Do solar panels work during a PSPS shutdown?
Solar panels without battery storage shut down automatically during a PSPS event. Even though your panels are generating power, grid-tied systems disconnect when the utility cuts electricity to protect line workers from backfeed. Solar panels paired with battery storage can continue powering your home because the battery isolates your system from the grid.
Most solar systems in Northern California connect directly to the PG&E grid. When PG&E initiates a Public Safety Power Shutoff to reduce wildfire risk, your inverter receives a signal to stop producing power. This happens even on a bright, sunny day when your panels could otherwise generate electricity.
The disconnect is a safety feature, not a flaw. Without it, your system could send electricity back into lines that workers assume are de-energized. That presents a serious risk during maintenance and repair work.
Battery storage changes how your system behaves during an outage. When the grid goes down, your battery takes over, isolating your home from the utility and allowing your panels to continue charging the battery and powering designated circuits.
What does a solar battery do during a planned power outage?
A solar battery provides power to your home by disconnecting from the grid and creating an isolated electrical island. During a PSPS event, the battery supplies stored energy and continues accepting charge from your solar panels as long as the sun is shining. You can run essential appliances, lights, and other loads based on the battery's capacity and your energy usage.
The battery doesn't power your entire home the same way the grid does. Most residential installations are configured to support critical circuits such as refrigerators, lights, internet routers, medical devices, and a few outlets. Larger loads like air conditioning, electric water heaters, or electric vehicle chargers may drain the battery quickly, so many homeowners choose which circuits to back up during system design.
Battery capacity determines how long your backup power lasts. A typical residential battery stores between 10 and 15 kilowatt-hours. If you're running a refrigerator, a few lights, and a router, that might last 12 to 24 hours or longer. If you're also running a window air conditioner or charging devices continuously, the battery will deplete faster.
Solar panels recharge the battery during the day. That extends your backup duration as long as the outage continues and weather conditions allow for production. Cloudy or smoky skies reduce the amount of energy your panels generate, which affects how much the battery can recharge.
How PG&E PSPS events affect grid-tied solar systems
Grid-tied solar systems without battery storage stop producing power the moment PG&E shuts down the electrical grid. Your inverter detects the outage and disconnects automatically to comply with anti-islanding requirements. The system won't restart until utility power returns and the inverter confirms the grid is stable.
This applies to every grid-tied solar installation, whether it was installed last year or 15 years ago. The disconnect is required by California electrical code and enforced through inverter programming. You can't override it.
Homeowners often assume their solar system will keep working during a planned outage because the panels are still generating energy. That assumption leads to frustration when the lights go out during a PSPS event on a clear afternoon. The system is working as designed—it just wasn't designed to operate independently from the grid without a battery.
Some older systems use inverters that take longer to reconnect after an outage. If PG&E restores power in phases or experiences brief interruptions during grid re-energization, those systems may not come back online immediately. Monitoring alerts can help you identify when the system has reconnected and resumed normal production.
Preparing your solar system for PSPS season
Check your monitoring platform before PSPS season begins to confirm your system is producing at expected levels. If your production has dropped or your inverter is showing errors, address those issues before an outage occurs. A system that isn't working correctly won't perform any better when the grid shuts down.
If you have battery storage, review which circuits are backed up. Make sure those circuits include the appliances and devices you consider essential during an outage. If your needs have changed since the system was installed, you may want to adjust the configuration.
Test your battery system if your installer provided guidance on how to do that safely. Some batteries allow you to simulate an outage by switching to backup mode manually. That confirms the system transitions correctly and powers the intended circuits.
Know how long your battery is likely to last based on your typical usage. Run through a mental or written list of what you'll need to power during an outage and estimate the load. That helps you make informed decisions about what to turn off or avoid using when the battery is your only power source.
PG&E typically sends PSPS notifications 48 hours before a planned shutoff, with updates as conditions change. Sign up for alerts through your PG&E account so you receive advance notice. That gives you time to charge devices, prepare food, and adjust your plans.
What to expect during a multi-day PSPS event
Multi-day PSPS events test the limits of most residential battery systems. Even with solar recharging during the day, your battery may not fully replenish if your energy usage exceeds what your panels produce or if weather conditions reduce generation. Managing your load becomes more important the longer the outage lasts.
Prioritize essential devices. A refrigerator typically uses between 100 and 400 watts while running, but it cycles on and off throughout the day. Keeping one refrigerator running is usually manageable. Running two refrigerators, a freezer, and several other appliances at the same time will drain your battery faster than your panels can recharge it.
