The goal of switching to solar is to have your PV system produce power at optimal levels, without needing to draw additional electricity from the grid. However, unpredictable weather and other unforeseen circumstances are inevitable.
Blackouts, Power Outages, and Blackouts
When your lights go out, it’s usually not the fault of your photovoltaic system. There are many reasons why power outages occur, from weather damage to power plant problems that cause widespread blackouts for hours, days, or weeks.
If an outage is expected to last several hours, a portable generator or battery-powered power station (which can be solar or gas-powered) will provide the best solution. They can be used to quickly restore power to the house to maintain safe temperatures, keep plumbing working, and ensure the fridge and freezer stay cold to prevent food spoilage. These are only short-term fixes. Problems can start to escalate if an outage lasts more than a few days, especially if supplies are limited.
Do Solar Panels Still Work in a Power Outage?
The simple answer is no. When the utility grid goes down, a standard solar system will also go down. This is necessary because it would be dangerous to work on electrical systems or power lines with a live connection. Grid-tied systems are designed to shut off during a power outage for safety.
We have already mentioned that a solar or gas generator can last for several hours. It’s important to note that these generators may damage your solar system if both are operating simultaneously. Consider having your generator professionally installed if you decide to keep one on hand for power outages. This will help prevent long-term damage to your solar panels.
Batteries and Other Home Storage Systems
When a grid-tied solar system produces more energy than a home requires, it is usually sent to the utility grid, where the extra power can be used by others. Instead of sending the excess energy back to the utility grid, you could store it in a battery, which would provide backup energy if your home’s energy consumption exceeds the solar energy generation.
Your system will automatically switch to battery power when you install a solar battery. As long as the solar input does not exceed power consumption, your battery will recharge normally. This setup ensures that your home will have power during a blackout with a solar panel system designed to meet or even exceed your energy needs.
ESD Solar offers a variety of battery storage solutions, including solar. However, other options may be available in your locality. Ask your solar expert for the best storage solution.
This post was written by Daniel Massaad, owner and expert solar technician at Energy Solutions Direct! ESD is the top choice for solar companies St Petersburg FL! Our licensed and certified contractors are masters of their craft; with years of experience servicing the great Tampa Bay area and beyond, the choice is simple. ESD excels at offering you the best in solar value!
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