Power outages in San Diego can turn an otherwise ordinary day into a scramble to keep your home up and running. Extreme weather conditions and routine grid maintenance can leave you without the reliable electricity you need, which can be both inconvenient and potentially dangerous. Instead of just resigning yourself to it, you can turn to solar energy as a way to maintain your power during interruptions while enjoying a sustainable energy solution. But can solar power keep your lights on when the grid goes down?

Your initial solar energy setup holds the key to the solution. The team at Action Solar will help you harness the power of solar energy as a backup during outages. As one of the premier solar companies in San Diego, we understand that education about the options available is the first step toward energy independence.

Why Standard Solar Systems Don’t Work During Outages

It’s not a given that your solar will keep your lights on during an outage. Why not? Most traditional solar panel systems are grid-tied. While your panels generate electricity during the day, they still rely on the grid to balance energy usage and handle surplus power. That means that when the grid goes down, so does your entire solar system. The design actually serves as a safety measure, preventing excess electricity from flowing back into the grid and safeguarding utility workers during repairs.

Without additional components, such as a solar battery in San Diego, your panels won’t keep the lights on during a power outage. The good news is that there are ways to set up your system to get the continuous, reliable power you want from your solar panel system.

Why You Need Solar Batteries

A solar battery in San Diego is an absolute game changer when it comes to maintaining power during an outage. Here’s how it works:

1. Energy Storage: During those sunny days, your solar panels produce energy to power your home. But any surplus electricity charges the battery instead of going back to the grid.
2. Backup Power: When the grid goes down during an outage, your solar battery automatically takes over to provide the electricity you need for your appliances, lights, medical equipment, and more. 
3. Sustained Energy: Your solar panels will continue to recharge your solar battery during the daylight hours to make sure you have power as long as the sun shines.

If you’re considering solar installation in San Diego, incorporating a battery into your system is essential for uninterrupted power. Ask our solar experts about a Tesla Powerwall or other systems that keep your home running smoothly during unexpected outages.

Relying on Solar Generators

Solar generators can also keep your home powered up and ready for anything. These portable systems work by collecting energy from solar panels and storing it to use when you need it. They don’t integrate into your home’s existing solar setup, but they can provide a temporary solution to power up critical devices or appliances during a blackout.

If you’re exploring solar in San Diego, solar generators could be a good supplement to your energy plan, but they lack the seamless integration and efficiency of a battery backup system.

Benefits of a Battery-Backed Solar System

Investing in a solar battery in San Diego offers several advantages for your home:

• Energy Independence: Enjoy less reliance on the grid and more independence with your own renewable energy system.
• Emergency Preparedness: Stay powered up during those unexpected outages, especially if you use medical equipment or have vulnerable family members.
• Cost Savings: Use your stored energy during peak grid hours to reduce your electricity bills.

Combining a solar battery with your system is one of the best ways to maximize your investment in San Diego solar energy.

Call Action Solar and Keep the Lights On with Solar Energy

With the right setup in place, solar energy provides peace of mind during a power outage. When you incorporate a solar battery into your system, you can enjoy uninterrupted electricity and make the most of your San Diego solar energy.

If you’re ready to explore your options, give the experts at Action Solar a call.  We’ll work with you to create a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy solution for your home. Schedule your appointment today!