Power Out? Here’s How Solar Batteries Save the Day
- Admin
- Jul 24
- 6 min read
When the power out warning hits your area, daily life can quickly be turned upside down. Whether you're managing a business from home or looking after a family, a sudden power out can disrupt routines, spoil food, and compromise safety. But thanks to modern technology, there's a solution that ensures you’re never left in the dark—solar batteries.
As power outage events become more frequent in areas like Adelaide and across Western Australia (WA), more Australian households are turning to solar batteries for dependable backup power. In this post, we’ll explore how solar batteries work during blackouts, the benefits they provide, and why they’ve become a must-have for those seeking energy independence.
What Happens During a Power Out?
A power out or blackout is the sudden loss of electrical power. It can happen due to storms, grid overload, equipment failure, or maintenance. Without backup power, homes and businesses are left vulnerable. Heating, lighting, cooking, communication—all come to a halt.
In cities like Adelaide, extreme weather events and rising electricity demand have caused more frequent power outs, especially in summer. In WA, vast distances and reliance on a stretched power grid have led to an increase in power outage WA incidents.
Solar batteries offer an efficient solution by storing solar energy and making it available during these grid failures.
How Do Solar Batteries Work During a Power Out?
Solar panels alone won’t provide power during a power out, because most systems are grid-tied and will automatically shut down for safety. However, when combined with a solar battery, the system becomes far more robust.
Here’s how it works:
During the day, solar panels produce electricity.
Excess energy that isn’t used immediately is stored in a battery.
When a power outage occurs, the battery automatically powers your home.
Essential appliances can continue running seamlessly, often without you even noticing the switch.
This kind of setup gives homeowners peace of mind during blackouts and protection against grid instability.
Why Solar Batteries Are Essential in Australia Today
The energy landscape in Australia is changing. With climate-driven events increasing and infrastructure ageing, more homes are at risk of experiencing a power out. Here’s why solar batteries are becoming a key part of the solution:
Energy Independence
With a battery, you’re no longer reliant on the grid. Even when there's a power outage, your home continues running on stored solar energy.
Reliability During Emergencies
When the grid fails, solar batteries ensure critical appliances remain powered. You can keep your lights on, food cold, and devices charged.
Cost Savings
Using stored solar energy at night or during peak tariff periods can significantly lower your energy bills.
Environmental Benefits
Solar battery systems reduce the need for fossil fuel-based energy, cutting your carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner grid.
Need help choosing the right solar battery for your home? Utility Choice compares top battery brands, prices, and installers to help you find the best match—quickly and easily.
Case Study: Power Out in Adelaide
In recent years, power out Adelaide events have become increasingly common, especially during summer heatwaves and thunderstorms. In 2024, a major storm knocked out power to over 30,000 homes in Adelaide.
While many households were caught off guard, those with solar batteries saw minimal disruption. Refrigerators kept running, home offices remained operational, and families stayed connected. Their batteries kicked in automatically, proving to be a critical investment for backup energy.
The Growing Problem of Power Outage WA
Western Australia presents unique challenges. Its vast geography, remote communities, and climate-related stress on infrastructure make power outage WA events more common.
In regions where grid restoration can take hours—or even days—solar batteries have become more than a convenience. They’re a necessity. Homeowners in rural and suburban WA now look to solar batteries for energy stability, especially during storm seasons or periods of high demand.
What Can You Power During a Power Out?
The size of your battery will determine how much you can run during a power out. Most people prioritise essential appliances.
Here’s a breakdown:
Appliance | Recommended for Backup? |
Lights | Yes |
Refrigerator | Yes |
Wi-Fi Router | Yes |
Laptop/Phone Chargers | Yes |
Air Conditioning | Depends on battery size |
Washing Machine | Not ideal |
Electric Oven | Not ideal |
A 10 kWh battery, for example, can typically power essential loads for 12 to 24 hours depending on usage.
Types of Solar Battery Systems
Not all solar systems provide backup during outages. It’s important to understand the system type you’re installing.
System Type | Backup Power Available? | Description |
Grid-Tied Only | No | Will shut down during a power out |
Hybrid System | Yes | Uses solar + battery + grid, switches automatically |
Off-Grid System | Yes | 100% self-reliant, not connected to the grid |
For most suburban households, a hybrid system offers the best balance between backup power and grid access.
Cost of Solar Batteries in Australia
As of 2025, battery prices are decreasing, and government incentives are helping offset upfront costs.
Here’s an average cost breakdown:
Battery Size (kWh) | Suitable For | Average Installed Cost |
5–7 kWh | Small homes | $5,000 – $7,000 |
10–13 kWh | Average households | $9,000 – $12,000 |
15–20 kWh | Large homes/businesses | $13,000 – $17,000 |
Incentives may be available in SA and WA, depending on your eligibility. A solar expert from Utility Choice can help you assess your options.
How to Maximize Battery Use During a Power Out
To get the most from your battery system during a power outage, follow these tips:
Prioritise Loads: Decide which appliances matter most (e.g., fridge, lights, internet).
Use Efficient Devices: Energy-efficient appliances consume less power.
Monitor Consumption: Use the system's monitoring app to track battery levels.
Charge During the Day: Make sure your battery is full before high-usage periods.
Perform Regular Maintenance: Keep your system clean and updated.
Preparing for the Next Power Out
The next power out might be just around the corner. With energy demand rising and extreme weather events becoming more frequent, the risk of power outages will continue to grow. Solar batteries are no longer just a luxury—they are a practical, forward-thinking investment.
If you're in Adelaide, Perth, or anywhere in WA, the time to act is now. Don’t wait until you're sitting in the dark during the next blackout. Prepare today.
Thinking about a solar battery? Let Utility Choice help you find the most affordable and reliable options tailored to your energy needs and location.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQS )
1. What should I do first when there’s a power out?
Start by checking your fuse box and whether the power out is affecting your neighbours. If you have a solar battery, it should switch on automatically.
2. Can solar panels power my home during a power outage?
Not without a battery. During a power outage, solar panels alone will shut down for safety unless you have a battery backup system.
3. Why is there a frequent power out in Adelaide?
Power out Adelaide events often occur due to severe weather, ageing grid infrastructure, and high electricity demand, especially in summer.
4. How can I prepare for a power outage WA event?
Install a solar battery system, maintain emergency supplies, and set up your battery to prioritise essential appliances during power outage WA conditions.
5. How long can a solar battery last during a power out?
A typical 10–13 kWh battery can provide 12–24 hours of backup power, depending on usage during the power out.
6. What size battery do I need to prepare for a power out?
For basic backup during a power out, a 10 kWh battery is ideal for most homes. Larger homes may need 15 kWh or more.
7. Are solar batteries worth the cost in Adelaide and WA?
Yes. Given the frequency of power out Adelaide and power outage WA events, solar batteries are a smart investment for backup power and long-term savings.
8. Do batteries automatically activate during a power outage?
Yes. Most modern solar battery systems automatically detect a power out and switch to battery mode in seconds.
9. Can I run my entire house on battery during a power out?
It depends on the size of your system. Most people back up essential appliances rather than the whole house during a power out.
10. How does Utility Choice help during a power out?
Utility Choice helps you find, compare, and install the right solar battery system, ensuring your home stays powered during any power out event.
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