Solar Home Battery Backup Power During a Grid Outage*
Real-time production also means if you have a home solar system without a battery, you will not have power during a power outage.
All grid-tied home solar systems are required by law to have an automatic shutoff switch that turns off your home solar system when the grid goes down for safety. This is because of the connection between your home solar system and the grid: if utility workers are repairing damaged poles and wires, there cannot be any electricity flowing from your system back onto the grid.
During an outage, your solar battery acts as a substitute for the grid. You’ll be able to push your excess solar production to charge your solar battery and pull energy from the battery to power your critical loads. Even though solar storage systems have the same automatic shutoff switch as a solar-only system, a solar system with storage can operate independently of the grid.
Discover Your Perfect Solar Battery Match
Finding the right solar battery type is a crucial step toward achieving a reliable and efficient energy system that can be independent of the grid or be used as a backup system in case of power outages. There are multiple options available in the market and it can be tricky to determine which one suits your needs best. However, with some research and expert guidance, you can easily find the perfect match for your solar setup.
First, consider your energy consumption requirements and patterns. If you have high energy demands or experience frequent power outages, a lithium-ion battery might be ideal as it has a higher capacity and longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries. On the other hand, if you have lower energy needs or prefer a more cost-effective option, then lead-acid batteries could work well for you.
Second, assess your location’s climate conditions as they impact how well different batteries perform.
Four types of batteries commonly used in solar power systems include:
Lead-acid batteries: These are the most common type of battery used in solar power systems because they are affordable and have a long lifespan. They require maintenance and need to be replaced every five years.
Lithium-ion batteries: These batteries have a longer lifespan than lead-acid but come with a higher price tag. They do not require maintenance and can last up to 20 years. Plus, they are considered the best for solar systems due to their efficiency.
Flow batteries: Flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes that flow through the system as needed, making them highly flexible and efficient. The drawback is that their battery management systems can be complex.
Nickel-cadmium: These batteries aren’t used as widely as lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries. They are more popular for commercial-sized projects as they can withstand extreme temperatures.
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