If you’ve made the switch to solar, you might assume your solar panels will keep your lights on during a power cut, but that’s not always the case.
We don’t often realise how much we rely on electricity until it’s gone. For many households, that means going a few hours without turning the lights on or watching television. But for some, it may mean losing electricity for crucial medical equipment that requires constant power.
Whether you’ve just had solar panels installed or are considering getting them in the near future, it helps to know how they act during power outages.
Keep reading as we explain what happens to your solar panels during a power cut, or contact Going Green Renewables today to discuss your solar setup.
Do solar panels work during a power cut?
The short answer is no.
Most solar panel systems won’t work in a power outage, at least not on their own.
Will solar panels continue to harness solar energy?
Most solar PV systems are grid-tied, meaning they are connected to the National Grid. If there’s a grid outage or scheduled maintenance, these systems are designed to automatically switch off for safety reasons.
If there’s a power cut, engineers will likely be working hard to get the grid back up and running. Continuing to generate electricity when this happens could cause serious harm to the engineers.
The only way to keep using electricity is to install a battery storage system with backup power functionality.
What appliances can I run during a power outage with a battery?
If you’ve added a solar battery to your setup, you’re one step ahead.
A fully charged solar battery can be an emergency power supply during a power cut, which means continuous power for your essentials.
You could use that excess energy for:
- Fridges and freezers (stop your food from going off)
- Essential lights
- Heating
- Broadband routers
- Charging ports
- Medical equipment
- Security systems
How much you can power all depends on the size of your battery storage system, the battery inverter’s capacity, and how much stored energy is available when the outage hits. Talk to us about battery storage systems and find out how much electricity you could save for emergencies like power cuts.
How to keep power during an outage with solar panels
You can’t predict a blackout, but you can prepare.
Utilise solar battery storage systems
Adding a battery backup system is one of the most effective ways to keep electricity running through your home when the grid goes down. Batteries work by storing excess solar power, and then, if a power cut happens, you can run your home on the stored energy.
They aren’t just good for power cuts. Solar battery systems also help to:
- Increase your energy independence by storing excess energy during quieter hours (when less people are using their appliances) and using it during peak times (when everyone’s relying on grid power).
- Keep energy bills down by storing any excess energy generated during the day (which is cheaper) so you don’t have to rely on grid electricity in peak time when it’s more expensive.
- Save a few pennies in your pocket by selling excess electricity back to the National Grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme.
- Improve your carbon footprint by powering your home with clean, renewable energy.
Read our blog to learn more about why solar batteries are worth the investment.
Rely on backup inverters
A standard solar inverter won’t keep the lights on in a blackout, but a hybrid inverter or backup inverter will. They allow your system to disconnect from the electricity grid and power your home solely with solar electricity and battery power that you’ve saved up. This is what we call off-grid functionality.
Hybrid inverters are a smart investment, especially if you worry about power cuts. When installed right, you can have power flowing directly to your most important appliances when the grid goes down.
What should I do if I don’t have solar batteries?
If you have grid-tied solar panels, there’s not a whole lot you can do without solar battery storage when a power cut hits. And, if you live rurally, you may find that storm damage and power cuts are common.
You can always:
- Consider adding battery storage to your existing setup
- Look at how much energy you’d need to work out what size battery would fit
- Ask about automated switching systems that give you backup power in an outage
- Talk to a certified installer (like us) for support
Don’t be left in the dark, contact Going Green Renewables today
Power cuts can happen at any time. But with the right combination of solar panels, battery storage, and a backup inverter, you can stay switched on.
At Going Green Renewables, we specialise in installing solar panels and battery storage systems that keep homes and businesses running, even through power cuts.
Our services help you save energy, reduce electricity bills, and take the leap to cleaner, greener energy.
Looking for a solar installer near you? Take the leap to cleaner, greener energy today. Call Going Green Renewables on 01252 560 587 or build your free quote online.
Frequently asked questions
How long will a solar battery power my home during a power cut?
It really depends on how much energy your solar system has stored and how much power you need. Most battery systems around 5 – 10kWh will power essentials like lights, fridges, and routers for several hours. You can probably go longer if you ration the energy carefully.
Can I power my entire house with a solar battery during a power cut?
It may be possible to power your entire home if you have a solar battery system that is big enough and you don’t need too much power, but it’s best to prioritise your essential appliances just in case. Using a smaller battery to power your whole home will likely cause the battery inverter to trip, which is not what you want in a power outage.
Will adding a battery mean I always have power during a blackout?
No, not always. Solar batteries need to be charged in advance so you can draw power from them. If the battery is empty when the power outage happens, you won’t be able to use it as a backup power option.
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