On-grid, hybrid or off-grid?
Separate savings from backup
Solar generation can reduce electricity drawn from the grid. Keeping essential appliances running during an outage is a separate requirement. Tell the installer which outcome matters, then check the proposed equipment and electrical design.
Compare the configurations
| System | Grid and storage | During an outage |
|---|---|---|
| On-grid | Connected to the grid; a conventional installation has no battery. | A standard grid-following inverter shuts down when the grid fails. |
| Hybrid | Combines generation with compatible storage and grid integration. | Backup requires a supported islanding/transfer design and selected circuits. A battery alone does not establish backup capability. |
| Off-grid | Designed to operate independently of the grid; storage is commonly used to cover periods without generation. | Supply depends on available generation, stored energy and load limits. |
What must keep running?
List essential appliances, their running power, starting loads and the hours of backup required. Include appliances that may operate together. Whole-property backup is a different requirement from a few lights, fans and network equipment.
Battery capacity in kWh and inverter power in kW describe different limits. Usable storage, conversion losses, temperature and operating settings affect runtime. Confirm both continuous power and startup capability before selecting equipment.
Check integration before adding a battery
An existing solar inverter, battery and changeover arrangement may not work together. Equipment compatibility, protection, wiring and manufacturer conditions need review. Confirm compatibility and whether the installer accepts retrofit work before buying a battery.
For a new system, review cost and sizing inputs. For essential loads, explore the backup assessment.
Review the proposed design
Ask the quotation to identify backed-up circuits, equipment limits, commissioning tests and responsibility for equipment and labour support. Any export or metering arrangement must follow the applicable utility requirements.
Request a system assessmentTechnical sources
Australian Government: batteries and backup configurations ยท APEPDCL solar documents
Sources checked 29 October 2026. General equipment principles do not replace a site-specific engineering review or Indian utility requirements.