FAQ
TL;DR: Connecting an on-grid and off-grid inverter to one installation is possible; just respect the 3.68 kW per-phase export cap [PSE, 2023] and remember “Of course you can” [Elektroda, jurek.parus, post #19896867] Plan the order, certificates, and backup loads.
Why it matters: A correctly wired hybrid keeps the lights on during blackouts while still earning feed-in credits.
Quick Facts
• Single-phase export cap: 3.68 kW per phase in Poland [URE, 2023].
• AC-coupled hybrids must meet PN-EN 50549 or VDE-AR-N 4105 [PSE, 2023].
• RfG/RfC certificate required before any grid injection; check the PTPiREE inverter list [*Wykaz certyfikatów*, 2024].
• Off-grid idle draw: 22-60 W (Easun SMG II datasheet, 2023).
• Safe battery sizing: daily kWh × 1.2 for 80 % DoD [IRENA, 2022].
1. Can I connect an on-grid and an off-grid inverter to the same network?
Yes. Forum users have operated both topologies in one switchboard without damage [Elektroda, Filipdz, post #19897606] You must isolate AC inputs with separate breakers and follow local grid codes.
2. Which connection order is better: grid→on-grid→off-grid or grid→off-grid→on-grid?
Grid→on-grid→off-grid is simpler. If the grid fails, the on-grid stops, and the off-grid powers loads [Elektroda, jurek.parus, post #19896867] The reverse order needs AC-coupling logic to avoid battery overcharge.
3. Do the two inverters need separate PV strings?
Yes. Sharing panels can confuse MPPT trackers and void warranties. "You need to have separate panels for the off-grid inverter" [Elektroda, BrucieK, post #20354940]
4. What certificates allow an inverter to feed the Polish grid?
Your device must carry RfG/RfC conformity plus a test report on PTPiREE’s approved list [Wykaz certyfikatów, 2024]. Devices lacking this, such as many budget Easun models, must remain off-grid [Elektroda, Slawek K., #20298757].
5. Is the 3.68 kW single-phase limit enforced?
Yes. DSO contracts cap single-phase export at 3.68 kW; higher power requires three-phase connection [URE, 2023]. Exceeding the cap can trigger inverter derating or DSO penalties [Elektroda, MichałS, #20291916].
6. Will the off-grid inverter charge batteries during a blackout?
If wired grid→on-grid→off-grid, only the off-grid inverter remains live and will charge from panels or batteries [Elektroda, Filipdz, post #19897606] The on-grid inverter sleeps until grid returns.
7. How do I stop battery overcharge in an AC-coupled system?
Choose an off-grid inverter that supports frequency-shift control. It raises AC frequency slightly; the on-grid inverter senses this and throttles output [Victron, 2023].
8. Can an off-grid inverter disturb my smart meter?
Yes. A user reported a DTSU666 meter showing erratic imports because the UPS-style inverter distorted the phase voltage [Elektroda, rob160, post #20634958]
9. How much standby power will the off-grid inverter draw?
Datasheets show 22-60 W idle, roughly 0.5–1.4 kWh daily (≈4 % of 5 kW-h battery) [Easun SMG II datasheet, 2023].
10. How do I wire a basic hybrid safely?
- Install separate DC strings to each inverter.
- Feed on-grid AC output to the main breaker; route this line through an RCD.
- Connect off-grid output to a dedicated sub-panel labelled “Backup”.
Follow IEC 60364 clearances. Test transfer before energising.
11. What happens during a prolonged grid outage?
On-grid shuts down instantly. Off-grid keeps critical circuits alive until batteries reach the low-voltage cut-off (usually 44 V for 48 V packs) [Easun manual, 2023].
12. Can I start small and add batteries later?
Yes. Hybrid inverters can run in UPS mode without PV; you can add panels and batteries later [Elektroda, XeNeS, post #20155811]
13. Recommended off-grid inverter for a Solis 3-phase on-grid owner?
Look at budget Easun iSolar SMW (up to 8 kW on one phase) or a three-phase Deye SUN-5K-SG03LP1 for full symmetry [Elektroda, XeNeS, post #20154283]
14. Edge case: what if both inverters push power simultaneously above contract capacity?
Your bidirectional meter sums exports; exceeding the contracted 10 kW can void settlement and force disconnection [Elektroda, waltergraham72, post #20292863] DSOs check this via 15-minute telemetry.
15. "My off-grid inverter always imports 300 W even when I export 6.9 kW—why?"
Likely meter phase mis-alignment or inverter waveform distortion. Re-check CT orientation and try moving the inverter to another phase; this fixed the issue for rob160 [Elektroda, 20637222]