Does solar work during a power cut?

Here is the honest answer: a standard grid tied solar system stops producing during a power cut, even in bright sunshine. This is by design and it is a safety rule, not a fault. If you want power during an outage, you need a system built with a battery or a backup function. Then your panels can keep essential loads running while the grid is down.

Why does a normal system switch off?

A grid tied inverter is required to disconnect the moment the grid goes down. This protects the utility workers who may be repairing the line, because a system feeding power back into a dead grid could put them in danger. So the inverter senses the outage and shuts off automatically. It is the correct behaviour for a system designed only to work alongside the grid.

How do you keep power during an outage?

You add storage or a backup capable inverter. In this setup, the system isolates your home from the grid, then runs your chosen loads from the battery and the panels. You will not usually run the entire house, but you can keep what matters going:

• Lights and phone or laptop charging.
• Fridge and freezer, so food is safe.
• Internet router and a few essential sockets.
• In larger setups, heating pumps or a well pump.

The trade off is honest: backup capability adds cost, and the battery size decides how long and how much you can run. A professional energy assessment sizes this to your real needs, so you pay for the backup you will actually use. If keeping the lights on during outages matters to you, tell your installer up front, because it changes the design from the start.