Quick answer: Choose an all-in-one solar system if you want a tidy, ready-matched unit that installs quickly and removes the risk of pairing the wrong battery with your inverter. Choose a separate inverter and battery if you want the lowest upfront cost, exact control over sizes, or the freedom to replace and expand each part on its own over time.
Key takeaways
- An all-in-one solar system combines a hybrid inverter and lithium battery in one cabinet, with the voltage already matched.
- Separate components usually cost less upfront for the same capacity and give you more freedom to mix sizes.
- All-in-one systems win on installation time, floor space and simplicity. Separate systems win on flexibility and serviceability.
- Both need solar panels to charge from the sun, and both should be installed by a licensed electrician.
Who this guide is for: Philippine homeowners, small offices and stores deciding how to buy their first solar storage system. Who it is not for: anyone who already owns an inverter or battery and only needs a matching part.
What is an all-in-one solar system?
An all-in-one solar system is a single cabinet that contains a hybrid inverter and a lithium battery, factory-matched to work together. You connect solar panels, the grid and your home’s circuits to one unit, and it manages charging, discharging and brownout backup automatically.
Cybotix Philippines offers seven all-in-one inverter and battery systems, from 3.6kW with 5kWh of storage up to 12kW with 32kWh.
What is a separate inverter and battery system?
A separate system, often called a component system, uses a standalone hybrid inverter and one or more standalone lithium batteries, connected by battery cables. You choose each part’s size independently, as long as the battery voltage matches the inverter’s battery input.
Cybotix stocks solar hybrid inverters from 1.2kW to 12kW and solar lithium batteries from 1.28kWh to 30.7kWh.
All-in-one vs separate: side-by-side comparison
| All-in-one system | Separate inverter and battery | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage matching | Done at the factory | You or your installer must match it |
| Installation | Faster: one unit, fewer cables | Longer: inverter, battery and DC cabling |
| Floor and wall space | One compact cabinet | Two or more units, usually wall plus floor |
| Upfront cost | Usually higher for the same capacity | Usually lower for the same capacity |
| Size flexibility | Fixed pairings | Any compatible inverter and battery size |
| Expanding storage | Depends on the model | Add matching batteries to the bank |
| Servicing | Whole unit is assessed together | Faulty part can be swapped on its own |
| Appearance | Clean, appliance-like | More visible cables and hardware |
| Best for | Homes, condos, first-time solar buyers | Larger or custom systems, phased upgrades |
Is an all-in-one solar system more expensive?
An all-in-one solar system usually costs more upfront than a separate inverter and battery of similar capacity. The difference pays for the integrated cabinet, factory matching and simpler installation.
When comparing prices, add the cost of what a separate system needs on top of the inverter and battery: battery cables, a DC breaker or fuse, mounting hardware and extra installation hours. Once those are included, the gap is often smaller than the product prices alone suggest. Ask your installer to quote both options as complete, installed systems.
Which is easier to install?
An all-in-one system is easier and faster to install because the inverter and battery are already connected inside the cabinet. Your electrician only connects the solar panels, the grid supply and your backup circuits.
With separate components, the installer also mounts the inverter, places the battery, runs heavy DC battery cables between them, and fits protection on the battery side. This takes longer and adds more points where a loose connection or wrong setting can cause problems. It is routine work for an experienced electrician, but it is more work.
Which takes up less space?
An all-in-one system takes up less space because everything sits in one cabinet. That makes it a strong fit for condos, townhouses, small sari-sari stores and garages where floor space is limited.
A separate system needs room for the inverter, usually wall-mounted, and the battery, usually floor-standing, plus clearance around both for ventilation. If space is tight, Cybotix also offers a 10.24kWh compact lithium battery in a 500 × 495 × 260mm enclosure.
Can you add more batteries later?
With a separate system, adding storage later is usually simple: you add another battery that matches the voltage of your existing bank and inverter. This is the main reason installers recommend separate 48V components for anyone who expects their needs to grow.
With an all-in-one system, expansion depends on the specific model. Some have a fixed internal battery, while others accept extra battery modules. If you think you will need more storage within a few years, ask our team about expansion before you buy, or choose a larger all-in-one from the start.
Which size combinations are available?
