Solar power has long been touted as highly efficient, extremely sustainable, and cost effective for consumers of all sizes.
While all of these statements remain true, there are a variety of other benefits that the average consumer may not have thought of. The biggest and perhaps most helpful of these additional benefits is the ability to produce power even during a power outage in your area. This peace of mind alone is enough to convince some homeowners to make the switch to solar.
Many other homeowners have a fear of solar panels not working when a power outage occurs. Solar power during blackout conditions or solar panels not working is a rare occurrence.
So, what questions can be answered to put the minds of homeowners at ease in relation to home solar systems?
- Will Solar Panels Work During A Power Outage?
- Can You Store Solar Energy?
- How Does Solar Panels Produce Electricity?
- Can A House Run On Solar Power Alone?
- Why Is Solar So Sought After To Address Blackouts?
Will Solar Panels Work During A Power Outage?
One of the great things about an extra utilities solar panel or panels on your home is that they will continue to function even when the grid has gone down.
Most homes that utilize solar panels and are still connected to the grid have mechanisms that allow energy to flow in two directions, both into the home from the grid and from the home solar system out to the grid. This means that any energy produced while the power is out will flow directly into the home and allow you to operate any appliances or lighting fixtures that utilize electricity. This means that during a power outage, you and your family can continue to live your life normally and without interruption. In fact, some communities design crisis centers with solar panels for this exact reason. This way, if a serious power outage ever occurs, the community will have a safe place to go that has power.
Can You Store Solar Energy?
Another question on the minds of potential solar energy customers is whether or not solar energy can be stored.
Luckily, the resounding answer to this question is yes. Solar energy, much like any other form of electrical energy, can be stored in a house battery backup and discharged at a later date when it is called upon. Additionally, consumers will ask how to get battery in blackout conditions? There are special battery inverters, similar to solar inverters, which allow this stored energy to switch from direct current to usable alternating current. If a company installs the battery correctly, a homeowner will never have to worry about how to get battery in blackout conditions. This battery backup for home power outage are an even further safeguard against your home being without power during at any time. This is because batteries can be charged during the day when solar produces electricity and discharged at night when no additional power is being generated. Solar blackouts could only occur if there were a mechanical issue which can be addressed promptly by a technician. Battery backup for home power outage is one of the best means to always get a steady supply of power.
How Does Solar Panels Produce Electricity?
Many novices to renewable energy may be asking how does solar panels produce electricity? Electricity is produced when sunlight hits the surface of the panel. This sunlight, in the form of photons, excite the electrons within the cells in the panel which is usually made of silicon. Other solar panel rip offs use different technology that does produce electricity but not nearly as much as traditional modules. These electrons are then what is transferred through wires in the form of electricity. Multiple panels are usually strung together to increase the total amount of electricity that a solar system can produce. Solar panels during power outage events continue to work the same as long as the fuel source, the sun, is shining.
Can A House Run On Solar Power Alone?
Homes are absolutely capable to run on solar power alone. This is known as living “off the grid”.
Just because your home is off the grid does not mean that it needs to be without modern amenities. Solar can provide electricity for the home during the day while a battery can provide the electricity for the home at night. This usually requires the solar system to be over sized so that the house battery backup always remains charged even in the winter when there is far less available sunlight per day. Always be on the lookout for solar panel rip offs in which a salesman over promises and under performs on a home solar system. A solar panels power outage is far less likely in a home off the grid than a home without solar which is grid tied.
Why Is Solar So Sought After To Address Blackouts?
Solar has become highly sought after because of the resilience it can provide for both homes and businesses.
Some homes require what is called “critical load”. This often refers to the requirement of power twenty-four hours a day because of medical concerns of a resident. This can include, but is not limited to, the need to keep medication refrigerated and the need to utilize a medical device that runs on electricity. Blackouts provide a unique challenge to these critical load energy users. If they are unable to get power because of a widespread blackout, it could very quickly become a case of life and death. Luckily, a solar panels power outage has a very low probability of occurring.
Solar power during blackout can be a lifesaver. An extra utilities solar panel or panels can help take the place of the grid in times of crisis. Solar panels during power outage work exactly the same as they would during any other day. Solar blackouts are highly improbable giving your family peace of mind and a sense of security.