Most solar panels do not work during a power outage. This isn't because they can't convert solar energy into electricity during a power outage, but it has to do with how the solar panel system operates.
Most solar energy systems are grid-connected systems, which first transmit power to the power grid, and then the power grid uniformly distributes power to users. In this way, if the power generated by the solar panels cannot meet the user's needs, the user of the solar panels can still obtain power from the public power company's grid; and the excess electricity produced by solar energy can also be sold directly to the public power company.
Most solar systems are connected to the grid via a solar PV inverter. Solar photovoltaic inverters can track the energy generated and used by a home, and most inverters are connected to the grid, so during a power outage, the grid is shut down and the solar panels stop generating electricity.
Part of the reason for this is to protect the safety of maintenance workers, who need to make sure they do not come into contact with electricity from the solar panels when repairing wires.
Additionally, some solar systems are independent of grid status and can continue to operate during power outages.
The first type of solar system is an off-grid system, which does not require a solar inverter and is not connected to the grid. Off-grid systems are typically more expensive, in part because they don't participate in the incentives offered to connected solar systems, such as feedback programs: selling solar power back to the utility to cover the additional cost of electricity.
Off-grid systems have one significant drawback: If the solar panels fail, or fail to produce enough energy, users have no backup plan. Unlike an online grid system that can draw power from the public grid when needed, if the solar panels of an off-grid system cannot meet the user's power needs and do not generate enough power, the user will be plunged into darkness with no power to use.
Another type of solar system that can also continue to operate during a power outage is a solar battery system. Solar battery systems can store the electricity produced by solar panels during the day and put the electricity to use when needed. Solar panels produce a lot of energy at midday when the sun is shining brightly, and less energy at night. The storage function of solar cells can not only meet the demand for electricity during peak power consumption, but also continue to provide power during power outages.
It's important to note that this type of solar cell system is relatively expensive, which is why many people don't use it. This kind of system is more like a completely off-grid system, and the cost is prohibitive. And there's no way to benefit from pricing like online systems. But this device is safe and can keep the power flowing when needed.
Solar panels contribute to energy independence and freedom from dependence on fossil fuels (which are often used to generate electricity on the grid). However, some solar panels cannot ensure power supply during power outages, which requires users to choose a suitable solar system. If they choose a system that is completely disconnected from the public grid, they will face a huge financial burden.