Why the panels switch off
A grid-connected inverter must shut down when the grid fails, so it cannot send power into lines engineers may be working on. Without a battery and backup switching, your solar stops during a cut even on a sunny day.
What keeps the lights on
A battery system with backup switching isolates the house from the grid during a cut and runs the backed-up circuits from the battery and, with suitable equipment, from the panels during daylight.
Choose what to back up
- Fridge and freezer
- Lighting and sockets in key rooms
- Internet and Wi-Fi
- Alarm, cameras and electric gates
- Water pumps
- Perhaps one air-conditioning unit
Backing up every air conditioner, the pool and an oven at once needs a much bigger system. We size the backup to what you choose.
How fast it switches
Depending on the equipment, switchover takes from a fraction of a second to a few seconds. Sensitive equipment can be put on a UPS if needed.
Questions we are often asked
Can I add backup to my existing system?
Often, by adding a battery with backup switching, or replacing the inverter with a hybrid that has a backup output.
Will the panels recharge the battery during a long cut?
With suitable equipment, yes, during daylight.