Do solar panels work during a power outage?
One common workaround is to get an inverter and controller
Safety Shutdown: During a power outage, grid-tied systems automatically shut off to prevent electricity from backfeeding into the grid and to protect utility workers. Even though solar panels continue producing electricity during a power outage, grid-tied solar systems do not provide backup power on their own.
During a local power outage, your solar panels might continue to produce energy, but the system is programmed to cut off the connection to prevent accidental power flow. Without a battery back up system, the panels do not supply electricity to your home.
If you do not know how to use solar panels during power outage, the answer is quite simple: you need to install an energy backup system that provides your home with energy independence for the duration of the power outage. When solar panels do not have an energy backup system, they cannot work when disconnected from the grid for several reasons.
Probably not. If you have solar and the power goes out, your power will go out, too—unless you have a backup system. This is because U.S. electrical code requires rapid shutdown of a solar system to protect emergency workers and prevent dangerous backfeed current from passing onto distribution lines.
PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.
Get detailed specifications, case studies, and technical data for our PV container and energy storage solutions.
123 Renewable Energy Street
London EC1A 1BB, United Kingdom
+44 20 7127 4182
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM GMT