8 Best Grid Tie Inverter with Battery Backup

With the invention of solar inverters operations of solar panels became much easier. Now, the panels are safe from damage and even the appliances and battery connected to the inverter are safe from certain power issues. A solar inverter can be used in all 3 forms grid, on grid, and hybrid. Basically, manufacturers nowadays provide specialized inverters for particular uses. You must have heard about grid tie inverters. Are you thinking of buying one and looking for the best grid tie inverter with battery backup? Then you are in the right place. Because this article gives you complete info about the same and if you are confused can grid-tie inverter run on battery, come find out.

What is a Grid Tie Inverter?

Basically, solar inverters can be divided into 3 categories namely on-grid inverters, off-grid inverters, and hybrid inverters. Off-grid inverters are not connected to the utility grid but to the battery, whereas hybrid inverters are connected to both the utility grid and the battery. Today we will discuss on-grid or what is grid tie inverter, and which are best among them with battery backup. So, a grid tie inverter is directly connected to the grid and connects solar panels to the grid as well. It is considered to be the most efficient and cost-effective inverter.

1. Working

Solar panels and grids integrate with each other. Grid-tied inverters serve the purpose of converting Direct Current (DC) generated by solar panels into Alternating Current (AC). The power converter to AC is transferred to the utility grid and then from there to the appliances.

Excess electricity generated and unused during the day is fed into the grid and the owner receives credit for it. They can be used in exchange for power from the grid when there is an insufficient power supply from solar panels. With these credits, your utility bill will be reduced to a large extent.

2. Types of grid-tied inverters

a) Central inverters: A type of larger version of string inverters these central ones are capable of supporting more string of panels. Strings from solar panels are connected together in a combiner box from which DC power is transferred to a central solar inverter. With fewer components required, central inverters do need a combiner box and a pad. These inverters are suitable for large-scale operations.

b) Microinverters: These module-level inverters are installed on each solar panel and perform spot conversion of DC to AC in solar panels themselves. This reduces the requirements for a string inverter. It is also beneficial if one or more panels are shaded, the overall productivity of other panels will not be affected. AC Modules are solar panels with integrated micro inverters, making them cost-effective. Otherwise, the installation cost of micro-inverters is high.

c) Battery-based inverters: These are bidirectional in nature as they include both a battery and an inverter. These inverters can be off/on grid or hybrid depending on their UL rating and design. They are highly efficient with a constant power supply as they manage energy between the grid and array while charging the battery on the side. This process is monitored and regulated by a battery-based inverter.

d) String inverters: Multiple strings of solar panels placed in a string are connected to a string inverter. Each string of solar panels has its own separate string inverter. These inverters serve best where shading is not a problem. The panels are positioned such that they face the same direction. With technological advancement, string inverters are now more capable with great power density in small sizes too.

What is the Best Grid Tie Inverter with Battery Backup?

Based on factors determining the best grid tie inverter with battery backup, here is the list of the same.

1. EASUN POWER 10KW Grid Tie Solar Inverter

EASUN is a dedicated team that relentlessly works towards bringing Green Energy to every corner of the world. Both POWLAND and EASUNPOWER are esteemed brands under the umbrella of Shenzhen Yideshang Investment Development Co., Ltd.
The IGrid TT 10KW is a powerful solar inverter that can be used in both grid-connected and off-grid systems. With a capacity of 10,000 watts and a voltage of 48Vdc, it offers reliable and efficient performance for all your solar power needs. It is a pure sine wave inverter equipped with an MPPT and has a peak efficiency of 93%.

2. Y&H 2000W Grid Tie Inverter

The Y&H 2000W Grid Tie Inverter boasts an impressive rated power of 2000W, with a peak power of 1950W. The DC input voltage is between 45V and 90V, while the AC output voltage range is 190V to 260V.
The inverter voltage range has the peak power tracking 50 – 90V AC and the frequency range for output is 46Hz-65Hz. This pure sine wave inverter has a peak efficiency of 92%.

3. SMA – Sunny Boy 7700W Grid-Tie Inverter

Among the best grid tie inverters with battery backup this one comes at a reasonable price than other inverters. Sunny Boy solar inverters include a Secure Power System (SPS) of 2,000 watts, which is a unique feature found in SMA brand products. This system acts as a small emergency backup power source and comes in handy during a power outage. The average outlet of this inverter is around 120V and is mostly preferred to be used in emergency situations.

Sunny Boy has an inbuilt wall mounting system with sturdy and reliable mounting brackets, making it easier to install and mount it. With a little weight, you can confidently mount the system. Also, you can integrate the system with any smart device and its unique installation assistance software enables easy. Wireless connectivity and integration of Smartphone apps along with 3 MPPT controllers and a dedicated secure backup power supply are among its key features.

4. Y&H Power Limiter 1000w

Considering the price, then this one among the best grid tie inverter with battery backup is a good option also. The Y&H power limiter inverter has an in-built limiter which is why it is named. This limiter prevents the inverter from supplying excess power to the battery or inverter. This inverter allows stackable options in case you want to increase the power supply. Also, this inverter has a smart fan cooling feature that protects against overheating and maintains the lifespan of the inverter. You can power 190V and 260V appliances with this inverter.

5. SMA Sunny Boy 5.0 5000w

The company is known to power more houses than any other brand which is why its two inverters are mentioned here. This inverter also has a 2000 W Secure Power System (SPS). With this, the power is dedicated 120V outlet up to 2000W at times when there is no power supply from solar panels. To get the maximum benefit from Sunny Boy 5.0 inverters make sure that no panel is under shade, and there is any sort of obstruction between solar panels and sunlight. This inverter can power 208V and 240V appliances and is backed with a 10-year warranty.

