If you want to make optimal use of the solar energy you generate, you'll quickly encounter terms like 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 save energy for later use, for example, in the evening or on cloudy days. A hybrid inverter, on the other hand, ensures that the electricity from your solar panels is suitable for use in the home and can be directly stored in your battery. The biggest difference lies in their functions: the battery stores energy, while the hybrid inverter handles the conversion and management of energy. They work excellently together for this reason but are certainly not the same. In this article, we clearly explain what each device does exactly, why you might need them, and how to get the most out of a home battery and hybrid inverter.

What exactly does a home battery do?

A home battery actually has one clear task: storing generated power so you can use it later. Especially when you have solar panels, a battery is very useful for making optimal use of your own energy production. During the day, solar panels often produce more energy than you can use immediately. Without a battery, that excess power goes back to the electricity grid, for which you're receiving 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, exactly when you need energy. This significantly saves on your energy bill and makes you less dependent on energy suppliers. Even with dynamic electricity rates, a home battery is ideal: you buy cheap energy during times of high 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'. Firstly, this inverter converts the direct current (DC) from your solar panels into alternating current (AC), the electricity you can use at home for appliances like your refrigerator, television, and lighting. This process happens with all inverters, but the unique aspect of the hybrid variant is that it can also send energy directly 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 controller. This results in fewer separate devices in the home and often simpler and more straightforward installation. Additionally, the hybrid inverter can decide when energy is stored or used directly, depending on your energy consumption and production. This smart management ensures more comfort, lower energy costs, and more efficient use of your solar panels and home battery.

Why 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. While the battery provides energy storage, the hybrid inverter ensures efficient use and smart control of this energy. This way, you make the most of your solar panels and minimize the return to the electricity grid. This prevents low compensations for returning energy and lets you use your self-generated power as much as possible yourself. The main advantages of this combination include:

• Maximum utilization of self-generated solar energy.

• Lower energy costs due to reduced grid electricity usage.

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

• Simpler installation and management thanks to integrated systems.

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

Installation: what should you know before you begin?

When installing a home battery and hybrid inverter, there are several important aspects 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. In addition, the location of the installation is important: the battery and inverter should ideally 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 adaptations are needed to allow the system to function optimally. Finally, it is advisable to choose a certified installer to ensure a safe and correct installation, optimal performance, and full warranty on the system.

Why a home battery is especially relevant now

With the increasing pressure on the electricity grid and the phasing out of net metering starting from 2025, investing in a home battery is becoming more attractive. A battery helps you better manage your energy usage and become more independent from the grid. In combination with a hybrid inverter, you get the most out of your solar panels and prevent energy loss. This protects you against rising energy prices and reduces your environmental impact. Moreover, it makes you less vulnerable to grid congestion, which is increasingly common in neighborhoods with many solar panels. With this smart combination, you take a significant step towards sustainable living and 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 get more return from your solar panels.

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

What does a hybrid inverter cost approximately?
On average between €1500 and €3000 depending on 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 inside or outside?
Inside or in a well-insulated room is best for battery lifespan.

How much energy can a home battery store on average?