Do Solar Panels Work During a Power Outage in Arizona?

Are you considering solar energy for your home in Phoenix? Now is the perfect time to harness the power of the sun and take advantage of significant savings through federal and state tax credits. Our team at Phoenix Valley Solar can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings. You can also use our Arizona Solar Calculator to get an estimate of your potential benefits.

One of the most common assumptions about home solar energy is that if the grid goes down, your solar panels will keep your house running. But is that actually true?

In Arizona, where extreme heat, summer storms, and power grid stress are real concerns, understanding how your solar system behaves during a utility outage is essential — especially if you’re thinking about battery backup options.

This blog explains how solar systems interact with power outages, how to keep your home powered, and what Arizona homeowners should consider when evaluating solar-plus-storage options.

1. Grid-Tied Solar Systems Automatically Shut Off During Outages

Most solar systems installed in Arizona today are grid-tied — meaning your home is connected to the utility grid and can send excess energy back through net billing.

Here’s the key detail: During a power outage, a standard grid-tied solar system automatically shuts off.

This is a safety feature. It prevents your system from sending electricity back to the grid, which could harm utility workers repairing downed lines.

So even though your panels are generating electricity, your home won’t receive power unless your system includes battery storage or special backup technology.

2. How Battery Storage Keeps You Powered During Outages

To stay powered when the grid goes down, you need to pair your solar system with a home battery, such as the Tesla Powerwall.

A solar-plus-battery system can:

• Detect an outage within seconds

• Automatically disconnect from the grid

• Begin drawing stored electricity to keep essential circuits running

Depending on the size of the battery and your energy usage, you may be able to power:

• Refrigerators and freezers

• Lights and outlets

• Fans and communications equipment

• A portion of your HVAC system (with advanced setups)

Phoenix homeowners who rely on air conditioning during extreme heat often use battery storage to maintain comfort and safety during brief outages.

3. How Long Can a Battery Keep My Home Running?

Battery runtime depends on:

• Battery size (measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh)

• How much electricity you use during the outage

• Whether the sun is shining (to recharge the battery)

Most homes with one Tesla Powerwall can run essential loads for 8 to 12 hours, and potentially much longer if the sun is still powering your panels.

Adding additional batteries extends your backup capacity and allows for more circuits or longer outages.

4. Do You Still Get Solar Incentives if You Add a Battery?

Yes — homeowners in Arizona who install battery storage with solar are eligible for the same incentives, including:

• The 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

• The $1,000 Arizona solar tax credit

• Full exemption from sales tax on the battery

• Ongoing savings through Arizona’s net metering policy

Adding a battery improves your solar panel ROI in Arizona while also improving energy security and independence.

5. Should You Add a Battery to Your Solar System?

A home battery is not required for solar — but for many Arizona homeowners, it’s a smart addition. Consider adding a battery if you:

• Experience regular power outages

• Work from home and need reliable electricity

• Want to avoid using grid power during peak evening hours

• Plan to live in your home for the long term and maximize your energy independence

At Phoenix Valley Solar, we design solar-plus-battery systems that are fully customized to your home, usage, and backup goals.

6. What If I Already Have Solar — Can I Add a Battery Later?

Yes — batteries can be added to existing systems, though it’s generally more cost-effective to install everything together. We work with Arizona homeowners who already have solar and want to expand into energy storage to protect their homes from outages or rising peak rates.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared for Arizona Power Outages

In Arizona, solar energy alone won’t keep your lights on during a blackout — but solar with battery backup will.

Whether you’re protecting your home from monsoon-driven outages or just want peace of mind during a grid failure, a solar-plus-storage system delivers energy savings and security year-round.

Power Your Home Day and Night with Phoenix Valley Solar

At Phoenix Valley Solar, we help Arizona homeowners:

• Install high-efficiency solar systems

• Integrate battery storage for backup and off-peak use

• Maximize state and federal solar incentives

• Get the most from Arizona’s net metering policy

Contact us today for a personalized solar-plus-battery consultation — and stay powered, no matter what.

Are you considering solar energy for your home in Phoenix? Now is the perfect time to harness the power of the sun and take advantage of significant savings through federal and state tax credits. Our team at Phoenix Valley Solar can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings. You can also use our Arizona Solar Calculator to get an estimate of your potential benefits.