Hybrid Solar Inverters

Last updated: January 28, 2026

The smart choice for load shedding. Hybrid inverters seamlessly switch between solar, battery, and grid power.

Quick answer: choose a hybrid inverter if you have grid access and want seamless backup during load shedding. Hybrid inverters are the most popular choice for South African homes. They combine solar charging, battery storage, and grid connection in one unit, automatically managing power sources for optimal efficiency.

How Hybrid Inverters Work

A hybrid inverter manages multiple power sources:

During the day: Solar powers home, excess charges batteries
Grid power available: Tops up batteries if needed
Load shedding: Automatically switches to battery
Night time: Uses battery, switches to grid when depleted
Intelligent load management for optimal efficiency

Inverter Type Comparison

type	grid Connection	battery Required	best For
Hybrid	Yes	Yes	Load shedding backup
Grid-Tie	Yes	No	Feed-in tariffs only
Off-Grid	No	Yes	Remote locations

typeHybrid

grid ConnectionYes

battery RequiredYes

best ForLoad shedding backup

typeGrid-Tie

grid ConnectionYes

battery RequiredNo

best ForFeed-in tariffs only

typeOff-Grid

grid ConnectionNo

battery RequiredYes

best ForRemote locations

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Price Disclaimer: Prices shown were verified on 29 January 2026. Prices may change without notice. We earn affiliate commissions on qualifying purchases.

All prices are in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated. Shipping costs may apply depending on your location.

Inverter Prices 5kW Inverters Off-Grid Systems

Hybrid Solar Inverters FAQs

For homes with grid access, yes. Hybrid inverters use the grid as backup and can sell excess power back. Off-grid is only better for remote locations without grid access. For load shedding protection, hybrid is the clear winner.

Add up the wattage of appliances you want to run simultaneously. For essentials (lights, TV, WiFi, fridge): 3kW. For essentials plus some appliances: 5kW. For whole house: 8-10kW. Most South African homes do well with 5kW hybrid inverters.

Hybrid inverters connect to both solar panels and the grid, automatically switching between power sources. Off-grid inverters work independently without grid connection. For load shedding backup with grid access, hybrid is the better choice.

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