In Fall 2019, PG&E’s planned power shutoffs left tens of thousands of San José residents and businesses without power for multiple days. PG&E estimates that its shutoffs will continue to occur over the next five years.
San José Clean Energy is focused on sharing resources and helping residents and businesses understand how they can prepare for future PG&E power shutoffs.
Portable power stations, also known as battery-powered inverter generators or portable batteries, are an additional backup power option that is clean with no direct emissions from the battery. They typically have enough capacity to power only a few small appliances for a short time (see table below).
A portable power station can be connected to the appliance by either a 120V AC outlet or a USB port.
Charging can be done by plugging the portable power station into the wall before a planned PG&E power shutoff or for some products, by connecting to a compatible portable solar panel.
| Cost | Weight (lbs) | Energy Capacity (Watt hours (Wh)) | Can Power… |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300-$550 | 5-16 | 200-430 | Internet modem + about 10 minutes of microwave usage OR CPAP machine for 3-6 hours |
| $1,200 | 40 | 1,000 | Refrigerator for one night OR small oxygen concentrator for one night |
| $3,000 | 80 | 3,000 | Refrigerator + internet modem for 8 hours + electric grill for 30 minutes OR Motorized wheelchair for 8 hours |
| Device | Energy Usage in 8 Hours (Wh) |
|---|---|
| CPAP machine | 400-720 |
| Ventilator | 736-1,848 |
| Oxygen concentrator (large) | 4,800 |
| Hemodialysis machine | 16,000 |
| Oxygen concentrator (small) | 960 |
| Motorized Wheelchair | 2,400 |
Current models of battery electric vehicles (BEV) typically have a battery capacity of 40 to 66 kilowatt hour (kWh). Some models have a capacity up to 100 kWh, making them four to seven times larger than a residential home battery. Using BEVs as a backup power source is currently not market-ready but is expected to be a solution as State regulators work on the protocols for vehicle-to-grid integration. Many industry experts see the potential for BEVs to provide backup power and they may do so in the future.
To prepare for a PG&E power shutoff when the lights go out and you do not have disposable batteries, consider a hand crank lantern which will mechanically charge a battery. Costs range typically from $20 to $80. Many lanterns will include a USB port to charge small electronic devices like cell phones.
Diesel generators have been the traditional solution for backup power for homes and buildings and typically cost between $6,000 to $8,000 for a system similar in size to a battery system paired with solar. A smaller sized generator (typically gasoline powered), similar in power capacity to a portable power station, can cost between $200 to $600.
While widely available in the market, diesel or gasoline generators have major drawbacks in terms of health (air quality issues and potential for carbon monoxide poisoning), safety (sparking fires), and climate impacts (increased greenhouse gas emissions). Further, fossil fuel generators rely on fuel supplies, which may become scarce during planned power shutoffs, emergencies, and other periods of high demand.
Bay Area SunShares is your opportunity to make a deeper commitment to local, clean energy and make your home resilient to the effects of climate change. Administered by the Business Council on Climate Change, SunShares offers discounts on turnkey solar and battery storage installations to Bay Area residents, pre-vets the contractors, and offers informational webinars. Sign up for a webinar.
For more information and to secure your discount, visit the SunShares website between September 1 and November 15, 2023.
Note: While SunShares is offered to all residents living in the Bay Area, the City of San José does not endorse the selected solar or battery storage contractor(s). Anyone who enters into the SunShares program does so in their personal capacity and at their own risk, and expressly holds the SunShares outreach partners harmless from any liability associated with their decision to participate in this program for services for their personal project.
The California Public Utilities Commission’s Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) provides incentives for homes to install battery storage systems. Higher incentives are available as part of the Equity and Equity Resiliency Budget, in particular for multi-family housing properties with deed-restricted residential units and homes vulnerable to PG&E power shutoff events. SGIP Equity Resiliency and Equity incentives are currently fully subscribed. You will be placed on a waitlist and only the Equity Resiliency incentive expects to receive more funding. The Equity incentive has a long waitlist and will not receive more funding. Speak with an energy storage provider on how to leverage these incentives. Here are some basics on program eligibility:
| Program | Incentive | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Small Residential Storage Incentive | Up to 25% of battery costs | Any retail electric customer receiving distribution service from PG&E (includes all San José Clean Energy customers) |
| Residential Storage Equity Incentive | Up to 80% of battery costs | Includes:
|
| Residential Storage Equity Resiliency Incentive | Up to 100% of battery costs |
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If you plan on installing a battery storage system to your home, it could be eligible for the federal tax credit as long as the battery is only charged with onsite renewable energy (rooftop solar). As of August 2022, credits on home battery storage have increased to 30% and have been extended through 2032. In addition, standalone storage is now also eligible for the 30% tax credit.
Note that claiming the investment tax credit could reduce the SGIP incentive rate if participating in SGIP.
The Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) provides support to customers that rely on power to operate life-sustaining medical devices. SVILC’s portable battery program will provide access to backup portable batteries to qualifying customers who use electrical medical devices. Individuals who use life-sustaining electrical support will be our highest priority and supplies are limited.
To apply, please visit Disability Disaster Access or download the PDF version and return it to PSPS@svilc.org. Please note that the coordination of resources does take time. Phone: (408) 894-9041 Ext. 253
The City of San José requires a permit to install a battery storage system.
