Will Solar Power Work During a Blackout?

Solar power is a great way to reduce energy costs and rely less on the grid, but many homeowners wonder how solar works when the power goes out. Can you still power your home with solar during a blackout? Let’s break down how solar energy systems operate during outages and what you can do to keep the lights on when the grid goes down.

How Solar Systems Work During a Blackout

Most solar systems are connected to the electrical grid, meaning they feed any excess power generated by the solar panels back to the grid. When there’s a blackout, grid-tied systems are designed to automatically shut down. This is a safety feature to prevent electricity from flowing into power lines that utility workers may be repairing, which could cause serious injury.

Can Solar Panels Produce Power During a Blackout?

Without additional equipment, solar panels alone will not provide power during a blackout. Although your panels may be generating electricity, a standard solar system needs the grid to function properly.

However, there are ways to keep your home powered with solar energy even when the grid goes down.

How to Keep Your Home Powered During a Blackout

1. Install a Solar Battery

A solar battery stores excess energy produced by your solar panels, which can then be used when the grid goes down. With a battery like the Tesla Powerwall 3, for example, you can store energy during the day and use it when you need it, such as during a blackout. This ensures that you can keep essential appliances running, like your fridge, lights, and heating.

2. Backup Inverters with Blackout Protection

In addition to batteries, some advanced inverters offer blackout protection. A hybrid inverter, like the Fronius Gen24, can keep your system running during a power cut. These inverters can switch to using stored energy from a battery and deliver power to your home without the grid.

Benefits of Solar Batteries and Backup Inverters

Using a solar battery and a hybrid inverter not only protects you during a blackout but also helps you maximise your energy efficiency. Here’s why:

• Energy independence: You’re not completely reliant on the grid for power, especially during emergencies.
• Self-consumption: Store the energy your solar system produces, reducing the amount you send back to the grid and lowering your electricity bills.
• Energy security: Your lights stay on even if the neighbourhood goes dark.

What Happens if I Don’t Have a Battery?

If your solar system doesn’t have a battery or blackout protection, your system will shut down during a power outage. However, you can still consider upgrading your system to include a battery backup later on.

Do You Need a Backup System?

It’s not essential for everyone to have a solar battery or backup inverter, but if you live in an area with frequent blackouts or you want extra energy security, it’s a smart investment. View our battery storage options or get in touch with our team to see if a battery is good solution for you. 

You can read more about solar safety and grid connected systems on the Clean Energy Council website. If you’d like a quote, please contact our team on (03) 5981 1425 or fill out our contact form. 

Understanding the Solar Premium Feed-in Tariff in Victoria

Transitioning to Market Rates

From 1 November 2024, the Solar Premium Feed-in Tariff scheme will end, and households will be switched to the lower market feed-in tariff. This shift might increase energy costs, so it’s crucial to prepare in advance. The Solar Premium Feed-in Tariff was an initiative designed to benefit households with solar systems by allowing them to earn money for the surplus electricity they contribute to the grid. This tariff provided a higher rate than the standard market feed-in tariff, significantly enhancing the financial return on solar investments, ensuring that those who invested early in renewable energy can benefit from this initiative.

Here are some ideas that you can implement to keep your costs down.

1. Enhance Energy Efficiency

To lower your energy usage, consider these upgrades:

• Replace gas appliances: When your gas appliances break down, switch to electric ones. This lets solar offset some of your energy consumption.
• Use LED lighting: More energy-efficient and cost-saving in the long term.
• Heating & Cooling: Use split systems during the day (while solar is active) and gas at night for heating.
• Hot Water Systems: Replace your gas system with an electric or heat pump option and install a timer to avoid night-time operation.
• Smart Appliance Use: Delay your washing machine, dishwasher, and dryer to run during peak solar hours. Also, stagger appliance use to avoid heavy loads simultaneously.

