Many people are under the assumption that if they have solar panels, in a power cut you will still be able to get electricity. On the face of it, this makes perfect sense: sunshine = solar power = stay on. But that’s not how it works in the majority of British homes.
The common misunderstanding
Solar Panels produce DC electricity that is turned into AC power by an inverter for the home. The inverter is typically programmed to disable itself during brown outs or a grid tie failure.
That shutdown is no fault – it is a safety feature. For help with Solar Panel Installation Clevedon, visit redbridgeandsons.co.uk/solar-pv-panels/solar-panel-installation-clevedon/
For example, if your system still exported power while engineers were fixing the network it may backfeed electricity into the grid and put lives at risk. In effect then, normal off-grid solar installations are being designed to shut down when the grid goes black.
Blackouts and solar panels – How do solar panels work in a blackout?
They don’t but not in the manner a lot of people think
Your inverter will typically shut down (even though your panels are still producing power) so:
Solar won’t power your home
Your battery (if any) may also stop powering the house, depending on your setup
Your solar monitoring app can go offline as well
Solar Power Whilst The Grid Is Down
Systems that can retain some power need more specific equipment.
Battery storage system with backing up
While many battery systems can still deliver electricity to your home during a black out, some only offer that functionality when they are installed with the correct equipment (usually a backup gateway or changeover switch).
Backup circuits (essential loads)
Nearly all backup systems will not energise an entire house. In a true sense, they do not power your house but essentially act as a backup line for the following:
Fridge/freezer
A few lights
Broadband router
Phone charging
This is good to avoid system overload.
EPS/ emergency power socket
There are some inverters with an emergency power supply (EPS) socket to give a small amount of output in case the grid goes down. It comes in handy, but it’s not the same as having a fully-functioning house.
The practical takeaway
If blackouts matter to you, don’t assume solar will save you. These three questions will help you draw comparisons to your installer:
Battery backup (system not battery)
What circuits will be covered during a power outage?
Maximum output in backup mode?
A good installer will clearly explain those options and design a system that is tailored to your actual requirement during grid black out.
