solar inverter can be worthwhile when you need battery backup, want to shift energy under time-of-use tariffs, or plan to add batteries later. In such cases, a hybrid inverter with a battery and backup wiring can keep essential devices running during outages and intelligently manage solar, battery, and grid power.  

However, if you live in areas with a reliable grid connection and are planning to install an on-grid solar system with no need for a battery storage system, investing in hybrid solar inverters is not required because a grid-tied solar inverter can be up to 1.5 times cheaper upfront than hybrid inverter systems with batteries. 

So, unless you live in areas with an extremely unreliable grid, sticking to usual on-grid inverters and on-grid rooftop solar systems for housing societies and homes offer a much better return on your investment. 

Here are the main topics covered in this blog in detail:

*Please note: The hybrid solar inverter prices listed above are indicative, and not fixed. The actual cost of hybrid solar inverters can significantly differ from the given range based on the power rating, brand, MPPT controllers, battery management capacity, warranty coverage, market conditions, model variations, your city, GST inclusion, and purchase agreements.

What is a Hybrid Solar Inverter?

A hybrid solar inverter is an all-in-one inverter that combines the functions of both a solar inverter and a battery inverter. It converts direct current (DC) from solar panels and, when needed, the battery bank into AC for the home, charges the battery when there’s surplus solar power, and uses the battery to keep the load running when solar energy is low. 

It also coordinates with the grid, exporting excess power if permitted or holding the export to zero if necessary.

Here are a few details you must keep in mind before you decide to upgrade to hybrid solar inverters:

• Backup requirement: These inverters will work during power outages only if a lithium battery is connected to the solar system and the essential loads circuit is wired. Otherwise, the inverter will shut down during a blackout for safety.
• Automatic switching: The hybrid solar inverter selects between solar, battery, and grid sources based on your settings, such as self-consumption, time-of-use shifting, export limiting, or backup.
• Battery inclusion: The inverter does not automatically include a battery. Instead, it manages a separate battery unless you buy an all-in-one storage product that bundles both.

How Does a Hybrid Solar Inverter Work?

A hybrid solar inverter monitors the energy produced by the solar system, energy demand at home, whether or not the battery is charged, and grid status. Then, it decides, moment by moment, where the power should come from and where any excess should go.

Let’s check out, step-by-step, how hybrid solar inverters work to ensure an uninterrupted power supply:

• Step 1 – It checks what’s available and what you need: The hybrid solar inverter continuously reads solar output, your home’s demand, the battery’s state of charge, and the grid’s status. If the grid is present, it synchronizes with it.
• Step 2 – It pulls the best output from the solar panels using MPPT technology: It uses the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm to find the operating point that lets the panels deliver the most usable power under current sunlight and temperature.
• Step 3 – It runs your home from solar first: The inverter converts the DC output from solar panels first into AC and powers your home. This is the default path whenever solar output is available. The inverter will never draw power from the batteries or the grid as the first option, unless you’ve made manual settings to do so. It will always use solar power first.
• Step 4 – If there’s extra energy, the inverter uses it to charge the battery first: When solar production exceeds your current load, the hybrid solar inverter charges the battery.
• Step 5 – If the battery is full or there’s no battery, the inverter handles the surplus: If export is allowed and your solar system is tied to the grid through net metering, the hybrid inverter sends the excess energy to the grid. However, if your discom doesn’t allow you to send extra solar back to the grid or only lets you send a small amount, the hybrid solar inverter watches the flow at your meter and limits its own output so nothing flows out to the grid.
• Step 6 – If solar energy isn’t enough, it covers the gap: When solar isn’t enough, the inverter checks the battery. If the battery is charged, the inverter converts the battery’s DC power to AC, providing an uninterrupted power supply. However, if the battery doesn’t have the required charge, the inverter draws power from the grid. Many hybrid solar inverters can also charge the battery from the grid during off-peak hours.
• Step 7 – If the grid fails, the inverter keeps the devices running: If the grid is down and you have a battery, the hybrid inverter continues to power essential appliances. It disconnects from the utility for safety and makes its own stable AC using solar and the battery. It powers only those appliances that you’ve put on the backup panel. 
• Step 8 – When grid power returns, it reconnects cleanly: After safety checks, the hybrid inverter resynchronizes with the grid and resumes normal operation, prioritizing the use of solar energy.
• Step 9 – It protects everything while it runs: The hybrid inverter continuously enforces voltage, current, and temperature limits, follows anti-islanding rules, and obeys the battery’s BMS to prevent over-charge or over-discharge.