Also Read: How to Switch Off Inverter When Not in Use?

6. SolarEdge – SE3000H HD Wave Grid-Tie Inverter

This inverter is sleek but offers industry-leading efficiency. SolarEdge HD Wave is known to offer an industry-leading 99.2% efficiency rating. This means most power generated by your solar system will be fed to the grid. This leads to 33% less energy loss and more savings. With only 25 lbs. weight this inverter is featured wireless connectivity and is compatible with the Solar Edge mobile application.

With this best grid tie inverter with battery backup, you can use this application to monitor and control the performance of the solar power system as a whole. It also has a built-in DC safety switch, and heat dissipation mechanisms, along with a fully integrated rapid shutdown safety feature. Its 12-year manufacturer warranty is also one of its key features. The safe operating power range of the HD Wave grid tie inverter is between 3 kW to 11.4 kW.

Also Read: Off Grid Inverter Vs Hybrid Inverter

7. Y&H 1400W Grid Tie Inverter 

Y&H 1400W grid tie inverter is perfect for converting the voltage of your solar panel. It has a matched solar panel voltage range of Vmp: 26-39V and Voc: 34-45V. The AC output voltage ranges from 190VAC to 260VAC, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply of 230VAC.

To ensure optimal output efficiency, the Vmp (Voltage at Maximum Power Point) of a solar panel must fall within the MPPT range of 26-39V. This grid tie inverter has CE and RoHS certification and operates in a frequency range of 48Hz to 62Hz.

Also See: Can Hybrid Inverter Work Without Battery?

8. Y&H 1200W Grid Tie Inverter Power Limiter

The Y&H GTN-1200W Grid Tie inverter ensures that it only supplies the necessary power to the load, effectively preventing any excess electricity from flowing back to the grid.

It not just offers PV power generation mode, but also provides a grid tie power generation mode with battery energy storage. The inverter works fine at night. You can adjust the battery’s low voltage setting to ensure better battery life.

The Vmp (Voltage at Maximum Power) of a solar panel needs to be within the MPPT range to ensure efficient output.

Also Read: Top 10 Solar Inverters in the World

What to Look for in the Best Grid Tie Inverter?

After learning about the best grid tie inverter with battery backup, here is a list of things to consider while purchasing a grid tie inverter. You can find a data sheet (Specification) with the inverter providing all the below-mentioned and other basic details of the inverter. The ones mentioned below need special attention.

1. Maximum Input Current: The max input current is the amount that an inverter can handle. Excess power produced by solar panels than the maximum input current rating of a grid tie inverter will be wasted as the inverter cannot utilize it.

2. Maximum Output Current: Maximum output current is the rating for protection devices integrated into the inverter, like fuses and breakers.

3. Output Voltage: It is the amount of power supplied by an inverter to power the appliances. For residential purposes, your inverter must have an output voltage of about 240 VAC. For larger commercial energy storage systems, you will need an inverter with 208-600VAC output voltage.

4. Rated Output Power: This depends on the output voltage of an inverter and every inverter has a different rated output power. This rating can be found in either kilowatt (kW) or watts (W).

Also See: How to Choose Best Solar Powered Security Lights?

Can Grid-Tie Inverter Run on Battery?

Yes, the grid inverter can run on a battery. You can install and connect a battery with a grid-tied inverter and convert the whole system to a hybrid inverter system. You can use a battery-based inverter and connect it to the grid. Or you can add a battery to your on-grid inverter and use it as an off-grid inverter.

No, you are still confused, can grid-tie inverter run on battery? The short answer to this question is yes, it can. But before you do such with the best grid tie inverter with battery backup here are a few points to consider.

• The inverter should be large enough to handle the whole load. This way you can run appliances even in the absence of solar power.
• It supplies power to the appliances by the time solar power begins generating electricity. Basically, it takes approximately 1 minute or so for solar panels to start generating power. This way, the entire load will be handled by the inverter/generator.
• More than one generator can be used in sync with solar power systems. But to sync generators with each other, you need a synch panel.
• To prevent generators and solar systems from being damaged you should isolate generators and solar power plants from the grid.

Also Read: Can You Connect Inverters in Series?

Is It Beneficial to Run a Grid-Tied Inverter?

Depending upon power requirements and availability of solar power in your region, an off grid solar inverter is beneficial in the following ways.

1. Batteries are not required to shift from on-grid to off-grid.

2. Can run inverter and solar power systems during a power outage.

3. Reduces up to 62% diesel consumption.

4. With reduced usage and less load your diesel generators may have an increased lifespan.

Also See: 8 Benefits of Cleaning Solar Panels

What Should be the Warranty for the Best Grid Tie Inverter?

The average lifespan of a grid-tied solar inverter is around 10 years. Where some of them last for less than this period somewhere around 2 to 5 years and others last more than this around 15 years. While looking for the best grid tie inverter, you should consider the one with a 10-year warranty. If your budget does not allow you to go for a 10-year warranted solar inverter as they are more expensive than others. Go for a budget-friendly option with the maximum warranty in that price range.

So, today you learned about the best grid tie inverter with battery backup. The best one should be efficient enough to power the appliances as per your requirements. Also, it must have integrated protection devices and wireless connection features to help ease monitoring and setting adjustments. Can grid-tie inverter run on battery? The answer to this is yes, but you need to follow particular guidelines for a safer experience.

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