Does solar run during brownouts? It’s a common misconception and we receive this question on a daily basis. What is the answer? It depends.
Depends on what? It depends on the type of solar power system you have.
Grid tie system does not have batteries
A grid tie system as the name implies is interconnected to your utility grid and its main purpose is to generate savings. The grid tie system ties your solar to the grid – that is its main purpose. It is not a power backup when the power is out. This kind of system does not have batteries. It does not have any storage for energy, which means that there is no possible way to save or store the harvested solar power. Now since this setup ties the grid to the solar, then it follows that when there is no grid, there is no solar. When it is brownout, the system shuts down. The grid tie inverter can detect if and when there is no power coming from the grid, and then shuts down automatically and immediately. There is no manual switching needed to be done, because the system is automatically synchronized. The inverter will automatically turn on and operate again normally once everything goes back to normal and the power comes back on. The Grid tie system is the most appropriate setup for areas with stable grid power.
Why can’t I just use batteries?
The number one reason is because batteries are expensive. Battery-integrated setups will triple the total cost of the system, affecting your ROI or return of investment. In a grid tie solar setup, ROI is typically achieved in 4 to 5 years while in a solar setup with batteries, ROI can take up to 10 years or more. Keep in mind that lead acid can only last for an average of two years while lithium is only about 10 years, which means you need to constantly replace them after their lifespan is over.
Ultimately, the question is: do you NEED batteries? You will have to assess the location of the facility you plan to install solar on. If there is reliable grid power, then batteries are unnecessary.
We only recommend battery solar setups in power-starved areas or areas with unreliable and unstable grid. There is also another option of a hybrid system, which is a combination of grid tie and off grid system. On a hybrid system, your critical loads on your “emergency panel” will automatically run from solar and batteries, not only during power outages but all day every day.
Turning on the sun
At Solaric, we appeal to Filipino sensibilities of approachability, service and value. Before we give a quotation, we learn how you use energy. We determine the best ways to maximize your return on a hard-earned investment. We present different strategies to ensure that you achieve your solar goals. We want to ensure reduced expenses and increased savings so that you make that one-time wise business and environmental investment. We always do our best to deliver fast, efficient, and thorough customer service. We are in the business of not just selling solar panels – but also enabling solar-powered lifestyles. With this, we want to provide endless satisfaction by delivering Solaric Service Satisfaction, ranging from permanent reduction of electric bills to the ultimate ZERO bill.
Solaric is the leader in rooftop solar
Solaric has established its name across the renewable industry as a proven and reputable rooftop solar leader. Backed by decades of experience, Solaric has installed more than 50% of residential rooftop solar in the Philippines and has delivered significant cost reductions in electricity expenses, as well as milestone contributions to a cleaner, greener, and renewable future. We want every Filipino to enjoy the benefits of clean and renewable power. Welcome to the new generation of solar and turning on the sun.
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If you also want to #TurnOnTheSun then give us a call at 75040092 or 09178603141 or 09083775577, email info@solaric.com.ph or visit www.solaric.com.ph
We will gladly explain to you how the system works, or schedule a survey so we can give you options for your new home or existing homes or businesses.
At Solaric, we Turn on the Sun.