Understanding Solar Inverters: On-Grid, Off-Grid and Hybrid - EPEVER

As solar energy adoption grows worldwide, choosing the right inverter becomes critical for maximizing system efficiency and long-term value. Whether you’re powering a city home or a remote cabin, the type of inverter you choose—on-grid or off-grid—determines how you generate, use, and store solar power. In this guide, we break down the key differences between on-grid and off-grid inverters and explore their benefits.

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On-grid inverters, also known as grid-tied inverters, are designed to operate with the public electricity grid. These inverters convert the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is used by most household and commercial appliances. One of the key features of on-grid systems is that they do not require energy storage (batteries). Instead, any excess electricity produced during the day is automatically fed back into the grid. In many regions, this allows system owners to earn credits or monetary compensation through net metering programs.

Additionally, when solar energy production is insufficient—such as during the night or cloudy days—the on-grid system seamlessly draws power from the utility grid to meet energy demand. These systems are typically equipped with safety features to shut down during power outages (anti-islanding), preventing backflow of electricity that could endanger utility workers.

Installing an on-grid inverter is generally simple for residential use. The process involves mounting the unit near the main panel, connecting it to the solar array and the grid, and setting up monitoring.
On-grid systems are also more cost-effective, typically costing 40–50% less than off-grid setups due to the lack of battery storage. However, they can’t supply power during outages, as they shut down automatically for safety.

EPEVER’s on-grid inverters are designed for quick installation and seamless integration with existing electrical systems, minimizing labor costs while maximizing system performance and reliability.

Off-grid inverters operate independently from the utility grid. They rely on solar panels and batteries to generate and store electricity, providing energy autonomy even in remote areas. DC power from panels is stored in batteries, then converted to AC as needed to power devices. These systems typically include charge controllers to manage battery charging and prevent overcharging or deep discharging.

The process follows these basic steps:

1. Solar panels generate DC electricity during daylight hours.
2. This electricity passes through a charge controller that manages battery charging.
3. The off-grid inverter draws electricity from the batteries, converting DC to AC for household use.
4. Excess energy is stored in batteries for use during nights or cloudy days.

Off-grid inverters must handle load changes and battery conditions while delivering stable power.
EPEVER’s models feature advanced battery management and built-in charge controllers, enhancing reliability and energy efficiency—especially in remote installations where consistency is critical.

Hybrid inverters combine the key features of both on-grid and off-grid systems, offering flexibility, energy independence, and enhanced control over solar energy usage. These inverters convert DC power from solar panels into AC for immediate use, while also storing surplus energy in batteries for later consumption. During the day, they power loads and charge batteries. At night or during outages, they draw power from batteries. If needed, they can also draw electricity from the grid or feed excess power back into it, depending on system configuration.

Example: Residential Off-Grid Cabin

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Imagine a cabin in a remote area without grid access. Daily energy needs include lights (200W), a fridge (150W), and a water pump (300W), used for about 5 hours daily. Total daily consumption: ~3 kWh. An off-grid system here would require:

Solar panel array producing 4- 5 kWh/day

Battery bank with at least 6 kWh capacity (for autonomy)

Inverter capacity: At least 1kW with 12V/24V support depending on battery configuration.

• For stable grid areas with net metering: On-grid inverter
• For remote locations with unreliable power: Off-grid inverter
• For flexibility and future-proofing: Hybrid inverter

Q1: What is the combination of both on-grid and off-grid system called?

A hybrid system. It combines the benefits of grid connection and battery storage.

Q2: Can off-grid inverters work with the grid?

No, off-grid inverters are not designed to connect with the grid. Attempting to do so can be unsafe and non-compliant.

Q3: What is net metering and how does it work?

Answer: Net metering allows solar energy users to send excess electricity back to the grid and receive credits on their utility bills. It helps offset electricity costs and is available in many regions with on-grid systems.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of solar on grid inverter. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.