> 'll likely get a few panels just so I have a little juice when the grid is down.
Most grid tie inverters have a shut-off switch that kills all power in case of a power outage. This is usually mandated by safety regulations, to protect linemen working on the downed lines. (there are a few that provide very limited solar power during an outage, but not full power, something like 2000W)
Yes, a point to keep in mind when buying equipment. I had a very disappointed neighbor when I finally convinced him to shut the power off to his whole house and see what would happen. The salesman sold him on having power when the grid was down.
It takes more work, planning and some battery to have some power when the grid is down. I plan have enough to charge phones, power radios, power propane appliances and maybe keep me on the internet. I'd like to have enough for a refrigerator, but that starts to get expensive.
I can confirm, I have grid-tied solar panels and have gotten outages in the middle of sunny days which is usually the time my panels are actually supplying surplus power to the grid.
Only way to have juice during power outages in my configuration is to add something like the 7K Tesla battery.
Most grid tie inverters have a shut-off switch that kills all power in case of a power outage. This is usually mandated by safety regulations, to protect linemen working on the downed lines. (there are a few that provide very limited solar power during an outage, but not full power, something like 2000W)