Solar power systems (PLTS) offer an alternative for generating clean, sustainable electricity. In terms of cost, they can reduce electricity bills from the state utility (PLN) by allowing the use of either battery power or the grid.
However, does a grid-connected solar system continue to operate during rolling blackouts? Will its performance decline?
Does the solar system keep working when the grid power goes out?
"On-grid" solar systems automatically shut down when the grid power fails because they are directly connected to the utility network.
On-grid systems feature an "anti-islanding" protection mechanism that activates immediately when grid power is lost. This safety feature protects utility workers during inspections or repairs.
If the solar system continued to feed electricity into a dead grid, it could cause electric shocks to utility workers, potentially with fatal consequences.
Additionally, on-grid inverters are equipped with sensors that monitor the grid. If a sensor detects the absence of power from the utility, the system immediately shuts down.
Solar system types that continue working during power outages
There are two types of solar systems capable of operating during power outages:
1. Off-Grid Solar Systems
Off-grid systems are not connected to the utility grid. They rely on energy generated via the photovoltaic process and stored in batteries.
Off-grid solar panels charge the batteries during the day. The stored DC electricity is then converted into AC electricity via an inverter for use during grid outages.
Installing an off-grid system involves high initial investment costs due to the need for battery storage. Careful calculation is required to design a safe installation based on panel capacity, battery size, and daily electricity consumption.
This system is ideal for locations beyond the reach of the utility grid, such as mountainous areas, disaster zones, and mining sites.
2. Hybrid Solar Systems
A hybrid system combines on-grid and off-grid technologies. It remains connected to the utility grid but maintains a power reserve for emergency situations during outages. When grid power (PLN) is available, the solar panel system operates using a combination of power from the battery and the grid. However, during a grid outage, the inverter automatically isolates electronic devices from the grid and switches the power supply to the solar panels and battery.
Implementing this requires an additional investment in batteries. This system is ideal for home-based industries and MSMEs that need to maintain production during power outages.
Benefits of Solar Power Systems (PLTS) During Grid Outages
Grid power can be interrupted at any time—whether intentionally or accidentally—yet business operations must continue. A solar power system that remains unaffected by grid outages represents a valuable future investment.
Investing in a solar power system can protect your company from operational disruptions that hinder productivity, particularly in sectors like hospitality.
Power outages severely disrupt company operations; production stalls, deliveries are delayed, and business activities are thrown into disarray.
Both Off-Grid and Hybrid solar power systems feature mechanisms to ensure business operations continue uninterrupted during grid outages. This allows work to be completed faster and enables your company to maximize profits.
Contact Batari for Solar Power System Installation!
Batari Energy provides Off-Grid and Hybrid solar panel solutions for business, residential, and industrial needs. We have successfully completed over 40 solar power projects across Indonesia.
Contact us via this link to ensure your business keeps running regardless of grid outage schedules, or to guarantee your home retains a power source even when the grid goes down.