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Solar Power

When the power goes out, solar energy can provide a reliable source of electricity without relying on fuel deliveries or trips to the gas station. Instead of burning a consumable fuel like propane or firewood, solar power harnesses sunlight and converts it into electricity you can use right away or store for later. Solar isn’t a single device - it’s a system. With the right components in place, that system can help you keep lights on, charge critical devices, and even run selected appliances during extended outages.

Solar Power Options for Emergencies

Solar power works by using photovoltaic (PV) panels to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. That electricity can be used immediately to run devices, or used immediately to run devices, or stored in batteries to use later, including after dark.

It isn’t a “fuel” in the traditional sense, because nothing is consumed. But in an emergency-preparedness context, solar functions as a renewable power source that can replace or supplement other backup fuels.

A basic solar setup may include:

  • solar panels to capture energy from the sun
  • charge controller to protect and manage battery charging
  • battery or home battery system to store energy
  • inverter to convert stored energy into household AC power
  • solar generators or portable power stations that combine several of these pieces into a single unit

Each part plays a different role, but together they form a solar power system that can support your emergency plans in ways traditional fuels cannot.

Whole-Home Solar and Battery Backup

For some households, solar is more than a way to keep a few devices running - it’s part of a full-home backup strategy. A whole-home or partial-home solar system usually includes a roof- or ground-mounted solar array, a robust inverter, and dedicated battery storage. During normal conditions, the system may offset your everyday electricity use. When the grid goes down, the battery system steps in to supply power to your home’s critical circuits.

Integrating solar into your home’s power system requires a significant upfront investment. A larger array, a quality inverter, and ample battery capacity - typically provided by a home battery system - are essential for meaningful backup. The exact size you need depends on:

  • which appliances and loads you want to support
  • how long outages tend to last in your area
  • your local climate and typical sunlight conditions

While installation costs can be high, long-term savings and increased energy independence make this one of the most resilient backup options, especially in areas prone to frequent or extended outages.

For a deeper look at how batteries fit into this picture, see the page on home battery systems.

Small-Scale Solar Setups

You don’t need a full-home installation to benefit from solar power. Smaller solar setups can be an affordable and flexible way to keep essentials running, especially when paired with other backup fuels

Even modest systems - such as portable panels, solar chargers, power banks, or solar generators, can help you:

  • keep phones and tablets charged
  • power flashlights and lanterns
  • run small radios, fans, or medical devices

These smaller setups are ideal for shelter in place orders, grab & go bags, and car kits. Because each has different strengths, having more than one type is advisable.

Below is a brief overview of the most common small-scale solar options - a more detailed explanation of each can be found on the dedicated charging devices pages.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are the foundation of any solar setup. They capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. You can use this electricity in two main ways: direct and indirect.

Direct Use

This methods powers certain devices straight from the panel's output, usually USB or DC. This method is heavily dependent on strong, consistent sunlight and is usually slower and less predictable - especially for power-hungry items like tablets or laptops.

Indirect Use

Where solar panels really shine is when they are integrated with batteries. Even a single panel, paired with the right battery and basic components, can keep essential devices charged throughout an extended outage.

Learn more about solar panels.

Solar Chargers

Solar chargers are compact units built for convenience and portability. Their primary role is to harvest sunlight and pass that energy to small electronics such as phones, radios, flashlights, GPS units, or to an external power bank. You simply place the charger in direct sun, let it collect energy, and plug in your device or battery. Most combine:

  • one or more small solar panels
  • ports for charging devices
  • small built-in battery for limited energy storage (available)

Many models include loops or attachment points so they can be clipped to a backpack, tent, or window, making them a natural fit for emergency kits, camping gear, and vehicle preparedness.

Learn more about solar chargers.

Solar Power Banks

A solar power bank is first and foremost a rechargeable battery. Its job is to store electrical energy so you can charge your devices when needed. In an emergency-preparedness plan, solar power banks bridge the gap between sunlight and your essential devices.

Main Advantages
  • higher capacity than a solar charger
  • can charge devices multiple times
  • is extremely reliable
  • can be used to charge any time
  • can be easily recharged
Recharging Methods
  • standard wall outlet
  • solar panel – built-in (slowest)
  • solar panel – via USB
  • vehicle: 12V DC Outlet, Inverter
  • solar generator (model dependent)

Learn more about solar power banks.

Solar Generators

Solar generators - also called portable power stations when used with panels, are easy to operate and are indoor friendly. You connect them to solar panels or charge them from wall power, then draw from the stored energy as needed. Many models are powerful enough to run small appliances, medical devices, fans, lights, and multiple electronics at once.

All-in-One
  • built-in rechargeable battery
  • inverter
  • multiple output ports (AC outlets, USB, and DC)
Solar vs. Fuel
  • is quiet
  • produces no exhaust
  • can be used indoors
  • does not rely on fuel
Supported Devices

Many models are powerful enough to run small appliances, medical devices, fans, lights, and multiple electronics at once.

Limitations

They are limited by battery size and available sunlight. They are excellent for targeted backup - supporting key devices and appliances - but are not a complete replacement for a home battery system.

To learn more about types, sizing, and brands, see the dedicated page on solar generators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about using solar power as emergency fuel.

  • Solar power is energy harnessed from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) panels and related components, converting sunlight into usable electricity.

  • A solar setup typically includes solar panels, a charge controller, an inverter to convert DC to AC, batteries for storage (if desired), plus system wiring and mounting hardware.

  • Yes. With a sufficiently sized grid-tie or off-grid system, solar can cover all household loads, but it requires a larger array, a robust inverter, and ample battery capacity, making it more expensive and complex than smaller backup solutions.

  • Solar generators provide free, renewable energy once purchased and are quiet with low ongoing costs, but they have higher upfront prices and generally lower peak output than fuel generators.

  • Solar chargers are lightweight, portable, and ideal for phones or small devices, yet charge slowly and rely on direct sunlight, so they are less useful in cloudy weather or shaded areas.

  • Choose a solar generator when you need to run larger items like fridges, CPAP machines, or power tools; choose a solar charger when you only need to keep small electronics such as phones, radios, or flashlights topped up.