What happens to your home solar PV system during a storm?

As storm season approaches, you may be among the many homeowners preparing their homes to withstand severe weather. Even minor storms can cause widespread power outages, so your preparation may include planning for long periods without power. However, if you've invested in solar panels, you may find yourself wondering: Will I lose power?If you have traditional, grid-tied solar power and your neighborhood loses power, then your home will, too. In this article, we'll explain why and walk you through your options for side-stepping weather-related grid outages.Why home solar systems don't protect you from power outagesHomeowners may assume that because their solar panels are generating power independent of the grid, they'll be able to maintain power if a storm causes the grid to go down. But that's not the case.Unless you've gone completely off-grid, your solar-powered home is probably still tied into the grid. That allows you to use power from your local utility if your panels aren't gene...