2. Upgrade to a New Solar System

Investing in newer solar technology may have a higher upfront cost, but today’s systems are far more efficient:

• Older systems (10–15 years ago) usually range from 1.5kW to 5kW, which may no longer meet current energy needs.
• With increasing consumption from electric vehicles and upgraded appliances from step 1, newer, larger systems can help manage energy use more effectively and reduce reliance on the grid.

3. Consider Battery Storage

Adding battery storage helps store excess solar energy for later use:

• Think about how your energy use will evolve in the next 10 years, and consider systems that can accommodate battery integration later.
• Plan for future needs: Install systems like Powerwall 3 or BYD Battery Box, which are adaptable and future-ready.

4. Monitor Your Energy Usage

Tracking energy usage helps identify areas for savings:

• Free tools like Powerpal or the United Energy portal provide next-day data on energy usage.
• If you have a solar system with a smart meter, they provide more detailed data on home consumption versus solar generation. You can install smart meters to all our Fronius inverters.

5. Explore Available Rebates

Government rebates can offset the cost of energy-efficient upgrades:

• Check out Solar Victoria for available rebates, such as solar panels, hot water systems, and LED lighting.
• Programs like Vic Energy Upgrades (VEECs) offer additional savings on efficient appliances and systems.

6. Stay Informed

Regularly staying updated helps you manage energy costs better:

• Check your retailer’s offers to ensure you’re on the best energy plan.
• Subscribe to newsletters for updates on new initiatives and tariffs.
• Keep an eye on resources like Energy Victoria for advice on managing energy use.

Navigating the end of the Premium Feed-in Tariff doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right upgrades and strategies, you can continue to save on your energy bills. If you’re unsure about the next steps, we’re here to help!
Now’s the time to embrace solar energy with clean, renewable energy. Reach out to us to explore your options and take the first step towards a brighter, more sustainable future!

Home Energy Solutions

A Generator Transfer Switch is an alternative for a battery

Battery storage systems like the Tesla Powerwall have gained immense popularity, with about a quarter of our solar installations now including a battery. However, for many homeowners, a battery may not be the most affordable or practical solution. If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly backup power option, consider a generator transfer switch installation (also known as a changeover switch).

A battery system allows you to use stored solar energy at night or during outages, which is an appealing benefit. But the upfront cost can be prohibitive, and the return on investment might take longer than desired. If you’re one of the many people who would like backup power but find batteries out of reach, a generator transfer switch could be the ideal alternative.

At Dunton Group, we’ve installed generator transfer switches for several clients recently, and the option is growing in popularity as generator technology improves.

What is a generator transfer switch?

A generator transfer switch is an electrical device that lets you switch between power from your electrical utility and your generator. Installed next to your home’s electrical panel, it enables a seamless transition to generator power during an outage. With a quick flip to “Generator Power,” you can connect and start your generator without the hassle of extension cords.

This switch makes it simple to power any appliance in your home through the existing wiring system. You can run essential devices like your stove, water pump, ceiling fans, and other hard-wired appliances safely and efficiently. It’s the most convenient and safest way to connect your home to a generator.

A transfer switch also enhances power management. With it, you can easily control which circuits to power on or off, accommodating your changing electricity needs. A generator transfer switch can only be installed by a licensed electrician.

New Technology In Generator Power

As renewable energy demand rises, so do the options for sustainable backup power. Solar generators have become more advanced, offering portable power stations that can store energy for later use. These solar generators are ideal not only for home use but also for camping trips or days at the park.

Power outages can strike at any time due to extreme weather, natural disasters, or ageing power grids. Having a backup power solution, like a home generator transfer switch installation, can be a lifesaver in these situations. While traditional generators burn fuel to produce electricity, new solar-powered generators provide an eco-friendly alternative, integrating directly into your home’s main circuit to offer uninterrupted power during outages.

For more information or to find out if a generator transfer switch is right for your home, contact our Dunton Group team. We’re always here to help you find the best backup power solution for your needs.