Auckland
If your home is prone to grid outages, and you are anticipating you will be without power for a period of time, there are things you can do to prepare:
1. Check Battery Charge Levels
If you have battery storage, make sure it’s fully charged. If bad weather is forecast and you expect power outages, you can pre-charge your batteries from the grid to ensure you’ve got maximum backup ready to go. Watch this video to see how to charge your batteries from the grid with a Sofar system.
2. Adjust Battery Settings
To keep batteries full in anticipation of an outage, adjust your Depth of Discharge (DoD) settings—this will prevent the system from draining the battery before a potential power cut. Scroll down to the end to see the instructions on how to do this.
3. Inspect Panels and Mounting
Make sure your panels and racking system are secure. Check for loose bolts or signs of wear and tear. If you’re unsure, book a quick inspection with a solar technician—especially in areas prone to high winds.
4. Trim Nearby Trees
Branches can become a hazard in storms. Trim back any overhanging limbs that could break off and damage your panels or roof.
5. Know How to Go Off-Grid (if needed)
Some systems can operate in “island mode” or off-grid during outages. If yours can, make sure you know how to switch modes manually, or confirm it’s set to do so automatically.
6. Backup Essentials
Have backup lighting, power banks, and your system’s monitoring app installed on your phone. It’s helpful to keep tabs on performance if the power does go out, and be mindful of your power usage!
7. After the Storm
Once it’s safe, check for any visible damage. If your system includes monitoring, check the app for errors or system performance issues. Contact your installer for a full check if needed.
How to set the Depth of Discharge for your batteries:
