Hybrid inverter

Written and checked by the Energy Merchants desk · Reviewed 3 October 2026

A hybrid inverter is one box that handles both the solar array and the battery. A standard grid-connect inverter takes DC from panels and turns it into AC. A hybrid inverter does that, and it also charges and discharges a battery on the DC side, so the energy goes through fewer conversions.

Most hybrid units also include or work with a backup circuit, so they can keep selected loads running in a blackout. See backup power gateway.

In practice

The hybrid decision usually comes up at one of two moments.

• New system. Fitting a hybrid inverter and battery together is simple, and the design is DC coupled. One unit, one warranty, one app.
• Retrofit. If the customer already has a string inverter, adding a hybrid means replacing it or running two inverters. The other route is AC coupled, which leaves the solar inverter alone.

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program works with new or existing solar, so a retrofit onto older panels is fine. The battery must be CEC-approved and VPP-capable, and the inverter must be compatible with it. Solar panels and inverter on the same job continue to follow the normal STC rules, including the deeming period.

The inverter must meet AS/NZS 4777.2, and the installation must follow AS/NZS 5139 where a battery is present.

Common confusion

“Hybrid” does not mean the inverter has a battery inside. Some brands integrate a battery in one cabinet, but usually the battery is a separate unit connected to the hybrid inverter.

It is also not a measure of capacity. The inverter’s kW rating limits power, and the battery’s kWh decides storage. STCs follow usable kWh of the battery.

See battery STCs, the battery submission guide and the glossary.