Blackouts have become a global concern, and while Australia has been cited with frequent minor power outages, it is worth noting that the United States too, has witnessed its fair share of blackouts due to myriad causes. Natural calamities such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and snowstorms often lead to power disruptions in the U.S. Similarly, technical failures, car accidents, or ongoing maintenance works can culminate in outages.
Major blackouts, although rarer, carry significant repercussions. An extended power outage can jeopardize human safety and disrupt daily life, as evidenced by large-scale blackouts in Adelaide in 2019 and Queensland in 2021.
A prevalent misconception suggests that having solar panels can shield you from power shortages during blackouts. This is a fallacy. Solar inverters, due to safety regulations, automatically shut down when the grid fails to ensure the safety of maintenance personnel. Consequently, regardless of sunshine, your photovoltaic (PV) system remains non-functional until grid restoration.
However, the advent of solar batteries presents a beacon of hope. These are not just instruments for cost-saving but also a mechanism to foster resilience against blackouts.
Deep Dive: Blackout Protection of Solar Batteries
Understanding UPS:
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a term used by battery manufacturers to define a battery’s ability to provide power during blackouts. Variations in backup capabilities include:
- No backup.
- Backup with a brief delay, operating with limited functionalities during the mode.
- Immediate backup with complete battery functionality. However, the battery cannot charge from the PV system during grid downtime.
- Instant backup, allowing for household power use and simultaneous battery charging from solar panels, even during grid failures.
- Selecting an appropriate level of protection is crucial. Consulting with an expert ensures that you're informed about the optimal solutions tailored to your installation needs.
Selective Circuit Back-up:
Although some batteries boast of a ‘full-house backup’, the truth is that comprehensive backup can escalate costs due to the potential rewiring needs. It might be more economical and efficient to back up only vital circuits, such as essential lighting and key appliances. High-energy-consuming devices, like air conditioners, can rapidly deplete batteries. Hence, determining which appliances are indispensable and the duration they can operate on a single charge is pivotal. However, it's imperative to remember that every battery has its unique capacity during backup mode, so individual consultations are invaluable.
Battery’s Blackout Protection:
Not all solar batteries are equipped with UPS. If blackout protection is vital, it's essential to ascertain whether the desired battery model includes this feature. Integrating blackout protection is not a standard procedure, and potential additional costs must be discussed upfront.
Battery Longevity during Blackouts:
The duration a battery can sustain during a blackout varies. If solar panels can't charge the battery during a grid failure, battery longevity is solely dependent on the stored energy. Conversely, if a battery can harness solar energy even during blackouts, it can potentially last days, contingent upon weather conditions. The specific circuits backed up and power consumption rate ultimately determines the battery's endurance.
Activation of UPS:
For those possessing a battery with enabled blackout protection, there's no action required during a blackout. The system automatically recognizes grid failures, transitioning to backup mode. If the battery is blackout protection-ready but not activated, expert installers can facilitate the necessary adjustments.
In conclusion, if you're considering integrating blackout protection into your solar system, it's paramount to convey this to a specialized consultant to identify the best-suited solution for your specific requirements.