What is a battery-ready solar system?

A truly battery-ready solar system has special kind of inverter (called a hybrid inverter) that allows an installer to easily add batteries in the future. This is known as a “DC-coupled” system. However, the various hybrid inverters available today are only compatible with certain batteries.

Do you need a battery ready solar system?

A major reason you don’t have to worry about getting a battery ready solar system is because you can still add batteries at any time. This is done by AC coupling a battery, which allows it to operate independently of the solar system. The most famous example is the Tesla Powerwall 2 which has its own built-in battery inverter.

Are solar inverters battery-ready?

This is known as a “DC-coupled” system. However, the various hybrid inverters available today are only compatible with certain batteries. But technically speaking (and the good news is) just about every solar power system ever installed can also be considered battery-ready through the use of what’s called AC coupling with a regular solar inverter.

Should I add batteries to my solar system?

You can always add batteries later whether your solar system is battery ready or not. It can be cheaper to get solar and batteries installed at the same time. If you’re on a budget, you are better off putting your money towards getting a larger solar system rather than making it battery ready.

Do you need a second battery-ready inverter?

As we know, there’s a trick in the market that connecting batteries to the so-called "battery ready” system may require a second device that you have to pay for. That’s because some players promote their purely on-grid string inverters as battery-ready inverters.

Should I get a battery ready hybrid inverter?

If you decide to get a battery ready hybrid inverter simply because it’s a good inverter, then that’s fine. Even if you never use it to add a battery you’ll still receive the benefit of having a high quality solar inverter. But apart from that, I’d normally only recommend investing in a battery ready system if You know what batteries you want.