What to do when solar panels can’t generate electricity at night?

During peak daytime solar generation, try to concentrate the use of household appliances (like washing machines, water heaters, and air conditioners) to directly consume more solar power. For nighttime electricity shortfalls, households usually install storage batteries (5–10 kWh is common), which store surplus daytime solar energy for use at night—significantly boosting self-consumption to over 90%.

After installing a storage battery, will the house no longer need the grid?

Storage batteries can significantly reduce dependence on grid electricity, but to go completely “off-grid,” a larger storage capacity (>10 kWh) and an appropriately sized solar PV system are needed. Additionally, during winter when sunlight is limited and PV generation is lower, some grid power will still be needed.

How long does a home storage battery last? What’s its lifespan?

Lithium storage batteries typically have a cycle lifespan of 3,000–6,000 cycles, translating to roughly 10–15 years of usage. Actual lifespan also depends on daily depth of use, thermal management, and other conditions.

When do solar panels stop working?

Solar panels stop generating electricity when the ambient light drops below a certain threshold (typically at sunset or at night), and current generation falls to nearly zero. On cloudy or overcast days, sunlight intensity decreases, and solar panel output also declines, but it typically doesn’t stop completely. As long as there’s enough light, some generation continues.