Power outage? Solar panels on your roof can soon become a salvation

During major power outages, solar (photovoltaic) panels cannot continue to be used to power a lamp or charge your mobile phone on the basis of (correct) guidelines and legislation. This may be possible in the future, especially in the Netherlands. This is the conclusion of a study by Sweco on the resilience of electricity systems in Europe. The study, published today, shows that solar panels could play a major role in mitigating the effects of major power outages in the future.

“European research has shown that solar panels on your roof can be a lifesaver in the event of a power outage in the Netherlands”

The study also looked at what solar power could mean for protecting critical infrastructure, such as water management and mobile communications. For example, by placing them near large solar power plants.

Emergency power via solar panels

Low-capacity emergency power supplies can enable vital functions such as mobile communications between citizens and authorities, accessing water or charging essential devices during power outages. The research shows that solar panels could be a promising solution for supplying that energy in emergency situations.

Bert van Rensselaer, Director of Power Transmission at Sweco, said: “With increasingly severe weather conditions and external threats, it is important for the Netherlands to have a strong energy system. We need to look at strategies to ensure energy is available, both for communication and for other basic needs.”

Not possible yet

Currently, the solar panels on your roof do not produce electricity during a power outage. For safety reasons, this (the so-called ‘butchering’) is not allowed on the Dutch electricity grid. Thanks to a special inverter designed to power small loads, you can continue to use essential appliances during a daytime power outage. In addition, there are hybrid inverters that can also work with batteries. You can use it at night, but it is much more expensive.

The Netherlands has the highest capacity to produce solar panels per capita

In all of the countries analyzed, the share of solar power is increasing due to the energy transition, lower prices for solar panels, more subsidies and better regulations. Germany is the leader in installed solar capacity, while the Netherlands has the highest capacity per capita. Northern European countries, especially Norway, lag behind in adopting solar energy.

Hybrid inverters with household batteries

“By encouraging hybrid inverters together with household batteries (or those in electric cars), the Netherlands can make the energy system more flexible at a relatively low cost, even under difficult conditions. We have to take advantage of the lead we have now. By getting rid of As the net scaling scheme progresses, the window of opportunity will soon become smaller,” says Van Rensselaer.

“With the net metering system being phased out in the Netherlands, it will be interesting for many homes and businesses to store electricity behind the meter. When this is combined with hybrid inverters, this presents a fantastic opportunity that should be used now. In any case, an option that everyone should consider Who is now faced with the choice of buying solar panels,” he continues.

analysis

Sweco has the potential flexibility for that power grid It was analyzed in nine European countries over the next five years by examining the future development of solar energy, as well as the potential costs and burdens of emergency energy solutions during power outages. Countries included in the study: Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Download the report as a PDF: Solar resilience – emergency power from solar panels during power outages.

Also Read: Safety Should Be Improved While Installing Solar Panels.