The right choice depends on one question: do you need power during power cuts? If not, an on-grid system gives the most savings for your money. If you do, a hybrid system with a battery adds backup.
On-grid solar
An on-grid system connects your solar panels to the electricity grid through an inverter. Solar power runs your home first; any extra can go to the grid, where your electricity company’s net-metering rules allow it.
For safety, an on-grid inverter switches off when the grid fails. This protects line workers repairing the grid, but it means no solar power during a power cut.
Tenzor’s on-grid inverters are the Supernova 1-Phase (1 to 6 kW) for single-phase connections and the Supernova 3-Phase (5 to 15 kW) for three-phase connections.
Hybrid solar
A hybrid system adds a battery. Solar charges the battery during the day, and the battery takes over when the grid fails or after sunset.
The Tenzor Hypernova (3 to 6 kW) is a single-phase hybrid inverter. It works with 24 V or 48 V lead-acid or lithium batteries and switches to backup in under 10 milliseconds, fast enough that most appliances keep running. Tenzor Prime lithium (LFP) batteries range from 2.56 to 16.07 kWh.
Side by side
| On-grid | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowers your electricity bill | Yes | Yes |
| Power during power cuts | No | Yes, from the battery |
| Battery needed | No | Yes |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher (inverter plus battery) |
| Best for | Homes and businesses with reliable grid supply | Areas with frequent power cuts, or homes that need backup |
| Tenzor range | Supernova 1-Phase (1–6 kW), Supernova 3-Phase (5–15 kW) | Hypernova (3–6 kW) with Prime batteries |
How to decide
- Few power cuts and the main goal is savings: on-grid.
- Regular power cuts, or essential loads like a fridge, lights, fans or a work-from-home setup: hybrid.
- Not sure: an authorised Tenzor partner can assess your site and usage.
See what your home needs
The Tenzor solar calculator sizes both. Choose On-grid or Hybrid and it recommends the inverter, panels and battery.