What Are the Advantages of Hybrid AC coupled inverter？

By Contributing Author

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If your customer intends to maximize the return on their solar systems, they might prefer the advantages of a hybrid inverter-based PV battery system vs. an AC-coupled systems.

Hybrid inverters are designed to replace AC-coupled systems. If your customers are like most other customers in North America with very little energy demand during the day (particularly two to three hours before or after noon), then having a string inverter or a number of micro inverters may fail to achieve your customers’ goals. As the local utilities only allow customers to apply the credit toward future power consumption during the same hours or pay almost nothing (2¢~4¢ per kWh) to buy excessive electricity credit (true out) at the end of 12-month period, customers should be advised to store the electricity first into a battery and use it during peak hours. Adapting a hybrid inverter (or PCS) will help your customers achieve their goal to reduce energy cost most cost effectively.

If we examine the energy flow, an AC-coupled system can lose a significant amount of energy because of repetitive multi-stage conversions, even though most of these string inverters or micro inverters do have extremely high PV to AC conversion efficiency. The DC energy from solar system is first converting to AC, and then a bi-directional inverter often built into the AC-coupled ESS is used to rectify the energy back to DC. For many AC-coupled ESS designed with low voltage 48V battery banks, it will take an additional two stages of DC/DC conversion, which may lose as much as 4% of energy before the energy can be used to charge the battery.

Energy usage during the evening hours will reverse the previous path to meet demand on the home AC network. That is the reason why some ESS lose as much as 13% of the energy because of these repetitive conversions. Hybrid inverters on the other hand, particularly those designed with 400V battery banks, store energy directly from solar arrays and only convert DC energy to AC during the peak hours when demand appears. The energy flow will lose only one third of energy, compared to an AC-coupled system.

But many of us work from home these days, which means power consumption during the daylight hours increases significantly. While hybrid inverters are often equipped with sufficiently more PV capacity, you may choose to have a portion of solar energy converted to AC directly so that the demand can be met right away. The excessive energy will flow back to the battery or grid if local demand is smaller than the production. Here a hybrid inverter again prevails because energy desired to be used at night will be stored directly to the battery while AC-coupled PV generation systems can be used to meet extra demand. The string inverters or micro inverters employed by this AC coupled PV generation system can also be used to meet surging demand, such as AC, during full sun hours.

Given that we are quickly coming to the end of solar subsidy programs, such as Net Energy Metering (NEM), throughout the United States, rooftop top solar will be primarily used for self-sufficiency. Many people will soon own a fully electric vehicle and some will replace water heaters with a heat pump. While we may expect our utilities can upgrade the distribution network(s) to meet our rising demand of electric energy with just a little more money, adding a hybrid inverter and energy storage system will put our energy future in our own hands, likely at lower cost. If we can produce our own energy or buy energy at lower rate even when we sleep, maybe it is time for us to rely less on the utilities.

Andy Li is the CTO of POMCube Inc.

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Tags: AC coupling

A recent report found that homeowners in the United States who installed solar panels in 2020 saved an average of $2,000 per year on their electricity bills.

But before you decide to go solar, it's essential to understand the key differences between AC coupled and DC coupled systems. More so, it's also worth considering hybrid systems that combine the benefits of both systems. 

Hybrid systems use AC and DC coupled components to provide greater flexibility and efficiency in energy management. 

In this article, we'll dive into the pros and cons of each type of system and help you determine which one is the right choice for your home.

So, read on to discover how to make an informed decision and maximize your solar energy savings!

What is AC Coupled System?

It's a type of solar energy system that combines a battery-based inverter with an existing grid-tied solar inverter. The battery-based inverter converts the DC energy from the solar panels into AC energy that can be used to power the home or business.

The AC coupled system is connected to the electrical grid, which allows excess energy to be fed back into the grid for use by others.

One of the great things about AC coupled systems is that they can be added to existing solar energy systems with little modification. This makes them an excellent option for homeowners who have already invested in solar but want to add energy storage for greater independence and resilience.

AC Coupled System: On-Grid

Now, let's talk about AC coupled systems for grid-tied applications. These systems are especially well-suited for homeowners already connected to the electrical grid.

