A Solar Hybrid system, also known as a Hybrid Solar system, is a modern Solar Power system that is connected to an electricity grid as well as a battery bank. It therefore has the capability to produce energy from the sun and store some or all of that energy for use at a later period, typically at night or when there is no sunshine. This enables the system owner to maximize the use of the available solar energy from the solar panels, rather than relying on the National grid or a generator. The system combines several elements (Solar panels, a battery or batteries, and the grid) to produce and store energy to consistently power your home or business. Sophisticated solar hybrid systems are fully programmable and have an intelligent management system that balances battery levels, power usage and grid back up without any input from the system owner. For further information see our Product page.
An off-grid solar system, also known as a standalone solar power system, is a solar energy system that is completely separated from the electricity grid. Apart from solar panels, off-grid solar systems usually incorporate additional means of energy generation in the form of a diesel generator. Before the advent of grid connected solar power systems, standalone solar systems were commonly referred to as Solar Hybrid Systems, due to them having multiple sources of energy supply. A battery bank is always included in an off-grid solar system, in order to store and use excess solar energy for loads that are needed when there is insufficient sunlight. For further information see our Product page.
A Solar Hybrid System is connected to the electricity grid and uses energy from the grid to support the loads and charge the batteries, particularly during periods of inclement weather when the available solar energy is limited. Solar hybrid systems are able to provide power to some or all of the loads at night. An off-grid solar system has no grid connection however, so a diesel generator is usually installed to up the batteries when peradventure the battery level is below threshold. System components needed for an off-grid system are therefore more comprehensive and will generally cost more than a solar hybrid system, because there is no reliance on grid power. For further information see our Product page.
With the inclusion of the battery in a Solar Hybrid system, you have more control over what you can do with your available energy. For example, as you make energy from the solar panels, the solar hybrid system allows you to either store the energy in the battery or use the energy for your appliances, depending on how you wish to program the system, and the capabilities of that particular system. With some premium brands of solar hybrid technologies, the possibilities are endless.
A Solar Hybrid Power systems comprises the following main components: Solar panels – to convert energy from the sun into DC electricity. At least one solar charge controller – to convert the DC electricity from the solar panels into DC electricity to charge the battery or feed directly to power the inverter; A battery or battery bank – to store energy for later use. An inverter charger – to supply power to your loads from the battery, and to charge the battery from either the grid or generator, or a mixture of both (some inverter chargers can also provide the function of a charge controller as well).
Yes, and this is something that we specialize in. No matter what type of inverter you currently have, we can utilize all of the components of your existing system and convert it into a solar hybrid system of your liking by adding a battery bank and other additional componentry. However, some of the existing components may not be compatible with new technology.
Yes, this can be achieved if your system components have been sized correctly for this purpose. However, most all-in-one box systems generally have too small a battery and inverter to completely power a premises, so some grid power is required to make up the shortfall. Modular systems however, allow the system designer to scale up and add just about as much solar, inverter and battery capacity as desired, so yes, we are able to custom design a solar hybrid system to fully operate all of your loads, even during extended grid outage.
Yes, and we have helped some of our clients go off grid permanently. Much consideration is needed here however. Although many of our solar hybrid systems we design are capable of completely avoiding grid power during optimum weather conditions, we all know that Mother Nature can sometimes give us 10 or more consecutive rainy or cloudy days. Under such conditions, you will need either the grid or a diesel generator to top up the batteries and continue supplying power to your loads. From an economical viewpoint however, the cost of purchasing and running a diesel generator is far more expensive than simply continuing to pay for the grid connection that you may only use from time to time.
By generating your own energy through a solar panel system, you reduce the need to buy electricity from your power provider. Additionally, in times of complete blackout, the home would enjoy consistent power supply from the daily sunshine. These two factors work to drastically lower your household’s electricity bill. Solar units eliminate tons of greenhouse gas emissions a year, reducing your carbon footprint while improving the value and energy rating of your home.
Sunlight is a natural, clean energy resource, and Nigeria receiving well over 2,500 hours of sunlight each year, there’s a lot of free, sustainable energy to capitalize on. Once you have paid for the initial installment of your solar power system, the energy that is generated is absolutely free.
The amount of roof space required will vary depending on the size of the system you wish to install. The system is modular, which means the panels can be arranged in the best way for the roof.
Solar PV systems produce electricity when they are exposed to sunlight. This electricity is used by connected appliances and also stored inside the battery (energy storage). Then at night, the energy flows from the storage system to the appliances.
Installation will depend on the size of the solar power system being installed but typically takes anywhere between 2 to 5 days for residential installations.
For optimum results, a solar power system should be installed on a south facing roof. It is possible to install on east and west-facing sides of a roof, if space permits, but you won’t get the same results as a south facing installation.
Solar power systems can be installed even in the presence of a tilt roof. A mounting system can be installed to angle the panels in the right direction so they collect the maximum amount of energy from the sun’s rays.
Increasing the size of your solar PV system depends on two factors: the available space on your roof and additional capacity in your charge controller. If there is sufficient space free for both, then you can increase the size of your system. If the capacity of your charge controller has been reached, you could consider adding a second one.