One of the most important decisions when building your photovoltaic system: on-grid inverter or hybrid inverter? The answer depends on your energy goals.
On-grid inverter (string inverter)
The simplest and cheapest type of inverter.
- Converts DC from panels → AC for mains/consumption
- It does NOT work without public network (falls with the network, anti-islanding rule)
- 97-98% efficiency
- Price: €800-2,500 for 5-10 kW
- Brands: Fronius, SMA, Sungrow, Huawei
Recommended for: houses with high consumption during the day (telework, AC on, heat pumps), where you store surplus in the network as a prosumer.
Hybrid inverter
It combines the functions of inverter + battery charger + grid-tie.
- Converts DC → AC for mains/consumer
- Charge batteries with solar surplus
- Use the battery at night or during power outages
- 95-97% efficiency
- Price: €1,500-4,500 for 5-10 kW
- Brands: Victron, Deye, Growatt, SolaX
Recommended for: autonomy during power outages, maximizing self-consumption, homes in areas with an unstable network.
Direct comparison
| Criterion | On-grid | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Battery holder | NU | DA |
| Works well | NU | DA |
| Relative price | 1.0 | 1.5-2.0 |
| Complexity | Simple | Average |
| Typical warranty | 5-10 years | 5-10 years |
Common myth: "Buy on-grid now, add batteries later"
Technically possible, but economical unprofitable. You will need:
- Separate inverter charger (AC coupled) — add ~1,500€ on top
- Or completely replace the on-grid inverter with a hybrid one (loss of the first investment)
If you think you will be adding batteries in the next 3-5 years, buy hybrid from the start.
Our recommendation
For 80% of EcoSolaris customers we recommend the Victron MultiPlus-II or Deye SUN hybrid inverter — the additional investment of €1,000-2,000 opens up future options and ensures full autonomy.
See the full range of inverters EcoSolaris.
How much does a complete system cost as you say here? Do you have an online computer?
Thank you, I am a prosumer since 2023 and I confirm the information. Good article!
The article confirms what the installer told me. Good to know!
I liked the article, but a little technical. I think a simplified version would also be useful
Thank you for your trust! We look forward to seeing you on the blog and in the showroom.
I made the green house last year, very useful for those who want to know
We are happy that we could help you. If you need technical advice, we are here!
For an average house with a consumption of 15-20 kWh/day, we recommend a 5-6 kW single-phase inverter. The three-phase becomes useful only above 10 kW.
Good article. I hope you will also write about how the panels are connected in series/parallel
How much does a complete system cost as you say here? Do you have an online computer?
I recommend ecosolaris, bought 2 times and zero problems
We are happy that we could help you. If you need technical advice, we are here!
I have Victron Multiplus II for 2 years and zero problems. I confirm the quality
How much does a complete system cost as you say here? Do you have an online computer?
Hello! The Casa Verde 2026 program will probably be launched in June-July. We are waiting for you on the list to be ready for launch.
Thank you for your trust! We look forward to seeing you on the blog and in the showroom.