What Happens To Solar Panels And Batteries In A Power Cut?

Lots of people assume that once they have solar panels and a battery, their lights will stay on in a power cut. That is not always the case.

It really depends on whether your system is set up for backup or not.

Key Takeaways

• Grid connected systems switch off in a power cut. It is a safety rule in the UK.
• Backup needs an extra device. It is called a gateway.
• It is not right for everyone. We work out on the site survey if it is worth it for you.

Why Your System Switches Off

In the UK, every solar and battery storage system that is connected to the grid must have a fail safe cut off. When the grid goes down, the system stops sending power out.

This is there to protect the network. It keeps engineers safe while they work on the lines to get your power back on.

How To Keep Your Home Running In A Power Cut

If you want real backup, and that full energy independence where everything stays on during a power cut, we need to install a small device called a gateway.

The gateway separates your home from the grid the moment the power goes. Your panels and battery then keep running your home on their own.

There are two things to know:

• It usually takes an extra day to install.
• There is an added cost.

Do You Actually Need Backup?

For some homes it is essential. Maybe you work from home, you live somewhere rural where cuts happen more often, or someone in the house relies on medical equipment.

For others it is a nice to have that is hard to justify. That is why we don't add it by default.

On a site survey we try to understand where you are coming from and what you need. Then we can tell you honestly whether backup is justified, and whether it really matters for your home.

You can read more about our home battery storage and our solar panel installation.

Talk It Through With Us

Book a discovery call and we will help you decide if backup is right for you. No pressure. Just clear advice.