Many Americans have become increasingly unfamiliar with power grid blackouts during peak seasons. From freezing winters to scorching summers, individuals rely on electricity to maintain comfortable living conditions – until the grid is overloaded, and service interruptions occur. In 2024 alone, there were 70 power grid blackouts in California and Texas (World Population Review)
Enter Sol-Ark® home hybrid inverters. Described as the “Swiss Army Knife” of the residential energy sector, these products can keep a house powered and ready for a wide range of scenarios. With diverse input and output functions, Sol-Ark® residential hybrid inverters enable batteries to supply critical power loads while using solar panels, backup generators, or AC-coupled solutions to keep the battery bank fully charged.
Power Grid Blackout Load Management with the Sol-Ark 15K Whole Home Inverter
The Sol-Ark® 15K-2P hybrid inverter, operating in multi-mode function, seamlessly shifts a home’s electrical loads from the grid to a built-in battery bank whenever outages occur. This setup ensures that essential appliances continue running on solar or stored power, minimizing disruptions and stress during a blackout. By automatically prioritizing critical loads and providing real-time monitoring, the Sol-Ark 15K-2P offers homeowners a reliable, efficient solution for backup power management.
15K-2P Hybrid Inverter: Complying with Grid Safety Regulations
In accordance with strict grid safety regulations, Sol-Ark® hybrid inverters must respond to specific voltage and frequency limits. Once grid values exceed these limits, Sol-Ark® inverters disconnect and remain in off-grid mode until the utility returns to acceptable levels.
Because these disconnects can occur at any time, our inverters must seamlessly transition from grid use to battery backup power. Thanks to the UPS-rated 4-millisecond response time, most consumers experience little to no interruption in power. To manage grid connections effectively, Sol-Ark® integrates three (3) key components for our 15K-2P hybrid inverter:
Inverter Relays
The energy storage systems disconnect from the grid using durable relays (capacity varies by model) specifically designed for grid-interactive systems. These relays comply with regulations that protect both system owners and grid operators.
Inverter Sensors
There are sensors embedded in the inverter monitor: voltage (V), current (I), and frequency (F) of alternating current (AC) as signals to synchronize with the utility. These sensors compare real-time readings to preset parameters multiple times per second, ensuring immediate disconnection when values exceed acceptable ranges.
Hybrid Inverter Software
The inverter software continuously polls sensor data. If the utility’s values rise above acceptable thresholds, the software disengages the relays and transitions the inverter to standalone operation. After the utility stabilizes, the sensors confirm the grid is safe before reconnection.
Realistic Expectations for Backup Power & Load Management
It is unrealistic to assume that a single 15K-2P hybrid inverter would be able power an entire house (like normal functioning on the grid) in off-grid mode.
Many homes in the United States and Canada have a 200A (or higher) service panel. To power every load simultaneously, a home would likely need a 48kW inverter (assuming 240V split-phase) and a battery bank capable of sustaining that power level for the necessary duration – an option that can be prohibitively expensive.
4 Residential Power Load Management Strategies for a Power Grid Blackout
By using load management strategies for your home, you can help prioritize power usage during a power grid blackout:
Smart Loads Function
Within the Sol-Ark® 15K-2P inverter battery settings, the “Smart Load” option allows the inverter’s generator breaker (up to 100A rated output) to be controlled based on the battery’s state of charge (SOC), voltage, and/or solar production (PV). This feature is ideal for automatically shedding nonessential loads when power is limited. Commonly shed loads include pools, hot tubs, water pumps, and other large convenience appliances.
Smart Panels
Although sometimes expensive, smart panels simplify load management by allowing you to rank loads as critical, medium, or nonessential. By communicating with the energy storage system, a smart panel can shed loads as soon as the inverter detects an outage or when the battery’s state of charge falls below a designated threshold. While Sol-Ark does not officially partner with a specific smart panel brand, many options on the market can integrate effectively with its systems.
Home Appliances
During a prolonged grid outage, limiting use of high-demand appliances (e.g., washers, dryers, and electric water heaters) to daylight hours – when solar panels are at peak production – can help extend battery life.
Thermostat Settings
In the winter, setting the thermostat to 68–70 °F during the day keeps energy consumption manageable. Reducing the temperature by a few degrees at night can yield additional savings. In the summer, consider raising the temperature a bit to reduce the cooling load. A smart thermostat with custom scheduling can automate these adjustments, preventing accidental overuse of energy.
The Sol-Ark® 15K-2P hybrid inverter stands out as a robust solution that seamlessly transitions from grid reliance to backup power, preserving comfort and convenience. By integrating advanced load management strategies, it empowers homeowners to weather grid failures with minimal disruption. Ensure peace of mind and energy independence in any blackout scenario.
Author: Diego Trujano