> If they weren't mandatory to be tied into the grid and immediately not work when you need them the most Don't conflate solar with backup power. 2 very different technologies. Solar is on/off with no ability to store capacity. Therefore, you need a battery system (and some other critical equipment) to augment a solar system. What you want is the ability to 'island' your system. There are 3 systems (that I'm aware of) which will disconnect from the grid when the grid is down and produce power from battery, generator, solar, or gas, bio-mass, hydro or other power solution. The problem with these systems is $$$$. Better, answer is a propane genny and a 500 gallon tank. Simple and effective.