# PCS vs Hybrid Inverter vs Grid-Tied Inverter: What Changes in a Microgrid? Compare the roles of a bidirectional storage PCS, a hybrid inverter and a PV grid-tied inverter before choosing an architecture. These names describe different functions, but manufacturers do not use them consistently. Compare the actual power path and supported operating modes in the product documentation. PCS: battery conversion in both directions A bidirectional power conversion system (PCS) connects a battery DC bus to an AC bus. It can charge the battery from AC and return stored energy to AC within its active-power, apparent-power and DC-current limits. A PCS may be grid-following, grid-forming, or configurable for both; the product specification must say which modes are supported. Hybrid inverter: PV and storage functions in one package A hybrid inverter or hybrid cabinet commonly combines battery conversion with PV MPPT and may include EMS, switchgear, transformer or transfer equipment. The exact boundary varies. Check whether PV inputs and MPPT are actually integrated, how the battery connects, and whether generator and island operation require external devices. Grid-tied PV inverter: PV-to-grid conversion A conventional grid-tied PV inverter converts solar DC into AC synchronized with the utility. Unless specifically designed for storage and islanding, it does not provide bidirectional battery conversion or maintain an independent AC bus when the grid is absent. Questions to settle before selecting Is PV MPPT inside the cabinet or supplied separately? What battery voltage, current and charge/discharge power are supported? Can the device form an islanded AC bus, and what transfer gear is required? Are grid charging, export, generator synchronization and black start supported by this exact configuration? What are the active-power, apparent-power, overload and parallel limits? For example, VGRID’s LEONA-B750K is a split-type, grid-forming hybrid inverter system in the 750 kW class. It integrates PCS, EMS, an isolation transformer and automatic grid/off-grid switching; PV MPPT controllers are separate units. The brochure lists 750 kVA rated off-grid apparent output, 825 kVA maximum output and transfer under 20 ms. Confirm the active-power nameplate and offered transfer configuration. The SP250HAG2T integrates PV MPPT and transfer equipment. Compare the interfaces in the [LEONA-B750K](/en/product/sp750h54pstd-2) and [SP250HAG2T](/en/product/sp250hag2t) pages. ## What does a PCS do? A PCS converts power between a battery DC bus and an AC system. A bidirectional model can charge the battery from AC and discharge it to AC, subject to the product rating and control configuration. ## Does every PCS include PV MPPT? No. Some hybrid cabinets integrate MPPT; many PCS products handle battery conversion and require separate PV inverters or DC/DC MPPT equipment. ## Does choosing a PCS guarantee off-grid operation? No. Island operation depends on grid-forming capability, transfer equipment, protection, battery limits and commissioning settings for the exact model.