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Solar panels have garnered widespread attention as a clean and renewable energy source in an era where sustainability and energy autonomy are gaining increasing significance. Nevertheless, a frequent query that you may have is whether solar panels can continue generating electricity during a power cut. This concern is valid, given our reliance on electricity for daily living. In this article, we look into the intricacies and answer, “Will solar panels function during a power cut?”
The Myth: Solar Panels Are Ineffective During Power Cuts
There is this misunderstanding that solar panels lose their functionality when the grid goes down. While it holds true that numerous grid-tied solar panel systems are designed to deactivate during power outages, this isn’t universally applicable. Let us delve into the specifics.
Grid-Tied vs. Battery Storage Systems
Understanding the two principal types of solar panel systems becomes imperative in the United Kingdom, where erratic weather patterns may result in power cuts.
1. Grid-Tied Systems: These systems are directly linked to the national grid. According to Solar Guide, when the grid experiences a power cut, grid-tied solar panels automatically shut down as a safety measure. This is enacted to prevent electricity from feeding back into the grid and potentially putting in danger utility workers who might be engaged in repairing power lines.
2. Battery Storage Systems: These systems elevate solar energy usage to the next level. According to the Solar Trade Association, they integrate energy storage solutions like batteries to store excess energy your solar panels produce. This stored energy can subsequently be utilised during power cuts or periods of high demand. Such systems offer a solution to the limitations of grid-tied systems and ensure energy security.
Advantages of Battery Storage Systems
Investing in a battery storage system reaps several benefits beyond power supply during outages.
1. Energy Autonomy: By storing surplus energy from your solar panels, you become less dependent on the grid, minimising your vulnerability to escalating energy expenses and potential power cuts.
2. Environmental Impact: Harnessing stored solar energy reduces the necessity for conventional fossil-fuel-dependent power generation, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
3. Enhanced Resilience: Online sources have shown that battery storage systems can improve grid resilience during high demand and emergencies by providing power to critical infrastructure.
Factors to Consider Before Investment
While battery storage systems present compelling advantages, several factors should be considered before investing.
1. Cost: The initial expense of installing a battery storage system can be substantial. However, support schemes initiated by the UK government, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), can alleviate the cost over time. More information here.
2. System Magnitude: Determining the system size should be based on your household’s energy consumption patterns and your aspirations for energy autonomy. Whether you want to go “off the grid” or still be party-reliant on the national grid.
3. Maintenance: Like any technological advancement, battery storage systems necessitate maintenance to ensure their durability and optimal performance. But don’t worry, we do the maintenance for you!
Conclusion
To conclude, can solar panels save the day during a power cut? Well, it depends on the type of system you have. While some solar panels do take a break during outages for safety reasons, battery storage systems are here to save the day. They keep your lights on and give you more control over your energy use, help the planet, and make your community more resilient. Before making a decision, remember to think about your energy needs, budget, and what you’re aiming for in the long run. With battery storage systems, solar panels can keep your lights shining even when the rest of the street is dark.
Still unsure about installing solar panels? Contact us today at 0191 500 1154 to answer all your questions!