
The size of a battery backup system depends on what electrical loads you wish to operate and how many days you want to run them before recharging the battery. Critical loads include refrigerators, well pumps, most heating systems, lights, and items such as cell phone chargers and garage door openers. What Can You Power With Grid-tied Solar + Batteries During An Outage?Īlthough whole-house backup is achievable, most home and solar battery backup systems are designed to only power “critical” electrical loads. In a grid outage, the battery automatically provides backup power to critical loads in your home. Installing batteries will allow you to store power generated by your solar system. Once the battery is fully charged, additional electricity your system generates is sent back to the grid to be collected as energy credits for later use through net metering. As that energy flows into your house, your electric appliances use it first, and any excess energy is stored in the battery. Sunlight is captured by your solar panels and then converted into energy you can use for your home. How Do Grid-tied Solar + Batteries Work In Power Outages? Maine Solar Solutions has a design and installation team experienced with off-grid solar systems if you would like to learn more. They also require more components and usually cost more.
#Whole house solar battery backup install
Off-grid systems have unique design and operation requirements making them more challenging to install and service.

You will need batteries to store your energy, must monitor the battery’s health, and be aware that you have a finite amount of energy you can collect and store daily. b These systems tend to be most prevalent in rural locations where the nearest power line may be miles away. However, it could require a lifestyle change to reduce energy consumption as you cannot rely on the consistency of the utility grid. Many people like the idea of installing a true off-grid solar electric system because of its independence.
