As extreme weather events like hailstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds become more frequent across Australia, many homes and businesses face power blackouts. These blackouts often lead to a surge in interest around solar power and battery systems. However, not all solar power systems will keep your home running during a blackout, and it’s important to understand why.
Understanding Solar Inverter Technology
Most solar systems installed today include a crucial component called the inverter. Standard solar inverters have a built-in safety feature known as “anti-islanding.” This ensures that when the grid goes down, your solar system automatically shuts off. The purpose of this feature is to protect technicians who may be working to restore power—continuing to feed electricity into the grid during a blackout can endanger workers and damage infrastructure.
At Amazing Solar Solutions, we offer advanced inverters that comply with all Australian safety standards to ensure your system is safe. But what if you want to keep your home powered during a blackout?
Backup Power Without a Battery? Yes, It’s Possible!
New advancements in solar technology are allowing solar systems to provide backup power without the need for a battery. One exciting option is grid-forming inverters. These inverters can safely disconnect from the grid and allow your solar panels to continue powering your home during a blackout. One of the most anticipated products in this space is the Enphase IQ8 microinverter, which is expected to hit the Australian market soon.
While grid-forming inverters can help keep essential appliances running during daylight hours, they aren’t a full solution. For night-time or long-term backup, you’ll still need a solar battery or generator.
The Role of Solar Batteries During Blackouts
You might think that adding a solar battery to your system means you’re all set for any blackout event. But the reality is not all solar batteries provide backup power during grid outages.
Even if your solar battery supports backup, it might not be able to power your entire home. Appliances with high energy demands, like ovens and dishwashers, can overwhelm even the most robust batteries. For example, the popular Tesla Powerwall has a 7kW peak power output. Using multiple high-demand devices at once may cause the system to shut down.
A better approach is to prioritize essential circuits, like your refrigerator, lighting, and small appliances. That way, even during a blackout, you’ll have power for the most critical parts of your home.
Choosing the Right Solar Battery for Blackout Protection
If having power during a blackout is essential for you, make sure this is a priority when selecting your solar battery system. Some systems won’t allow you to recharge the battery using your solar panels when the grid is down, leaving you reliant on the stored energy until the blackout ends.
Ready to Power Your Home Through the Next Blackout?
Make sure your solar system is blackout-ready. Call Amazing Solar Solutions today at 1300 025 955 or contact us for expert advice on the best solar and battery options for your home.
