What is a hybrid solar energy system, and might it be the right option for you?
Most homeowners who choose solar elect to install grid-tied photovoltaic arrays. A second option, although less common, involves going off-grid with a battery bank. Although you may not know it, you have a third option to consider, and it combines the best aspects of on- and off-grid solar.
A hybrid solar power system gives you the best of both grid-tied and off-grid worlds.
This type of PV system is connected to the utility grid, just like a standard grid-tied system, so you will always have power at night and on cloudy days.
But a traditional grid-tied PV system will stop working if the power grid goes down. When a blackout occurs, the photovoltaic system is programmed to automatically shut off for safety reasons. This allows utility workers to safely make repairs without power in the lines.
Hybrid systems solve this problem with the addition of a solar battery bank, and in some cases, a backup generator.
Blackouts are on the rise, and the Intermountain West could be affected at any time. If the grid has a significant problem, you could be in the dark for days — or longer.
Installing a hybrid solar power system is a great way to prepare for any unexpected event. If a severe storm or natural disaster strikes your area, you won’t be left without electricity — unlike most of your neighbors.
Hybrid systems are not one-size-fits-all. They come in a range of sizes and configurations to meet your specific home energy needs.
Smaller, less expensive systems can keep your home powered up during short blackouts. For power outages that last longer, small hybrid systems will provide enough electricity for a day or two, as long as you limit your consumption to running only the most critical appliances.
If you want to make sure that your entire home has power no matter how long an outage lasts, you’ll need more solar panels and a larger battery bank.
The best type of hybrid system is one that is designed to meet your needs and objectives. Consulting with a professional photovoltaic contractor is the easiest way to determine the ideal size and configuration of your home solar energy system.
The professional team at Intermountain Wind & Solar offers free photovoltaic energy consultations to homeowners and businesses throughout Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and Nevada. Contact us today to learn more and to determine if a hybrid solar energy system is right for you.
A hybrid solar energy system combines photovoltaic panels, battery storage, and grid connection. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, inverters direct power to home loads or charge a battery (for example a 13.5 kWh unit like Tesla Powerwall), and excess energy feeds back to the grid to maximize savings.
A 6 kW hybrid solar system in Utah costs $12,000–$15,000 after the 26% federal tax credit. With IWS’s average cost-per-watt of $2.50 and regional solar resource, homeowners see payback in 5–7 years thanks to 30–50% monthly energy bill reductions and net metering credits.
Yes. Hybrid systems include battery backup that switches in under 10 ms. A 13.5 kWh battery can run 2 kW of critical loads—lights, refrigerator, internet—for 4–6 hours. Intermountain Wind & Solar handles all transfer switch permitting and inverters for seamless outages protection.
Intermountain Wind & Solar provides leases, solar loans from 3.99% APR, and bulk-purchase discounts up to 8%. Eligible homeowners in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Oregon can apply the 26% federal tax credit. A 6 kW system can have payments as low as $85 per month.
Intermountain Wind & Solar uses full-time installers—no subcontractors—with 15+ years of expertise and over 3,000 installations since 2008. We manage all permits, inspections, and paperwork in-house, and back every system with a 25-year panel performance warranty and a 10-year workmanship guarantee.
"All of the photos on this website are of real projects that Intermountain Wind & Solar has designed and installed.
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