Many homeowners wonder, do solar panels work during a power outage? Typically, the answer is no—unless you have a battery backup. Standard solar panel systems are usually grid-tied, which means they automatically shut down during an outage to prevent any potential hazards to utility workers repairing power lines. This shutdown feature, known as “anti-islanding,” is essential for safety. However, by adding a solar battery backup, you can store excess energy generated by your solar panels and use it when the grid is down. This way, your system becomes capable of providing power independently during blackouts, ensuring that you have electricity when you need it most. For anyone considering solar as a reliable source of power in emergencies, a battery backup is the ideal solution.