As autumn rolls in across the UK, the risk of power cuts rises sharply as storms start to hit. The Met Office issued warnings for Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, with heavy rain and wind hitting northern parts of the country. While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare – both to protect our homes and to keep essential power running when the grid goes down.
Here’s what you need to know about staying safe during a storm and how solar panels with battery storage can dramatically reduce your time without electricity.
Before the Storm: Get Your Home Ready
Preparation makes all the difference. Before strong winds or heavy rain arrive it’s advisable to prepare your property as much as possible.
- Secure outdoor loose items such as bins, trampolines and garden furniture.
- Check your roof for loose tiles and your fences for loose panels.
- Clear gutters of moss and leaves to prevent blockages.
- Park vehicles away from trees and structures.
- Make sure you know how to switch you gas, electricity and water off in case of flooding.
- Charge your phones, battery packs and any essential devices.
- Keep important documents and a small emergency kit somewhere easy to grab.
If you live in a flood-risk area, move valuable items upstairs and make sure pets have food, bedding and shelter indoors.
During a Power Cut: Stay Safe and Stay Informed
If your power goes out, follow these key steps:
- Switch off all non-essential appliances, leaving a single light on, so you know when power returns.
- Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid damage in the event of any power surges.
- Listen to the local radio for updates using a battery powered or hand-cranked radio. You can also check on local news pages and the National Grid for updates.
- Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. Falling branches, felled trees and flying debris can be dangerous and cause serious injury.
- If you smell gas, call 0800 111 999 immediately. You can report a power cut by calling 105 for free.
How Solar Panels Help During Power Cuts
While traditional homes rely entirely on the National Grid, homes equipped with solar panels and battery storage can stay partially powered even when the grid is down.
Here’s how it works:
- Daytime generation – even during cloudy stormy days, solar panels can produce some electricity from ambient light.
- Battery storage – a solar battery stores excess solar energy generated during the day or can be charged overnight on cheaper tariffs. When the grid fails, you home can automatically draw power from the solar battery if you have EPS (Emergency Power Supply) installed. This can range from a single plug socket to keep your fridge running and charge a phone, to full house back up.
- Reduced downtime – depending on battery size and household usage, you could have several hours or even days of backup power.
With solar and battery systems, you’re less dependent on the grid, better protected against outages and more energy independent around the clock.
After the Storm: Check and Recover Safely
Once the storm has passed don’t touch fallen power lines or damaged electrical cables, seek professional advice for repairs. Inspect your property only once it is safe to do so, checking for damage to the roof, fencing, brickwork, trees and any water damage. If you have any damage, contact your insurance company before carrying out any permanent repairs or removing damaged items.
If you have a solar PV system, your installer can check panels and wiring to ensure everything remains secure and operational if you suspect there has been damage. Check your solar monitoring app for indications of damage.
Storm Ready Energy with SolarTherm UK
Storms may be inevitable, but sitting in the dark doesn’t have to be. Wouldn’t it be nice to sit enjoying a comforting cup of tea, watching your favourite film, while your neighbours are struggling to find candles and torches?
At SolarTherm UK, we’ve been helping homes across Essex, Kent and the South East stay powered during autumn storms for over 15 years. Our solar panel systems and battery storage solutions help you stay prepared, whatever the British weather brings.
Protect Your Home from Future Power Cuts
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