Avoid high-draw appliances unless absolutely necessary. Electric ovens, space heaters, hair dryers, and similar devices can pull several kilowatts. A few minutes of use can consume hours worth of stored energy. If you need to cook, consider alternatives that don't rely on your battery.
Monitor your battery's state of charge if your system provides real-time data. Many battery apps show how much energy remains and how quickly it's being used. That information helps you decide whether to reduce your load or turn off non-essential devices.
Plan for the possibility that your battery won't last the entire outage. PG&E PSPS events have lasted anywhere from 12 hours to several days, depending on weather and fire risk. A battery provides meaningful backup for most single-day outages, but extended shutoffs may require additional planning.
Can you add battery storage to an existing solar system?
Most existing solar systems can be retrofitted with battery storage. The specifics depend on your inverter type, system age, electrical panel capacity, and whether your equipment is compatible with available battery models. Some systems require an additional inverter or other hardware to integrate a battery.
Retrofitting a battery to an older system is more complex than installing one alongside new solar panels. Older inverters may not communicate with modern batteries, which can require replacing the inverter or adding a secondary inverter dedicated to battery management. An experienced contractor can evaluate your system and recommend the appropriate configuration.
Electrical panel capacity matters. Adding a battery often requires installing a critical loads subpanel and ensuring your main panel has enough space and capacity to support the new equipment. If your panel is already full or outdated, upgrades may be necessary before the battery can be installed.
Permitting and inspection requirements apply to battery retrofits just as they do to new installations. The process typically takes longer than a standard solar installation because of the additional electrical work involved. Expect the project to take several weeks from evaluation to final inspection.
If you're interested in adding battery storage to your existing system, schedule an evaluation to determine what configuration works with your current equipment and what the project will involve.
When professional service makes sense
If your solar system isn't reconnecting after a PSPS event ends, the issue may be related to grid signal detection, inverter programming, or a communication fault. Inverters need to detect a stable grid signal before they resume operation, and some models are more sensitive than others. If your system remains offline hours after your neighbors' power has returned, it's worth having someone take a look.
Monitoring errors that appear during or after a PSPS event can indicate a problem with your inverter or another component. Some errors clear automatically once the grid stabilizes. Others point to a hardware issue that won't resolve on its own. Monitoring data helps identify what's happening and whether the system needs attention.
Battery systems that don't transition to backup mode during an outage may have a configuration issue, a faulty transfer switch, or a problem with the battery itself. If your battery didn't perform as expected during a recent PSPS event, a diagnostic can determine whether the system is set up correctly or if a component needs repair.
If your original installer is no longer available and you need service for a system that isn't performing correctly, an experienced contractor can inspect the equipment, identify the issue, and recommend a solution. You don't need to replace the entire system if the problem is isolated to a single component. For systems that need troubleshooting, inspection, or repair, reach out to schedule a diagnostic visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my solar panels work during a PG&E PSPS event?
Solar panels without battery storage will not work during a PSPS event. Grid-tied systems automatically shut down when the utility cuts power to prevent backfeeding electricity into lines that workers assume are de-energized. Solar systems with battery storage can continue operating because the battery isolates your home from the grid.
How long will my solar battery last during a PSPS outage?
Battery backup duration depends on your battery's capacity and your energy usage. A typical residential battery storing 10 to 15 kilowatt-hours can power essential circuits like refrigerators, lights, and internet for 12 to 24 hours or longer if you manage your load carefully. Solar panels recharge the battery during daylight, extending backup time.
Can I add battery storage to my existing solar system before PSPS season?
Most existing solar systems can be retrofitted with battery storage, though the process depends on your inverter type, system age, and electrical panel capacity. Some systems require additional hardware or inverter upgrades. A site evaluation will determine what configuration works with your existing equipment and how long the installation will take.
What should I do if my solar system doesn't come back online after a PSPS event?
If your solar system remains offline hours after PG&E restores power, check your monitoring platform for error messages and verify that your main breaker and inverter switches are in the correct position. Inverters must detect a stable grid signal before resuming operation. If the system still won't reconnect, contact a solar service provider to diagnose the issue.
Do I need to do anything to my solar battery before a PSPS event?
Confirm your battery is charged and operating normally before a PSPS event begins. Review which circuits are backed up and make sure they include your essential devices. If your system allows manual testing, simulate an outage to verify the battery transitions correctly. Sign up for PG&E PSPS alerts so you receive advance notice.