Winter is coming! Are you Prepared?
As winter descends upon California, the anticipation of cooler temperatures and the possibility of winter storms bring to mind the importance of being prepared for power outages. While California is often associated with sunshine and mild winters, the state is not immune to extreme weather events that can disrupt the power supply. In recent years, Californians have experienced an increase in power outages, knowing this and coupling it with the information reported in PG & E’s 2022 Electricity Reliability Report stating a “66% increase in the amount of time customers experience outages since 2012 - SAIDI” making it even more essential that our valued customers equip themselves with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate these potentially challenging situations.
In this article, we will explore the best practices for preparing for power outages, the importance of energy conservation and simulating a grid outage on your system prior to a power outage event. We will also cover what you should do during an outage, what you should do if you reach a critically low state of charge, and lastly how to restart your system. Ensuring that you and your family remain safe, warm, and well-informed when the lights go out. Let’s get started!
How To Prepare for An Outage
As a storm approaches, it's best to use a proactive approach to address some energy-intensive tasks in advance.
Begin by charging your car, to ensure you have a reliable mode of transportation during and after the storm.
You may want to consider running a load of laundry or two so you have clean and dry clothes in case your regular laundry routine is disrupted by the storm.
Alongside the above tasks, it's wise to consider a set of safety measures.
Start by making sure your cell phone is fully charged; this will be your lifeline for communication during the storm. You may also want to consider charging all other rechargeable electronic devices for added preparedness.
Stock up on essential food and water supplies to sustain you and your family in case you're unable to leave your home for an extended period, such as canned foods, non perishables, bottled water, and energy bars
Don't forget to ensure you have an ample reserve of medical supplies, including a comprehensive first aid kit and a sufficient quantity of essential medications.
Be sure to take a moment to check your existing supplies and replace any expired items.
You will also want to gather necessary supplies for handling the storm's aftermath.
A snow shovel and ice melt can be indispensable for clearing walkways and driveways, making your surroundings safer and more accessible.
Don’t forget to double check that you have a good supply of batteries and multiple flashlights to provide illumination in case of an extended power outage.
Other items to consider as we approach the winter season is the capability of your renewable energy system. If you are a solar only household have you considered supercharging your solar system with a battery storage and generator upgrade? A battery storage system will provide your home with a backup power source that keeps the light on and your essential appliances running, providing you with energy independence and decreasing your reliance on PG & E’s unreliable power grid. Additionally, with a generator you can enjoy even greater peace of mind, as it provides an additional layer of backup power to keep your home comfortable and functioning smoothly during extended outages. To learn more about battery storage upgrade check out our blog “Supercharge your system with battery storage- An Awesome Upgrade!” With these preparations in place, you'll be well-equipped to face the upcoming storm with confidence and peace of mind.
What You Need To Know About Conserving Energy
When facing potential power outages, conserving energy becomes paramount! Start by considering shutting off unnecessary branch circuit breakers; these devices can draw and waste precious energy if they don't serve an essential purpose during the outage. A helpful guideline is to disconnect circuits you can't readily identify as crucial. However, keep some essential systems running, such as lights, select kitchen appliances, and a few outlets. This is a good practice during periods of low energy production.
It’s important to remember to maintain your solar and battery breakers in the "on" position. This ensures that your alternative power sources can continue to provide you with electricity when the grid is down. If you have a whole-home backup system, it's worth noting that some appliances can significantly drain your battery bank within just a couple of hours, without you even realizing it, so ensure that you shut off all large appliances.
When the grid goes down, it's crucial to recognize that energy becomes a scarce and valuable resource. It's essential to prepare for energy conservation and minimize waste wherever possible, ensuring you have power when you need it most.
The Importance Of Simulating a Grid Outage
In preparation for potential power outages, it's wise to take a moment to turn off your main utility breaker. We recommend doing this well in advance and not a few days before a storm to ensure you are fully charged in the event of an outage. This simple step ensures a seamless transition into off-grid mode, allowing your backup power system to supply electricity to your backup loads.
