Will the solar system provide electricity in a blackout?
(grid-dependent vs battery-based)
When there is blackout, if you have a battery-based system, you will still have electricity coming from your batteries and/or the panels themselves. However, if you have a grid-dependent system (a system without batteries, and a different type of electric inverter), you will be like everyone else on the grid and be without electricity. Even if it is daytime, and you could otherwise be generating electricity, PG&E will not allow you to use the electricity during a blackout, because this electricity could go out onto the grid and endanger their workers who will be trying to fix the blackout.
There are hybrid systems, which allow the benefits of grid-dependent systems and have a battery component, which can kick in if there is a blackout.
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems can do all three types of systems (battery-based, grid-dependent and hybrid). We can work with you to determine which would best suit your needs.
Call us! 530-401-8024