Understanding Off Grid vs. Hybrid Solar Systems in Syria

Understanding Off‑Grid vs. Hybrid Solar Systems in Syria

In Syria’s regions where grid power is unreliable and diesel is costly, solar power has emerged as a lifeline. Two main solutions dominate: off‑grid systems, which operate entirely independently of the utility, and hybrid systems, which combine solar, batteries, and a grid or generator back‑up. Lento’s complete solar ecosystem—high‑efficiency panels, Solar Hybrid Inverters (PCUs), and both tubular flooded and SMF batteries—supports both approaches. This guide will help you, as a distributor or installer, understand the technical differences, use cases, product choices, and lead‑capture strategies to grow your solar business in Syria.

1. Why Off‑Grid and Hybrid Systems Matter in Syria

• Rural and Remote Areas: Many villages lack reliable grid connections or experience frequent outages.
• Fuel Price Volatility: Diesel generators can cost up to $0.60 per kWh in remote locations.
• Critical Services: Clinics, schools, telecom towers, and farms need continuous power.
• Growing Solar Adoption: Subsidy programs and donor‑funded projects drive demand for resilient solutions.

Distributors who master both off‑grid and hybrid systems can address a wider market—residential, commercial, and industrial.

2. Defining the Systems

2.1 Off‑Grid Solar Systems

An off‑grid—or “stand‑alone”—solar system includes solar panels, a battery bank, a charge controller, and an inverter. It operates completely independent of the utility grid and must store enough energy to meet demand during nights and cloudy days.

Key Components:

• Solar Panels: e.g., Lento 24X330 modules (330 Wp)
• Charge Controller: PWM or MPPT types to regulate battery charging
• Battery Bank: e.g., Lento TGS150-12 (150 Ah tubular) or LSMF150-12 (150 Ah SMF)
• Off‑Grid Inverter: Lento Solar Hybrid PCU with built‑in charger and generator input

Typical Applications: Remote homes, telecom towers, agricultural pump stations, off‑grid clinics.

2.2 Hybrid Solar Systems

A hybrid system ties together solar panels, batteries, solar inverter/charger, and the utility grid (or generator). It can draw from the grid when solar or battery reserve is low, and feed excess solar back to the grid where permitted.

Key Components:

• Solar Panels: Same Lento modules as off‑grid
• Hybrid Inverter/Charger: Lento Solar Hybrid PCU models (e.g., 3 kVA, 5 kVA variants)
• Battery Bank: tubular or SMF, per design
• Grid Connection: Allows net‑metering or backup charging

Typical Applications: Commercial buildings, factories, large residences seeking bill savings and outage protection.

3. Off‑Grid vs. Hybrid: Head‑to‑Head Comparison

4. Sizing Your System for Syrian Conditions

4.1 Solar Array Sizing

1. Estimate Daily Load (kWh): Sum appliances’ wattage × hours of use.
2. Peak Sun Hours in Syria: 5–6 hours/day on average.
3. Array Size (kW) = Daily Load ÷ Peak Sun Hours ÷ System Efficiency (≈0.8)

4.2 Battery Bank Sizing

• Off‑Grid: Design for days of autonomy (1–3 days).
• Hybrid: Typically 0.5–1 day autonomy to smooth peak charges.
• Ah Needed = (Daily kWh × Days) ÷ (Battery Voltage × DoD)

Lento tubular batteries like TGS150-12 (150 Ah) or TGS200-12 (200 Ah) suit heavy off‑grid use; LSMF150-12 fits lighter hybrid needs.

5. Choosing Lento Components

5.1 Lento Solar Modules

• 12X175 (175 Wp, 12 V), 24X330 (330 Wp, 24 V), 24X340 (340 Wp)
• Features: Tempered white glass, EVA encapsulation, UV‑resistant resin, IEC/ISO certifications

5.2 Lento Solar Hybrid Inverters (PCUs)

• 3 kVA & 5 kVA Models:
  • Features: Pure sine wave output, MPPT charger, built‑in battery charger, generator input, parallel stacking
  • Benefits: Seamless switch between solar, battery, grid/generator

5.3 Lento Battery Options

• Flooded Tubular: TGS series—6–7 year design life, 1,200 cycles @80 % DoD
• SMF/VRLA: LSB series—10 year design life, 2,100 cycles @20 % DoD, <1 % weekly self‑discharge

6. Installation Best Practices

6.1 Off‑Grid Tips

• Proper Ventilation: Vent gases from flooded batteries outdoors.
• Over‑sizing Panels: Mitigate dust and high‑temperature losses.
• Manual Generator Override: Ensure generator can kick in for extended cloudy periods.

6.2 Hybrid Tips

• Grid Synchronization: Verify local regulations and utility interconnection standards.
• Surge Protection: Install SPD devices on AC and DC sides.
• Net‑Metering Metering: Use bi‑directional meters where available.

7. Maintenance & Service Plans

Offering maintenance plans increases recurring revenue:

1. Quarterly Clean & Inspection: Module cleaning, frame tighten, wiring check.
2. Battery Health Check: Electrolyte level for flooded, voltage test for SMF.
3. Inverter Firmware Updates: Keep PCU software current for optimal MPPT.
4. 24/7 Remote Monitoring: Bundle with Lento’s monitoring portal subscriptions.

Conclusion

Off‑grid and hybrid solar each address Syria’s energy challenges—from remote villages to urban backup. With Lento’s robust modules, Solar Hybrid Inverters, and deep‑cycle batteries (TGS & LSB series), distributors can offer turnkey solutions that withstand dust, heat, and grid instability.

Partner with Lento to deliver trusted, high‑margin solar systems and convert readers into loyal B2B clients.