Naturally, the classification of Solar Inverters is based on two of its main facets i.e., the input source(s) and how its output is connected, below table classifies the types of inverters for different input combinations and output schemes or operational modes:
| What are the DC Source(s) to Inverter: | Where the output of inverter is connected to (the possible scenarios): | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery represents any DC source other than Solar (the possible scenarios of inputs to inverter) | No Grid (But to Load only) | Grid (Bidirectional Flow) | Grid (Unidirectional Flow) |
| Solar PV | Off-Grid / Solar | On-Grid | Grid-Tied |
| Battery | Off-Grid / General | N/A | N/A |
| Solar PV + Battery | Off-Grid / Hybrid | Grid / Hybrid | Grid-Tied / Hybrid |
Additional Notes:
- A hybrid type of inverter means when the load can be served by mixing at least two energy sources available.
- Some inverters just switch between available energy sources, that types of inverter is not a hybrid inverter by definition
- Hybrid inverters are expensive than simple one-source & switching type of Inverters