The solar energy that does work without electricity

The blackout of April 28 left Spain and Portugal without light, even surprising those who had solar panels at home. How is it possible? The answer is in the connection From facilities to the electricity grid, but there is a solution that comes from Seville.

Short. The Toscano company has developed Combi Max, a differential that, when it detects a supply cut, electrically isolates the house of the rest of the network and allows you to continue using the electricity generated by the solar panels. Also, like have indicated on their websitethere is another more complete version and with extra protection against overtops and overloads.

More in depth. The device developed in Seville works isolating the electrical installation of the house when the light goes, which allows us to continue using the solar energy generated at that time. In fact, its effectiveness is not only theoretical: during the blackout of April 28, several users managed to maintain the supply thanks to this system. “Correos have reached us by thanking us,” said Luis Toscano, founder of the company, In an interview with the sixth column.

There are limitations. It can only be used as long as there is sunlight and the installation is generating electricity. In addition, it is not suitable for feeding high consumption appliances such as furnaces, hobs or electric cars. On the other hand, it does allow the essential elements of the home, such as the fridge, the lighting or the load of the mobile, which can make a big difference during a light cut.

But it does not replace a battery. It is a great solution for the day and for moments of blackout with sun, but does not replace a battery system. For that reason, if you want to keep the supply also during the night or in cloudy days, it is necessary have energy storage.

Having panels is not enough. The blackout has been a warning: it is not enough to generate energy, we must also know how to manage it. This new device, Combi Max, is a step in that address. In an increasingly electrified world it is a big step.

Image | Unspash

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