Design Mode supports AC-coupled and DC-coupled storage architectures, as well as battery-integrated hybrid inverters. Storage components are fully reflected in your electrical configuration, bill of materials, pricing, and exports.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Storage configurations
Supported equipment
- AC batteries
- DC batteries
- Storage-only inverters
- Hybrid inverters (used with separate batteries)
- Battery-integrated hybrid inverters, such as Powerwall 3 — a single unit combining battery and inverter
Storage system types
AC-coupled storage
In an AC-coupled system, the battery connects on the AC side of the system via a storage-only inverter. Because the connection happens after solar energy has already been converted to AC, the battery cannot connect directly to solar.
DC-coupled storage
In a DC-coupled system, the battery connects to a hybrid inverter on the DC side. Solar energy can be stored directly without first converting to AC, which reduces conversion losses.
Battery-integrated hybrid inverters
Battery-integrated hybrid inverters — like Powerwall 3 — combine the battery and hybrid inverter into a single unit. They:
- Can connect directly to solar
- Support expansion units
- Can be added manually or via Auto-stringer
Note: In performance simulations, battery-integrated hybrid inverters behave like inverters to ensure accurate system modeling.
Switching configurations
You can change the battery type, connected inverter, or AC/DC configuration at any time. When you switch:
- Aurora automatically removes incompatible connections
- System configuration updates to reflect the new setup
For example, switching from a hybrid inverter to a storage-only inverter removes any direct solar connections, since storage-only inverters can't connect to solar.
Electrical configuration
Storage components are tracked in the system's electrical configuration:
- Battery quantities are tracked per inverter
- Expansion units increase total system capacity
- Output depends on both the battery and inverter ratings
Storage configuration troubleshooting
Storage systems can be configured in multiple ways depending on the equipment used. Each storage type has specific connection requirements and limitations. The following guidance outlines how each component should be connected, along with common issues you may encounter when configuring storage manually.
AC batteries
What they require
- Must be connected on the AC side of the system
- Require a load center or AC connection point
- Include or rely on a storage-only inverter
Common issues
- Cannot be connected directly to solar panels
- Will not connect to DC-only components
- Missing load center may prevent proper connection
How to fix
- Ensure a load center or AC connection point is present
- Connect the battery to the system’s AC side, not to panels
DC batteries
What they require
- Must be connected to a compatible inverter: Hybrid inverter or Storage-only inverter
Common issues
- Cannot connect directly to solar panels without an inverter
- May lose connections if switched to an incompatible inverter
- Incorrect inverter selection can break system wiring
How to fix
- Pair the battery with a compatible inverter
- Verify connections after switching battery or inverter types
Storage-only inverters
What they require
- Used only with DC batteries
- Do not connect to solar panels
Common issues
- Cannot be connected to solar panels
- Switching to a storage-only inverter may remove solar connections
- May appear disconnected if no battery is attached
How to fix
- Use only in battery-only or AC-coupled configurations
- Pair with compatible batteries
Hybrid inverters (used with separate batteries)
What they require
- Can connect to: Solar panels or DC batteries
Common issues
- Battery must still be added separately
- Switching inverter types may break connections
- Incorrect pairing may prevent DC-coupled configuration
How to fix
- Ensure both solar and battery are connected to the hybrid inverter
- Re-check connections after changing system components
Battery-integrated hybrid inverters (e.g., Powerwall 3)
What they require
- No separate inverter needed
- Can connect directly to solar panels
Common issues
- May remove existing inverters when added via AutoStringer
- Switching away from this type may break solar connections
- Expansion units do not appear as separate icons, so may cause confusion
How to fix
- String panels directly to the unit
- Use expansion units instead of adding duplicate base units
- Check inspector for correct configuration
FAQ
Can I mix different storage types in one design?
Yes. Aurora enforces compatibility and connection rules automatically as you configure the system.
Do battery-integrated hybrid inverters behave differently in simulations?
In performance simulations, they behave like inverters rather than batteries. This ensures accurate system modeling.