Yes — but only if your system is designed for it.
Most standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during power outages due to safety regulations (known as anti-islanding). To keep your power running when the grid goes down, your system needs to be built with backup capability.
✅ Here’s what you’ll need:
1. A Hybrid or Off-Grid Inverter
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Your inverter must support both grid-tied and off-grid modes.
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Hybrid inverters (like the Luxpower SNA series) detect outages and automatically switch to island mode, drawing energy from your batteries and solar panels.
2. A Battery Storage System
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A battery bank is essential. We recommend LiFePO4 batteries for safety, longevity, and deeper discharge.
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Battery size should match your critical load and desired backup duration.
3. A Critical Load Subpanel
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An electrician will need to install a dedicated subpanel that powers only your essential circuits (e.g., fridge, lights, internet).
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This protects your system from overload and ensures longer battery runtime.
4. Smart Control and Monitoring
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Many systems allow you to:
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Prioritize key loads
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Adjust charge/discharge rates
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Integrate with a generator for extended outages
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These settings are typically accessible via your system’s monitoring app.
🚨 Important:
If backup power is a priority, it must be planned from the beginning — standard systems cannot be retrofitted easily for backup functionality without major upgrades.
💡 Need help configuring backup mode or planning your system? Contact us at hello@solarpowerstore.ca or call 1-888-421-5354. You can also book a meeting here or submit a support request using the form below.