What is a Hybrid Solar System?
A hybrid solar system is one that produces electricity by integrating two or more renewable energy sources. A hybrid solar system is composed of a solar panel, an inverter, a battery bank, and a backup generator. The solar panel turns sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted to alternating current (AC) by the inverter. The battery bank stores excess electricity produced by the solar panel during the day, which may later be used at night or during periods of low solar radiation. When the battery bank has been depleted and there is insufficient sunlight to create electricity, the backup generator is used as a last resort.
Hybrid Solar System in Pakistan
Pakistan has a considerable solar energy potential, with around 75% of the country receiving more than 5 kWh/m2 of solar radiation daily. As a result, the Pakistani government has implemented a variety of policies to encourage the use of solar systems, particularly hybrid solar systems. Many residential and commercial buildings in Pakistan have already installed hybrid solar systems, reducing their dependency on the national power grid and saving money on electricity prices.
One of the most significant advantages of hybrid solar systems is their capacity to operate in areas where the national power grid is either unreliable or non-existent. This is especially crucial in Pakistan’s rural areas, where energy is scarce and power outages occur often. A hybrid solar system can also be paired with wind turbines to supply power even when the sun is not shining.