Many people assume that if you have solar panels, your lights will stay on during a local power outage. This can be true, but only if your panels are set up with battery power. If you live in Reno, Nevada, power outages are a constant problem due to dangerous weather and wildfire risks. Solar panels connected to the grid will also be shut down for safety purposes.
If you want to keep your power on during Reno outages, it’s important to understand and plan for your system’s capabilities.
Types of Solar Systems and Their Behavior During Outages
There are two types of solar panel systems for Reno homes and businesses: grid-tied (no battery) and solar plus storage (with battery).
Grid-Tied Solar
If your panels are connected to the grid for net metering, they will be shut down during outages. This is to protect your home and the grid during dangerous conditions like extreme weather. It is also to protect power repair teams by preventing solar-generated electricity from entering the wires while the lines are being worked on.
When the grid goes down, your home and grid-connected panels are also disconnected.
Solar with Battery Storage
If your solar panels are connected to a battery storage system instead of the grid, you can keep the lights on during a power outage. Because your solar is not connected to the grid, it can keep generating safely during outages. Your batteries will also supplement the current solar generation to supply your home with power during blackouts.
Be aware of your home’s total power load needs and your battery load coverage. Reduce power use for better performance and longer outage resilience.
Reno-Specific Considerations
What should Reno homeowners know about power outages and solar?
Local Weather
Winter storms and high-speed winds can cause outages by damaging local power lines and substations. This will take down grid-connected solar power, too.
Even with batteries, your solar power generation can be reduced by intense summer heat and winter snow coverage.
NV Energy
NV Energy, the Reno power utility, will shut down all grid-connected solar during outages for safety. You also need to be on the grid for net metering. Grid-connected solar homeowners will become familiar with the power restoration protocols, as outages and restorations occur often.
Preparing Your Solar System for Outages
If your goal is to be power-independent when Reno experiences power outages, planning is everything. Maintain regular maintenance and consider smart home integration.
Solar Maintenance:
- Schedule regular inspections and cleaning
- Gently remove snow in the winter
- Monitor your battery health
- Backup power settings for your home
- Smart load management, prioritize what matters most
- Solar, battery, and load monitoring tools
Real Solutions for Reno Homeowners
A resilient solar power system for Reno homeowners must involve battery backups, whether or not you are connected to the grid.
Explore battery storage options and maintain your batteries while considering the intense hot and cold temperatures of the Reno climate. Choose battery sizing that can maintain your home’s power load for at least a few hours, while also weighing cost considerations.
You can also upgrade your system by adding batteries, smart technology, and system optimization.
Outage-Ready Solar in Reno
Having solar panels that keep the lights on during a Reno power outage provides peace of mind, protects your investment, and gives you the advantage of energy independence. Get started with a free assessment and explore your options with Solar Optimum.
