Hybrid inverters(28)

A hybrid inverter is a versatile solution for those who want to reduce their electricity bills and maintain a power supply during a mains outage. The device operates simultaneously with solar panels, batteries and the mains supply. The Altek catalogue features single-phase and three-phase hybrid inverters with capacities ranging from 3.6 to 8 kW, complete with an official warranty and delivery throughout Ukraine.

Hybrid inverter: maximum efficiency

If your aim is to save on electricity and avoid being affected by power cuts, hybrid inverters are the best option. The system works with solar panels, batteries and the mains supply simultaneously, automatically distributing the load – which is particularly important in the Ukrainian context, as power cuts have become a problem for millions of households. A hybrid solution allows you to store solar energy in batteries and use it during a power cut without losing power.

Hybrid solar inverter: how it works

The operating principle of a hybrid solar inverter is based on three energy sources. The device simultaneously monitors the output of the panels, the battery charge level and the status of the external grid, and selects the optimal combination at any given moment. Here is the basic operating algorithm:

• solar energy covers current consumption;
• surplus energy charges the battery bank;
• when there is insufficient sunlight, the batteries are activated;
• if the batteries are flat, the system draws power from the mains;
• if a licence is held, surplus energy is fed into the grid at the green tariff rate.

The system switches between modes automatically without any interruption in power supply. This is the key difference between a hybrid system and a stand-alone inverter. The built-in MPPT controller continuously tracks the panels’ maximum power point, increasing output by 20–30% compared to the outdated PWM circuit.

Features of hybrid inverters

What should you look out for when choosing a model? Let’s break it down by key features:

• Power. The range in the Altek catalogue is from 5 kW to 30 kW for single-phase models. Choose a model with a 15–20% margin above the peak load (if appliances with a combined total of 5 kW are running simultaneously, select a 6 kW inverter).
• Battery bank voltage. Most models are rated for 48 V – this is the standard for systems with a capacity of 3 kW or more. The battery voltage must match the inverter’s operating voltage.
• Number of MPPT inputs. Two or more trackers allow you to connect panels with different orientations, for example, on the south and west sides of the roof, without any loss of efficiency for each array.
• Load type. All hybrid solar inverters in the Altek catalogue produce a pure sine wave, which is essential for motorised loads – pumps, boilers, compressors and refrigerators.
• Monitoring. The Wi-Fi or GSM monitoring function allows you to monitor generation, consumption and battery charge via a mobile app.

It is also worth checking whether LiFePO4 lithium batteries are supported. These have a significantly longer service life than lead-acid batteries, and not all inverter models are compatible with them.

How do you choose a hybrid inverter for solar panels?

Before ordering a hybrid solar inverter, you need to determine four parameters:

• The first factor is power consumption. Add up the power of all the appliances that may be running at the same time. Don’t forget about inrush currents: for a fridge or a pump, these are 3–5 times higher than the operating current.
• The second factor is the capacity of the battery bank. This determines how many hours the house can last without sunlight or the mains supply. For 6–8 hours of autonomy at a consumption of 1 kW, you need a bank with a capacity of ~15 kWh, taking into account the permissible depth of discharge.
• Third – the number and power of the panels. Their total power must not exceed the maximum current of the inverter’s MPPT input. This parameter is always specified in the technical specifications.
• Fourth – single-phase or three-phase grid. For a private home, a single-phase 220 V inverter is sufficient. If the property has a three-phase supply, a suitable model is required.

Altek’s specialists will help you calculate the system free of charge. All you need to do is provide the address, the property’s floor area and the average monthly consumption.

Buy a hybrid solar inverter from Altek

We stock hybrid inverters from our own Atlas brand, as well as products from our partner brands Solplanet and Stromherz – all with an official warranty and after-sales service throughout Ukraine. Why choose Altek:

• warehouses in Kyiv, Lviv and Dnipro – fast delivery throughout Ukraine;
• official manufacturer’s warranty on every model;
• free technical assessment of the system prior to purchase;
• after-sales service and replacement of equipment under warranty;
• over 17 years’ experience in the renewable energy sector.

Current prices for inverters are always listed in the website catalogue. To purchase a hybrid inverter with delivery to any town in Ukraine, add the model to your basket or contact a sales representative directly.