On-Grid Solar and Power Cuts: Many people believe that solar panels operate continuously as long as there is sunlight. However, this is not the case if you have installed an on-grid system. On-grid solar systems function only when there is a power supply from the grid. The moment the grid supply stops, the on-grid system ceases feeding power into the grid. Today, we will explain why the solar system stops feeding power to the grid during a power cut and what options are available to you in such situations.

How Does an On-Grid System Work?

During the day, when the grid is supplying power, your on-grid solar system converts sunlight into electricity. The DC power generated by the solar panels is sent to the inverter, which converts it into AC electricity and feeds it into the grid. As soon as the grid supply fails, the inverter detects it immediately and cuts off the AC supply. This does not mean the panels stop producing electricity; they continue to generate power, but the inverter does not push it into the grid.

Why Does the Solar Supply Stop During a Power Cut?

Why does the flow of electricity from your solar panels to the grid stop when the grid goes down? The answer lies in "anti-islanding protection," a mandatory feature for solar inverters. This measure is in place because when the power grid is shut down, utility workers might be performing repairs or installing new connections. If electricity from the panels were to flow into the lines during such work, it could pose a severe risk of electric shock or even death to the workers. If a power line snaps and falls during rainy weather, the electricity flowing from your solar panels can prove fatal even after the main power supply has been shut off. Therefore, it is essential for a solar inverter to have a feature that cuts off the supply from the panels the moment the grid connection is lost.

What are the solutions?

If you face power shortages when the on-grid system shuts down, there are three possible solutions:

You can opt for a hybrid solar system with battery backup, which will continue to provide electricity for your home's needs even during power outages.
Another option is a home UPS or inverter; it charges while the main power supply is active and provides backup power during outages.
The third option is an off-grid solar system. This eliminates the hassle of power outages and the need for a separate inverter setup. It stores energy in a battery, which can be utilized during power cuts.