How does an islanding solar inverter work?

Your islanding solar inverter works independently from the power grid. If there's a storm or other event that knocks out the main power grid, your solar power system will continue running and providing power to your home. We mention this because many people mistake going solar with going off-grid, but that's typically not the case.

How do solar panels help the island?

The solar panels connect to a battery bank and power inverters that help power the island instead of relying solely on diesel generators. This $7.1 million project, originally funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, has reduced the island’s fuel consumption by 45% since its 2012 installation.

What is solar islanding?

Solar islanding is when a home solar power system continues to generate electricity even though the grid is down. Many people would consider this a good thing, as your home still has power from your solar panels while everyone else has no power.

Does McDonald's have solar panels?

At a new McDonald’s restaurant that just opened at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (with COVID-19 protection measures in place), solar panels covering the roof—and solar glass panels throughout the building—are designed to generate enough energy that the restaurant can run on 100% renewable power.

Are solar inverters 'anti-island'?

All inverters are required to be able to be "anti-island." In other words, solar inverters are explicitly designed not to allow your solar panels to continue to push electricity into your home in the event of an outage.

Can a solar inverter provide energy during a power outage?

Integrating a solar inverter with island mode and battery storage will help make this dream a reality. If you want a solar power system that can still provide energy during a power outage, it's best to work with an experienced company like Palmetto.