Adding batteries without hybrid inverter

Heiser · 29-03-2026 06:39PM #1

I have a 5.6kw system on my roof with a solis inverter, which is not capable of adding a battery too. Back 5 years ago when I was putting the system in batteries were mad money, and with a limited budget I opted to put more panels in rather than get a hybrid invertor.

The system has now paid for itself which is great but I'm now considering if installing a battery at this stage is worth it, given the decrease on battery cost over the years.

Is my best option now to remove the single inverter and replace with a hybrid invertor, or would it be cheaper to get another cheaper single inverter and hook batteries up to that, just so I can charge up and at night on cheap rate and use throughout the day, with my solar excess going back to the grid?

What are others doing that don't have a hybrid invertor but now want batteries?

ECO_Mental · 29-03-2026 08:12PM

I had the exact suitation you have and there are two solutions

Firstly the easiest is yes replace your existing Soils with a hybrid inverter or some all in one solution like a Sigenergy system. So long as the inveter size is less that 25 Amp or about 5.5or so kW you will be under the NC6 limit and there wont be any issues.

The second option is a bit more complicated and its what I have done, is add an additional inveter charger on the grid side of your existing Solis. This inveter charger (like this https://www.victronenergy.com/inverters-chargers/multiplus-ii ) which has a transfer switch can charge your battery and if the grid goes down it will transfer over to the battey and your solis inverter wont know the gird is down and will still provide PV power and charge the battey. This is a bit complicated and you will need to apply for an NC7 to be compliant which is an additional €1000. Although I hear people do this and dont get NC7s just limit thier export to NC6 eg export no more than 25Amps to the grid.

Depends really how much a big energy user you are and you feel its worth the investement, there is the potential if you get a big enough battery to have zero energy bills and even make money (how long that lasts we are praying for a few more years)

10-10-20 · 30-03-2026 02:09PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058436476/adding-batteries-without-hybrid-inverter

The cautious side of me says: Swapping out the inverter for a hybrid is the way to go, other routes leave you in a situation where you are outside the allowed export limit and ESBn use this limit to scale and mange the load on the local transformers. Plus the electrical rating of the installation was completed for the existing equipment load, so there is no guarantee that the wiring and protection devices are capable of taking additional generation capacity without modification.

An inverter swap-out gets you: a certified installation, within electrical spec and up to the recent electrical standards (which changed in ~2023).

Adding batteries without hybrid inverter

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