Guide · Batteries
Do solar batteries work in a power cut?
Checked by our MCS-certified installers · Updated October 2026
Short answer
Not automatically.
Most solar panels and batteries switch off when the grid goes down, so they can't send electricity into wires an engineer may be repairing. You keep power only with a backup feature. We fit a backup gateway, which runs your whole home from the battery when the grid goes down.
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MCS-certified installer · Cert. no. NAP/79987/26/1
Three set-ups, three results
No backup
Lights go out like everyone else's. Panels and battery pause, then restart by themselves when the grid is back.
A few essentials
The battery keeps chosen circuits running — typically the fridge, some lights and the router.
The whole home
A gateway cuts your home off from the grid and runs it from the battery, switching over by itself.
When the grid goes down, the gateway disconnects your home from it and runs everything from your battery, switching over by itself. Ask for it on your free design; it shows as its own line on your fixed price.
What backup can run
Lights, the fridge and freezer, the router, phone chargers and the boiler's controls are easy for any home battery. An electric shower, oven or kettle draws a lot and empties a battery quickly — we size the backup around what matters to you.
Adding backup later
A backup gateway can often be added to a battery you already have. Send us a photo of your inverter and battery labels and we tell you whether yours can take one.
Not sure which battery suits you? What size battery do I need? and what happens on installation day cover the next two questions.
Power cut questions
Do solar panels work in a power cut without a battery?
No. Panels on their own switch off for safety until the grid returns.
How long will my battery keep things running?
It depends on its size, how charged it is and what is switched on. We work it out with you when we design the system.
Does backup switch on by itself?
With a backup gateway, yes — usually in a moment, often before you notice.
Does backup cost more?
A backup gateway adds to the price. Your fixed price shows it as its own line, so you can choose.
Get started
Want your lights on in the next power cut?
Ask for backup on your free design — the gateway shows as its own line on your fixed price, usually within 24 hours.
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