So you have finally got a solar panel on your roof to make a lot of your own electricity. Your power bills have nearly been eliminated, but suddenly on windy nights, your power goes out. Would your solar panels be able to work in such a scenario or how to use a solar panel during a power outage?
Well, this question often comes to the mind of all solar panel owners, especially in today’s scenario where rolling blackouts are increasing at an alarming rate. Rolling blackouts explain a situation where a large number of people face power shortages.
Why are Rolling Blackouts Increasing at an Alarming Rate?
Recent power troubles have made many homeowners ask this burning question. The answer is quite simple. When you install solar panel systems on your roof or property, they will continue to generate electricity even during power outages. They can continue to do so because the panels still absorb sunlight and solar energy.
However, suppose your system is grid-tied, and you do not have a solar battery. In such a scenario, you may not use that energy to run your home during a power outage because your solar panel system will automatically shut off for safety reasons.
Why Do Power Outages Happen?
Power outages can be the result of lightning or other weather conditions like heavy winds, rains, or snow. Accidents may also lead to power outages if poles are damaged. Moreover, if you live in an area prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters, it may lead to blackouts for days, weeks, or months.
In the event of a power blackout, your solar panel system will help in a great way. But the question that arises is:
How does my solar energy system work?
Solar panel systems are designed with the aim to absorb the sun’s energy to create direct current [ DC] electricity. However, since most of the houses run on alternate current electricity, DC electricity is converted to AC electricity through an inverter. The converted energy then powers your home. Therefore, solar panels cannot serve as a backup if AC electricity goes out.
However, they work differently during rolling blackouts. During blackouts, these panels work by storing energy in the grid. They don’t directly convert sunlight to electricity but act like rechargeable batteries. With enough sunlight, they can power your home for days or weeks. If there isn’t enough sunlight, the unit will automatically switch over to battery power and start charging. In this way, your panels will work efficiently during rolling blackouts.
Additionally, You Need Certain Ways to Survive a Power Outage With the Help of Solar Panel Systems.
Solar Battery – To keep Your Electricity Going
Nothing can beat a solar battery system when it comes to getting peace of mind during a power outage.
When you add solar battery backup to your solar PV systems, you can keep your electricity going. The battery backup from solar panels can help homeowners survive rolling blackouts. Installing solar batteries will help you store the excess power generated by your solar panels.
These batteries use excess power in the event of blackouts. In the event your solar batteries are drained of their power, you can draw electricity from the grid. In this way, these batteries can save you in the event of rolling blackouts.
Inverter System – For Efficient Energy Generation
An ideal inverter system is the most essential component of your solar panels. Without it, the solar power generated by your solar panel systems would be unusable. These solar inverters help convert DC electricity into AC electricity even during blackouts. This DC to AC conversion switches the direction of DC input in a way to power your home.
Further, solar inverters are also designed to automatically disconnect in the event of power outages, so that your homes will still get enough electricity. Additionally, these inverters also provide solar power systems with ground fault protection for better efficiency.
Gas Generator – An Ideal Backup
In blackouts, the cheapest way to make sure you have got backup power is using a gas generator. This affordable option will be of great help when it comes to keeping your business or home running as usual.
Solar Panels Covered in Snow
What will happen if your solar panels get covered by snow? Do they still work? Yes, the solar panel technology works better during the snow. This is because the photovoltaic technology behind your solar panel works efficiently in cold weather.
In addition, solar panels quickly shed snow. As these panels are designed to absorb sunlight, they can quickly melt snow and ice.
Why choose Aus-Brite Solar?
Aus-Brite Solar offers the best energy solutions to all the households in Australia. We work towards the vision of catering to the solar energy needs of all our customers.
Contact us and join the league of clean energy.
