If you have a home solar system without a battery that is connected to your utility, your home solar system will not work during a power outage. Your home will not be able to produce or consume solar energy while the power is out.
When the power goes out, your home solar-only system will automatically turn off. This is to prevent solar energy flowing through the utility grid while repair crews fix any downed power lines or other failures. When the utility grid comes back up, your home solar-only system will automatically turn back on.
You can add an energy storage system (battery) to your home solar system to help you power your most needed lights and appliances during a power outage. For more information, visit our blog.
The amount of power available from the battery during a power outage is limited, depending on the loads connected, customer usage and battery configuration (i.e. batteries in certain areas may be set up to provide you with the best economic benefit, which may affect the amount of back-up power available). Solar systems and/or batteries may require repairs after weather events and such repairs may be delayed due to forces outside of our control. No assurances can be given that the solar system or the battery will always work. You should never rely upon either of these to power life support or other medical devices.