Keep the Lights On
During PSPS & Wildfire
Outages
California's wildfire season means PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E power shutoffs that last 2–7 days. This guide compares every backup option — from installed Powerwalls to portable EcoFlow and BLUETTI stations — so you can choose what's right for your home.
For most California homeowners facing PSPS outages, a Tesla Powerwall 3 paired with solar is the best whole-home backup — it recharges automatically during the day and can run essentials indefinitely. If you need backup without solar or want a portable solution under $2,000, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra covers 24–48 hours of critical loads and requires no installation. BLUETTI is the best option for renters, short outages, or adding a second layer of portable backup to an existing system.
Which Backup System
Is Right for Your Home?
The right answer depends on whether you have solar, how long your outages typically run, and whether you want a permanent installed system or a portable one you can take with you. Here's how the three main options compare for California homeowners.
| Feature | Powerwall 3 | EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra | BLUETTI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 — prepaid lease | ~$1,999 | $299–$1,599 |
| Whole-home coverage | ✓ Yes | △ Partial | ✗ Essentials only |
| Recharges from solar | ✓ Automatic | ✓ Manual setup | ✓ Most models |
| Runs during multi-day outage | ✓ Indefinitely with solar | △ 24–48 hrs base | △ 8–24 hrs typical |
| No installation required | ✗ Professional install | ✓ Plug and go | ✓ Plug and go |
| Saves money on monthly bill | ✓ TOU rate shifting | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Portable / take with you | ✗ Wall-mounted | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Good for renters | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
the Grid Goes Down
Your battery keeps the lights on — but your router still needs internet service. During a PSPS event, cell towers get overwhelmed and cable internet goes dark. Starlink runs off satellite, not ground infrastructure, which means it stays online when your neighbors lose connectivity.
- Works during PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E PSPS events — no ground infrastructure dependency
- Pairs with any backup battery — Powerwall, EcoFlow, or BLUETTI powers the dish
- Starlink dish draws only 50–75W — minimal battery drain
- Residential plan available statewide across California including rural and foothills coverage
How to Choose the Right Backup System for Your California Home
There's no universal answer — the right system depends on four things: whether you have solar, how long your local outages typically last, whether you own or rent, and how much of the home you need to keep running. Here's how to think through each scenario.
A Powerwall 3 is the strongest upgrade — it pairs directly with your existing system and recharges automatically during the day. During a PSPS event, solar production peaks exactly when conditions are worst (hot, dry, sunny), meaning your Powerwall stays charged. A solar-only system without storage shuts down during outages by law.
Size a Powerwall for my solar →The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra is the best fit — no installation, no solar required. Plug it in when grid power is available to keep it charged, and it runs essentials for 24–48 hours when the grid drops. For whole-home coverage without solar, a Powerwall standalone installation is also available and can be added to solar later.
View EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra ↗BLUETTI is the right tier — multiple models from $299 to $1,599, no installation, and you take it with you when you move. The AC200L covers fridge, lights, Wi-Fi, and device charging through a typical 12–18 hour outage. Pairs well with a Starlink dish for full outage connectivity.
See BLUETTI models →PSPS events in California's Tier 2 and Tier 3 High Fire Threat District zones have lasted up to 7 days. A portable station alone won't cover that — you need a system that recharges from solar. A Powerwall paired with rooftop solar is the only solution that keeps you powered through a multi-day shutoff with zero fuel dependency.
View installed battery options →Powerwalls Your Home Needs
Our free Powerwall calculator estimates your backup runtime, battery count, and savings based on your utility and home size. Takes 90 seconds — no email required to see results.
California Home Backup Power — Common Questions
A PSPS — Public Safety Power Shutoff — is when PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E intentionally cuts power to reduce wildfire ignition risk during high-wind, low-humidity conditions. PSPS events typically last 2 to 7 days, though most run 48 to 72 hours. High fire-threat district zones in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Diablo Range, and San Diego backcountry face the most frequent shutoffs, sometimes multiple events per fire season.
Yes, a single Powerwall 3 can run essential circuits — refrigerator, lights, Wi-Fi, outlets, and most HVAC — for 12 to 24 hours without solar recharging. Paired with rooftop solar, the Powerwall recharges continuously during the day and can run a home indefinitely through a multi-day PSPS event. For larger homes or high-load needs, two Powerwalls is the common recommendation. Use our free Powerwall calculator to size your system based on your actual usage.
A Tesla Powerwall 3 installed runs $12,000 to $15,000 before financing. On a prepaid lease the upfront cost is $0 — the financing company covers the install and you keep the savings. Portable options like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra run around $1,999 with no installation required. BLUETTI models start at $299 for essential-load coverage. The right choice depends on whether you need whole-home backup or just critical circuits.
No — a standard grid-tied solar system shuts down automatically during an outage. This is a required safety feature to protect utility workers on the lines. To use your solar during an outage you need a battery like the Powerwall, which creates an isolated microgrid for your home. Without storage, your solar panels produce zero usable power during a PSPS event even on a sunny day.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra is the strongest portable option for California homeowners in 2026 — 1,843 Wh base capacity, 3,000W output, 20ms UPS switchover, and solar recharging capability. For budget-focused buyers the BLUETTI AC200L covers essentials at around $999. Both work well as a second layer of backup alongside a Powerwall, or as a standalone solution for renters and homeowners without solar.
Yes — Starlink operates off satellite infrastructure, not ground-based cable or cell towers, so it stays online during PSPS events when local internet service goes dark. The dish draws only 50 to 75 watts, meaning any backup battery — Powerwall, EcoFlow, or BLUETTI — can power it without meaningful drain. It is the most reliable way to maintain internet connectivity during a California power shutoff.
Yes. A Powerwall 3 can be installed as a standalone battery that charges from grid power during off-peak hours and provides backup during outages. Without solar it cannot recharge during a PSPS event, so runtime is limited to one full charge — roughly 12 to 24 hours depending on load. Adding solar later is straightforward since the Powerwall 3 has a built-in solar inverter. Use our Powerwall calculator to model both configurations.
PG&E customers in the Sierra Nevada foothills — El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Butte, and Shasta counties — face the highest PSPS frequency. SCE customers in Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino foothill areas also see regular shutoffs. SDG&E customers in eastern San Diego County near Alpine, Ramona, and Julian are in Tier 3 High Fire Threat District zones. SMUD customers in Sacramento proper have historically had fewer PSPS events but are not immune to grid emergencies.
10 years. 400+ installs across PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, and SMUD territories. We review every bill personally before making a recommendation — no call centers, no junior reps.