Solar panels have become a popular choice for businesses seeking sustainable energy solutions, but a common question arises: Do solar panels work during a power cut? Let’s unravel the details to understand the resilience of solar systems in blackout scenarios.
Grid-Tied Solar Systems
In typical grid-tied solar systems, solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours. The generated power is either consumed directly by the business or fed back into the grid. During periods of excess production, businesses often earn credits or financial incentives through net metering.
The Catch
However, when a power cut occurs, the situation changes. Grid-tied solar systems are designed with safety features to prevent back feeding electricity into the grid during outages, a phenomenon known as anti-islanding. The inverter, a crucial component, disconnects the solar panels to ensure the safety of utility workers attempting to restore power.
The Solution
While traditional grid-tied systems pause during a power cut, businesses can enhance solar resilience by opting for hybrid solar systems with battery storage. According to Forbes, these systems offer energy security, while still allowing you to benefit from net metering. These systems store excess solar energy in batteries, creating a backup power source for essential operations during outages. The stored energy can be used to power critical appliances and keep businesses running seamlessly when the grid is down.
If you’re interested in having solar panels installed, search for a local company that can visit your premises and assess your needs. For example, if you’re looking for solar panels Gloucester, contact a specialist such as gsmlimited.com/services/solar-panels/gloucester to learn more about solar panels and how they’re installed.
In conclusion, the functionality of solar panels during a power cut depends on the system configuration. Understanding your options is crucial for harnessing the full potential of solar energy.