How Can I Prepare For Rolling Blackouts? And Which Solar Generator to Combat It?
In developed countries, rolling blackouts sometime occur due to economic forces at the expense of system reliability. However, most of the time, extreme weather events such as heat waves, earth quakes or winter storms damage the local utilities ability to generate power.
Until the grid is fixed, planned outages must be implemented to meet energy demand.
|
How do I know if a rolling blackout is coming?
If you live in a country that experiences frequent rolling blackouts (such as in South Africa) there is likely to be some technology (generally in the form of mobile apps) which can help to warn you of upcoming rotational load shedding.
However, in many cases, these blackouts may occur without warning.
When this happens, many people are left without the convenience of electricity, and must resort back to using gas until the electricity is restored.
How long does a rolling blackout last?
This depends on where you are located but generally depends on the severity of the electricity supply shortfall and the persistence of peak demand.
Rolling blackouts can last for an hour, sometimes 4 or more. Generally, rolling blackouts occur for longer in developing countries.
Rolling blackouts can last for an hour, sometimes 4 or more. Generally, rolling blackouts occur for longer in developing countries.
How should I prepare for rolling blackout?
There is really on a few ways you can prepare for rolling blackouts, and that is via supplemental energy generation.
In other words, you need to produce your own electricity. In a sense, by doing this, you become self reliant, or less reliant on your utility grid for electricity.
A few ways you can produce your own electricity is with:
- Residential solar systems
- Solar generators
- Wind turbines
- Gas generators
Perhaps just as important as energy production, is energy storage. Because, what will you do with all your newly generated energy if you cant use it all?
The quickest/easiest way to get started with energy production/storage, is with solar generators. You can take a look at the few we have on offer here.
What is a Solar Generator?
A solar generator works by collecting solar energy through solar panels and then storing that energy into its built-in solar battery. An inverter then converts that energy into alternating current (AC power) before it is released for use in home appliances and other electronical devices. When combined, these three components make a fully functioning solar generator.
How does a solar generator work?
Solar generators work by integrating a solar panel, charge controller, a battery system and an inverter into a compact system that is able to convert solar energy into a useable electrical current.
How can we prevent rolling blackouts?
Most of the time, scheduled rolling blackouts are out of our hands as the public. However, the easiest way for you to help is by reducing your energy demand.
You can do this by:
- Perform energy-demanding tasks during off-peak hours.
- Unplug appliances and electronics that aren’t in use.
- Take steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency (think EnergyStar appliances).
- Invest in smart home technology such as smart thermostats.
Final Thoughts
For millions of people across the world, rolling blackouts are a frequent occurrence, sometimes happening on the daily.
The best way you or anyone can prepare for them, is through energy self sufficiency.
If you are serious about generating/offsetting 100% of your energy, then a rooftop solar system is recommended. However, if you only aim to combat the rolling blackouts as they occur, a solar generator may be your cheapest most reliable option to date.
We recommend this package to combat rolling blackouts.