Once the solar panel is installed on your rooftop, there are chances to get tied to the electric grid in your area. In that case, you draw power from the utility company when there are weather conditions such as rains and storms or if there is less sunlight and panels can’t make as much energy as you generate electricity through the grid.
What happens if the electric grid gets shut down due to lightning or extreme conditions such as rain or heavy winds? Then the electric grid might get shut down if electricity demand exceeds the availability. This power cut-off might affect your solar panel as well.
The main reason for this shutdown is to protect utility technicians sent to fix damaged power lines. The reason for the shut down of solar panels is that the solar system is connected to the grid with the help of a solar inverter. The solar inverter works on a smart meter that records the amount of energy used by you and the excess solar energy, which is sent back to the utility. So your solar panel will stop working if the grid shuts downs.
There are a Few Options for Using Solar Panels During a Power Outage
Most solar systems come with a battery, storing energy that you don’t use or export to the grid. A battery set up correctly can be used to power your home during a blackout.
Your solar battery can be a good option when you are disconnected from the electric grid of your area. This is referred to as ‘islanding’: an island of power with no connection to the wider grid. This allows you to use power without it being dangerous for anybody, and you can use your electric appliances with the help of this solar battery backup.
However, depending on these batteries during a blackout might prove very expensive to you.
So it is better to use only those appliances you want to provide power. These could be things like refrigerators or personal electronics/chargers. Unfortunately, installing solar batteries to keep your home or business running for a few days might cost more than you are willing to spend.
If you are looking for backup electricity but not willing to spend so much, generators are a better option. These backup generators are less expensive as compared to batteries. Therefore, it is easy to run your household or business at less price.
However, these generators use fossil fuels to generate electricity which is non-renewable and can damage your environment. Another option called Off-grid solar requires enough batteries to ensure you have enough electricity stored to survive in a blackout. However, off-grid solar is not a wise investment for most homes and businesses.
It might be difficult for you to generate electricity from the grid if your solar panel fails to produce the required electricity. Off-grid solar is a good option in far away areas such as farmhouses where there is no availability of an electric grid.
Aus-Brite is the best solar power installer in Sydney. If you are interested in installing solar panels for your home, contact our experts.
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