What Are the Main Functions of a Hybrid Solar Inverter?

Hybrid solar inverters perform multiple functions, including converting the DC output from solar panels and batteries into AC to power appliances, charging the batteries, and synchronizing with the grid. 

Let’s check out all the main functions that hybrid solar inverters perform on a day-to-day basis:

• DC to AC conversion: These inverters convert DC output from the solar panels and the lithium batteries into alternating current (AC) power for immediate household use.
• Battery charging: Hybrid solar inverters feature built-in solar panel charge controllers, which safely charge batteries using the DC power generated by the solar panels. If needed, these inverters can also draw AC power from the grid, turn it to DC power, and use it to charge the batteries.  
• Grid synchronization: They match their output to the grid’s voltage and frequency so power can flow safely. If your discom allows it, they send extra solar to the grid. And if export is limited or not allowed, they hold export to that limit and disconnect during outages for safety. They only reconnect when the grid is stable.
• Automatic switching: These are intelligent devices that can seamlessly switch between solar, battery, and grid power sources. Unless you manually change the settings, a hybrid solar inverter will always prioritize using solar energy first, then drawing energy from the battery, and finally, resorting to grid power.
• Load management: These inverters help you use power wisely. You can set a battery reserve, pick which appliances are essential for backup, and schedule battery charging and discharging. Based on your settings, hybrid inverters will limit or shed non-essential appliances when demand is too high.
• Power quality regulation: These inverters keep the power clean and steady. It means they hold voltage and frequency within safe ranges, produce a smooth sine wave, and protect appliances and the battery from surges and overheating.
• System monitoring: This displays live data, including solar production, home usage, battery level, and grid import/export, on a screen or app. 

What Are the Different Operational Modes of Hybrid Solar Inverters?

Hybrid solar inverters are incredibly versatile, as they can switch between multiple modes, including grid-tied mode, hybrid mode, and backup mode, based on current energy requirements. 

Let’s check out all the operational modes of hybrid solar inverters in detail:

• Grid-tied mode: During the daytime, the inverter is in the grid-tied mode. Here, solar energy directly powers household appliances, while excess energy charges batteries or goes to the grid.
• Hybrid mode: In this mode, the inverter combines solar, battery, and grid power based on real-time demand and availability for optimal efficiency.
• Backup mode: The hybrid inverter automatically switches to battery power during grid outages so appliances can continue running without interruption.
• Battery charging mode: The inverter prioritizes battery charging from solar panels during peak sunshine hours for maximum storage.
• Night mode: In this mode, the hybrid solar inverter uses power from batteries to keep the appliances running when solar energy is unavailable, reducing grid dependency.

Hybrid Solar Inverter vs Normal Inverter

Normal inverters only use a battery and the grid, as they cannot work with solar panels or export power to the grid. On the other hand, hybrid solar inverters work in conjunction with solar panels, batteries, and the grid. They can power your home, charge the battery from solar or the grid, and, where allowed, send extra solar to the grid. 

Let’s find out all the differences between them in detail.

What is the Hybrid Solar Inverter Price in India in 2025?

The hybrid solar inverter price in India in 2025 can range between ~Rs. 81,000* for a 3 kW hybrid inverter to ~Rs. 93,000* for a 5 kW hybrid inverter. The higher the capacity of the inverter, the more expensive it is.

*Please note: The hybrid solar inverter prices listed above are indicative, and not fixed. The actual cost of hybrid solar inverters can significantly differ from the given range based on the power rating, brand, MPPT controllers, battery management capacity, warranty coverage, market conditions, model variations, your city, GST inclusion, and purchase agreements.

Here’s a simplified hybrid solar inverter price list table with estimated rates, based on standard market research: 

*Please note: The hybrid solar inverter prices listed above are indicative, and not fixed. The actual cost of hybrid solar inverters can significantly differ from the given range based on the power rating, brand, MPPT controllers, battery management capacity, warranty coverage, market conditions, model variations, your city, GST inclusion, and purchase agreements.

