Advantages and Disadvantages of a Hybrid Grid Solar System on the Sunshine Coast
A hybrid grid solar system aims to maximise the benefits of solar energy with battery storage while keeping you connected to the grid. This ensures you always have secure access to power. At Logic Solar, we specialise in a hybrid solar system Sunshine Coast homes and businesses can rely on to meet their energy needs. Below, we look at some of the pros and cons to help you decide where an on grid solar system is right for you.
Advantage: Continuous Power Supply
When you’re completely off-grid, you have to rely on only your battery storage to maintain your energy usage when your solar panels aren't generating power. A hybrid solar system, on other hand, can draw power from either the battery or the grid, ensuring you have a continuous supply.
A standard on grid solar system that doesn't include battery storage shuts down when there is a blackout or grid failure. This is to protect any workers making repairs to lines outside your home from currents entering the grid from your solar system. A well-designed hybrid solar system can disconnect from the grid during a power outage, powering your home using the battery.
Advantage: Maximise Savings on Energy Bills
With a traditional solar system, excess energy simply goes back into the grid. While you get credits, you only get back half or less of what you would pay the utility company for the same power. By having a solar battery as part of your hybrid grid system, you can instead store and use that excess power. THis makes it possible to get your energy bills as small as possible.
Advantage: Avoid Export Limits
Some electricity networks can impose restrictions on the size of traditional solar systems homeowners can have. This is due to concerns that their grid can get overwhelmed by the additional electricity larger solar systems provide. In some places, you can even be charged a solar export fee. Fortunately, the Queensland state government has rejected the solar export fee, describing it as a ‘solar tax. With a hybrid system, you can avoid any limitations and potential fees with a solar battery that stores excess power you can use.
Disadvantage: Large Upfront Costs
While the cost of solar panels has drastically reduced over time, solar batteries remain a relatively new technology. As a result, the upfront costs can be high for a hybrid solar system. It can take up to 9 years before the cost savings pay off the initial investment.
These systems are designed to last well over that time, however. With additional savings and packages available, there is no doubt that you will eventually benefit from savings while enjoying a more sustainable, self-reliant source of energy.
Get a Quote on a Hybrid Grid Solar System
For a hybrid solar system Sunshine Coast homes and businesses can rely on for quality, reach out to Logic Solar. Get a quote today or find out more by calling 1300 068 468 or contact us online.