Power when you need it most

Most solar systems automatically shut down during a blackout to protect the electricity network and anyone working on the lines. That means even if the sun is shining, your home may still lose power unless your system has been designed with battery backup capability.

Blackout protection changes that. When paired with the right battery, inverter and backup setup, your system can safely disconnect from the grid and use stored battery energy to power selected parts of your home during an outage. A full solar + battery system with a hybrid inverter can even generate additional energy during the day to charge the battery. This is an important feature for those subject to prolonged outages. Depending on the system configuration, blackout protection may include essential circuits only or a broader whole-house backup setup.

Keen to know how a solar + battery or solar battery solution can help you say goodbye to blackouts? Reach out to our switched-on team for a no-obligation chat today. 

Sigenergy Blackout Protection: Optional whole-house backup

Plico’s Sigenergy range offers complete blackout protection. When configured with the optional Sigen Gateway, a Sigenergy system can support whole-house backup or selected backup loads, depending on the design of the system and the needs of the property.

The Sigen Gateway automatically detects outages and manages the transition to backup power, helping supply household loads from the battery and solar system when grid power is unavailable. This makes Sigenergy a strong option for homes that want premium backup capability, greater flexibility and a more future-ready energy setup.

Whole-house backup may be suitable for homes with higher energy needs, three-phase power, home offices, personal equipment, larger appliances or customers who want more of their home to remain powered during an outage. The final backup design depends on your inverter size, battery capacity, household loads and switchboard requirements. Whole-house backup and the Sigen Gateway incur additional costs, which will be discussed when your system is designed.

Compare Plico's Blackout Protection

How much does Blackout Protection cost?

The cost of blackout protection depends on the battery system, backup configuration, switchboard requirements and how much of your home you want to power during an outage.

For AlphaESS systems, blackout protection is generally based on essential backup circuits, which can make it a more affordable way to add backup capability. Blackout Protection is included in our pricing for our Best Value AlphaESS range of solar + battery or solar battery systems. 

For Sigenergy systems, blackout protection requires the optional Sigen Gateway if you want advanced backup capability. Because this can support broader backup options, including whole-house backup where suitable, pricing will depend on your system design, inverter size, battery capacity, property type and installation requirements. The Gateway is an optional add-on with our Full Feature Signergy solar + battery or solar battery systems.

The best way to understand the cost is to request a tailored quote. Plico will assess your home, your energy usage and the level of backup protection you want, then recommend the most suitable option for your needs and budget.

Do I need Blackout Protection?

Blackout protection is worth considering if power outages affect your home or work. It may be especially valuable if you:

• Live in an area that experiences regular outages,

• Work from home,

• Rely on internet connectivity,

• Have food stored in fridges or freezers,

• Rely on electric gates, garage doors or water pumps,

• Or simply want extra peace of mind.

It's important to note that blackout protection relies on the stored energy in your battery. If your battery is empty, you won't have backup power to your home. For this reason, battery backup should not be relied upon to power medical or emergency equipment. 

You may not need whole-house backup to feel protected. For many homes, backing up essential circuits is enough to keep the basics running until grid power returns. For other households, whole-house backup may be a better fit, particularly where there are larger loads, higher energy expectations or a stronger need for continuity.

Plico can help you choose the right level of blackout protection, whether that is a value-focused AlphaESS system with essential backup circuits or a full-feature Sigenergy system with optional whole-house backup capability.