Solar panels started as a way to save money on utility bills. At Hyperlite Solar we have seen a rising demand for homeowner's that want backup power in the event of power outages and grid failures.
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Solar panels alone are not designed to provide power during a grid outage unless they are integrated with an energy storage system, such as batteries. Here's how solar and battery systems work during a power outage:
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Standard Solar PV System:
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In a typical grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) system, solar panels generate DC (direct current) electricity when exposed to sunlight.
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An inverter converts the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into AC (alternating current), which is the type of electricity used in homes and on the electrical grid.
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This AC electricity is either consumed in real-time by the household or fed back into the grid, depending on the immediate energy needs of the home.
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Solar with Battery Storage:
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When a solar system is combined with energy storage, excess electricity generated by the solar panels during the day can be stored in batteries for later use.
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During a power outage, the solar panels continue to generate electricity as long as there is sunlight. The energy produced is used to charge the batteries and can also be directly utilized to power essential loads in the home.
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The battery system provides a reliable source of electricity during periods when the solar panels are not actively producing energy, such as at night or during cloudy days.
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Grid-Tied Systems with Backup Inverters:
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Some grid-tied solar systems are designed with backup inverters that allow the solar panels to continue producing electricity during daylight hours even when the grid is down.
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In this setup, the solar-generated electricity is used in real-time to power essential loads in the home. However, without energy storage, the system cannot provide power during the night or when there is insufficient sunlight.
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It's important to note that the majority of standard grid-tied solar systems are designed to automatically shut down during a power outage for safety reasons. This is to prevent the injection of electricity into the grid, which could pose a danger to utility workers attempting to repair the power lines.
To have backup power during a power outage, it's necessary to include a battery storage system in the solar setup. This allows stored energy to be utilized when the solar panels are not actively producing electricity, providing a reliable and continuous power source during outages.