With a grid-tied AC coupled system, excess energy can be fed back into the grid, resulting in energy cost savings for the homeowner. And during a power outage, the system can even provide backup power, as long as there is a battery backup in place.

One of the best things about AC coupled systems for grid-tied applications is that they can be easily integrated with existing solar energy systems. If you've already installed solar panels, you can simply add a battery-based inverter to store excess energy for later use.

AC Coupled System: Off Grid

But what about AC coupled systems for off-grid applications? These systems are designed for homeowners not connected to the electrical grid. In an off-grid AC coupled system, the battery-based inverter is connected directly to the solar panels and the battery bank. The inverter converts the DC energy from the solar panels into AC energy that can be used to power the home.

Off-grid AC coupled systems are perfect for homeowners who live in remote areas or want to be completely independent of the electrical grid.

However, they do require a bit more planning and installation than grid-tied AC coupled systems.

What is DC Coupled System?

So, picture this: you've got solar panels on your roof, and you're ready to harness all that renewable energy. But wait, how do you actually use that energy to power your home? That's where a DC coupled system comes in.

Basically, a DC coupled system takes the direct current (DC) energy produced by your solar panels and converts it into usable alternating current (AC) energy for your home. The cool thing about DC coupled systems is that they use a single inverter to do this conversion, which makes them more efficient than AC coupled systems.

Now, let's talk about the two types of DC coupled systems: grid-tied and off-grid.

DC Coupled System: On-Grid

If you're already connected to the electrical grid, a grid-tied DC coupled system is the way to go. With this type of system, any excess energy you generate can be fed back into the grid, resulting in energy cost savings for you.

Plus, if there's a power outage, you'll have backup power as long as you have a battery backup in place.

DC Coupled System: Off Grid

On the other hand, if you're not connected to the grid and want to be completely self-sufficient, an off-grid DC coupled system is the way to go.

This type of system is connected directly to your solar panels and battery bank, and the inverter converts the DC energy into usable AC energy for your home.

With an off-grid system, you won't have to worry about power outages or utility bills, but you will need to make sure you have enough battery storage to meet your energy needs.

What Is The Difference Between DC Coupled and AC Coupled Systems?

Here is an all-inclusive concisely table summing up the key differences between DC Coupled and AC Coupled System:

Category

DC Coupled System

AC Coupled System

Components

Solar panels, DC inverter, charge controller, battery bank

Solar panels, DC inverter, charge controller, battery bank, AC inverter

Energy Conversion

Converts DC energy from solar panels directly into usable AC energy

Converts DC energy from solar panels into AC energy, stores it in batteries, and then converts it back into AC energy

Efficiency

More efficient due to a single inverter

Less efficient due to two-step conversion process and additional equipment

Cost

Typically less expensive due to fewer components

Typically more expensive due to additional components

Compatibility

Compatible with most types of solar panels and battery storage systems

Limited compatibility with certain types of solar panels and battery storage systems

Best For?

Suitable for those who have simple power needs, lower budgets, and fewer energy storage requirements

Suitable for those who have more complex power needs, higher budgets, and greater energy storage requirements

Installation

Easier and quicker installation process due to fewer components

More complex installation process due to additional components and wiring

Off-Grid Option

For more information, please visit Multi-mode AC coupled inverter.

Available as a standalone system or with the addition of a generator for backup power

Available as a standalone system with battery backup

Grid-Tied Option

Available with the addition of a grid-tied inverter

Standard option with the addition of an AC inverter

Battery Storage

Typically requires larger battery bank for energy storage

Smaller battery bank required due to ability to store energy in AC form

Longevity

Fewer components mean less wear and tear, which can result in a longer lifespan

More complex system design and additional components can lead to potential maintenance issues and a slightly shorter lifespan

Maintenance

Fewer components means less maintenance

Additional components can lead to more maintenance needs

Reliability

More reliable due to simpler system design

Slightly less reliable due to more complex system design

What is a Hybrid-Coupled Energy Storage System?

So you've heard about solar energy and storage systems, but have you ever heard of a hybrid-coupled energy storage system? It's a bit of a mouthful, I know, but let me break it down for you.