What Are the Different Types of Hybrid Inverters?

The five main types of hybrid solar inverters are inverter/charger hybrids for weak-grid or generator sites, inverter/charger with built-in solar charging for compact installs, grid-tie hybrids for net metering, multi-mode hybrids for fast backup, and off-grid-capable hybrids for full energy independence. 

Let’s understand what these types are and how they work:

• Inverter/charger hybrid solar inverters: These hybrid solar inverters work with a battery and an AC source (grid or generator). They charge the battery from the grid or a generator, and when demand spikes, they add battery power so a weak grid or small generator doesn’t trip. They usually need a separate solar charge controller to take power from panels and typically don’t export to the grid.
• Inverter/charger/solar charge integrated hybrid inverters: These inverters have built-in MPPT solar charge controllers so that solar panels can connect to them directly. The all-in-one design saves space and wiring. However, if one part fails in these inverters, the whole unit goes down. 
• Grid-tied hybrid solar inverters: These inverters connect to panels, batteries, and the grid, and can export surplus electricity to the grid if your discom allows. By default, they use solar first, then they charge or use the battery, and finally import/export power to and from the grid. Backup works only when a battery is installed and a backup circuit is wired.
• Multi-mode hybrid solar inverters: These inverters follow the grid in normal operation and form their own grid during outages. When the grid fails, they isolate safely and run the backup circuits from solar and the battery. Whole-home backup may need a transfer switch, and very heavy surge loads can be limited.
• Off-grid-capable hybrid solar inverters: They are built to run without any grid. They manage solar, batteries, and usually a generator for 24/7 operation. They don’t rely on grid export and need careful sizing of battery, solar, and generator to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

What Are the Advantages of a Hybrid Solar Inverter?

Hybrid solar inverters offer numerous benefits, including reduced electricity bills, energy independence, 24/7 solar energy utilization, and smart load management. 

Let’s check out all the advantages in detail:

• Energy independence: These inverters reduce grid dependency because they can intelligently switch between battery storage and solar power before using energy from the grid. 
• Backup power protection: They offer automatic switching to battery power during power outages. This ensures the devices that you’ve connected to the backup mode continue running without interruption. 
• 24/7 solar utilization: These inverters store excess daytime solar energy in batteries for nighttime use. As a result, you get maximum solar investment returns since your dependence on grid electricity is reduced substantially. 
• Lower electricity bills: Since hybrid inverters always prioritize using solar energy, they reduce reliance on grid electricity. This ultimately reduces your electricity bills. 
• Smart load management: These inverters are smart enough to prioritize critical appliances during battery operation to extend backup duration.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Hybrid Inverter?

The key disadvantages that still prevent hybrid solar inverters from going mainstream in on-grid rooftop solar systems for residential use include higher initial costs, battery replacement costs, space requirements, and longer ROI periods.

Let’s check out all the limitations in detail:

• Higher initial cost: Hybrid inverters with batteries can be up to 1.5 times more expensive than on-grid solar inverters. 
• Battery replacement costs: If you do install batteries, they require upkeep and replacement every 5-10 years. This increases the long-term maintenance cost.
• Space requirements: Battery banks require dedicated ventilated space, limiting installation options in smaller homes.
• Longer ROI period: Payback period for hybrid solar inverters extends substantially due to the added cost when compared to normal on-grid inverters.

Commercial rooftop systems and those for homes and housing societies that have a reliable grid don’t necessarily need to invest in buying battery storage. Hence, hybrid inverters are not the best option in such cases. They make more sense in areas where the grid supply is very unreliable. 

Which Inverter is Best, Hybrid or On-Grid?

Choosing between hybrid solar inverters and on-grid inverters depends on your energy needs, local grid reliability, and long-term goals. Understanding when each system works best helps make the right investment decision for your home.

Let’s decode just that!

When Should You Use a Hybrid Inverter?

Hybrid solar inverters are ideal when you require backup power due to an unreliable grid. These systems provide the best value in scenarios where grid reliability is a concern or energy independence is a priority.

