Do Solar Panels Still Work in a Power Cut?

We get this one all the time at MP Electrical:

“If I’ve got solar panels, will they keep my lights on in a power cut?”

It’s a great question—especially with more homes in Rotherham and South Yorkshire choosing solar to fight back against rising energy prices.

The short answer?

⚠️ Not unless you’ve got the right setup.

But don’t worry—we’re here to explain what that means and how we at MP Electrical can make sure your system works when it matters most.

⚡ Here’s the Deal: Standard Solar Systems Don’t Work in a Power Cut

If your system was installed without a battery (which many are), your solar panels will shut down during a power cut.

Even if the sun is blazing, your inverter cuts the power. Why?

➡️ It’s to protect engineers working on the grid from getting a shock.

So unless you’ve got a battery and the right tech to go with it, your solar system will sit quiet during a blackout.

🔋 Want to Stay Powered During a Blackout? You Need Battery Storage

To keep your fridge running, lights on, or even just your phone charged, you’ll need a system that includes:

✅ A Solar Battery (We Fit the Best Brands)

At MP Electrical, we regularly install:

• GivEnergy – A brilliant British-made battery
• Tesla Powerwall – The big name in storage
• MyEnergi Libbi – Perfect for homes already using Zappi EV chargers

✅ Emergency Power Supply (EPS)

Not all batteries are blackout-ready. We’ll make sure yours includes EPS backup, so you’ve got power when everyone else is lighting candles.

💡 Already Have Solar Panels? We Can Retrofit a Battery

If you’ve already got panels on your roof, don’t worry—we can upgrade your system with: 

✔️ A compatible hybrid inverter
✔️ Backup circuits for key appliances
✔️ A sleek battery installed out of the way in your loft or garage

We make the process smooth, stress-free, and fully tailored to your home and your needs.

🔎 What Happens If You Don’t Have a Battery?

Without battery backup, your solar system:

1. Shuts down the second the grid drops
2. Stops producing power completely
3. Comes back on automatically when the grid returns

This is completely normal, and your panels aren’t faulty—but it’s not much help if you’re in the middle of cooking tea and the telly cuts out.

🏡 Why More MP Electrical Customers Are Going for Backup Systems

Blackouts in South Yorkshire aren’t an everyday thing… yet. But more and more of our customers are thinking ahead.

Here’s why people are adding batteries:

✅ Protection during power cuts
✅ Cheaper energy bills all year round
✅ More control and independence from the grid

We’ll help you build a system that works for your home and your budget.

🔧 Why MP Electrical is Rotherham’s Trusted Solar Installer

We’re not just fitting panels—we’re building future-proof solar systems that work for real homes, real families, and real budgets.

✅ Local lads, no pressure sales
✅ Honest advice and top-notch aftercare
✅ Fully certified and NAPIT-approved
✅ Friendly, tidy, and always respectful in your home

We install across Rotherham, Wickersley, Bramley, Maltby, Thurcroft, and the rest of South Yorkshire.

💬 Ready to Talk Solar with Backup Power?

Let’s make sure your solar system keeps working when the power goes off. Whether you’ve already got panels or you’re starting from scratch, we’ll walk you through your options.

📞 Call us today at 07817171954
🌐 Visit our website to learn more
📅 Book online now

🔋 MP Electrical – Making Solar Simple, Reliable, and Ready for Whatever Comes Next. ☀️⚡