Grid-Tied Vs. Hybrid Solar Systems For Homes: What To Choose?

Published: 08 Aug, 2025 | By Solar

It's not just people living in urban cities who are switching to solar energy, but now families in towns and smaller cities are now investing in solar systems to save money, reduce electricity bills, and deal with those annoying regular power cuts.

And just as you start exploring solar options, you quickly come across two common choices: the grid-tied solar system and the hybrid solar system for homes.

Then end up wondering which one is better, or even what these terms mean, so, in this article, we will guide you step by step. We’ll also explain the difference between grid tied vs hybrid solar systems, using simple examples that make sense whether you live in a big city or a Tier 3 town.

And as more people across India have started to take interest in solar, companies like Spectra Solar Power, the best solar panel company in India have been helping them find the right fit for their homes, whether it’s a simple setup or something with more backup.

So let’s get started.

What Is A Grid-Tied Solar System?

A grid-tied solar system, or lets say an on grid solar system, is the most common solar setup in Indian homes today. This system can simply be defined as the ones that directly feed electricity into an electric grid and are used simultaneously to manage loads in your house. This system is tied into the government electricity board (the “grid”) and it operates in partnership.

How it works:

• During the day, your solar panels use sunlight to generate electricity.
• Then that electricity is used to eventually power your home appliances.
• And in case your house needs more power than the panels are generating, it is taken from the normal grid.
• And if your solar panels produce more than what you need, that extra electricity goes back to the grid.
• This is how this setup lets your solar system and the local power supply work as a team for you.

What happens at night?

At night, when there's no sunlight, your home gets electricity fully from the grid, just like before you had solar panels.

What Is A Hybrid Solar System For Homes?

A hybrid solar system for homes is very similar to the grid-tied one, the only major difference is that it includes a battery.

And here’s how it works differently:

• Even in this one solar panels generate electricity during the day.
• The electricity produced is then used to run your home’s appliances.
• And whatever extra power is produced, it is saved in a battery, instead of sending it all to the grid.
• For when there is a power cut, your home uses the electricity stored in the battery.
• If the battery runs out or if you need more power than what’s stored, the system uses grid electricity.

So, a hybrid system gives you the benefit of solar power, battery backup, and grid access — all in one.

Why Do Batteries Make A Difference?

The main reason people choose a hybrid system is because of the battery, because it gives you power when the grid goes off and that’s something a grid-tied solar system cannot do.

In a grid-tied system, when the power from the electricity board is cut, your solar system also shuts off for safety reasons, this is done to protect electricians working on the grid. But in a hybrid system, your battery comes as a savior and keeps you in light for at least for a few hours.

Grid Tied Vs Hybrid Solar Systems: Key Differences

Let’s now understand the difference between grid tied vs hybrid solar systems in easy words:

Which One Should You Choose?

Every home is different and so are their needs. So now let's see what fits best for you.

Choose a Grid-Tied Solar System if:

• You live in an area where power cuts are very rare.
• Your main goal is to reduce your monthly electricity bill.
• You want a system with lower upfront cost.
• You are okay with not having electricity during power cuts.

Choose a Hybrid Solar System for Homes if:

• You experience regular or long power cuts.
• You want battery backup for peace of mind.
• You’re okay spending a little more upfront.
• You want to be more independent from the electricity board.

A Word On The Off Grid Solar System

Some people also ask about the off grid solar system. And since the system has no connection to the power grid at all… it works only through solar panels and batteries.

This setup is mostly used in remote villages where the electricity board does not reach. But for most homes, even in small towns, off-grid systems are not practical… because you need large batteries and careful management of power for them to actually work. It can also be quite expensive and complex to maintain.

That’s why, for most Indian households, the choice usually comes down to grid-tied vs hybrid solar systems.

How Much Do These Systems Cost?

The cost of your solar system depends on various factors:

• The size of the system (1kW, 3kW, 5kW, etc.)
• Whether you choose battery backup or not.
• Your rooftop size and how much sunlight it receives.
• Equipment quality and installation charges.

But here’s a rough idea:

• A grid-tied solar system costs less because it doesn’t need batteries.
• A hybrid solar system costs more because of batteries and extra equipment.
• On average, a hybrid setup can be 20% to 40% more expensive than a grid-tied system.

Remember, batteries need to be replaced every few years. So maintenance costs can also be slightly higher for hybrid systems.

Installation And Support

No matter which system you choose, proper installation is key. That includes checking:

• Roof direction and tilt
• Wiring and safety devices
• Type of inverter used
• Net metering setup (for grid-tied systems)

And this is the reason why people prefer working with companies like Spectra Solar Power, who can help them with every stage, from system selection to installation and documentation, based on their specific needs.

Is Net Metering Available For Both Systems?

Yes, a net meter can be linked to a grid-tied or hybrid solar system.

A net metering system counts and subtracts the amount of electricity you use from the grid from the amount of electricity you contribute to it when you create more and hence, your electricity bill drops.

Instead of transferring the excess power to the grid, hybrid systems may keep some of it in the battery. Therefore, net metering can help both systems, even though the savings may operate somewhat differently.

What Are We Choosing Then?

So now whether to choose a grid-ties system or a hybrid system, it all comes down to you.

• Do I experience frequent power outages?
• How much does my electricity bill cost each month?
• Do I want savings or backup power?
• What am I currently able to afford?

Answering these questions makes the decision obvious and makes your solar trip much simpler.

For those who need an affordable system and live in areas with no power outages, should definitely be going for the grid-ties systems and those who would like some power backup, and want some dependable system, should go for hybrid systems.

Knowing the difference between grid-tied and hybrid solar systems helps in decision-making in both situations.