Will solar panels work when the grid goes down?

Solar panels on a roof do not, by themselves, establish that a home has outage backup. Many grid-connected solar systems stop providing power when the grid fails. Backup requires equipment designed to operate safely while isolated from the utility.

Check the system you already have.

Find your inverter model and original installation documents. Ask whether the system supports islanded operation, what extra equipment would be required, and which circuits could receive power.

Understand the role of storage.

A compatible battery can hold energy for later use. In a suitable solar-plus-storage design, solar may also recharge the battery during an outage. The outcome depends on the equipment, weather, battery charge, and loads.

Get the operating limits in writing.

Ask what happens if the battery reaches its reserve, whether solar can restart without grid power, and what you should do during a long outage. These questions are more useful than a blanket promise of unlimited backup.