Choose a hybrid solar inverter in the following cases:

• Frequent power outages: Your area experiences regular grid failures.
• High evening consumption: There’s significant electricity usage after sunset when solar panels aren’t generating power.
• Unreliable grid power: Your area has a poor grid quality with voltage fluctuations or extended outages.
• Future battery plans: You plan to add battery storage later.
• Critical load protection: You need uninterrupted power for medical equipment, home office, or security systems.
• Time-of-use billing: Your discom offers peak/off-peak rates, making energy storage a financially beneficial option.

When Should You Use an On-Grid Solar Inverter?

On-grid solar inverters are suitable for homeowners with stable grid power who primarily want to reduce their electricity bills. These systems offer faster return on investment with lower complexity and maintenance requirements.

Use on-grid solar inverters in the following cases:

• Stable grid power: You have a reliable utility supply with minimal outages or power quality issues.
• Daytime energy usage: Most electricity consumption occurs during solar generation hours.
• Faster ROI is a priority: On-grid solar systems with on-grid inverters have a payback period of just 3 to 5 years. 
• No backup needed: Your grid supply is consistent enough, ruling out the need for a separate battery storage, as the grid works like a battery basically. Excess power goes to the grid through the net meter. Whenever needed, the net meter can also import power from the grid. 

Here’s a simple head-on comparison between the cost of installing an on-grid solar system with an on-grid inverter in a city like Nagpur vs the mammoth savings this system can offer in 25 years of its life:

*Please note: The above-mentioned solar panel price is indicative as of 5th September 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The final cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar panel system at home depends on your DISCOM charges, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change. Additionally, while calculating savings, we have considered the annual tariff escalation at 3% and the annual degradation at 1%. The actual final savings from solar panel installation depend on the types of solar panels you’ve installed and their efficiency, intensity of sunlight your rooftop receives, orientation of the panels and tilt angle, the pollution level and weather conditions in your city, the temperature, shadow on the roof, impact of dirt/dust, and how well you maintain your panels after installation.

Want to check out how much money on-grid solar can save in your city? Use SolarSquare’s free solar power estimator. 

Conclusion 

Hybrid solar inverters are a worthy investment for those homeowners who live in areas with an unreliable grid and are looking for reliable solutions that can keep their household running uninterrupted. These advanced systems provide energy management by seamlessly switching between using solar energy, battery energy, and grid energy, based on the availability and demand. 

However, hybrid solar inverters are quite expensive and, with batteries, they can be up to 1.5 times more expensive than normal on-grid solar inverters. If you happen to live in areas with a reliable grid connection, investing in on-grid solar inverters offers the best ROI. For any further information, book a free solar consultation with SolarSquare today. 

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FAQs

Q1. Can a hybrid solar inverter work without a battery?

Ans. Yes, most modern hybrid solar inverters can work without batteries. In this case, they function just like standard grid-tie inverters. This capability of functioning battery-less makes hybrid solar inverters excellent for installations where homeowners with a highly unreliable grid connection start with solar panels and add battery storage later, when budget allows.

Q2. What is the life of a hybrid solar inverter?

Ans. A hybrid solar inverter can last between 10-15 years under normal operating conditions. However, actual life depends on build quality, environmental factors, and maintenance practices. Premium brands often provide longer lifespans because they use superior components and robust design engineering, but they’re also expensive.

Q3. Can a hybrid inverter work without solar panels?

Ans. Yes, hybrid solar inverters can work as battery backup systems (UPS) without solar panels. This mode converts the inverter into a grid-tied battery charger, providing uninterrupted power during outages.

Q4. Is earthing necessary for a hybrid inverter?

Ans. Yes, proper earthing is mandatory for hybrid solar inverters to ensure electrical safety and equipment protection. Inadequate earthing can lead to electrical shocks, equipment damage, and insurance claim denials.

Q5. Can a hybrid solar inverter charge a battery?

Ans. Yes, battery charging is a core function of hybrid solar inverters. It’s carried out with the help of an integrated Battery Management System (BMS) that optimizes charging cycles for maximum battery life and performance. The hybrid solar inverter manages charging from both solar panels and grid power based on availability and programmed preferences.

Q6. Can a hybrid grid-tie inverter help me go off-grid?

Ans. Hybrid grid-tied inverters are usually designed for grid-connected systems and cannot provide true off-grid capability without significant system modifications.While they offer substantial energy independence and backup power, complete grid disconnection requires specialized off-grid inverters and significantly larger battery banks that are specifically designed for off-grid solar systems.