What Happens If the Power Goes Out? Your Solar Questions, Answered

It’s one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Columbus:

“If I have solar panels, will I still have power during an outage?”

Here’s the short answer:
Not unless you have a battery backup system.

Let’s walk through why that is—and how BC Solar designs systems to keep your home powered even when the grid fails.

Standard Grid-Tied Solar Shuts Off in a Blackout

If your solar system is connected to the utility grid (like most systems in Ohio), it must shut down automatically during an outage. That’s not a flaw—it’s a safety requirement.

Why? Because utility crews need to safely work on the power lines. Sending solar energy back to the grid during an outage could put those workers at risk.

So even if the sun is shining, your panels won't power your home without a backup system in place.

The Solution: Battery Backup That Switches Automatically

At BC Solar, we specialize in battery-centric systems.

When the grid goes down, our systems:

• Detect the outage instantly

• Disconnect safely from the utility grid

• Switch over to battery power automatically

No flicker. No fuss. Your fridge stays cold, and your lights stay on.

We use inverters that are specifically designed to manage seamless transitions. Whether it’s a short-term blackout or a multi-day emergency, your essential appliances stay powered.

What Can You Run on Solar + Battery Backup?

That depends on how your system is designed. We help you prioritize:

• Refrigerators

• Wi-Fi and communications

• Lighting

• Medical devices

• Heating and sump pumps

Need full-home backup? We can design for that too. Everything is custom and modular—built around what you need, not what we’re trying to sell.

Why Columbus Homeowners Are Choosing Battery Storage

More families are adding backup power to their solar for peace of mind and protection. Here’s why:

• Ohio weather is unpredictable (wind, snow, summer storms)

• Grid instability is rising

• Battery prices have dropped significantly

• The federal solar tax credit also covers battery systems

Real-World Example from a BC Solar Customer

One local homeowner added a third battery to their Sol-Ark system during a renovation. When their neighborhood lost power for hours during a summer storm, they barely noticed. Their home kept running like normal while their neighbors waited in the dark.

FAQ

Will I be able to use my solar panels during a power outage?

Only if you have a battery backup system. Standard grid-tied panels shut off automatically for safety reasons.

What kind of batteries does BC Solar install?

We’re battery agnostic. We work with trusted brands like Sol-Ark, Fortress, and others—choosing the right match for your goals and budget.

Can I add batteries to an existing solar system?

Yes. We regularly retrofit batteries into existing solar setups, depending on your inverter and wiring.

Thinking About Backup Power? Let’s Talk.

Brian Zaayer and the team at BC Solar are ready to walk you through what makes the most sense for your home. No pressure. Just honest advice.

📍 Visit us at 777 Busch Ct, Columbus, OH 43229
📞 Call (614) 442-9700
🌐 https://bc.solar