Having a solar panel system means your home has a steady source of power. But what happens when the power goes out? It all depends on your solar power setup. Keep reading to see if your panels will work during an outage and why having a backup battery is key.
Rise in Power Outages
On average, U.S. consumers experience approximately 2 to 6 hours of electricity interruptions. These interruptions occur due to a number of issues, including damage to power lines by high winds, lightning and heavy rainfall.
Power outages may happen in the event of heat waves and wildfires. During a wildfire, utility companies shut down substations for safety reasons. Similarly, the increased demand for air conditioning during heat waves leads to overloads and potential outages.
Do Solar Panels Work When the Power Goes Out?
Curious what would happen if you have solar and the power goes out? When the grid power goes off, solar panels tied to the grid won’t power up your home as they automatically turn off to prevent backfeeding.
Utility companies design the system that way to safeguard utility workers trying to restore power. However, with battery storage like Tesla Powerwall 3, your property will remain powered in the event of a power outage.
The battery stores surplus energy produced during peak sunlight hours. When grid power goes off, your solar energy system automatically switches to battery power, which can run essential appliances until the power is restored.
Benefits of Solar Battery With Solar Panels
Adding a battery to your solar power setup has many benefits. For one, the battery stores surplus energy to use at night or on days when your systems cannot harvest enough sunlight for electricity generation.
With a good battery, you will rely less on the grid and have more control over your energy needs. You’ll always have enough power to run essential appliances like computers, medical equipment and HVAC systems. Other benefits of adding a battery to your solar setup include:
Reduced Energy Bills
A battery can help you further reduce energy bills by storing excess solar power during the day. You can then use the surplus energy during peak hours when electricity rates are higher.
Access to Rebates & Incentives
Adding a battery to your solar energy setup qualifies you for various rebates or tax credits. The credits will help you offset part of the initial cost of installing a solar energy system.
Increased Environmental Conservation
Batteries store excess solar energy, reducing the need for traditional fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Reliable batteries can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Pair Your Solar Energy System With a Battery Today
What happens if you have solar and the power goes out? With a solar battery, you will have enough power for use. Besides protecting against outages, a battery will make you more energy independent, as you won’t rely on grid power.
Ready to add a backup battery to your solar system? Work with Solar Optimum, a provider of name-brand residential battery storage. Contact us today to pair your solar panel system with a dependable solar battery.
