Off-Grid Solar Systems and Emergency Power Backup
In the event of a grid outage, your basic grid-tied solar system will shut down. This is a built-in safety feature that prevents solar electricity from flowing to the grid and creating a hazardous condition for utility workers. However, there are many solutions to prevent an outage.
Why Invest in Off-Grid Solar or Emergency Solar Power Backups?<
There are a few scenarios in which you may need an off-grid solar system or emergency power backup to keep your electricity running.
Remote or Rural Living
Homeowners living in remote or rural areas, where access to the electrical grid is limited or unreliable, can significantly benefit from an off-grid solar system. This setup allows you to generate and store your own electricity, ensuring a consistent power supply without relying on the grid, which may be costly or impractical.
Frequent Power Outages
Believe it or not, your solar power system will go out in the event of a power outage. If you live in a region prone to frequent power outages due to severe weather, aging infrastructure, or other factors, an emergency solar backup system can provide reliable electricity during a blackout. This ensures that essential appliances, lighting, and communication devices remain operational, enhancing safety and comfort during outages.
Energy Independence
Homeowners who prioritize energy independence and sustainability may choose an off-grid solar system to reduce their reliance on traditional utility providers. By generating and storing your own power, you can control your energy usage and costs, contributing to a more sustainable future free from the fluctuations and uncertainties of grid-based electricity.
Available Types of Emergency Power Solutions
Your solar power system will automatically shut down in a power outage. The inverter constantly senses grid voltage, and when the grid goes down, the voltage goes to zero, causing the inverter to shut down. However, emergency solar power backup solutions and off-grid solar systems can circumvent a no-power situation.
SMA Inverter with Emergency Outlet
An SMA inverter offers an emergency outlet that can be manually switched on during a grid outage, disconnecting your inverter from the grid. During the daytime and with adequate sunshine, the inverter delivers up to 1,500 to 2,000 Watts of power to the outlet, depending on the model. With this emergency solar power component, you can temporarily power small appliances, charge a phone or laptop, and more for a few hours of the day. If your array is larger, you may install two or more of this type of inverter, each with an outlet to deliver power.
It’s important to note that this type of system does not include batteries and does not store electricity, meaning that during an outage on a cloudy day, your emergency outlet may not work. If you require more power or need emergency electricity for a longer duration, integrating batteries is necessary.
AC-Coupled Solar System with Battery Backup
An AC-coupled solar system with battery backup is a versatile setup that integrates solar power generation with energy storage, providing both grid-tied and backup power capabilities. When the grid is operational, the system functions like a standard grid-tied solar setup, powering the home and exporting excess energy. However, when the grid goes down, the system automatically switches to the battery backup, providing continuous power to essential appliances and systems in the home. This ensures that the homeowner has access to electricity even when the grid is unavailable.
This setup is generally more expensive and more complex, and is recommended for those who are willing to learn the operation and functionality of additional solar equipment and possible operating scenarios.
Off-Grid Solar System
For homes that don’t have access to the utility grid, or those ready to “cut the cord” and adopt full energy independence, you can install a 100% off-grid solar system. These systems feature a solar array, battery bank, charge controllers, inverters, and other components to eliminate your reliance on the grid. Tick Tock Energy can help you plan, size, engineer, and implement your off-grid solar system, ensuring your solution fits your exact needs.
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Tick Tock Energy is ready to help you invest in a clean solar energy system on your property, capture lucrative solar incentives, reduce long-term electricity costs, and and enhance the value of your property. To discuss your power needs with one of our solar consultants, request an initial consultation and quote today.
Tick Tock has helped countless homeowners across the Midwest enhance the value of their property and reduce their utility costs with solar power systems. Explore our recent installations below.
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