As more Australians install solar batteries, choosing the right type of inverter becomes crucial. The inverter is the heart of your system — and it affects how energy is stored, used, and even sold back to the grid.
Two main types dominate the market: hybrid inverters and AC-coupled inverters. In this guide, we’ll explain how each works, highlight the differences, and help you choose the best option for your setup — including smart battery options like Redx.
What Is a Hybrid Inverter?
A hybrid inverter is a single device that manages both your solar energy system and your battery storage. It combines the functions of a solar inverter (which converts DC electricity from your panels into AC electricity for your home) and a battery inverter (which stores and manages energy in your battery).
Instead of needing two separate inverters for solar and battery — a hybrid inverter does it all in one unit.
In simple terms:
It’s like the “brain” of your energy system. It decides whether to:
- Use your solar power immediately
- Store it in your battery
- Sell it back to the grid
- Or pull energy from the grid when prices are low
Key Features:
- Combines solar and battery functionality in one unit
- Efficient energy flow with minimal conversions
- Supports both grid-tied and off-grid systems
- Seamless backup power during outages
Ideal For:
- New solar + battery installations
- Homeowners seeking simplicity and integration
- Those needing blackout protection or off-grid readiness
Redx offers a range of battery models with built-in hybrid inverters, including the RX-7000HY, RX-5000HY (featuring 7kW and 5kW inverters respectively), and the advanced RX-7000Plus with a 7kW inverter. This means you don’t need to purchase a separate inverter — making installation easier, reducing costs, and saving space. Each unit is compact, stackable, and fully compatible with Redx AI for smart energy trading and automated optimisation.
What Is an AC-Coupled Inverter?
An AC-coupled system uses two separate inverters:
- A solar inverter to convert energy from your panels into usable AC power
- A battery inverter to charge and discharge your battery using AC electricity
These systems are called “AC-coupled” because the battery is connected to your home’s AC electrical circuit, not directly to the solar panels.
In simple terms:
Imagine your solar and battery systems are two smart appliances that speak to each other in “AC language.” They work independently but still share the load.
Key Features:
- Two independent inverters: one for solar, one for battery
- Great for retrofitting batteries to existing solar systems
- Modular and scalable — good for future expansion
Ideal For:
- Homes with existing solar setups
- Budget-conscious upgrades
- Those looking to add batteries without replacing current hardware
The RX-5000AC and RX-2505AC from Redx come with built-in AC-coupled inverters, making them a great option for homes that already have existing solar systems. With no need to purchase or install an external inverter, setup is simpler and more cost-effective. These models are compact, easy to install, and support smart energy features through Redx AI, helping you save more and trade energy automatically.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between hybrid and AC-coupled depends on your current system and future plans.
Choose a Hybrid Inverter if:
- You’re installing both solar panels and a battery from scratch
- You want a clean, integrated system with a single inverter
- You need blackout protection and seamless backup
- You prefer a modern solution like the Redx RX-7000Plus with built-in smart features
Choose an AC-Coupled System if:
- You already have solar and want to add a battery
- You don’t want to replace your current inverter
- You prefer modular upgrades over time
- You want an affordable way to extend your existing system with something like the Redx RX-5000AC
Built-In Inverters: Why It Matters
When choosing a battery, it’s important to know whether the inverter is built-in or needs to be purchased separately. A battery with a built-in inverter:
- Reduces installation complexity
- Takes up less wall space
- Lowers total system cost
- Looks neater and works smarter
All Redx battery systems — including the RX-7000Plus and RX-5000AC — come with integrated inverters. That means easier setup, better efficiency, and full Redx AI compatibility from day one.
FAQ – Inverters & Solar Battery Systems
Q: Can I use a hybrid inverter with an existing solar system?
A: Technically yes, but you’d need to replace your current inverter. AC-coupled is usually the better choice for retrofits.
Q: Is a hybrid inverter better for power outages?
A: Yes. Hybrid systems like the RX-7000Plus offer seamless backup power with no extra hardware.
Q: Can I upgrade to a hybrid system later?
A: Yes, but it’s more cost-effective to go hybrid when you’re installing solar and battery at the same time.
Q: Do Redx systems work with Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)?
A: Absolutely. All Redx batteries are VPP-ready and powered by Redx AI for automated energy trading.
