A hybrid inverter manages three sources at once: the grid, a battery and solar panels. It charges the battery from the grid or the sun, runs your loads from whichever suits best, and switches to battery when the supply fails. That makes it the usual choice for homes that want backup now and solar later. This page explains what makes an inverter hybrid, how it differs from off grid and grid-tie units, the common sizes from 3 to 12 kW, and the municipal rules. Send one free, no-obligation request for quotes.
What is a hybrid inverter?
A plain backup inverter has two connections: the grid in and a battery. A hybrid adds a solar input with a built-in MPPT charge controller, which tracks the panels' best operating point as the light changes. Inside one box you get:
- a grid input and an output for the essential loads, often with a second output for non-essential loads
- a battery charger and inverter, usually for 48 V banks
- one or two MPPT inputs for strings of solar panels
- settings for when to use solar, battery or grid first
It is the brain of most modern battery backup systems.
Off grid inverter vs hybrid inverter vs grid-tie
A grid-tie inverter feeds solar power into the house and the grid but shuts down in an outage, so on its own it gives no backup. An off grid inverter runs from batteries and solar, with the grid at most as a charger; it suits farms and cabins far from the lines. A hybrid sits between the two: it uses the grid when it is there, keeps a battery charged and carries the essentials when the grid goes. Most South African homes that want both backup and solar choose a hybrid for that reason.
Sizes: 5kW, 8kW and 3 phase
Single phase hybrids are sold from about 3 kW up to about 12 kW. A 5 kW hybrid inverter suits a smaller house on essentials; an 8 kW hybrid inverter is a popular home size that runs more at once and takes more panels. Properties with a 3 phase supply can use three single phase units or a 3 phase hybrid inverter, which bigger sites often need for motors and pumps. About R15,000 to R19,000 buys a 5 kW hybrid inverter and about R24,000 to R39,000 an 8 kW unit, depending on the model. Compare the continuous and surge ratings, the maximum solar input and the battery charge current.
Municipal registration and NRS 097-2-1
Because a hybrid connects to the supply, many municipalities ask owners to register it, and many keep a list of approved grid-tie inverters tested to NRS 097-2-1. Rules on feeding power back differ by area, so check with your municipality before you buy, and ask the supplier whether the model is on that list. The installation must be done by a registered electrician, who issues a CoC.
What to include in your request
- Say single phase or 3 phase supply
- Say the loads that must run at once
- Say how many panels may be added
- Mention the battery you have or want
- Ask if the model is on the municipal list
Hybrid Inverters for different clients
- Homeowners: an 8 kW hybrid running essentials on battery, with solar panels added later
- Complexes, estates and body corporates: hybrids for the clubhouse, gatehouse and borehole pump with panels on the common roofs
- Offices and home offices: a hybrid carrying computers and lights, with solar trimming the daytime electricity bill
- Shops, restaurants and salons: a hybrid keeping tills and fridges on through outages, with panels on the shop roof
- Farms and smallholdings: an off grid capable hybrid for a farmhouse on a long rural line, with panels
- Clinics, surgeries and care homes: a hybrid for a clinic that keeps medicine fridges and lights on through outages
- Factories, warehouses, schools and churches: 3 phase hybrids for workshops and warehouses with motors, pumps and bigger battery banks
- Electricians, installers and security companies: installers sourcing 5 kW and 8 kW hybrids for supply only or fitted jobs
Frequently asked questions
What is the hybrid inverter price for a home?
Can I add solar panels to a hybrid inverter later?
Will a hybrid inverter work during load shedding?
Where can I get hybrid inverter quotes?
Hybrid Inverters by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg