Do Solar Panels Work During a Power Cut?

When customers call us up for the first time, we like to ask them why they are interested in going solar. One common answer we hear: “I need a way to keep the lights on during grid power cuts.”

These customers are often surprised to learn that grid-tied solar systems do not provide power when the grid is down—at least not by default.

Why Grid-Tie Solar Systems Don’t Work During a Power Cuts?

The common assumption is that homes that run on solar should be immune to power cuts, because solar panels generate power independently from the grid. But that’s not the case. Here’s why.

The drawback is that your system is still hooked up to the grid, which means it is still susceptible to outages.

When utility power suffers a service interruption, the grid is shut down to prevent the risk of shock to utility workers who need to repair the lines on the grid in order to restore service.

That means your solar system—which both feeds into and draws from the grid—needs to be shut off as well, so it doesn’t feed live electricity into the power lines while workers make repairs.

That’s the long and short of it. While your solar panels generate their own electricity, it is still stored in the utility grid, which means you are still vulnerable to power outages like anyone else.

When an outage occurs, your grid-tie solar system shuts down as a safety precaution, leaving you without power.

Is Backup Power With Solar Battery Worth It?

The majority of our grid-tied customers don’t add backup power to their systems for a very simple reason: it’s expensive.

Backup power packages cost several thousands, and in many places, power outages are rare enough that it doesn’t make any sense to add backup power. Most people simply buy candles or a flashlight and wait it out.

But that’s not to dissuade people who really need it.

If you live in a place with an unreliable power grid, or a harsh climate where winter storms can knock out grid power for extended periods of time, backup power starts to look a lot more appealing.

It can also make sense if you need to keep an essential appliance online at all times, like a well pump or a piece of critical medical equipment.

If power outages are uncommon where you live, it doesn’t make much sense to include a battery bank with your grid-tied system. But under the right circumstances, the peace of mind is well worth the investment.

The Solution: Solar with Battery Storage

If you decide that backup power is crucial, you’ll want to explore one of two options: a grid-tied solar panel system with battery backup, or a traditional grid-tied system paired with a generator.

Both options have their pros and cons.

Interested in equipping your home with backup power? Continue your research in our DIY Solar Store Online, learn more about the batteries, or contact contact one of our certified solar battery expert.