How to Get Electricity from Solar During a Power Cut

Power cuts can be frustrating and disruptive, especially during winter storms or unexpected outages - and they always seem to strike while you're right in the middle of working from home, cooking dinner or catching up on your favourite Netflix series.

While solar panels are a great way to generate your own electricity, many people wonder if they can rely on them when the grid goes down. The good news is that with the right setup, you can keep your home powered even during a blackout.

Here’s what you need to know about using solar panels during a power cut...

Do Solar Panels Work During a Power Cut?

Without a solar battery system or specialist inverter, standard solar panels will automatically shut down during a power cut. This safety feature prevents electricity from feeding back into the grid, which could pose a danger to repair teams working to restore power:However, with a solar battery installed, you can store excess solar energy and use it when the grid is down. This is the key to ensuring your solar panels can provide you with power during an outage:

How Can I Switch to Solar During a Power Outage?

If you have a solar battery system in place, the switch to backup power is usually automatic. Modern solar power systems are designed to detect when the grid goes down and instantly begin supplying stored energy to your home.

Some systems allow you to manage this process manually via a dedicated app or control panel, giving you greater control over your power use.

What Equipment Do I Need for Power During a Blackout?

To ensure you can use your solar energy during a power cut, you'll need:

Solar Panels – These generate the electricity you need.
Battery Storage System – This stores unused solar energy so it's available when you need it most. You can also top the battery up from the grid using smart tariffs.
Inverter with Islanding Functionality & Changeover switch – This type of installation ensures your solar and battery system can safely disconnect from the grid and continue providing power to your home.

Benefits of Solar Back-up Batteries

Investing in a solar battery storage system offers several advantages:

Peace of Mind: Keep essential devices like fridges, Wi-Fi routers, and lights powered during outages.
Energy Independence: Rely less on the grid and make the most of the power your solar panels generate.
Cost Savings: Use stored solar energy during peak times to reduce your electricity bills.

Is a Solar Battery Worth It?

If you live in an area prone to power cuts or want to improve your energy resilience, a solar back-up battery is a worthwhile investment. With options available for different household sizes and energy needs, you can find a solution that suits your lifestyle and budget.

Why Our Customers Love Solar Back-up

At Natural Generation, our customers tell us that having solar back-up brings real peace of mind — especially here in Cornwall, where winter storms and coastal weather often lead to power cuts. It’s not just about keeping the lights on; it’s about staying comfortable and connected when the grid goes down.

For homes that rely on oil heating, as so many do in Cornwall, back-up power can keep boiler control circuits running, so you can still enjoy heating and hot water during an outage.

It’s also a game-changer for anyone working from home or running a business, where losing internet for even a few hours can be both disruptive and costly! A solar battery with an inverter helps you maintain your Wi-Fi, essential devices, and security systems without missing a beat - so no more stress when a powercut hits right in the middle of that important video call.

Having the security of a solar battery means you’re not left in the dark during a storm; something our customers across Cornwall really value.

Power Your Home Through Any Weather

At Natural Generation, we install a range of solar battery storage solutions to homes and businesses across Cornwall, Devon and the South West, designed to keep your home powered during blackouts. Whether you're installing a new solar system or upgrading an existing one, our team can help you find the best solution for your needs.