Rooftop Solar Is USELESS in a Blackout—Here’s the EASY Fix @theresatrickforthat
Rooftop Solar Is USELESS in a Blackout—Here’s the EASY Fix  @theresatrickforthat
Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Rooftop solar is useless in a blackout unless you have a safe way to isolate it from the utility and keep the grid-tie inverter operating. In this video, I show how I use an EG4 12000XP and battery storage to run my existing SolarEdge rooftop solar system off-grid and demonstrate 6,400 watts of live solar production while physically disconnected from the utility grid. I walk through how I sized approximately 30 kWh of battery storage for my 7,600W SolarEdge inverter, what AC-coupled solar means, the interlocked switching that prevents the utility grid and backup source from ever being connected at the same time, and the key EG4 12000XP setting that wakes the grid-tie inverter back up. Now my rooftop solar array can run my entire house during a blackout!

SAFETY: This project involves potentially lethal voltage. The utility grid and backup source must never be connected simultaneously. Proper isolation, interlocking, overcurrent protection, equipment compatibility, and all applicable electrical requirements are essential. Use a qualified electrician where appropriate. This demonstration uses my SolarEdge system; verify compatibility before attempting AC coupling with any other grid-tie inverter.

Buy an EG4 12000XP: payoffsolar.com/product/eg4-12000xp-off-grid-inverter-v2-eg4inv12kxpv2us
IMPORTANT: Be sure to use my code: TRICK5 at checkout!

My top battery picks for a system like this:
UL Listed Options: payoffsolar.com/product/eg4-indoor-wall-mount-battery-48v-314ah-16kwh-eg448v314aidwmb
IMPORTANT: Be sure to use my code: TRICK5 at checkout!
amzn.to/4gozePo
Cheaper options:
Buy the an EEL vertical battery kit like you saw me build in this video: cneelbattery.myshopify.com/products/eel-48v-16s-jk-v3-280-304-306-314ah-vertical-metal-diy-battery-box-with-v19-inverter-bms-for-household-battery-backup-diy-usa-stock?ref=atdfyvza
Be sure and use the code: TRICK at checkout to save even MORE money on an already dirt cheap battery!
Buy the YIXIANG DIY battery kit: yixiangpower.com/products/pre-sale-yixiang-pre-assembled-stacked-15kw-diy-lithium-battery-box-kitus-stock-estimated-shipping-time-aug-28th-16pcs-eve-314ah-brand-new-grade-a-lifepo4-battery-cellchina-stock?sca_ref=9886637.Il03sCpghOEtq5
Buy the Humsienk 51.2V 314Ah LiFePO4 Battery: humsienk.com/products/48v-314ah-floor-standing-bluetooth-lifepo4-battery?ref=THERESATRICKFORTHAT&variant=53239626203454
Be sure to use the code: TAFT and that’ll knock more than $100 off the price of this battery!
Buy WattCycle 314Ah Wall Mount LiFePO4 Battery: wattcycle.com/products/16kwh-48v-314ah-wall-mounted-lifepo4-battery-bluetooth?ref=fspaohfd
Be sure and use the code: TRICK

You can watch testing and review videos on all these batteries here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-2uuHDasQcp2gNWpR-N_GUEey1fhnbgI

Watch me install my 12000XP setup: youtu.be/N1Jj1PWTln4

Buy outdoor breaker panel: amzn.to/3SmOgfn

Buy interlock kit: amzn.to/4gZ1d8m

Buy indoor breaker panel: amzn.to/3UnON1b

NEED HELP? Ask me a question and get a personal in depth response: ko-fi.com/s/8d8df1880c
OR
Sit down for a personal 1-On-1 hour long video consultation with me and I’ll provide answers and insights to anything you want to ask me about from this channel: ko-fi.com/s/dd139831a7

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Chapters:
0:00 How to take you grid-tie rooftop solar off-grid
0:32 How to calculate appropriate battery capacity needed
2:46 You need an AC-coupled off-grid inverter like my EG4 12000XP
3:27 Overview of how this system works & keeps your rooftop solar running during a power outage
5:48 Full demonstration
10:00 How does the EG4 12000 XP Control the grid tied inverter
13:21 I have more information about this whole setup for you!

#RooftopSolar #GridTieSolar #BatteryBackup #ACCoupledSolar #EG412000XP

Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you! Thanks for your support!

Disclaimer: There’s a Trick for That assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. There’s a Trick for That recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of There’s a Trick for That, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not There’s a Trick for That.
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Rooftop Solar Is USELESS in a Blackout—Here’s the EASY Fix

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