How home solar power contributes to grid resilience

Home solar systems contribute to grid resilience by enabling you to continue to generate and store power even when the electric company experiences an outage.

The “grid”, in this case, is the electrical grid run by BC Hydro. As we discussed in our last blog, even when you power your home with your own electricity generated by your solar power system, it’s still beneficial to remain connected to the grid for those times your system hasn’t generated quite enough for your needs.

“Resilience” refers to grid resilience, which is the ability to withstand a power disruption. By incorporating two different ways of delivering electricity to your home, one through your own means (solar power system), the other through a much larger entity (BC Hydro), you build grid resilience into your supply. 

So, let's say something happens to one of them. Say, a BC Hydro outage. Well, all the other houses on your street will be in the dark. But your lights will still be on, your water will still be hot, your car will still charge, and your computer and appliances will still function, as you continue to draw power from electricity you stored yourself. Similarly, in the unlikely event something disrupts your solar system, your home will continue to function effortlessly, as normal, with power from the grid, while the issue gets resolved.

Additionally, climate change concerns raise questions regarding the ability of the electrical grid’s ability to supply power to homes in the increasingly likely event of a climate emergency. In response, solar power companies across Canada are designing and installing solar systems to help homeowners protect the vital energy supply to their homes so they’re not left in the cold when something happens.

Right here in BC, home solar system installations in Victoria and beyond increase every year as more and more residents build grid resistant homes for themselves and their families.

NetZero Solar will design a grid resilient home solar system quote for your home free of charge. Your custom proposal will highlight potential costs, savings, and recommend an optimal system size tailored specifically to your needs Fill out this form, or call: 250-516-5767