What Happens When Off-Grid Solar Batteries Are Filled?
If you are looking to install an off-grid battery-supported solar system, or you have recently had one installed, you may be wondering how the system works. What will happen to excess solar power when the solar batteries are full?
Our solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando explain what solar batteries are and what you can do when your solar battery is at its maximum capacity. Let’s dive in.
What Are Off-Grid Solar Batteries?
Off-grid solar systems are designed to provide electricity when grid power is unavailable. An off-grid solar system consists of solar panels, a solar battery to store and supply power, and an inverter to control the input and output of generated power. Some people also have a backup generator just in case.
An off-grid system generates energy from solar panels and charges a solar battery. It then uses an invert to provide the power back to your home. Using a solar battery means that you can store excess power and draw from the energy reserve when needed.
Without a solar battery, you would only be able to use your off-grid solar system during the day, assuming that it is sunny that day! Having a reliable and adequately sized battery bank allows you to utilize your off-grid solar system during the day or night, rain
or shine.
What Happens if My Solar Battery is Full?
Even though solar systems use batteries to store solar energy, if the power generated exceeds the solar battery’s capacity, it can overcharge the system. An overcharged solar system can severely impact the solar battery’s lifespan.
But don’t worry, as soon as your solar battery reaches a full charge, the inverter and charge controller step in to mitigate any issues. Battery charge controllers will stop the flow of electricity when they signal that the batteries are full.
Further, they may:
- Push the energy back into the panels for power loss
- Push it into the grid for credits
- Force a dump load that wastes the energy
How Do I Know When the Solar Battery is Full?
There are several options available that allow you to check the charge level within a solar energy system.
Some intelligent energy storage solutions feature display screens that indicate the battery’s charge based on its voltage. Some inverters also display the battery’s charge level on their screen, so you can tell whether it is charging or full.
If your inverter doesn’t have a display screen, it may have a warning or indicator system that tells you the battery status.
You can also purchase meters such as voltmeters, hydrometers, or multimeters that check the charge level.
What Happens When Grid-Connected Solar Batteries are Full?
If you have a grid-connected solar system with battery backup, any excess energy can earn you money if your utility company offers net metering. Any excess energy that is produced once the solar battery reaches capacity is returned to the grid, and you will see a reduction or credit on your next energy bill.
What Should I Do If My Batteries Regularly Become Full?
There are a few options if you notice your solar batteries are becoming full regularly.
- Sell One of Your Panels: You may have too many solar panels connected for your energy needs. Consider selling it or using it in a different area like your workspace or garage.
- Purchase Additional Batteries: Purchasing more solar batteries will allow you to store more power. Or you could buy a solar generator which allows you to store even more power.
- Use More Power: Consider using the extra power to charge tools, cook, run an AC unit, etc.
Orlando Solar Panel Systems
If you are ready to install an off-grid or grid-tied solar system equipped with solar batteries, call on our experienced solar team at Solar Bear Orlando! We will help you decide which system is right for you and whether you need a solar battery to store excess energy.
Get started by giving us a call at (727) 471-7442 today!