Power Outages

What should I do in case of a power outage?

• Your SolarEdge inverter is connected to the utility grid 
• When a power outage occurs, the system will automatically shut down for safety reasons.
• SolarEdge inverters are designed to automatically resume operation once the grid is back.
• Why Does the Inverter Shut Down During Outages?
  This shutdown feature is called "anti-islanding." The term "islanding" refers to the situation where, even though there's a power outage, a section of the grid (like your house with solar panels) can still generate and feed power back into the grid. This can be dangerous for several reasons:
  • Safety for Utility Workers: If your solar system continued to feed electricity back into the grid, it could potentially electrocute utility workers who are trying to fix the power lines, believing them to be de-energized.
  • NEC Code Reference: The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a set of standards to ensure electrical systems are safe. The NEC requires that all grid-connected solar inverters have this anti-islanding feature. Specifically, Article 690 of the NEC deals with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Within this article, there are sections that pertain to the safety measures and requirements of grid-connected systems, including the need to shut down during grid outages.
• The Good News: If you're concerned about not having power during an outage you can invest in a battery storage system. When paired with solar, this allows your home to store excess power that you can then use during an outage. 
• In Summary: Your inverter's shutdown during power outages isn’t a flaw; it’s a safety feature mandated by codes like the NEC to protect workers and maintain grid stability. For continuous power during outages consider adding battery back-up capability to your system.

For more information on SolarEdge battery back-up solutions click here.

To check case status or for a live chat please click here.