Power outage exposes weaknesses: Solar systems cannot help!

Power outage exposes weaknesses: Solar systems cannot help!

In June, a power outage in the Laupheim, Schemmerhofen and Schwendi regions caused quite a stir. The residents discovered that even modern photovoltaic systems (PV systems) cannot supply energy in the event of a grid failure. Michael Maucher, qualified engineer and specialist in building technology at the Oberschwaben Energy Agency, explains that the inverter, which converts the solar power generated into usable alternating current, switches off automatically in the event of a power failure. This happens because the supply network, which acts as a clock, no longer works and the balance between production and consumption cannot be maintained. This meant that sockets remained silent, refrigerators and freezers had to operate without power for some time and the sudden darkness was an unwelcome surprise for many households.

The question arises: How can PV system owners protect themselves from such breakdowns? A possible solution is battery storage that can supply electricity via sockets. This storage can ensure that critical devices such as cell phones or refrigerators continue to receive power for a few days in an emergency. Hybrid systems that both generate and store solar power can also make sense. However, the more expensive grid replacement systems, which represent an isolated solution, are often not able to supply all devices with power at the same time because the required power quickly becomes too high. Many homeowners are thinking about retrofitting such systems so that they can be self-sufficient even in the event of a power failure.
Swabian reports.

Technical background and solutions

How does an emergency power supply actually work? According to information from solar experts, PV systems can be retrofitted with special emergency power sockets or inverters that allow consumers to operate during a power outage. A well-planned backup power system powers relevant devices in a household and improves independence in self-sufficient situations. The installation of such systems should be carried out by professionals to ensure efficiency and safety. One point that should not be neglected is the precise recording of electricity requirements and the compatibility of the battery storage with the existing PV system.
Solar experts emphasizes that choosing the right system depends largely on individual energy needs.

A key question for many system owners is the cost-effectiveness of this additional equipment. Just because there is battery storage doesn't mean it will always provide the independence you want. Regular maintenance and monitoring are also important to ensure the system functions under all conditions. Reality shows that the actual possibilities of emergency power systems are often lower than initially assumed. During longer power outages, even a larger battery storage system may not provide enough energy to power the entire household.
SMP Solar points out the importance of planning realistically in such cases.

Conclusion: Considering what to do in the event of a power outage is more relevant today than ever. While Germany has one of the most reliable power grids in the world and power outages are usually resolved quickly, it's important to remember that good preparation can make the difference. If you want to keep your heating, cooling or lighting systems running, you should look at alternatives early on that go beyond a simple PV system.