Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity from sunlight. To use this energy in homes or other applications that require alternating current (AC) electricity, an inverter is needed to convert the direct current to alternating current. In most cases, solar panels are connected to the electricity grid, with the inverter converting the energy so that it can be used directly in the home or returned to the electricity grid.
However, solar panels can also work without a direct connection to the electricity grid. This is usually done using a battery system that stores the excess energy produced during the day for use during the night or when the sun is not shining. In this case, the solar panels work directly on the battery system, without being connected to the grid.
So yes, solar panels can work without a direct connection to the grid, but you will need a battery system to store the energy for use when the sun is not shining.