Residential Solar — Decision Matrix
Decision Matrix — Which System Type?¶
Before sizing panels and picking inverters, you need to answer one foundational question: which system architecture fits your situation? The three options — grid-tied, hybrid, and off-grid — have very different cost profiles, capabilities, and trade-offs. This section walks you through a structured decision process so you land on the right answer before spending a peso.
Find Your System Type¶
Work through this flowchart top to bottom. The first "exit" condition that applies to you is your answer.
Answer five questions to find your ideal system type. Follow the arrows from top to bottom.
The flowchart covers the five decisions that matter most for Philippine households: brownout frequency, outage tolerance, EV charging needs, budget band, and Home Assistant integration. Most households in Metro Manila and brownout-prone provinces land on Hybrid — it is the sweet spot between cost and resilience.
System Type Comparison¶
Once you know your direction, use this table to pressure-test your choice.
| Factor | Grid-Tied | Hybrid | Off-Grid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (5 kW system) | ₱230,000–₱375,000 | ₱375,000–₱475,000 | ₱500,000–₱625,000 |
| Brownout backup | No | Yes | Yes (full) |
| Net metering eligible | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Battery required | No | Yes | Yes (large) |
| EV-ready | Add-on | Built-in capable | Built-in capable |
| ROI payback | 3–5 years | 4–7 years | 8–12 years |
| Best for | Max savings, stable grid | Brownout-prone areas, future-proof | Remote or no grid access |
| Complexity | Simplest | Moderate | Most complex |
| HA integration | Supported | Supported | Supported |
A few clarifications on the table:
- Net metering for hybrid: the system exports excess solar to the grid when the battery is full, so it qualifies — but Meralco's approval process still applies.
- EV add-on for grid-tied: you can add a separate EV charger, but without a battery you lose the ability to charge the EV from stored solar overnight.
- HA integration is effectively equal across all three because it depends on the inverter brand, not the system topology. Solis, Goodwe, SMA, and Growatt all expose Modbus/RS485 data that Home Assistant can read via ESPhome or dedicated integrations.
Key Warnings¶
Grid-Tied = Zero Power During Brownouts
Grid-tied systems shut down completely during a power outage — even if the sun is shining. This is a safety requirement called anti-islanding protection (a safety feature that automatically shuts off your solar during brownouts to protect utility workers who may be repairing power lines nearby): the inverter must cut off when the grid goes down to prevent backfeeding live power onto lines where workers may be operating. If brownouts are common in your area, hybrid is worth the premium. A ₱100,000–₱150,000 premium for battery storage is cheap insurance against months of outages per year.
Standard Meter Warning
Without net metering approval or a zero-export limiter, a standard Meralco meter counts exported solar power as consumption — your bill goes UP instead of down. This is not a bug; the old-style bi-directional mechanical meter simply spins in both directions. You MUST do one of three things before energising a grid-tied or hybrid system:
- Get net metering approved by Meralco (the formal application process — allow 3–6 months)
- Install a zero-export limiter (a small sensor clamp on your main breaker that automatically throttles inverter output to match your current household load — prevents any power from flowing back to the grid)
- Go hybrid with sufficient battery capacity to absorb all excess solar before it reaches the grid
Option 2 is the fastest interim solution. Option 1 is the long-term goal for maximum ROI.
Quick Decision Summary¶
| Your Situation | Recommended System |
|---|---|
| Stable grid, budget-first, no EV plans | Grid-Tied |
| Brownouts 5+ hours/month OR EV within 3 years | Hybrid |
| Rural, unreliable grid, or complete independence goal | Off-Grid |
| Urban, stable grid, future EV, Home Assistant integration | Hybrid (best all-rounder) |
Most readers of this guide will land on Hybrid. The next sections cover how to size that system correctly for your household load.
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