Hybrid photovoltaic installations allow for maximum and efficient use of solar energy, as well as greater security in the event of grid interruption. The increasing number of photovoltaic installations speaks to the growth of the market for hybrid solutions. The Sofar Solar hybrid system meets the higher demands of Smart Home users and installers.

Photovoltaic installations support smart homeowners in ensuring energy security. With a PV system, maximum energy efficiency can be achieved while increasing the energy self-sufficiency of the building. Current smart home systems use a guaranteed power supply, based on a classic UPS (uninterruptible power supply) device with lead-acid batteries. The battery system allows for increased self-consumption from photovoltaics.

In addition, a generator is used depending on the size of the house's energy needs during power outages from the distribution network. This solution is cumbersome due to the large size of the equipment requiring additional space for installation, its high price and the need for constant, expensive operation.

The solution to hybrid power systems

Hybrid power systems for photovoltaic installations are an alternative. These consist of three-phase hybrid inverters with single unit capacities ranging from 5 kW to 20 kW and integrated, modular energy stores made up of LiFePO4 lithium cells with a nominal capacity of a single module of 2.5 kWh at a nominal voltage of 51.2 V.

The hybrid system combines the features of a grid-connected inverter (on-grid) and an off-grid battery inverter in the event of a power failure from the AC mains. Thanks to a switching circuit inside the inverter, switching takes place in less than 20 ms.

Hybrid systems = security

In the event of a power outage from the distribution grid, power is supplied from modern lithium batteries that are part of the hybrid inverter system, increasing the security of PV plant owners. The compact, modular design of both inverters and batteries makes it possible to replace classic back-up power supply solutions. This reduces the requirements for site selection for installation and the subsequent costs associated with operating a traditional UPS solution with battery and generator.

The hybrid system allows: