# Do solar panels work during a blackout? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) 4. Do solar panels work during a blackout? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) - [What smoke alarms does Queensland require?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/queensland-smoke-alarm-requirements/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) Most grid-connected solar shuts down in a blackout to protect line workers, so backup power needs a battery set up for it. By Amanda Cooper, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. Why does solar stop when the grid goes down? 2. What does it take to have power in a blackout? 3. What will a backup system power? 4. What happens when the power comes back? 5. What should I do during an outage? 6. What should I ask if I want backup power? 7. Frequently asked questions Usually not. A standard grid-connected solar system shuts down during a blackout, which protects line workers repairing the network. Power during an outage needs a battery with backup capability and a dedicated backup circuit installed for it. Even with a shutdown, panels still produce power in daylight, so keep clear of the equipment. ## Why does solar stop when the grid goes down? A grid-connected inverter is designed to stop sending power into the network when the grid fails. If it kept going, it could feed electricity into lines that workers believe are dead. The shutdown is a safety feature, not a fault, even if it feels frustrating on a sunny day. That means the lights going out in your house during a blackout, with panels in full sun, is normal for most systems. ## What does it take to have power in a blackout? Backup needs a battery that is capable of backup, and a backup circuit wired for it. Not every battery does this, and not every battery system is set up for it. Some batteries only store power for use when the grid is working, and they shut down in an outage like the rest of the system. If you want to know which you have, check the paperwork from your installation or ask your installer. Do not try to work it out by inspecting the equipment. ## What will a backup system power? Backup typically covers selected circuits, such as lighting, the fridge and some power points, rather than the whole house. Large loads like ovens, air conditioners and some hot water systems are often left off the backup circuit. A battery also has a limit on how much it can supply at once and how long it lasts, so ask your installer what yours is designed to cover. After a storm or if you see damage If solar equipment is wet, damaged or smells of burning, keep away and keep children and pets away. If there is smoke, sparks or fire, leave the building and call 000. For a street-wide or area outage, contact your network provider's faults line. Have a licensed installer inspect storm-damaged equipment. ## What happens when the power comes back? Grid-connected inverters check the grid before they start sending power again, so expect a delay before your system is back to normal. This is usual. If the display shows an error, or the system does not return after a reasonable time, note any code and contact your installer. See our page on restarting solar systems for why this should follow your installer's instructions. ## What should I do during an outage? Contact your network provider's faults line if the outage looks wider than your home. Look at what the inverter display or app shows and note it, without touching anything. If your lights are out but neighbours have power, that is a different problem, and a licensed electrician should look at it. ## What should I ask if I want backup power? - Which circuits will the battery keep running, and which will it leave off? - How long can it run them, and what happens on a cloudy day? - Does it switch over automatically when the grid fails? - Is it suitable for medical equipment, or should I have another plan? - Are there any limits on what it can supply at once? If anyone in your household depends on powered medical equipment, do not rely on solar alone. Speak to your medical provider and your network provider about a plan for outages. Ask for the answers in writing, so you know what to expect the next time the grid goes down. ## Frequently asked questions - Grid-connected inverters stop when the grid fails, to protect line workers. It is a built-in safety feature. - Only if it has backup capability and a backup circuit has been installed. Some batteries do not provide backup. - Often it covers only selected circuits. Large loads may be left off, so ask your installer what yours supports. - No. Panels produce power whenever light reaches them. Keep clear and leave the equipment to your installer. - Your network provider's faults line for area outages, or a licensed electrician if only your property is affected. [Learn about Solar Power](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/) Related services: [Solar Cleaning](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/solar-cleaning/), [Solar Batteries](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/solar-batteries/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) - [Clean Energy Council](https://cleanenergycouncil.org.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [ElectricalWhat do I do in a Brisbane power outage?In a power outage, check whether it is street-wide, report it to your network provider and stay clear of fallen lines; call 000 if life is at risk.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/power-outage-what-to-do-brisbane/) - [SolarHow do I turn off a solar inverter safely?Panels make power whenever light hits them, so shutdown should be done by your installer or a licensed electrician, not by guesswork.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [SolarHow do I restart my solar system after a shutdown?Restart your solar system only to your installer's or manufacturer's instructions, and expect a waiting period before it exports power again.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/restart-solar-system/) - [SolarAre home batteries safe, and can I put one in the garage?Home batteries installed to the standard by an accredited installer are designed to be safe, but where one can go depends on its type and the rules.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/home-battery-safety-garage/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. Why does solar stop when the grid goes down? 2. What does it take to have power in a blackout? 3. What will a backup system power? 4. What happens when the power comes back? 5. What should I do during an outage? 6. What should I ask if I want backup power? 7. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).