Hybrid Solar
Solar with battery storage for backup power and round-the-clock supply.
What this actually is
A hybrid system adds a battery and a hybrid inverter to the solar array, so the same roof that cuts your bill also keeps the lights on when KSEB supply drops. Solar charges the battery first, surplus goes to the grid, and during an outage the battery takes over automatically. It costs meaningfully more than on-grid, and for many properties it is worth it.
How the job runs
- 1
Backup audit
We work out what actually needs to stay running through a cut — typically lights, fans, router, fridge and a few sockets — because sizing a battery for the whole house including air conditioning gets expensive very quickly.
- 2
Sizing solar and storage together
Panel capacity is sized against your bill, and battery capacity against how long you need to ride through an outage. These are two separate calculations and getting either wrong is what leaves people disappointed.
- 3
Installation and changeover
Backed-up circuits are separated onto their own distribution board so the battery only supports what it was sized for. The hybrid inverter handles the changeover automatically, fast enough that you generally do not notice it.
- 4
Commissioning and monitoring
We test a live outage, confirm the changeover, set charging priorities, and hand over monitoring that shows generation, battery state of charge and grid usage in one place.
What's included
- Backup load audit and battery sizing
- Hybrid inverter, battery and solar array
- Separate backed-up distribution board
- Net-metering and subsidy paperwork
- Live outage test at commissioning
- Monitoring for generation and battery state
Best suited to
- Areas with frequent or long power cuts
- Homes with medical equipment or work-from-home dependencies
- Shops and clinics that cannot afford downtime
- Owners who want both bill savings and backup from one system
The choices worth understanding
Lithium or lead-acid
Lithium batteries cost more upfront but last far longer, tolerate deeper discharge and need no maintenance. Lead-acid is cheaper to buy and still has a place where budget is the binding constraint and outages are occasional.
Partial or whole-home backup
Backing up essential circuits is the sensible default and keeps the battery affordable. Whole-home backup including air conditioning is possible, but the battery and inverter both step up in size and cost.
Retrofit to existing solar
If you already have an on-grid system, a hybrid inverter and battery can often be added rather than starting over. We assess whether your existing array and inverter can be carried across.
Straight answers
How much more does hybrid cost than on-grid?
Expect a significant premium for the same panel capacity — commonly in the region of 40 to 60 per cent more — almost all of it the battery and the hybrid inverter. Whether that is worth paying depends on how often your supply actually fails.
How long will the battery run my house?
That depends entirely on what you back up. A battery sized for lights, fans, router and a fridge will typically carry a home through a normal evening outage comfortably. Add air conditioning and the same battery empties in a fraction of the time.
Can I still claim subsidy and net metering?
Yes, hybrid systems can be grid-connected and net-metered like any other rooftop system. Subsidy eligibility follows the current scheme rules for residential rooftop capacity, which we confirm with you before installation.
How long do the batteries last?
A quality lithium battery is generally rated for several thousand charge cycles, which for typical daily use translates into many years of service. Lead-acid needs replacing considerably sooner, which is worth factoring into the comparison.