As one of the leading solar professionals in the U.S., particularly in California, I often get asked whether solar panels will keep homes powered during a grid outage. The answer? Not necessarily—unless you have the right setup.

Why Grid-Tied Solar Shuts Down in an Outage
Most residential solar systems are grid-tied, meaning they rely on the utility grid to function. When an outage occurs, grid-tied solar inverters automatically shut down for safety reasons, preventing electricity from backfeeding into the grid and endangering utility workers.

How to Keep Power During an Outage
Battery Storage – A solar battery, like the Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery, stores excess solar energy for later use, allowing homeowners to keep the lights on even when the grid is down.

Hybrid Inverters – Some inverters can provide limited backup power even without a battery, but this depends on the system configuration.

Backup Generators – While not as seamless as battery storage, generators can supplement your power needs during extended blackouts.

The Best Solution for Energy Independence
Combining solar panels with battery storage is the most reliable way to ensure uninterrupted power during blackouts. With increasing concerns about grid stability, investing in a solar-plus-storage system offers peace of mind and energy security.

While standard solar systems shut down during outages, a solar battery backup can keep your home running when you need it most. If you’re looking for a reliable energy solution, contact CJ Yamada at Solar In One to explore your options for energy independence.