If solar panels are the muscle of your energy system, the hybrid inverter is the brain. It converts power, manages battery charging, communicates with the grid, and protects your system — all simultaneously. Choosing the right hybrid inverter is the single most important decision in any solar + storage installation, and at Portlandia Electric Supply, we carry 217 models from the industry's most trusted brands to match every application and budget.
What Is a Hybrid Inverter?
A hybrid inverter is an all-in-one device that combines three critical functions: a solar inverter (converts DC from your panels to AC for your home), a battery charge controller (manages charging and discharging of your battery bank), and a grid-tie interface (allows two-way communication with the utility grid). Traditional installations require separate components for each of these functions — a hybrid inverter handles all three in a single, integrated unit.
This consolidation simplifies wiring, reduces installation costs, and enables smarter energy management. The inverter automatically decides whether to power your loads from solar, stored battery energy, or the grid — optimizing for cost savings, resilience, or both, depending on how you configure it.
How Hybrid Inverters Differ From Other Inverter Types
| Inverter Type | Grid-Tied | Battery Storage | Off-Grid Capable |
|---|---|---|---|
| String Inverter | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Microinverter | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Off-Grid Inverter | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hybrid Inverter | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Hybrid inverters offer the maximum flexibility — they can operate grid-tied during normal conditions, shift to battery backup during an outage, and function completely off-grid if needed.
Brands We Carry
Our hybrid inverter collection spans residential, commercial, and utility-scale needs, sourced from 15+ Tier 1 brands:
Sol-Ark — American-Made, Installer Favorite
Sol-Ark hybrid inverters are widely regarded as the gold standard for residential and commercial solar-plus-storage. Their line ranges from single-phase residential units to massive 3-phase 60kW commercial systems:
- Sol-Ark SA-60K-3P — 60kW, 3-phase 480/277V, high-voltage battery input — $19,710.50
- Sol-Ark L3-60K-HV — 61.44kWh integrated commercial BESS, IP55 outdoor-rated — $51,937.50
- Sol-Ark SA-30K-3P — 30kW 3-phase 208/240V — $16,225.00
Sol-Ark inverters are known for their wide battery compatibility, robust off-grid capability, and industry-leading 10-year warranty.
Outback Power — The Off-Grid Legend
Outback Power's FLEXpower and SystemEdge pre-wired systems are engineered for serious off-grid and hybrid installations where reliability is non-negotiable. Their pre-assembled, pre-wired enclosures dramatically reduce field installation time:
- Outback SystemEdge SE-860XLC — 8.0kW FLEXpower Radian with 59kWh storage — $36,235.48
- Outback FP3 FXR3048A-300 — 9kW 3-phase, pre-wired with AC bypass — $16,470.10
- Outback FP4 VFXR3648A-01 — 14.4kW 48V off-grid/grid-tie — $17,499.00
EG4 Electronics — Best Value for Residential DIY & Installers
EG4 hybrid inverters are the top pick for homeowners and installers looking for feature-rich performance at a competitive price point. EG4 units are broadly compatible with LiFePO4 batteries including EG4's own battery lineup, making them a natural pairing for a full EG4 system build.
GoodWe — Compact & Reliable for Grid-Tied Homes
With 12 models in our GoodWe lineup, GoodWe inverters are a proven choice for grid-tied residential systems with battery backup. Their compact form factor, high efficiency ratings, and remote monitoring via SEMS Portal make them a popular choice among installers.
Fortress Power — Turnkey Energy Storage Systems
Fortress Power's Envy 12kW series pairs their hybrid inverter with pre-matched eFlex battery modules and monitoring hardware for a complete turnkey system in one package:
- Envy 12kW + 3x eFlex + DuraRack + Guardian Monitoring — $21,126.40
- Envy 12kW + 4x eFlex 5.4 G2 + DuraRack — $20,303.46
- Envy 12kW + eVault Max 18.5 + Guardian — $19,357.21
Storz Power — Long-Haul Commercial Reliability
The Storz 15K Inverter stands out with a remarkable 25-year warranty — the longest in our entire hybrid inverter catalog — making it an exceptional choice for commercial projects where long-term ROI is the priority. Available at $12,474.26.
Additional Brands Available
Our catalog also includes hybrid inverters from General Electric (GE), Generac, Panasonic, MidNite Solar, Magnum Energy, FranklinWH, and Briggs and Stratton — covering everything from residential to utility-scale grid integration.
Key Features to Look for in a Hybrid Inverter
Before selecting a unit, evaluate these critical specs:
- Power Output (kW) — Size to cover your peak load; residential systems typically range from 5kW to 15kW, commercial from 15kW to 60kW+
- Battery Voltage Compatibility — Match to your battery bank: 24V, 48V, or high-voltage (100–500V) configurations
- Phase Type — Single-phase for most homes; 3-phase for larger commercial buildings and three-phase utility connections
- MPPT Channels & String Input — More MPPT inputs allow for multiple array orientations or partially shaded conditions
- Transfer Switch Speed — Critical for seamless backup; look for sub-20ms transfer for sensitive equipment
- IP Rating — IP55 or higher required for outdoor/exposed installations
- Certifications — UL 1741, IEEE 1547, and utility interconnection compliance for grid-tied U.S. installations
- Warranty — Industry standard is 5–10 years; Storz Power offers 25 years
Sizing Your Hybrid Inverter: A Quick Framework
| System Scale | Typical Load | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|
| Small home / essential backup | 5–10 circuits | 5–8kW single-phase |
| Average home / full backup | Whole home | 10–15kW single-phase |
| Large home / EV charging | High demand | 15–30kW |
| Small commercial | 3-phase building | 30–60kW 3-phase |
| Industrial / utility | Large facility | 60kW+ multi-unit |
When in doubt, always size slightly above your current peak load — solar + storage systems are long-term investments and your energy needs will likely grow.
Hybrid Inverters + Battery Storage: The Perfect Pairing
A hybrid inverter without battery storage is like a sports car without fuel. Pairing your inverter with the right LiFePO4 battery bank unlocks:
- Time-of-use optimization — Charge batteries when grid rates are low, discharge during peak-rate hours
- Full blackout protection — Seamlessly island your home from the grid the moment an outage is detected
- Solar self-consumption — Use every kilowatt-hour your panels generate instead of exporting it for pennies
Browse our EG4 LiFePO4 battery systems or explore complete Hybrid Energy Storage Kits that bundle a compatible inverter and battery together for a plug-and-play solution.
Why Buy from Portlandia Electric Supply?
We're not a big-box retailer — we're a specialized electrical supply house built for professionals and serious homeowners. Here's what sets us apart:
- 217 hybrid inverter SKUs spanning every application and price point
- Tier 1 brands only — no off-brand, uncertified equipment
- Expert system design support — our team helps you select and size the right inverter for your specific project
- Nationwide shipping — rapid delivery anywhere in the U.S.
- NABCEP Partner | BBB A+ Rating | UL Listed Equipment