Solar panels convert solar energy or sunlight into direct current (DC) power by the photovoltaic (PV) effect.
All solar PV power systems work on this same basic principle.
The DC power thus generated may be stored in a battery or needs to be converted by a solar inverter into an alternating current (AC) power source, which is used to run various appliances or may be fed into the electricity grid for credits.
The three main types of solar PV power systems are :
On-grid - also known as a grid-tied or grid-connected
Off-grid - also known as a stand-alone
Hybrid - grid connected system with battery storage
3. Hybrid Solar Systems :
Modern hybrid systems combine solar and battery storage in one and are now available in many different forms and configurations. Due to the decreasing cost of battery storage, systems that are already connected to the electricity grid can start taking advantage of battery storage as well. This means being able to store solar energy that is generated during the day and using it at night. When the stored energy is depleted, the grid is there as a back-up, allowing consumers to have the best of both worlds. Hybrid systems are also able to charge the batteries using cheaper off-peak electricity (usually after midnight to 6 am).
The battery bank : In a hybrid system once the solar power is used by the appliances in your property, any excess power will be sent to the battery bank. Once the battery bank is fully charged, it will stop receiving power from the solar system. The energy from the battery can then be discharged and used to power your home.
The meter and electricity grid : Depending on how your hybrid system is set up and whether your utility allows it, once your batteries are fully charged excess solar power not required by your appliances can be exported to the grid via your meter. When your solar system is not in use, and if you have drained the usable power in your batteries your appliances will then start drawing power from the grid.