Straight answers, 2026
Will a home battery keep my power on in a blackout?
The short answer
Only if it is installed for backup. A battery needs backup capable hardware and wiring to keep power on when the grid goes down, and solar panels on their own switch off in a blackout for safety. Even with backup, a battery sized for everyday savings gives some incidental backup, and is not sized or guaranteed for days without power.
Prices as at 21 August 2026. By Verified Solar. Last updated .
Why does solar switch off in a blackout?
Grid connected solar inverters must shut down when the grid goes down, so they do not send power into lines that line workers may be repairing. Without a battery set up for backup, your panels make nothing you can use during a blackout, even on a sunny day.
What does a battery need to provide backup?
Backup is a feature of the installation, not of every battery. It needs:
- An inverter and battery that support backup operation.
- Wiring that separates the backed up circuits from the grid when it fails.
- A backup reserve setting, which keeps part of the battery charged for outages instead of using it all every evening.
Essential circuits or the whole home?
Backup is often set up for essential circuits only, such as the fridge, lights, internet and some power points. Whole home backup is possible but usually needs more hardware and a larger battery, and heavy loads such as air conditioning, ovens and pool pumps drain a battery quickly. Decide which circuits matter to you before you get a quote; your installer confirms what is possible on site.
How long will it last?
It depends on the battery size, how much charge is left when the power goes out, what you run, and whether the panels can recharge it during the day. A battery sized for everyday savings gives incidental backup through short outages. It is not guaranteed for extended outages.
If keeping the power on through long outages is the main goal, the system is sized differently, usually with a larger battery and solar panels that can recharge it while the grid is down. Tell your verified local installer that is your priority so they size for it.
What does a battery cost?
Installed prices after the federal discount. Ask for any backup wiring or switchboard work to be itemised on the quote:
| Battery size | Typical installed price |
|---|---|
| 8 to 13 kWh | $8,550 to $10,925 |
| 14 to 22 kWh | $10,700 to $13,650 |
| 23 to 31 kWh | $13,650 to $17,450 |
| 32 to 40 kWh | $16,650 to $21,250 |
| 41 to 49 kWh | $19,600 to $25,050 |
How do I find out for my home?
Tell Ray your bill and whether backup matters to you. He sizes the system from your actual usage and explains which rebates apply before anyone quotes you. Where a verified installer covers your postcode, he can then introduce one verified local installer to design the backup around the circuits you need.
Common questions
Do solar panels work in a blackout?
Not on their own. Grid connected inverters switch off when the grid goes down. You need a battery and inverter installed for backup to use solar power during a blackout.
Does every home battery provide backup power?
No. Backup needs compatible hardware and wiring that separates the backed up circuits from the grid. Ask for it on the quote if you want it.
Can a battery run my air conditioning in a blackout?
Possibly for a short time, but air conditioning drains a battery quickly. Backup is often set up for essential circuits such as the fridge, lights and internet.
How long will a battery last in a blackout?
It depends on the battery size, its charge when the power goes out and what you run. A battery sized for everyday savings may carry you through a short outage, but is not sized or guaranteed for one. Long outages need a system sized for backup.
Get the answer for your home
Tell Ray your bill and what you are after. He sizes the system and explains the rebates before anyone quotes you. Free, and no details needed to start.