Do Solar Panels Work During a Power Cut?

Charlie Smith
Apr 20
3 min read

If you have solar panels, you might wonder, will they keep working during a power cut?

This is a common question, especially now that more UK homes are switching to solar. In this blog, we explain why most panels stop working during a blackout, what you can do to keep the power on, and how to plan for better backup power.

Why Most Solar Panels Stop During a Power Cut

Most UK homes with solar panels are still connected to the national electricity grid. This is called a grid-tied system.

When the grid goes down, your inverter turns off the flow of energy. This is for safety. It stops electricity from flowing back into the grid and hurting people working to fix the lines.

So even if the sun is shining, your panels will stop sending power to your home, unless you have a backup setup.

How Can You Keep Power During a Cut?

To keep using solar power when the grid goes down, you will need a few extra parts:

Solar battery — to store extra energy when the sun is out
Backup inverter — to safely send power to your home during an outage
Switching system — to stop power going into the grid

Together, these parts form what is known as a hybrid solar system. It gives you the best of both worlds: energy savings day-to-day, plus power during blackouts.

The Energy Saving Trust says adding battery storage is a great way to make the most of your solar setup and prepare for cuts.

Can I Go Fully Off Grid?

It is possible, but for most people, it is not practical.

Going fully off grid means you rely only on the energy you generate and store. This needs:

A large solar system
Lots of battery storage
A backup generator (for long, dark winters)

Off-grid setups cost more and take careful planning. That is why most homes stay connected to the grid, but add a battery to increase their independence.

Learn more in our post: Can Solar Panels Really Power a Whole House in the UK?

How Likely Are Power Cuts in the UK?

Power cuts are not common, but they do happen. They are usually short, caused by bad weather, accidents or local repairs. But when they do happen, they can be a real problem.

If you work from home, use medical devices, or just want peace of mind, battery backup can be a big help.

Want to know how panels perform in poor weather? See Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days?

Is It Worth Adding a Battery?

Adding a battery gives you more control over your energy use:

Use more of your own solar power
Reduce what you buy from the grid
Keep lights and essential items running in a power cut

You can also store cheaper electricity at night and use it when rates are higher (if you are on a time-of-use tariff).

Final Thoughts

Solar panels on their own do not work during a power cut. But with a battery and hybrid setup, you can keep your home running even when the grid goes down.

You do not have to go fully off grid to enjoy more energy freedom.

Want to explore your backup options? Get a solar battery quote from Solarsmith. We will explain your options and help you find the best setup for your home — no pressure, just advice.