Battery Storage
Store solar energy for evenings and outages, sized from a clear calculation of the loads you want to support.
Solar Backup Systems
Backup power for the loads that matter most.
A solar backup system is designed to support selected appliances or essential circuits during power interruptions. It is usually smaller and simpler than a system built to power an entire property.
At a glance
- Core components
- Inverter/charger, battery, solar panels, changeover
- Typical loads
- Lighting, Wi-Fi, TV, fridge, security, laptops
- Scope
- Selected circuits, not the whole property
- Sizing based on
- Essential load list and desired backup time
How it works
How solar backup systems works
A backup system focuses on continuity for a defined set of loads. Typical examples are lighting, a router, a television, a fridge and security equipment. Those circuits are separated onto a dedicated board that the inverter supplies when the grid fails.
This differs from a system designed to power an entire property, which needs a much larger inverter, battery bank and solar array to handle high-draw appliances such as electric cookers, showers and water heaters. Being clear about the scope keeps the system appropriately sized and cost-effective.
- 01
Define essential loads
Agree which appliances and circuits should stay on during an outage.
- 02
Separate the circuits
Essential circuits are wired to a dedicated board supplied by the inverter.
- 03
Charge from solar and grid
Solar panels, and the grid when available, keep the battery charged.
- 04
Switch over on outage
When grid supply drops, the inverter supplies the essential board from the battery and solar.
Use cases
Common use cases
Home offices
Keeping laptops, routers and lighting available so work can continue during interruptions.
Small businesses
Supporting point-of-sale systems, lighting, CCTV and refrigeration.
Security and communications
Keeping alarms, gate motors, cameras and connectivity running.
Planning
Important planning considerations
Every recommendation follows a review of your energy use and a site assessment. These are the factors we look at.
Backup vs. whole-property
Decide early whether you need selected-load backup or whole-property supply. The two differ significantly in size and cost.
Realistic backup time
Backup duration depends on battery capacity and what is switched on. Leaving high-draw appliances off the essential board extends it.
Solar recharge
Solar panels allow the battery to recharge during the day, which matters during longer or repeated outages.
Room to grow
Choosing an inverter that can take more panels or batteries later gives you flexibility.
FAQs
Solar Backup Systems questions
What is the difference between a backup system and full home solar?
A backup system supports a defined set of essential loads during outages. A full home system is designed to supply most or all of the property's demand, including high-draw appliances, which requires far more capacity.
Can I run my electric shower or cooker on backup?
Usually not on a backup-sized system. These appliances draw a lot of power. Including them would require a much larger inverter and battery.
Do I need solar panels for a backup system?
Not strictly, as a battery can be charged from the grid. Solar panels allow recharging during the day, which helps during long or repeated outages and reduces grid use.
Related
Related solutions
Hybrid Solar Systems
Solar, batteries and grid power working together, so you can use solar first and keep chosen loads running in outages.
Residential Solar
Rooftop solar for households, sized around how your family actually uses power, with battery storage as an option.
Interested in solar backup systems?
Share a few details about your property and energy needs. We’ll follow up to discuss options. A request is not a final quote or a booking.