A hybrid-coupled energy storage system is essentially a combination of both DC-coupled and AC-coupled systems. It allows for more flexibility in terms of energy storage and usage, which makes it a great option for homeowners who have varying energy needs.

The system works by connecting both DC-coupled and AC-coupled elements to a single battery bank, which allows energy to be stored and used more efficiently. This means that you can customize your energy storage needs to fit your specific energy requirements, making it a great option for homeowners with changing energy needs over time.

There are many benefits to a hybrid-coupled energy storage system, including increased efficiency and reduced energy waste. Plus, with the help of monitoring software, you can keep track of your energy usage in real-time and make informed decisions about how and when to use your stored energy.

What Is the Difference Between AC Coupled and Hybrid?

AC-coupled systems are pretty straightforward. They convert the DC energy from your solar panels into AC energy using an inverter, and then store it in a battery bank for later use. These systems are a great option if you're already grid-tied and have a solar installation in place. Plus, they're more affordable than their hybrid counterparts.

But if you're off-grid or have limited access to reliable grid power, you might want to consider a hybrid system. These bad boys combine both DC-coupled and AC-coupled elements to create a more efficient and flexible energy storage solution. They're more expensive than AC-coupled systems, but they offer a ton of benefits.

One of the coolest things about hybrid systems is that they can provide backup power during a blackout. And since they're more efficient at using and storing energy, they can help you maximize your energy savings over time.

At the end of the day, choosing between AC-coupled and hybrid systems comes down to your specific energy needs and preferences. If you're not sure which one is right for you, don't worry! Just consult with a professional energy storage provider and they'll help you figure it out.

Is a Hybrid Inverter AC or DC Coupled?

The answer is that it can be both. A hybrid inverter can either be AC or DC coupled, depending on the specific needs of your energy system. Some hybrid inverters are designed to work with AC-coupled energy storage systems, while others are compatible with DC-coupled systems.

It all comes down to the specific components and configuration of your energy storage setup.

That being said, hybrid inverters are typically more expensive than their AC or DC counterparts due to their added functionality and versatility. But they can be a great investment if you're looking for a more flexible and efficient way to store and use solar energy.

Which Solar System is Right for You: AC, DC, or Hybrid?

Choosing the right solar system for your home can be a tough decision, especially when there are so many options available. AC, DC, and hybrid systems all have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider your specific energy needs and preferences before making a decision.

User Needs

AC Coupled

DC Coupled

Hybrid

Best for

Grid-tied homes

Off-grid homes

Off-grid homes or those seeking backup power

Installation

Relatively easy

More complex

More complex

Longevity

Average

Above average

Above average

Efficiency

Less efficient at storing energy

More efficient at storing energy

Most efficient at storing energy

Backup power

Not designed for backup power

Not designed for backup power

Designed for backup power

Cost

Most affordable

More expensive

Most expensive

Choosing the Right Solar Energy System — In Conclusion

To recap, we covered the differences between AC-coupled, DC-coupled, and hybrid systems, and which one might be best for you depending on your energy needs and preferences.

Remember, AC-coupled systems are more affordable and better suited for grid-tied homes, while hybrid systems are more expensive but offer greater flexibility and backup power for off-grid or unreliable grid locations.

But, of course, the decision can be tough, which is why it's important to consult with a professional energy storage provider to help guide you in the right direction.

Speaking of energy storage providers, let me tell you about Hisen Power.

Our company is dedicated to providing reliable and efficient energy storage systems for both residential and commercial use. With over 10 years of experience and top award-winning engineers from global top solar inverter and battery companies, we offer advanced technology and quality products.

Our main products include all-in-one energy storage systems and hybrid inverters specifically designed for residential use.

Our all-in-one energy storage systems are perfect for those who want an all-inclusive solution for their energy storage needs. And our hybrid inverters are currently available in single-phase and three-phase inverters to suit your specific requirements.

So, if you're looking for a reliable and efficient energy storage system for your home or business, Hisen Power is the perfect partner for you. Contact us today and let us help you choose the right solution for your energy needs.

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