When the utility grid power goes off, most solar PV system will shut down automatically. This is a built in safety feature to protect the power company’s linemen working on the wires from being electrocuted by solar PV power back flowing to the grid and electrifying power lines the lineman assumed were turned off. However, if maintaining the ability to produce and use photovoltaic power when the grid is down is a priority for you then a different class of inverters can be selected for your system that will work during a grid power outage.

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It all depends on one’s budget and priorities. A system can be built, or existing systems can be modified, with inverters that in essence automatic grid isolate during grid power outages. Thus it is safe for the photovoltaic system to keep power flowing anytime the sun is shining, as it will only flow within the structure’s wires and can’t back feed to the grid. Just a few added factors to consider.

  • Without batteries this will only be of benefit when the sun is shining and you likely cannot run everything in your structure if just purely running on the solar system.
  • To attain the greatest advantage of a Photovoltaic system with the grid outage it is recommended that batteries be added to provide 24/7 power and a better way to balance loads.