Do solar panels work during a power outage? Unfortunately, the vast majority of residential solar systems are grid-tiered, which means that your solar panels will shut down when the grid shuts down. So the simple answer is no, your solar panels will not work during a power outage. But, there is a catch…
To extend your system’s usability and keep the lights on when there’s a power outage, you need to invest in a solar battery storage system. Solar battery storage allows you to store the excess energy that your system produces and use it during time when the grid is unavailable.
In this article we will explore ways to protect your home against power outages using solar energy.
What causes power outages?
Power outages can be frustrating and even dangerous, particularly during extreme weather events. While routine maintenance is a planned cause of power outages, the majority of outages are caused by factors beyond our control. The most common causes of power outages include:
- Lightning strikes, which can damage to power lines and cause widespread outages
- Severe weather conditions, including heavy snow, ice, wind, and rain, which can knock down power lines and damage equipment
- Vehicle accidents that damage power poles and lines
- Equipment failure, such as transformers or generators breaking down
- Animals, particularly birds and squirrels, that can cause short circuits and equipment damage
- Human error, including operator mistakes and equipment malfunctions
- Cyberattacks, which can be particularly devastating to power grids
Will my solar panels work during a power outage?
A typical solar system is wired into your electricity provider’s grid. Unfortunately, your solar panels will stop producing power when the power goes out from your electric company due to an overload, a natural disaster, or just routine maintenance. This is to ensure the safety of utility workers repairing the lines.
Unfortunately, this means that solar panels alone won’t work during a power outage.
What is the solution?
Power outages can strike unexpectedly, leaving many Americans in the dark. While solar energy is a cost-effective alternative to traditional power grids, solar panels alone aren’t immune to blackouts. Fortunately, there is a solution to keep your lights on during an outage: a solar battery storage system.
By adding a solar battery storage system to your existing solar PV setup, you can store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during power outages. This ensures that you have a backup source of power even when the sun isn’t shining.
There are other options to keep your solar power system functional during outages, such as off-grid systems that don’t require a solar inverter to connect to the electric grid. However, these systems can be costlier than traditional on-grid systems and don’t offer the same payment schemes, such as net metering.
With a solar battery storage system, you can rest easy knowing that you have a reliable backup source of power when you need it most.
Install A Solar Battery Storage System
If you want your solar system to keep functioning even during a power blackout, install a solar power battery storage solution. Solar battery systems allow you to store some of the electricity generated by your solar panels during the day and use them during a power outage.
The battery solution does this by disconnecting your home from the electric grid during a power outage. This is known as islanding.
Protect Your Home From Power Outages
Extended power outages are no joke. They can leave your family vulnerable and exposed to harsh conditions depending on the circumstances.
Solar battery storage provides an added layer of security for your home.
If you’re interested in adding solar battery storage to your existing system, contact Solar Optimum today and one of our Energy Consultants will be happy to discuss your options.
