It’s a common assumption that if you have solar panels, your home will continue to have power during an outage. In reality, what happens to your solar system during a power outage depends on how it’s designed and what equipment is installed alongside it.
Understanding this distinction is important when evaluating solar options and setting realistic expectations for backup power.
Do Solar Panels Work During a Power Outage?
In most cases, standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down during a power outage. This is a built-in safety feature designed to protect utility workers who may be repairing power lines.
Even though the sun may be shining and your panels are capable of producing electricity, the system will not send power to your home if the grid is down.
Why Grid-Tied Solar Systems Shut Off
Utility Safety Requirements
Grid-tied solar systems are required to disconnect during outages to prevent electricity from flowing back into the grid. This ensures that line workers are not exposed to unexpected power while making repairs.
Inverter Shutdown
When the grid goes offline, the inverter that converts solar energy into usable electricity also shuts down. Without an active grid signal, the inverter cannot operate safely.
Can Solar Power Be Used During an Outage?
Yes—but only if your system includes additional equipment designed for backup power.
Solar Panels With Battery Storage
When solar panels are paired with a battery storage system, stored energy can be used to power essential circuits during an outage. Depending on system size and configuration, this may include lighting, refrigeration, internet, or medical equipment.
Solar Plus Backup Inverter Systems
Some systems use advanced inverters that allow limited power use during daylight hours when the sun is producing energy, even without a battery. These setups typically provide power to designated outlets rather than the entire home.
What Happens at Night or During Bad Weather?
Solar panels only produce electricity when there is sunlight. During nighttime hours or extended periods of heavy cloud cover, battery storage becomes essential for maintaining power.
Without a battery, a solar-only system cannot provide electricity once solar production stops.
Solar Panels vs Generators During Outages
Solar systems and generators serve different purposes during power outages.
Solar with battery storage provides quiet, automatic backup power without fuel. Generators can support larger loads for longer durations but require fuel, maintenance, and manual operation in many cases.
For some homeowners, combining solar with battery storage offers a cleaner and more convenient alternative to traditional backup solutions.
Planning for Backup Power the Right Way
If backup power is a priority, solar system design matters. Factors such as energy usage, critical circuits, battery capacity, and outage frequency all play a role in determining the right setup.
Not every home needs full-home backup, and many homeowners choose to power only essential systems during outages.
Want Backup Power That Fits Your Home?
Solar panels alone do not automatically provide power during an outage—but the right system design can change that. Understanding your options ahead of time helps avoid surprises and ensures your expectations align with your goals.
Solr Standard helps homeowners and businesses design solar solutions that consider everyday savings and outage preparedness. Contact Solr Standard to learn how solar, battery storage, and backup options can work together for your home.