On-grid vs hybrid solar: which suits your home?
Most Kerala homes choose on-grid solar because it gives the biggest savings for the money. A hybrid system with a battery makes sense when power cuts are a real problem. Here is how to decide.
Three kinds of home solar.
| On-grid | Hybrid | Off-grid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Connected to KSEB. Extra units go to the grid and are credited on your bill. | Connected to KSEB, with a battery that stores power for later. | Not connected to KSEB. Runs only on panels and batteries. |
| During a power cut | Switches off for safety, so no backup. | Battery keeps chosen loads running. | Keeps running from the battery. |
| PM Surya Ghar subsidy | Yes | Yes, on the panel capacity. The battery is not subsidised. | No |
| Cost | Lowest | Higher, because of the battery | Highest for the same use |
| Maintenance | Very low | Battery replaced after some years | Battery replaced after some years |
| Best for | Most homes with steady KSEB supply | Homes with frequent or long power cuts | Places with no grid connection |
Subsidy rules can change. We confirm what applies to your system before you order.
A safety rule, not a fault.
When KSEB supply fails, an on-grid inverter stops sending power so that line workers repairing the grid are not hurt by electricity coming back from your roof. That is why an on-grid system gives no backup, even on a sunny day.
If you already have an inverter and battery for backup, it keeps working as before with on-grid solar. Many Kerala homes keep their existing UPS for lights and fans and add on-grid solar to cut the bill.
Start from your power cuts.
If power cuts in your area are short and occasional, choose on-grid. It costs the least, gets the full subsidy, and the savings pay back fastest.
If you have long or frequent cuts, run a home office, or have medical equipment, choose hybrid and size the battery for only the loads that matter, such as lights, fans, the fridge and Wi-Fi.
We explain both options with real figures on the free site visit, and you choose.
Frequently asked questions.
Still unsure? Call +91 9061626868 and talk to an engineer directly.