Solar panels help to reduce your electricity bills. It also diminishes your carbon footprint. Most individuals believe that when you install solar panels, your house will continue to work when there is a power outage. In fact, that is not usually the case. There are standard solar systems, so that as the grid goes off, they will automatically turn off to prevent safety problems.

Do solar panels work during a power outage? Answer: No. However, having the correct backup system can help—for example, a portable power station or solar battery. So, you can keep your key appliances going during blackouts. We will discuss why solar panels are not effective during blackouts and what your most effective backup options are. 

Do Solar Panels Perform During a Power Outage (and why)?

The majority of grid-tied solar systems go offline when there is a power outage. This occurs due to a system named anti-islanding protection. It does not allow the solar panels to feed power back into the power lines when the utility workers are repairing the panel. This is a safety measure intended to guard repairer crews.

That is what it means to the homeowners:

With just solar panels and no battery, your setup will not work. 

You need to add a solar battery or integrate a backup system. This way, you can store energy and access it in the event of a grid failure.

The most versatile method for use both at home and outdoors is the portable power station. At the same time, it is also important to consider which type of solar panels you should choose, since panel efficiency and design affect how well your backup system works during emergencies.

In brief: Solar panels alone will not keep the lights on during a blackout. But with backup storage, they absolutely can. 

What Is the Best Backup for a Power Outage?

The most reliable backup is a portable power station with solar input. They do not release a lot of gas. Besides, these devices are not toxic inside the building, and are quiet, unlike gas generators. VTOMAN has several robust solutions. Those devices can power fridges and medical equipment, lights, and even cooking appliances during grid outages.

Now we will consider the most suitable VTOMAN options.

1. VTOMAN Jump 1800 Portable Power Station

VTOMAN Jump 1800 is designed for high-demand households. It has 1800W constant power (3600W spike) and drives big appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and medical equipment. It has 1548Wh capacity and can be extended to 3096Wh with an additional battery. It is best suited for long outages.

The device has two PD 100W Type-C laptop ports, 4 USB-A ports (with 3.0 fast charging), and 12 ports total. The controlled 12V power supply fits CPAP machines and car refrigerators. It is durable with a LiFePO4 battery and LifeBMS safety system (3,000-plus cycles).

Pros:

• Power 1800W is powerful enough to operate big appliances.

• Capacity can be increased twice

• Type-C dual 100W charging.

• 12 device connections at once.

• A more robust LiFePO4 battery that is safer.

To put this into perspective, many people wonder what a 3000-watt solar generator can power. A generator of this size can easily handle refrigerators, medical devices, multiple lights, and even some cooking appliances simultaneously—making it an excellent benchmark when choosing the right backup capacity for your household.

2. VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Power Station

The FlashSpeed 1500 is a rapid charger. It charges to 0-100 percent in 1 hour with a 1500W AC input. It has a capacity of 1548Wh (upgradeable to 3096Wh). The power station can power fridges, lights, and entertainment systems with a 1500W output (peak of 3000W).

It provides pass-through charging. What does that mean? You can recharge the unit when you are using it. The UPS operation provides under 20ms switchover. That means your equipment will not turn off during a service failure. It is a safe and reliable device with SuperSafe LifeBMS system and durable LiFePO4 batteries.

Pros:

• Ultra-fast 1-hour recharge.

• UPS operates to facilitate backup.

• Expandable up to 3096Wh.

• Runs 12 devices at once.

• Silent, secure, and effective indoors.

3. VTOMAN Jump 1800 with 220W Solar Panel

The Jump 1800 power station is paired with a 220W solar panel in this bundle, so it is an ideal choice as an off-grid system. LiFePO4 1548Wh battery and cycles of 3100 or more make this battery very durable. Runs on 220W solar and can be recharged with sunlight, so you may use it during prolonged shutdowns or on the trail.

It has 12 outputs, has an in-built LED light, and even has a jump starter with a starting capacity of 9L gas and 7L diesel. It is versatile in case of emergency due to flexible charging options: wall outlet, car, or solar.

Pros:

• Full off-grid installation including solar panel.

• 220W fast solar charging.

• Jump starter for vehicles.

• Emergency bright 12W LED light.

• Safety-protected long-lasting LiFePO4 battery.

4. VTOMAN Jump 1500X with 220W Solar Panel

Jump 1500X with solar panel is a smaller device, which combines power and portability. It has 1500W output (3000W surge) with 828Wh capacity (expandable to 2376Wh). The solar panel of 220W provides reliability in the process of recharging during long power outages.

It has 12 output ports, a car jump starter, and a LiFePO4 car battery with 3,100 or more cycles. It can be used in the home and outdoors with three charging options (wall, solar, car).

Pros:

• Compact yet powerful at 1500W.

• Comes with a 220W off-grid solar panel.

• Expandable to 2376Wh.

• Vehicle jump starter provided.

• Safe, reliable, and economical.

Comparison Table 

How to Use Your Backup Battery During a Power Outage?

Working with a portable power station is quite simple:

It is always advisable to charge batteries to no less than 80 percent before a storm or a scheduled outage.

Fridges, freezers, medical devices, and lights are the priorities.

Use power judiciously: Do not have several heavy appliances operating simultaneously.

If combined with solar panels, then recharge in the daytime to use.

Be sure that the unit is in a dry, well-ventilated space and not overloaded.

Should You Install a Solar Battery for Home Use?

A Tesla Powerwall is a permanent solar battery system, and therefore is an investment. It lets you save the solar energy and then spend it automatically when there is an outage. These systems, however, are not cheap and usually cost a lot of money, around 10,000 or over.

Solar-powered portable power stations are less expensive and more versatile. They are cheaper, portable, and they are suitable in the home and outdoors. A VTOMAN portable power station with solar input will present the most convenient solution in terms of reliability and affordability to most families.

Summary

Do solar panels work during a power outage? Simple answer, no. However, you have to combine them with a battery or a portable power station. 

Jump 1800 will fit heavy-duty appliances. The FlashSpeed 1500 provides extreme fast charge and smooth UPS operation. Jump 1800 is ideal with a solar panel, off-grid power. The Jump 1500X solar panel balances include portability with a guaranteed backup.