Why Don T Solar Panels Work In A Blackout

If a blackout occurs a typical grid-tied system has a special automatic shut-off.

Why don t solar panels work in a blackout. This is required by law as the lines men working on the grid could be seriously injured if the solar power system would still produce 230V AC. In a blackout the grid connected solar power system will automatically shut down and will cease generating solar power. SMA Sunny Boy Secure Power Supply SPS A lot of people find it ironic that homeowners cannot use their own solar system in the event of a power blackout.

Solar panels alone wont work during a power outage a battery backup system will need to provide extra support. This allows you to keep portions of your home running while your non-solar neighbors are left in. All of your nighttime energy use needs to come from the grid.

This is because grid-tied solar systems work without any backup battery equipment. Theres no definite answer because the frequency and duration of power outages is unpredictable but probably depends on the weather and the amount of power you get from panels depends on location timeday and weather. Your panels will not produce energy at night but you will be using the credits that you generated during the day.

Heres why solar panels dont. Its because of how a grid-tied solar system works. The downside of being connected to the grid is that if there is a blackout your solar system will not work.

It turns out that most solar photovoltaic systems will shut down when theres a blackout. This is due to a safety regulation put in place. Solar panels require the suns energy to keep your homes electricity running.

Embraced rooftop solar panels more than anyone in the US but many are learning the hard way the systems wont keep the lights on during blackouts. You will not be able to produce or consume solar energy while the grid is down. Use your Grid-Tie Solar System During a Blackout Read More.