5 Things to Know About Solar Backup Power

Using solar backup power sources might not be top-of-mind when you first consider installing panels. But if your purpose is to use cleaner (and cheaper) energy as 19 million homes are already doing across the US, then it’s a consideration you’ll definitely want to make. And the sooner, the better!

In this article, we are going to look at the basics of solar backup power. How it is implemented, how it works, and some things you may not have realized about it. Let’s begin! 

1. Solar Batteries Keep You Environmentally Responsible

Many who implement solar power as the main energy source for their homes do so because they want to reduce the negative impact they have on the environment. Gas-powered generators, which are often used as backups to solar power, defeat this purpose.

That’s because generators require the consumption of fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels takes away from the environment without putting anything else in.

The way around this for the solar community is to install solar batteries in addition to their solar panel system. These batteries hold energy in reserve for when it’s needed the most.

2. They Store Energy Like an External Hard Drive

Chief among the benefits of solar power backups is that you can have energy on-hand no matter what. Solar batteries can best be compared to a “cloud” external hard drive storage system in the world of computers. 

They allow you to draw energy “from the cloud” when production is low or shut-down for unexpected reasons. They use the excess energy that panels produce during the day. 

3. Solar Batteries Work On or Off the Grid

When looking into the question of what is solar power, many are surprised to find that you can be both “on the grid” and “off the grid.” In other words, when you’re on the grid, you’re subject to the same outages as regular electricity customers. 

Being off the grid means producing your own energy. Either way, failing to have a solar backup system in place will result in outages or dependence on fossil fuel-burning generators.  

4. Solar Batteries Use Inverters

Another important thing to know about solar batteries is that they operate using inverters. This allows change from direct current to alternating current and vice versa. 

This feature makes the battery quite versatile in how it is able to relay energy to and from your panel system. It does this through the use of inverters. Solar inverters help reduce your overall need for energy. 

5. You Are Vulnerable to Grid Outages Without Them

Among the advantages of solar power we’ve covered is the outage factor. A great number of homeowners believe they’re “covered” where electricity customers are not in the event of an outage. 

It bears repeating. Panels that pull from a power grid are dependent on that grid for energy distribution. Without an operational grid and a reliable backup, you’ll be left in the dark. As you search for solar companies near you, keep that in mind and ask which setup your home will be.

Solar Backup Power Equals True Energy Independence

With solar backup power, you have true energy independence that also makes you a responsible steward of the environment. Keep the five factors above in mind as you install your system and its backup. For more energy tips and information, check out some of our additional posts!