The table below shows each Cybotix all-in-one model next to the closest separate-component setup. The all-in-one pairings are fixed, while the separate setups can be mixed to suit you.
| All-in-one model | Closest separate setup | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6kW + 5kWh | 3.6kW inverter (24V) with a 24V battery bank | Essential home backup: fridge, fans, lights, Wi-Fi |
| 3.6kW + 8kWh | 3.6kW inverter (24V) with a larger 24V battery bank | Essentials with longer brownout cover |
| 5kW + 8kWh | 6.2kW inverter + 10.24kWh battery | Essentials plus one inverter aircon for a few hours |
| 6kW + 10kWh | 6.2kW inverter + 10.24kWh battery | Larger homes, aircon use, small offices |
| 6kW + 16kWh | 6.2kW inverter + 16kWh battery | Long provincial outages, overnight aircon |
| 12kW + 16kWh | 12kW inverter + 16kWh or 16.07kWh battery | Whole-home backup, stores, high daytime loads |
| 12kW + 32kWh | 12kW inverter + 30.7kWh battery | Small businesses, resorts, off-grid properties |
At the smaller sizes, the all-in-one has a clear advantage. The 3.6kW standalone inverter runs on a 24V battery bank, so building a separate 3.6kW system means confirming a compatible 24V battery setup. The 3.6kW all-in-one avoids that step entirely. To understand why voltage matters, read our guide to 12V vs 24V vs 48V systems on the Cybotix blog.
When should you choose an all-in-one system?
Choose an all-in-one solar system if most of these apply to you:
- This is your first solar storage system and you want the simplest path.
- You live in a condo, townhouse or home with limited floor space.
- You want a clean, appliance-like look in a garage, hallway or store.
- One of the seven fixed pairings already matches your loads and brownout length.
- You want to avoid any risk of mismatched voltage between inverter and battery.
When should you choose a separate inverter and battery?
Choose separate components if most of these apply to you:
- You want the lowest upfront cost for a given capacity.
- You need an unusual combination, such as a large inverter with a small battery to start.
- You plan to add batteries in stages as your budget allows.
- You want to replace or upgrade the inverter and battery independently in future.
- You have space for wall and floor mounting with good ventilation.
Three Philippine examples
| Situation | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Condo owner who works from home and wants brownout backup | All-in-one, 3.6kW + 5kWh | Small footprint, simple installation, no voltage pairing |
| Provincial family home with two inverter aircons and long outages | Either: 6kW + 16kWh all-in-one, or 6.2kW inverter + 16kWh battery | All-in-one for simplicity, separate for room to add batteries later |
| Growing store that wants to start small and expand | Separate: 12kW inverter + 10.24kWh battery, adding batteries over time | Large inverter now, storage added as budget allows |
Do both options need solar panels?
Yes. Both an all-in-one system and a separate inverter and battery need solar panels to charge from the sun. The inverter’s MPPT input converts panel power into battery charge and household power in both cases.
Size your panels to refill your battery in one day, allowing for the rainy season. Cybotix offers TOPCon solar panels from 590W to 720W, and our team can recommend a panel count for any all-in-one or separate system.
Installation and safety
Whichever option you choose, have a licensed electrician install it. Place the unit in a shaded, ventilated spot away from rain and direct sun, since heat shortens battery and inverter life in Philippine conditions. For separate systems, make sure battery cables are correctly rated and protected with a fuse or DC breaker.
Cybotix Philippines is a solar distributor, not an installation contractor. We ship from local Philippine stock, usually within 24 hours, with nationwide delivery and a 2-year local warranty on every unit.
Frequently asked questions
Is an all-in-one solar system better than a separate inverter and battery?
Neither is better for everyone. An all-in-one solar system is better for simplicity, space and quick installation, while a separate inverter and battery is better for lower upfront cost, flexible sizing and easy expansion.
Is an all-in-one solar system more expensive?
An all-in-one solar system usually costs more upfront than separate components of similar capacity. Once cables, protection and extra installation time for a separate system are included, the difference is often smaller.
Can I add more batteries to an all-in-one solar system?
It depends on the model. Some all-in-one systems have a fixed internal battery, while others accept extra modules. If you expect to need more storage later, confirm expansion options before buying or choose a larger model from the start.
Does an all-in-one solar system need solar panels?
Yes. An all-in-one solar system needs solar panels to charge its battery from the sun. The panels connect to the unit’s built-in solar input, the same way they connect to a standalone hybrid inverter.
Which all-in-one size do I need for a house in the Philippines?
Most Philippine homes backing up a refrigerator, fans, lights and Wi-Fi fit a 3.6kW all-in-one with 5kWh to 8kWh of storage. Homes running inverter aircons on backup usually need 6kW with 10kWh to 16kWh, and whole-home or business backup suits a 12kW model.
Do I need to match voltage with an all-in-one system?
No. An all-in-one system has its inverter and battery voltage matched inside the cabinet, so you do not need to choose between 12V, 24V or 48V. You only choose inverter power and battery capacity.
Which option is easier to repair?
A separate system is generally easier to service because a faulty inverter or battery can be assessed and replaced on its own. An all-in-one unit is assessed as a whole. Both are covered by Cybotix Philippines’ 2-year local warranty.
Still deciding?
Send your appliance list, location, available space and future plans through our Contact Us page. Our Philippine team will compare an all-in-one and a separate setup for your home or business before you spend anything.