Will Solar Power Work During a Blackout?
Solar power is a great way to reduce energy costs and rely less on the grid, but many homeowners wonder how solar works when the power goes out. Can you still power your home with solar during a blackout? Let’s break down how solar energy systems operate during outages and what you can do to keep the lights on when the grid goes down.
How Solar Systems Work During a Blackout
Most solar systems are connected to the electrical grid, meaning they feed any excess power generated by the solar panels back to the grid. When there’s a blackout, grid-tied systems are designed to automatically shut down. This is a safety feature to prevent electricity from flowing into power lines that utility workers may be repairing, which could cause serious injury.
Can Solar Panels Produce Power During a Blackout?
Without additional equipment, solar panels alone will not provide power during a blackout. Although your panels may be generating electricity, a standard solar system needs the grid to function properly.
However, there are ways to keep your home powered with solar energy even when the grid goes down.

How to Keep Your Home Powered During a Blackout
1. Install a Solar Battery
A solar battery stores excess energy produced by your solar panels, which can then be used when the grid goes down. With a battery like the Tesla Powerwall 3, for example, you can store energy during the day and use it when you need it, such as during a blackout. This ensures that you can keep essential appliances running, like your fridge, lights, and heating.
2. Backup Inverters with Blackout Protection
In addition to batteries, some advanced inverters offer blackout protection. A hybrid inverter, like the Fronius Gen24, can keep your system running during a power cut. These inverters can switch to using stored energy from a battery and deliver power to your home without the grid.
Benefits of Solar Batteries and Backup Inverters
Using a solar battery and a hybrid inverter not only protects you during a blackout but also helps you maximise your energy efficiency. Here’s why:
- Energy independence: You’re not completely reliant on the grid for power, especially during emergencies.
- Self-consumption: Store the energy your solar system produces, reducing the amount you send back to the grid and lowering your electricity bills.
- Energy security: Your lights stay on even if the neighbourhood goes dark.
What Happens if I Don’t Have a Battery?
If your solar system doesn’t have a battery or blackout protection, your system will shut down during a power outage. However, you can still consider upgrading your system to include a battery backup later on.
Do You Need a Backup System?
It’s not essential for everyone to have a solar battery or backup inverter, but if you live in an area with frequent blackouts or you want extra energy security, it’s a smart investment. View our battery storage options or get in touch with our team to see if a battery is good solution for you.
You can read more about solar safety and grid connected systems on the Clean Energy Council website. If you’d like a quote, please contact our team on (03) 5981 1425 or fill out our contact form.