Powering Through a PG&E Power Shutdown Event

By Guest Contributor:

Dana Smith

SolarCraft solarcraft.com

For many of us in Marin, our relationship with PG&E changed dramatically with the Public Safety Power Shutdown (PSPS) events last fall. Thousands of us were suddenly plunged into darkness for days, even weeks, impacting our lives at home and at work. Unfortunately, these lengthy power outages are now the new normal to keep us safe during fire season. ››

›› Having worked in the solar industry for a decade, I’m often asked my opinion about the best solution to outlast the next PSPS. When evaluating your options for emergency power, there are a number of factors to consider in the decision-making process. Here are some observations from a solar industry insider to ensure you aren’t left in the dark:

Optimize solar with battery power:

For many homeowners who have switched over to solar, the financial and environmental benefits far outweigh the cost. But last fall many solar customers were surprised to find they were in the dark, along with their neighbors. Why? For safety reasons, solar systems shut off when the PG&E power goes off. The missing piece is having solar batteries, which are used to store solar-produced energy to recharge your battery and power your home day or night.

Be smart with your battery

use: Once considered a nice-to-have backup measure for the occasional blackout, solar battery storage is now considered a primary mitigation tool to power your home. A properly sized solar system and battery can power your home indefinitely – if there is plenty of sun. The more energy you require during an outage, the more battery capacity you’ll need. While the combo should work well during sunny days, solar battery systems will provide limited support during a rainy week or storm-related outage. Many elect to power some parts of their home by designating ‘dedicated loads’ to be judicious during times of need.

Small generators are budget

friendly: Small portable generators do well to keep your refrigerator running and cell phones charged. Look for EPA III and CARB compliant for low emissions. Larger generators are usually the loudest, carry the most risks, and are a neighborhood noise nuisance. All generators are carbon emitting devices, and last fall there were numerous carbon monoxide poisonings and generator–caused fires, so proceed with caution, no matter the size.

Permanent generator installation:

External home generators that are permanently installed on a concrete pad and wired into your home offer the greatest convenience. They automatically switch on during an outage, and then power the home. They are middle range on decibels – you can tell which neighbors in your area have installed them – but they aren’t obnoxiously loud. This is the safest generator solution which is installed and maintained by certified professionals.

To power through the next PSPS event, the winning combination is a balancing act between your family’s safety, the energy needs of your home during an emergency, noise and air pollution, your relationship with your neighbors, your budget, and the environment. We at

SolarCraft hope that you and your family are well-informed and prepared to remain safe through these upcoming PSPS events.

About the author:

Dana Smith is Director of Solar and

Business Operations at SolarCraft, the North Bay’s leading solar provider for 35 years. www.solarcraft.com