Solar During a PSPS in California: The Honest Answer
If you have grid-tied solar and PG&E cuts power during a Public Safety Power Shutoff, your panels will not keep your lights on. Here's why — and what it takes to actually keep the lights on.
The Short Answer
Standard grid-tied solar shuts off automatically when the grid loses power. This is required by UL 1741 safety standards — the inverter must detect grid outage and disconnect within 2 seconds to prevent backfeeding dead lines and electrocuting utility workers.
During a PSPS, your solar panels literally cannot power your home unless you have one of the following:
- A battery system with grid-forming (off-grid-capable) inverter (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, FranklinWH, Generac PWRcell, SolarEdge Energy Hub + battery).
- A dedicated transfer switch / generator setup.
- A hybrid solar inverter with Secure Power Supply (SPS) daytime-only outlets.
What Actually Works During a PSPS
Option 1: Solar + Battery (Most Common Solution)
A solar battery system with grid-forming inverter creates a micro-grid when the utility grid is down. Solar recharges the battery during the day; the battery powers your home through the night. With 13.5 kWh of battery and conservative load management, most California households can survive a 24-36 hour PSPS outage indefinitely (until the grid comes back) while keeping fridge, internet, lights, and medical equipment running.
Coverage of AC depends on battery size. A single 13.5 kWh Powerwall runs a modest home without AC; two Powerwalls or a FranklinWH aPower 2 (15 kWh) can run a home with limited AC use.
Option 2: Gas / Propane Generator
A whole-home standby generator (Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton) kicks in automatically when the grid drops. More outage capacity per dollar than a battery, but:
- Natural gas supply can be cut during wildfire events (PG&E has done this).
- Louder, noisier, more maintenance, more space.
- Several California cities ban new gas generators under electrification reach codes (Berkeley, Oakland, Palo Alto).
- Generators run during PSPS whether you need them or not, burning fuel you may need for vehicles.
Option 3: Portable Power Stations + Solar Panels
EcoFlow Delta Pro, Jackery 3000 Pro, Bluetti AC500, large portable batteries that can be paired with portable solar panels. Much cheaper than installed battery systems ($3,000–$6,000 for a robust setup) but require manual plugging of appliances and cannot power hard-wired loads.
SGIP Equity Resiliency Program
California's SGIP Equity Resiliency tier specifically subsidizes batteries for homes in HFTD Tier 2 / Tier 3 zones, the same areas PG&E targets for PSPS shutoffs. Eligible households can receive up to 100% battery-cost coverage. Check your address against the CPUC Fire-Threat Map. If you're in Tier 2 or 3 and have been subject to multiple PSPS events, you likely qualify.
Battery Sizing for PSPS Survival
- Bare minimum (essential loads 24 hours): 5–10 kWh battery + solar recharge. Covers fridge, lights, internet, phone charging, medical equipment.
- Typical whole-home (no AC): 13–15 kWh battery + solar. One Powerwall or FranklinWH unit.
- Whole-home with AC: 26–30 kWh battery + larger solar array. Two Powerwalls or stacked FranklinWH.
The Real PSPS Math
The average PSPS event lasts 2–4 days. A well-sized solar + battery system can survive this indefinitely if the home stays on essentials (no pool pump, limited AC, lights and fridge and internet only). Most California homeowners in PSPS-prone territory find that once they experience one extended outage without backup power, the battery investment becomes obvious.