Hybrid Inverter - LAN
A hybrid inverter combines solar panels, battery storage and the domestic mains supply in a single unit. It is the right choice if a system is planned with storage from the outset or is to be fitted with storage later on, without the need for a second device. The range includes units from 0.8 to 29.9 kW, single-phase and three-phase, from Growatt, Solplanet, SunGrow, EcoFlow, Huawei, Trina and Fronius.
Single-phase or three-phase
Single-phase units draw power from a single phase and cover a range of 0.8 to 6 kW. Three-phase units distribute the power across all three phases; they start at 3 kW and go up to 29.9 kW. They are suitable for larger roofs and for households where a heat pump or wallbox increases energy consumption. The overview shows which product families fall into which class:
| Power | Phases | Device families in the range |
|---|---|---|
| 0.8 kW | single-phase | Solplanet ASW0800/2500A-S |
| 3 to 6 kW | single-phase | SunGrow SH-RS, Huawei SUN2000-L1, Solplanet ASW H-S2, Growatt MIN XH |
| 3 to 10 kW | three-phase | Growatt MOD and SPH, Solplanet ASW H-T2 and H-T3, Trina TRH, Huawei SUN2000-M1, SunGrow SH-RT, Fronius Symo GEN24, EcoFlow PowerOcean |
| 11 to 15 kW | three-phase | Growatt MID and MOD HU, Solplanet ASW12kH-T3 and ASW15KH-TH, Huawei SUN2000-MB0, EcoFlow PowerOcean and Ocean 2 |
| 20 to 29.9 kW | three-phase | Growatt MID, Solplanet ASW KH-TH |
What to look for when choosing
Four values from the data sheet are key to the selection process. The rated AC power must match the module power; the data sheets specify a maximum module power, which, depending on the unit, ranges from 1.3 to just under 3 times the AC power. The permissible battery voltage and the list of approved storage systems determine which battery modules can be connected. The number of MPP trackers – that is, the separately controlled module inputs – ranges from one to four. This determines how many differently oriented module strings can be connected, for example on a roof with east- and west-facing sides. According to the data sheet, the European efficiency is usually between 97 and 98.5 per cent.
Which unit is suitable for which system
For a system with around 10 kWp s on a detached house, inverters with a power output of between 8 and 10 kW are suitable. According to the data sheet, the Solplanet ASW 10kH-T3 and the Growatt SPH 10000TL3 BH-UP can handle up to 15 kWp s of module power; both are also included in the complete PV kits. For large roofs with 20 to 30 kWp, the Growatt MID XH and the Solplanet ASW KH-TH are available with outputs of 20 to 29.9 kW; their data sheets specify module power ratings of 40 to just under 60 kWp. At the lower end of the range, the single-phase units from 3 to 6 kW are suitable for small roofs and carports. The Solplanet ASW0800/2500A-S, with an output of 800 W, is designed for systems the size of a balcony power plant.
Grid-tied, retrofitted or off-grid
The majority of the range operates in parallel with the grid: the battery stores the surplus, whilst the rest feeds into the grid. One special case is the Growatt SPA 6000TL3 BH-UP. It does not have its own module input and is connected to an existing system on the AC side to charge a battery with its surplus energy. This allows a system with a purely grid-tied inverter to be retrofitted.
In addition, there are off-grid hybrid units for systems without a grid connection, such as in a garden shed, workshop or holiday home: the Growatt SPF 3500 ES and the SPF 6000 ES Plus. They are rated to IP20 and must therefore be installed in a dry indoor location. Both are listed under Off-grid inverters.
Whether a unit continues to supply power during a mains failure is a specific feature and is stated in the data sheet. It requires an additional transfer switch in the meter cupboard.
Protection rating and warranty
Most units are protected in accordance with IP65 or IP66 and are therefore designed for installation on an external wall. The manufacturer’s warranty is generally ten years; for the EcoFlow units, it is fifteen years. Individual models have shorter warranty periods, such as the off-grid units with a two-year warranty; this information is specified for each unit.
The compatible batteries for the inverters can be found under Storage for Inverters, whilst ready-made combinations are listed under Storage-Inverter Sets. If you are looking for a complete system, you will find it under Complete PV Sets with Storage.
For photovoltaic systems and their essential components, no value added tax is charged where the conditions of Section 12 (3) of the German VAT Act (UStG) are met. You state during the ordering process whether they apply to you.
Frequently asked questions about hybrid inverters
What distinguishes a hybrid inverter from a grid-tied inverter?
A grid-tied inverter only converts the panel current for the domestic circuit and the grid. The hybrid inverter also has a battery connection and controls when the storage system is charged and discharged.
Can I retrofit the battery storage system later?
Yes, the hybrid inverter is designed for this purpose. The batteries it supports are listed in the storage section of its data sheet. For an existing system without a hybrid unit, there is the Growatt SPA, which is retrofitted on the AC side.
Do I need a single-phase or three-phase hybrid inverter?
That depends on the size of the system and the domestic connection. The single-phase units here go up to 6 kW, whilst the three-phase units start at 3 kW and go up to 29.9 kW. A qualified electrician will clarify with the distribution network operator which variant is permitted at your meter box.
What is the maximum module power?
The data sheet specifies a recommended maximum module power. For the units listed here, this ranges from 1.3 to just under 3 times the rated AC power, depending on the model; for a 10 kW unit from Solplanet or Growatt SPH, for example, this is approximately 15 kWp.
Will a hybrid inverter supply power to the house in the event of a power cut?
Only if the unit has an emergency power or backup power function and a changeover device is installed in the meter cupboard. Whether a model has this function is stated in the data sheet.
Who connects the inverter?
A qualified electrician carries out the connection. Before commissioning, the system is registered with the grid operator and entered into the market master data register.