As more Melbourne homeowners switch to solar energy, one common question arises:
“Will my solar system keep working if the power goes out?”
The answer isn’t always what you might expect — so let’s break it down.

Whether you’re installing a brand-new system or upgrading an existing one, it’s important to understand how solar power interacts with grid outages.

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How Grid-Connected Solar Systems Work

Most homes in Melbourne have grid-connected solar systems, meaning your panels work alongside the electricity grid.

Daytime – Your solar panels generate electricity for your home.

Excess energy – Any unused power is exported to the grid, earning you feed-in credits.

The catch? During a power outage, standard grid-connected systems will shut down.

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Why Do Solar Panels Stop Working in a Blackout?

Even if the sun is shining and your panels are producing power, your lights can still go out. This happens because of a built-in safety feature called anti-islanding protection.

This technology ensures your system stops sending electricity to the grid during a blackout, protecting utility workers who may be repairing the network.

Without a battery or dedicated backup system, your solar setup won’t run during an outage.

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How to Keep the Power On During Outages

If you want to keep your home powered during blackouts, you’ll need a solar battery with backup functionality.

Option 1 – Solar + Battery Storage

A solar battery stores excess energy from your panels, which can be used:

• At night
• On cloudy days
• During power outages

Popular backup-ready batteries:

• Tesla Powerwall 2/3
• SonnenBatterie Evo
• BYD Battery-Box
• Alpha ESS (selected models)
• SolarEdge with Backup Interface

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Option 2 – Hybrid Inverter + Battery

A hybrid inverter manages both your solar and battery, switching your home to off-grid mode during blackouts — so you won’t even notice the change.

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Benefits of Adding a Solar Battery with Backup

Power for essential appliances – fridge, lighting, Wi-Fi, security
Peace of mind during storms, bushfires, or grid failures
Greater energy independence
Potential bill savings during peak rates

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Can Solar Work Without a Battery in a Blackout?

Generally, no — unless you have an off-grid system or a special islanding inverter, which is more expensive and often suited for rural properties.

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Stay Powered with Climate Green – Melbourne’s Accredited Provider

At Climate Green, we specialise in solar + battery backup solutions under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. Our experts will:

• Recommend the best battery for your needs
• Design a system that works during blackouts
• Help you access government rebates & incentives

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I choose which appliances to run during an outage?
Yes — you can back up specific circuits like the fridge, lights, or internet.

Q. How long will my battery last during a blackout?
It depends on your battery size and usage. A 10 kWh battery can typically run essentials for 8–12+ hours.

Q. Does adding a battery increase costs?
Yes, but the peace of mind, savings, and energy security often make it worthwhile — especially in outage-prone areas.

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Don’t let a blackout leave you in the dark — power your home with Climate Green’s accredited solar + battery solutions.
Call 1300 001 690
www.climategreen.com.au