Can A Home With Solar Panels Also Use A Generator?
Being a homeowner in Florida calls for a lot more compared to living in most other states. People in Tampa need to account for unexpected power outages due to frequent storms, and they need to make the most of their sunny days with a complete solar panel system to boot. These two appliances are essential, but can they be used together? Find out how solar panels and generators work under the same roof before calling Solar Bear Tampa for reliable solar panel installation in your area!
Solar Panels and Generators Work Together, Just Not Together
Having solar panels and power generators work back-to-back makes for a great combo in Tampa households. The only problem is, they don’t exactly work at the same time. Why? Simply because they can’t. These appliances aren’t designed to operate simultaneously, but that doesn’t mean they don’t benefit each other.
How it works is that your solar panels gather up energy during the day and store it in a backup battery for later. When the power goes out and your generators kick on, it uses the solar power that you’ve collected and puts it to good use. This reliable setup is especially popular among Tampa homeowners who like the reassurance of passive backup power for emergencies.
Learn more > How to Prepare Your Solar Power System for a Hurricane: 6 Expert Tips
What You Need to Incorporate a Solar Panel/Generator Hybrid Setup:
For a proper solar panel/power generator setup in Tampa, you’ll need a few essential items to ensure that everything runs smoothly in times of crisis. Here’s your must-have checklist:
Solar Battery Storage
Your generators need to have a source of solar power to pull from, and that would be your solar battery storage. This battery storage system acts as a tank for collected solar energy to funnel into for later use like when you need to operate your backup power generators. Just keep in mind that solar batteries require maintenance to guarantee they stay in working condition!
A Hybrid Inverter
Hybrid solar panel/backup generator systems in Tampa, FL work best with a compatible hybrid inverter. This inverter allows your home to effortlessly swap between solar panel, generator, and grid power as needed. Systems can be made to work automatically which can come in handy when you’re not able to see clearly or make it to the controls.
An Automatic Transfer Switch
When you want your solar panel/generator hybrid system to work automatically in your Tampa home, you’ll need an automatic transfer switch (or ATS). Properties equipped with an ATS will sense power outages and respond by switching your power source without the need for manual inputs.
Take this scenario:
A heavy storm in Tampa, FL causes a power outage in your neighborhood. You are in a dark room with no easy way to make it to your backup generator safely. Thanks to your fully-equipped solar panel/generator hybrid system, your generators automatically route your backup solar power to your home and get your electricity up and running again.
Call Solar Bear Tampa Today For a Reliable Solar Panel Setup!
Protect yourself from unexpected power outages with a complete solar panel/backup generator hybrid setup in your Tampa home! Call Solar Bear Tampa today at (727) 471-7442 for more information about having this reliable system installed and to book an appointment for an on-site consultation.