Prepare your self-generation system for power outages
Customers with on-site self generation systems, such as solar panels with or without a battery storage system, may experience power outages differently than other customers. That’s why it’s important to know what to expect during an outage, how your system responds, and how to prepare.
During a power outage
Self-generation only
During a power outage, most self generation systems will automatically shut off. This prevents electricity from flowing back into the grid which helps keep our crews, emergency responders and the public safe while restoration work is underway.
This means your home will be without power until electricity is restored to our grid. You must not attempt to bypass safety features or manually energize electrical equipment during an outage.
Self-generation with a battery
Only battery systems and configurations approved by BC Hydro are permitted to provide backup power during a power outage. Backup capability depends on system design, wiring, and commissioning by a qualified professional.
If your system includes a battery with backup capability:
- Your battery will automatically disconnect from the grid during an outage.
- Power is supplied to select backup circuits in your home from your battery.
- Not all appliances will be powered, unless your system is specifically designed to do so. Which appliances are powered depends on how your system and backup circuits are set up.
- You have the option to reconnect your self-generation system to your battery to power it. If conditions allow, you can recharge your battery during an outage. To have your self-generation system automatically reconnect to your battery during an outage it must be set up by the installer at the time of installation.
Batteries with backup capabilities are designed to support essential needs such as lighting, refrigeration, internet equipment, or medical devices in the event of an outage. You shouldn’t rely on battery storage as a sole source of life sustaining power.
Batteries may stop providing power when stored energy is depleted, and they may not recharge during outages if solar generation is limited or unavailable.
How long will my battery last?
Battery run time varies based on multiple factors, including:
- Battery size (kilowatt hours (kWh))
- Which backup circuits are active
- How much electricity your appliances use
- Whether solar generation can recharge the battery during daylight hours
Backup circuit examples include: - Essential loads only (lights, fridge, wi fi): will last several hours to more than a day
- High energy loads (electric heat, ranges, EV chargers): battery may drain much faster
You can use our battery usage calculator to estimate how long your stored energy may last during a power outage.
Preparing for outages
Even with solar or battery storage, outages can still occur. To prepare:
- Know which circuits are connected to backup power.
- Keep batteries charged before major storm events.
- Maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup.
- Keep an emergency kit with water, food, flashlights, and a battery powered radio.
Battery storage can add resilience during outages, but it does not replace the need for emergency preparedness.
For more information about preparing for power outages, you can visit our webpage.
Staying safe during a power outage
Power outages can affect heating, cooling, water, communications, and medical equipment. Follow these safety tips during an outage.
Electrical and fire safety
- Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges when electricity is restored.
- Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
- Never use fuel burning equipment indoors or in garages because of the carbon monoxide risk.
Food safety
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- A refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours.
- A full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours.
- When in doubt, throw food out.
Medical needs
- Plan ahead if you rely on medical devices or refrigerated medication.
- Keep backup power options and alternative locations in mind if electricity is critical to your health.
You can learn more about what to do during a power outage here.