Grid-tied or hybrid solar system: how to choose
The difference between grid-tied and hybrid solar systems, the cost difference, when a battery is justified and what can run during an outage.
Author: LA Solar Armenia engineering team · Last updated: · Read time 5 min
Short answer. If your goal is a lower electricity bill and your grid is stable, choose a grid-tied system: it is cheaper and pays back faster. If outages are frequent in your area, or uninterrupted operation of certain equipment is critical, choose a hybrid system with a battery.
The core difference
| Grid-tied | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | No | Yes |
| During an outage | Shuts down for safety | Powers selected circuits |
| Investment | Minimal | + battery and hybrid inverter |
| Main goal | Savings | Savings + backup |
Why a grid-tied system shuts down during an outage
A grid-tied inverter synchronises with the grid. When the grid disappears, it must shut down by safety rules so that it does not energise a line that electricians may be working on. This is not a fault; it is a standard requirement.
When a battery is justified
- Outages happen more than a few times a year and last for hours.
- You have equipment whose stoppage is a loss: refrigerator, pump, server, POS system, CCTV.
- You want to use daytime production in the evening (especially under net billing).
What a battery will not do
A battery will not run the whole house indefinitely. A 10 kW system is typically paired with 5–20 kWh of storage, and the design defines which circuits are backed up. Electric water heaters or electric heating are usually not included in backup circuits.
Can I start grid-tied and add a battery later?
Yes. If a hybrid inverter is installed from the start, a battery can be added later. If a grid-tied inverter is installed, it will need to be replaced or a separate battery inverter added. Decide this at the design stage.
Not sure? Send us your consumption data and how often outages occur, and our engineers will calculate both options.