Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland, not least because of the ecological and economic advantages it offers. However, there is one aspect that is not well known to the general public and that needs to be clarified: if your solar installation is connected to the public grid, it will not work in the event of a general power cut, nor if your energy supplier decides to interrupt it due to an overload. This may seem counter-intuitive, but it's essential to guarantee the safety of the power grid and its users.
Why grid-connected solar systems shut down during power cuts
When you install a grid-connected solar system, your home or business continues to operate in harmony with the power grid. This means that you can inject excess solar power into the grid, and receive electricity when your production is not sufficient to cover your needs. However, in the event of a general power cut, your solar system will automatically go offline.
This automatic disconnection is a crucial safety measure. If your solar system continues to inject electricity into a grid outage, it could endanger the technicians working to repair the fault. What's more, synchronization with the grid is essential to maintain power stability in your system; without it, energy injection could damage your installation or that of your neighbors.
Switch to an Off-grid strategy: regain control of your energy
For those seeking true energy independence, there's an alternative: the off-grid strategy. By installing a battery system with an off-grid inverter, you can store the energy you produce and use it even in the event of a power cut. Unlike a grid-connected system, an off-grid installation enables you to maintain your energy autonomy, whatever the grid conditions.
The greatest advantage of such an installation is the spectacular increase in your self-consumption rate. In a grid-connected configuration, average self-consumption is around 30%. This means that most of the energy you produce is fed back into the grid, often at a much lower rate than you pay for electricity consumed. On the other hand, with an off-grid system, this rate of self-consumption can exceed 90%, as you use the energy you produce directly for your personal needs, with the grid becoming an auxiliary source.
The financial benefits of an off-grid installation
Beyond energy independence, an off-grid installation can offer significant financial benefits. By 2024, prices for off-grid battery and inverter systems had fallen considerably, making this option more affordable than ever. What's more, feed-in tariffs are often low, and the savings on your electricity bill from direct consumption are much more attractive.
By opting for an off-grid solution, you're investing in greater financial stability. You become less dependent on fluctuating electricity tariffs and suppliers' pricing policies. If energy prices rise, your initial investment in an off-grid system protects you from future increases. What's more, service interruptions, whether due to grid overload or outage, no longer affect you.
Reflection and comparison: the decisive moment for choosing your energy strategy
If you're thinking of installing a solar power plant for your home or business, now is the ideal time to compare the advantages of grid-connected solutions and off-grid systems. In addition to increased independence, financial aspects play a crucial role in this decision. With current technological advances and falling costs for off-grid equipment, the tipping point between these two strategies could well be reached in 2024.
It's time to think not only about your current energy needs, but also about your long-term vision. The ability to produce and consume your own energy, independently of the grid, is no longer a luxury reserved for a few pioneers; it is now a viable and potentially more profitable option for a growing number of homes and businesses in Switzerland.
Comments