Solar Inverters vs Batteries: Myths About Backup Power
Smart, grid-forming inverters and LiFePO4 batteries create dependable backup, with PV recharging during daylight. Storage helps, but strict 1:1 backup rules are a myth.
In an off-grid setup, batteries are non-negotiable. Without them, you can't store excess solar energy for nighttime use or cloudy days. Running an inverter without battery in this context is simply not feasible. You would lose power the moment solar production drops. Here's why batteries are essential in off-grid inverter systems:
Battery inverters such as those from SMA therefore contribute significantly to the success of the energy transition. SMA battery inverters with secure power supply or backup function supply a household, a business or certain loads with the stored energy even if the utility grid fails.
For example, a homeowner in Johannesburg with a Afore solar inverter can use solar power directly during the day and pull electricity from the grid at night, without ever needing a battery. Some businesses or facilities only operate during the day — think schools, farms, or manufacturing plants.
SMA battery inverters are compatible with various battery technologies and battery storage systems of different manufacturers and therefore are very versatile. Battery inverters by SMA can be integrated into existing PV systems and combined with electric charging stations or heat pumps at any time to make optimal use of the generated solar energy.
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