If you want to make optimal use of your self-generated solar energy, you quickly encounter terms such as home battery and hybrid inverter. Although these concepts are often mentioned in the same breath, each has its own specific function within an energy storage system. A home battery is a storage unit where you store energy for later use, for example, during the evening or on cloudy days. A hybrid inverter, on the other hand, ensures that the power from your solar panels is made suitable for use in your home and can be directly stored in your battery. The main difference lies in their functions: the battery stores energy, while the hybrid inverter handles the conversion and management of energy. As a result, they work excellently together but are absolutely not the same. In this article, we clearly explain what each device exactly does, why you might need them, and how to make the most of a home battery and hybrid inverter.

What exactly does a home battery do?

A home battery really has one clear task: storing generated power, so you can use it later. Especially when you have solar panels, a battery is very handy to make optimal use of your own energy production. During the day, solar panels often produce more energy than you can use directly. Without a battery, that surplus power returns to the electricity grid, for which you receive less and less compensation due to the phasing out of the net metering scheme. With a battery, you store this energy so that you can use it in the evening or on dark days, precisely when you need energy. As a result, you save significantly on your energy bill and become less dependent on energy suppliers. Also, with dynamic electricity rates, a home battery is ideal: you purchase cheap energy at times when there is a lot of supply and store it for later. In short, with a home battery, you maximize your solar energy and gain control over your own energy usage.

How does a hybrid inverter work?

A hybrid inverter has a dual function, which immediately explains why this inverter is called 'hybrid'. First, this inverter converts the direct current (DC) from your solar panels into alternating current (AC), the power you can use at home for devices such as your refrigerator, television, and lighting. This process occurs in all inverters, but the unique thing about the hybrid variant is that it can also directly send energy to your home battery for storage. This means that with a hybrid inverter, you combine two devices into one system: a traditional solar inverter and a battery regulator. As a result, you have fewer separate devices at home, and the installation is often simpler and more straightforward. Additionally, the hybrid inverter can decide for itself when energy is stored or directly used, depending on your energy consumption and production. This smart management provides more comfort, lower energy costs, and a more efficient use of your solar panels and home battery.

Why would you choose a home battery in combination with a hybrid inverter?

The combination of a home battery with a hybrid inverter ensures that your energy management is optimally aligned with your consumption pattern and solar production. Where the battery provides energy storage, the hybrid inverter ensures efficient use and smart control of this energy. As a result, you make maximum use of your solar panels and minimize feedback to the electricity grid. This way, you avoid low compensation for feedback and use your self-generated power as much as possible. The main advantages of this combination include:

• Maximum utilization of self-generated solar energy.

• Lower energy costs due to reduced power consumption from the grid.

• Higher energy independence and less dependence on fluctuating energy prices.

• Simpler installation and management thanks to integrated systems.

By choosing both systems at once, you get the best out of your investment in solar panels and increase the comfort of your home. Especially with the phasing out of net metering, this combination is becoming increasingly interesting and profitable.

Installation: what should you know before you start?

When installing a home battery and hybrid inverter, there are a number of important things to consider. It is essential to have a good understanding of your energy consumption, the capacity of your solar panels, and the desired storage capacity of your battery beforehand. Preferably have this calculated by a professional to ensure the installation fits your situation. Additionally, the location of placement is important: the battery and inverter should preferably be placed indoors, for example, in a garage or technical room, where the temperature is stable, and the system is easily accessible for maintenance. It is also wise to check in advance whether your current electrical installation is suitable or if modifications are needed to have the system function optimally. Finally, it is advisable to choose a recognized installer to be assured of a safe and correct installation, optimal performance, and full warranty on the system.

Why a home battery is particularly relevant now

With the increasing pressure on the electricity grid and the phasing out of net metering starting in 2025, investing in a home battery is becoming increasingly attractive. A battery helps you better manage your energy usage and become more independent of the grid. In combination with a hybrid inverter, you get the most out of your solar panels and prevent energy loss. This way, you protect yourself against rising energy prices and reduce your environmental impact. Moreover, you make yourself less vulnerable to grid congestion, which is increasingly occurring in neighborhoods with many solar panels. With this smart combination, you take an important step towards more sustainable living and a future-proof energy supply.

Frequently asked questions about home batteries and hybrid inverters

Can I connect solar panels without a home battery?
Yes, but with a battery, you achieve more efficiency from your solar panels.

Is a hybrid inverter mandatory with a home battery?
Not mandatory, but it does make your system more efficient and simpler.

What does a hybrid inverter approximately cost?
On average between €1500 and €3000, depending on the brand and capacity.

How long do home batteries and hybrid inverters last?
On average 10-15 years for batteries and 10-20 years for hybrid inverters.

Can I replace my existing inverter with a hybrid inverter?
Yes, usually. Have this checked by a specialist.

Should a home battery be placed indoors or outdoors?
Indoors or in a well-insulated area is best for battery lifespan.

How much energy can a home battery store on average?