Written by Solar Energy Advisors at Kondaas
Reviewed by Solar Installation Specialist – Over 8 years of expertise in residential and commercial hybrid systems
What is a Hybrid Solar System?
A hybrid solar system is an advanced energy solution that combines solar panels with battery storage and grid connectivity. Unlike traditional on-grid systems, a hybrid solar setup ensures uninterrupted electricity even during power cuts. It smartly switches between solar power, battery storage, and the grid—offering the best of all worlds.
Whether you live in areas prone to outages or want to cut down your energy bills, a hybrid system is an efficient, flexible, and future-ready choice for sustainable power.
How Does a Hybrid Solar System Work?
Hybrid solar systems use a combination of smart components that work in harmony:
- Solar Panels: Capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC).
- Hybrid Inverter: Converts DC into alternating current (AC) for household use, while also managing battery charging and syncing with the grid.
- Battery Storage: Stores unused solar energy to be used during nighttime or outages.
- Grid Connection: Provides backup when solar and battery are insufficient and also allows exporting excess power.
At its core, a hybrid solar system offers solar power during the day, battery support at night, and grid connectivity as fallback—creating a seamless energy flow 24/7.
Hybrid vs On-grid vs Off-grid Solar Systems
| Feature | Hybrid | On-grid | Off-grid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Storage | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Grid Connectivity | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Backup During Power Cuts | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Net Metering | ✅ Possible | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Ideal For | Homes needing reliability & savings | Urban homes with reliable grid | Remote locations without grid |
Components of a Hybrid Solar System (Powered by Kondaas)
Your hybrid setup comprises carefully engineered parts, each playing a critical role:
- Solar Panels – High-performance mono and polycrystalline panels
- Kondaas Hybrid Inverter – Manages power conversion, grid sync, and battery charging
- Lithium-ion Batteries – Long-life, deep-cycle storage, optimized for solar backup
- Energy Monitoring System – Real-time control via app and dashboard
Types of Hybrid Solar Panels
Choosing the right solar panel type determines the performance and ROI of your system. Here are four major options:
Monocrystalline Hybrid Solar Panels
- High efficiency (up to 24%)
- Space-saving and long-lasting
- Ideal for urban rooftops
Polycrystalline Hybrid Solar Panels
- Cost-effective
- Slightly lower efficiency than mono
- Great for large installations with ample space
Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV)
- Integrated into roofs or facades
- Aesthetic, but less efficient
- Best for modern architectural designs
Thin Film Solar Panels
- Lightweight and flexible
- Good in low-light conditions
- Suitable for specialty projects
Benefits of Hybrid Solar Systems
Eco-Friendly: Reduce carbon emissions and increase your home’s green footprint.
Uninterrupted Power Supply: Battery storage keeps lights on during outages.
Maximum Energy Utilization: Store excess energy instead of wasting or under-crediting through net metering.
Bill Reduction: Drastically lower grid usage and enjoy year-round savings.
Scalable Design: Add batteries or expand panels as needed.
Hybrid Solar Installation Process
Step-by-Step:
- Site Audit & Load Assessment
- System Design & Panel Selection
- Inverter & Battery Setup
- Panel Installation & Wiring
- Grid Sync & Configuration
- Monitoring Setup & Final Testing
Kondaas offers end-to-end support, from assessment to after-install service.
Cost of Hybrid Solar Systems in India (2025 Update)
Prices vary based on system size, battery capacity, and brand. As a reference:
- 3kW system with battery: ₹2.5 to ₹3.2 lakhs
- 5kW system: ₹4 to ₹5.5 lakhs
- 10kW system: ₹7.5 to ₹10 lakhs
MNRE Subsidy in Kerala
The MNRE subsidy in Kerala encourages residential and institutional solar adoption by offering up to 40% subsidy for systems under 3kW and 20% for larger systems.
Residents can apply via Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) or empanelled vendors like Kondaas. The process involves vendor registration, system sizing, documentation, and subsidy claim.
Explore our detailed subsidy guide for Kerala
Is Hybrid Solar Right for Kerala Homes?
Absolutely. Kerala’s monsoon-prone climate and frequent power cuts make hybrid systems highly relevant. With net metering policies and government support, investing in a Kondaas hybrid system provides:
- Energy security during blackouts
- Savings despite overcast weather
- Low-maintenance lithium battery solutions
Also read- is stabilizer required for inverter ac
FAQs
What is the concept of a hybrid solar system?
A hybrid solar system combines solar panels, battery storage, and grid connection to ensure 24/7 power supply, even during outages.
Which is better, hybrid or on-grid solar system?
Hybrid systems offer backup during power cuts, while on-grid systems are more cost-effective if grid power is stable. The better choice depends on your energy needs and location.
Can I convert on-grid solar to hybrid?
Yes, you can upgrade by adding a hybrid inverter and battery to your existing on-grid system for added backup and storage.
How many solar panels to charge a hybrid?
It depends on your power usage and system size. A 5kW hybrid system typically needs 10–12 solar panels.
Can I run AC on a hybrid solar system?
Yes, hybrid solar panel systems can run ACs if sized correctly with enough battery backup and panel capacity.
Can hybrid solar run without a battery?
Some hybrid inverters support running without batteries by using solar and grid power, but you’ll lose backup capability.