Get Power From a Hybrid Solar Panel When the Power Is Out

Solar energy is a fantastic choice for both residential and commercial applications. However, problems arise with this energy source when the power grid fails. Fortunately, there are solutions that make using solar power possible, even during outages or when the sun isn’t shining.

Learn more about hybrid solar power and how to use it when the power is out.

The Growth of Solar Power

The growth of solar power is a result of both governmental and commercial initiatives. President Clinton instituted the Million Solar Roofs Initiative in 1997 and the Department of Energy (DOE) announced its SunShot Initiative in 2011, both of which aimed to increase the usage of solar power in the United States.

The SunShot initiative made strides in reducing the cost of solar energy so it remained competitive with other forms of energy. The initiative reached its goal of $0.08 per kilowatt hour in 2017, three years earlier than projected, and hopes to maintain these gains by reaching $0.03 per kilowatt hour by 2030 to make it one of the most cost-effective energy options.

With an increased focus on solar power, both the government and private energy providers need to confront the pressing issue of power outages. Individuals who use solar power for their homes and businesses often find they cannot access power when the grid is down, even if their panels are actively receiving solar energy from the sun.

In 2020, for example, Americans experienced an average of eight hours of power interruptions, while in 2013 they only experienced an average of four hours of interruption. Interestingly, excluding major events, the average number of interruptions is consistent between 2013 and 2020. The increase in interruptions is a direct result of events like increasingly volatile weather patterns, vegetation, and utility practices.

With outages on the rise, people need solutions that allow them to access their solar energy even during a power outage.

What Are Hybrid Solar Panels?

Hybrid solar panels are a good answer to the problem of accessing solar energy during grid outages. The main feature of hybrid solar panels is that they operate on the grid with the addition of a battery where it can store excess power.

In contrast to hybrid solar panels, off-grid solar panels operate without the assistance of the energy grid. They rely wholly on the backup battery for energy usage, which means they are wholly disconnected from the power grid and cannot draw power from there in the event of depleted energy stores.

When the sun’s rays hit a hybrid solar panel, it enters a converter to create usable electricity. Then, that energy goes one of three ways: To the home, to the battery, or to the grid. The backup battery stores energy from the solar panels, which you can use in the event of a power outage.

The amount of energy these batteries can store depends on their size, which presents a potential limitation on this technology. Since power outages are unpredictable, it’s hard to determine what size battery an individual will need on their hybrid solar panel system.

Using Hybrid Solar Panels Off the Grid

Hybrid solar panels provide the potential for individuals to retain power even during larger grid outages. However, in many instances, grid solar panels are automatically shut off when utility workers need to repair power lines because they still funnel energy into the grid.

To retain access to power even when utility providers are working on the power lines, individuals will need islandable photovoltaic (PV) panels. In order to “island,” these panels must be able to safely separate from the grid. They need both battery banks and specialized inverters to operate. These inverters allow them to switch between battery power and grid power automatically.

When using hybrid solar panels, having islandable PV panels is essential. These solutions prevent the power stored in the panel from entering the grid during outages. It’s important to do this so utility workers who perform maintenance on the power grid don’t suffer injuries while repairing the power lines.

Accessing a battery during an outage helps the hybrid solar panel operate as if it were an off-grid system. However, in the event that energy needs exceed that which is available in the batteries, the system would need to recharge with solar energy. If this depletion happens at night or during a storm, the home would be without power until the sun returns to provide more energy to the system.

Pros and Cons of Hybrid Solar Power

There are many pros and cons of hybrid solar power. The benefits of this type of system include:

• Guaranteed power availability: A hybrid system guarantees the availability of power, even overnight and during outages. With the ability to store excess solar energy, homes and businesses can operate without interruptions.
• Secure installation: A solar panel system is a secure way to generate power for a home or business. With the addition of wire rope isolators, they can withstand excess vibrations and significant shock exposure.
• Power backup systems: With a hybrid inverter, property owners also benefit from power backup systems.
• Reducing demands on traditional energy sources: With solar energy, homes and businesses can reduce their dependence on traditional power sources, like fossil fuels. With the large-scale integration of this technology, the world can make strides in slowing down the impacts of climate change.

Some disadvantages to consider when using hybrid solar power systems include:

• Expensive batteries: Battery costs may be high, especially for larger energy outputs.
• High installation costs: A hybrid solar power system might mean a considerable upfront investment.
• Complex maintenance: A hybrid solar system, especially those with islandable PV panels, will have more complex maintenance needs because the system is more complicated.

The Future of Solar

Solar power, in addition to other renewable energy sources like wind and hydropower, is the future of energy. These alternatives are growing in popularity and dropping in price continuously. More investment in hybrid solar power and islandable PV panels from federal and private organizations will mean more widespread adoption of this technology.