Can a solar battery power my home during a blackout?
Blackouts are a common occurrence across Australia with severe weather conditions, network outages and planned maintenance leaving homes without power.
More Australians are installing home batteries not only to store more solar power and reduce energy bills, but also to power essential appliances during blackouts.1
Many solar batteries on the market today give homeowners a backup power source during a network outage. In this article, we will explain how a battery can provide peace-of-mind, which household appliances are often prioritised, and how Solahart can help you choose a storage system that’s right for your needs.
How does a solar battery provide backup power during a blackout?
A solar battery stores excess solar energy generated during the day, so you can use it later when the sun isn't shining.
By installing a battery with backup capabilities, you can tap into your stored energy to run your home’s essential circuits. When the grid goes down, a battery can automatically disconnect your property from the network and provide electricity from its reserves. This is known as “islanding” as your home becomes its own independent power system.
Solahart customer Kurt, who lives in Victoria, says a battery gives his family peace-of-mind as they live in an area prone to blackouts.
“Where we live, we have a lot of blackouts. With the rising cost of power, we thought solar and battery storage was the most sensible way to reduce our electricity bills,” he said.
“Cameron [Solahart consultant] came around and did all the sums, showed us all the figures, and said that we were the perfect home and energy production profile to match a battery.”
If it's sunny during a blackout, will my solar panels keep charging my battery?
In many battery backup systems, solar panels can continue generating electricity and recharge the battery during a blackout. However, this depends on the battery and inverter configuration. Your Solahart Dealer can explain how different systems operate during grid outages.
What appliances can a solar battery run during a blackout?
The appliances you can run depends on the battery’s storage capacity, how much power your appliances need, and the backup configuration installed.
Many battery installations are configured to run essential circuits during a blackout including refrigerators, lighting, internet and Wi-Fi, and security systems.
Larger systems may also support other appliances including air conditioning and pool pumps. However, running multiple high-energy appliances can drain reserves; a key reason why backup systems often focus on essential circuits.
Your local Solahart Dealer can work with you to determine which battery solution is suitable for your home and energy needs.
How long will a solar battery last during a blackout?
How long a battery keeps your home powered depends on the battery size, your household energy usage, and the system’s configuration. If you run essential backup, you can stretch out your battery reserves longer compared to whole-home backup, which requires a larger battery capacity and more advanced system design.
For example, if you're only powering essential loads, a battery may provide power for many hours. However, actual backup duration will vary depending on your battery size and household energy consumption.
How Solahart can help: Choosing the right battery backup solution
Thanks to a free in-home assessment, your local Solahart Dealer will:
- Gain an understanding of your home’s location and whether your home is prone to blackouts.
- Explain your backup power options and recommend the right home battery from our comprehensive range.
- Walk you through the Cheaper Home Batteries Program where you could receive a generous discount upfront cost of your battery.
- Implement the incentive discount, and ensure a compliant, professional installation.
- Provide ongoing support after your battery is installed.
While no two homes are the same, a battery with backup capability can provide reliable power to essential appliances during blackouts while helping reduce reliance on the grid. The right solution depends on your energy usage, backup requirements, and budget.
Contact Solahart today on 1300 721 984 to find out more or enter your details below to organise a free in-home assessment.
Disclaimers:
- Not every battery installation automatically provides blackout protection. Backup capability depends on the battery, inverter, and system configuration, so it's important to discuss your requirements with your local Solahart Dealer.
