During a blackout utility company, line workers will often be working hard to restore power. A grid-connected solar system may at the same time be feeding the power it produces from the sun into the same power lines that are being worked on. That may produce a hazardous condition for the unsuspecting worker who does not expect the lines to have power. By electric code, therefore, solar system must be equipped with a device that cuts it off from the house and the grid if a power failure is detected. So during a blackout solar power even if it is being produced will not be available to the homeowner.A solar system with a battery pack can be equipped with a device to cut off the system from the grid and thus not create the potential hazard to line workers. In that case, the homeowner will have power during a blackout. That is to say, a solar system with battery storage can supply power to the homeowner during a blackout, just a fossil fuel generator can.
The difference between a fossil fuel generator and solar with battery storage is that the latter operates without toxic fumes, pollution, noise, and carbon emissions. In addition, fossil fuel generators need frequent and periodic maintenance and upkeep. In addition to providing backup power, solar and storage can easily be used to manipulate different rates to save the homeowner money.