What is a hybrid solar power system?

Hybrid solar power systems offer the best of both worlds: You get the guaranteed (well, 99.9% of the time) electricity supply of the grid, with the ability to store your excess solar energy in a battery for use when the sun isn’t shining. You can also switch over to your own battery reserves if the grid goes down.

How much do solar panels cost?

On average, solar panels cost $16,000 to purchase and install. For a hybrid system, you also need to factor in the cost of the battery, which is about $8,000 on average. Although solar panels can last well beyond a decade, batteries generally need to be replaced every 10 years.

How much does a hybrid solar system cost?

As of 2023, the average cost of a comprehensive hybrid solar system is between $20,000 and $40,000. According to Next Earth Solar, for a fully-installed 6 kW system with monocrystalline solar panels and one rightly-sized lithium-ion battery you can expect to pay $30,000.

What should I consider when comparing hybrid solar panels?

Here's everything that you should keep in mind when you're comparing hybrid solar panels to typical grid connection or off-grid options. Hybrid solar systems are both grid-tied and storage-ready. Most solar system owners should choose a grid-tied solar system because it's typically the most cost-effective.

Can you get a tax credit if you install a hybrid solar system?

You can also receive a higher federal solar tax credit if you install a hybrid solar system — you can claim 30% of solar costs plus 30% of battery costs against your federal tax burden. In locations without a favorable net metering policy, a hybrid solar system can save you more money than a traditional solar installation.

Are hybrid solar panels reliable?

On the other hand, grid-tied electrical sources are not always the most reliable. By having a hybrid solar panel system in place, you can feel confident that you can still pull power from a battery when the rest of the grid is down. What Is a Hybrid Solar System?