It's also essential to monitor your state of charge (SOC) to estimate how long your stored energy can last. Keep a vigilant eye out for "vampire" loads that can unexpectedly deplete your battery reserves; identifying and addressing these energy drainers in advance will aid in preserving your valuable stored energy. Some examples of “vampire” loads are:
Phone Chargers
Coffee Makers
Televisions
Clocks
Devices such as Alexa & Google Home
Microwaves
Stoves
Laptops/Computers/Tablets/IPADS
Radios
Game Consoles
Devices that are plugged in but are turned off or left on standby, these items may seem fine as long as they are turned off they actually add to your energy usage throughout the year.
Lastly, make sure your battery settings are correct and your system is ready for a storm. Most batteries have a storm mode, or you can set the battery reserve to 100%, so that you are fully charged and ready for an outage. Don't forget to change these settings back after the storm so you can take advantage of the financial savings your battery can offer you. Reach out to your installer if you have any questions regarding your battery settings.
What To Do During an Outage
During a grid outage your battery system will create a microgrid that relies on your solar to recharge it. If your battery state of charge drops low enough, for the safety of your battery, it will shut down completely, waiting for the grid to come back on (or with some batteries, waiting for a recharge from a generator).
To prevent this from occurring we suggest the following:
Ensure that your solar array remains clear of snow and debris to maximize energy production.
Maintain your batteries at a suitable temperature, remember lithium batteries do not charge efficiently in cold conditions.
If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, consider insulating them with a blanket or placing a heat source nearby.
Keep a close eye on your SOC, if it drops below 50% you should start strictly conserving your energy and develop a plan that will allow your reserves to maintain your essential needs until the next sunny day.
With some batteries (for example, Franklin or Enphase), you can recharge them with a generator. If you have one of these batteries, we recommend charging them with a generator if the state of charge drops below 20%. But you can do it sooner if you don't expect the sun to come out in the near future!
Remember that your comfort and safety are our top priorities If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance and guidance. You can reach us at 530-274-3671 or submit a service ticket online at solar service — California Solar (cal-solar.coop)
What To Do If You Reach A Critically Low State of Charge and Cannot Be Charged By A Generator?
In the event that you observe your State of Charge (SOC) dropping to 20% or lower, it’s important that you take the following steps:
Shut off all your electrical loads and consider disabling your entire system until sunlight returns.
This is essential because some batteries incorporate heaters that can consume up to 15% of their energy overnight to stay warm.
To prevent your system from depleting its energy entirely, it's vital to proactively shut it down and then restart it when the sun is shining, and your batteries can accept a charge.
In the event your system reaches 0% SOC, please reach out to our service department for guidance and support. Our dedicated team will be there to assist you through the necessary steps to rectify the situation.
The quickest way to reach our service department is by submitting an online service request through solar service — California Solar (cal-solar.coop)
Restarting Your System
For guidance on restarting your system, we recommend consulting your operator's manual, which provides detailed instructions tailored to your specific setup.
Sunvault
Enphase:
Franklin:
Tesla:
It's important to note that when you initiate the restart, it may take between 2 to 5 minutes for your PV inverter to begin producing power.
If you find that, despite sunny conditions, your system is active but not generating power, it’s likely due to temperature issues.
Preparation Is The Key To Success
Whether Californians are preparing for winter weather, rolling blackouts, wildfires, or a public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) proactive preparation and following these tips are key to ensuring your home remains powered and comfortable no matter what the situation. With that in mind, it’s best for you and your family to be prepared for the unpredictability and unreliability of the grid. At Cal-Solar we offer battery storage systems and generators to give you peace of mind and reduce your dependence on grid power. If you are ready to supercharge your system, contact us today! Remember that our team is here to support you every step of the way. Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we are committed to providing you with the best possible support.
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Have questions or need to place a service ticket? Call (530) 274-3671 or
