Texas Power Outages, ERCOT & Keeping the Lights On

Do solar panels work during a power outage?

Not on their own — standard grid-tied solar shuts off automatically during an outage so it cannot send power onto lines utility crews are repairing. To keep power on, you need a battery (or a specially designed backup system) that can isolate your home from the grid. This surprises a lot of homeowners, so ask about it before you sign.

Also asked as: does solar work when power goes out · solar during blackout · why does my solar shut off in an outage

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What happened to the Texas grid during Winter Storm Uri?

In February 2021, extreme cold knocked out generation across the ERCOT grid and more than 4 million Texas customers lost power. A University of Houston survey found 69% of Texans lost power at some point, averaging about 42 hours. The event is a big reason many DFW families now consider battery backup.

Sources: Associated Press — Texas death toll from February storm, outages…

Also asked as: winter storm uri power outage · texas freeze 2021 blackout · ercot 2021

How often does the power go out in Texas?

Most outages come from local storms and equipment issues, and major weather events drive most of the hours without power. Nationally, customers averaged about 11 hours without power in 2024, the most in a decade — and Hurricane Beryl alone cut power to 2.6 million Texas customers that July. DFW’s risks include spring storms, hail, high winds, ice and summer peak-demand stress.

Sources: EIA — Hurricanes in 2024 led to the most hours without power in 10…

Also asked as: texas power outages frequency · ercot outage risk · power outage statistics

What is ERCOT?

ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) operates the power grid serving most of Texas, including DFW, and runs the wholesale electricity market. Most of the Texas grid is not broadly connected to neighboring grids, so it has limited ability to import power in emergencies. ERCOT also runs programs that let home batteries help the grid (see virtual power plants).

Sources: Modo Energy — ERCOT’s ADER pilot: how home batteries operate in the…

Also asked as: what does ercot do · texas power grid explained

What should I back up during an outage?

Most families start with the refrigerator and freezer, lights, Wi-Fi and phone charging, ceiling fans, garage door, and any medical equipment. Next come a gas furnace blower or a smaller AC zone, a well pump if you have one, and some kitchen outlets. Listing these before your consultation makes battery sizing far more accurate.

Also asked as: essential circuits during power outage · what to power with a battery

Will my battery charge from solar during a long outage?

Yes, with a properly designed solar-plus-battery system, the panels keep recharging the battery during daylight while the home is isolated from the grid. That can extend backup for days if you manage heavy loads like AC. Cloudy weather or snow on panels reduces recharge, which is why sizing for your goals matters.

Also asked as: solar recharge battery during blackout · off grid during outage

Does a battery switch over automatically when the power goes out?

Yes — a backup gateway or transfer switch detects the outage and isolates your home, typically fast enough that many devices keep running without a noticeable interruption. Generators usually take several seconds to start. You can usually watch the switch-over and remaining charge in the battery’s app.

Also asked as: powerwall automatic switchover · how fast does battery backup kick in

Do medical devices need special backup planning?

Yes — if anyone in the home relies on powered medical equipment, tell your consultant so those circuits are on the backed-up panel and runtime is sized conservatively. Also register with your electric provider’s critical-care program if eligible and keep a separate plan in case of extended outages. A battery is a strong layer of protection, not a guarantee.

Also asked as: battery backup for oxygen machine · power outage medical equipment