What Happens to Solar Panels During a Power Outage in Fresno?

Fresno summers are no joke — and neither are the power outages that come with them.

As PG&E continues to implement rolling blackouts, time-of-use billing, and grid upgrades, more and more Fresno homeowners are asking the same question:

“If I install solar panels, will I still have power when the grid goes down?”

It’s a fair concern — and the answer depends on how your system is set up.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly what happens during a power outage, how solar batteries can keep your lights on, and what your backup power options are in the Central Valley.

🔌 Will Solar Work During a Power Outage?

Short answer: Not without a battery.

If you have a standard grid-tied solar system, your panels will shut off automatically during an outage — even if it’s sunny outside.

Why? It’s a safety measure. When the grid is down, your solar system must stop sending electricity to prevent harming utility workers repairing the lines.

So even though your panels are producing electricity, they can’t deliver it to your home unless you have a backup system in place.

🔋 The Solar + Battery Solution

The good news? You can stay powered during an outage by adding a battery storage system to your solar setup.

A solar battery (like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase) stores extra energy your panels produce during the day. That energy is then used to power your home when:

• The sun goes down

• The grid goes down

• PG&E charges premium evening rates

What can a solar battery run during an outage?

Depending on the size of the battery and your energy use, it can typically power:

• Lights

• Wi-Fi and phone chargers

• Refrigerator

• Medical devices

• Garage doors

• Fans or portable A/C units

You get to decide which appliances to prioritize — and we help you customize your backup system.

🏠 Real Fresno Example: Lights On, While Neighbors Went Dark

Last August, One Sun Solutions installed a solar + battery setup for a homeowner in Northwest Fresno. Their PG&E power went out for 9 hours during a maintenance event.

While the rest of the neighborhood scrambled for flashlights and backup generators, their home stayed lit, cool, and connected — without them lifting a finger.

Their battery automatically kicked in the moment the grid dropped, and recharged the next day with solar.

🧠 Why This Matters More in 2025

Here’s the reality:

• Fresno ranks high on PG&E’s list for planned grid upgrades

• Time-of-use pricing means peak-hour electricity (4–9 PM) is the most expensive

• California is facing increased demand and weather extremes

Having solar alone saves money, but solar + battery gives you energy security.

💬 Is a Battery Worth It?

Here’s when it makes sense to consider battery storage:

✅ You’ve experienced outages or brownouts
✅ You work from home or run critical devices
✅ You want to keep your fridge, lights, and Wi-Fi running during emergencies
✅ You want to maximize your solar savings under NEM 3.0

The good news is, Fresno residents may qualify for battery incentives and rebates, making the switch more affordable than ever.

🛠️ What Does It Cost?

Battery pricing depends on your energy goals, backup priorities, and home size. But with:

• Federal Tax Credits (30%)

• State-level incentives

• Low monthly financing options

...most homeowners pay far less than expected — and see a strong return within 5–7 years.

Our team provides clear cost breakdowns before you commit to anything.

🔎 Not Sure If You Need One?

We get it — adding a battery is a big step. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through:

• Backup options for your specific home

• Estimated power coverage during outages

• Custom savings scenarios with or without a battery

💡 Final Word: Solar + Battery = Control

If you want to save money and stay powered during PG&E outages, a solar + battery setup is the ultimate combo.

Whether you're in Clovis, Tower District, or Sunnyside, having backup power gives your family the confidence to ride through California’s unpredictable energy future.

👉 Check if your Fresno home qualifies for solar + battery backup — get your free quote today.