What happens if I have solar and my power goes out?

This is a very common question. Many people assume that if you have solar panels for your home you will have backup power should the electrical grid go down. However, this is not the case. In order to have the panels producing when the grid is down you will need a battery backup system.

So, what happens when the grid goes down? Well, the panels simply stop producing. This is to meet electrical code. When the power goes out the solar system will go into rapid shutdown to prevent the panels from sending dangerous back feed currents into a non-functioning grid. Not only does this protect grid, but also your home and your solar system.

Batteries are needed because you must maintain consistent power when the grid is down. It is possible to power your home directly from the panels. However, if the solar light levels change, for example a cloud passes over, the power supply will not stay consistent and could cause damage to appliances.

In addition to batteries, it is a good idea to have a power management system. These systems can send power to critical electrical loads in your home if the power goes out. They can do this automatically, or they can be manually controlled. They also let you see exactly how much energy is being used by each one of these electrical loads. This is vital, because your batteries have limited power and will need time to recharge. It is best to only keep the most essential items on battery power when the grid is down. Anything that uses excessive electricity should have their use limited, or not run altogether. Items such as dryers, space heaters, car chargers, should only be used if absolutely necessary. It is best to keep things, like a well pump, refrigerator, and a furnace on the battery. Keeping only the essential items on the battery will extend the run life of your storage. You can always have multiple batteries if you would like extra capacity, but remember that this is renewable energy, not infinite, and you will still need to be conscious of your electrical use when the grid is down. Batteries can also be combined with gas generators. They can function together thus extending the run life of each if the grid is down, and giving you the option to choose which backup power source to be used.

Like any item, there are economic options and premier options for batteries. The more expensive batteries will generally last longer and perform better. The economic options, while cheaper, often do not last as long and can have performance issues when you need it most. Currently there is a federal tax credit of 30% on solar battery systems. If this is the right time for you to install a battery system, you could save a good amount. As always It is best to work with a reputable solar professional with a solid understanding and experience with battery systems if you choose to install them.