Emergency Backup Power Options - Residential

Contact

Our screening tool is intended to help Californians identify the emergency backup power technology options available, that minimize community-level air pollutant emissions exposure, to prepare for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events or other emergency situations. The run times and use provided in this tool are based on manufacturer specifications and generic assumptions, and are not intended to be used to determine household power demand. Multiple tools are available online to help you calculate your individual household energy use, including the Department of Energy’s electricity use calculators.  

Over the next few years, similar tools will be developed and released as part of CARB's Technology Clearinghouse system.  Technology Clearinghouse tools include information on commercial emergency backup power options.

General Assumptions

  • Technology options, cost, runtime, and power were based on market research of commercially available, CARB compliant technology options (if applicable).
  • For generators, external fuel tank options are often available to extend run times.
  • The maximum likely use identified is intended to help users determine the greatest use of a technology, based on the following defined assumptions:
    • Emergency Communication: Less than 1kW or over 1 kW and less than 3.6 kW-h (300 W for 12 hours)
    • Partial House: 1 kW < 4 kW power and more than 3.6 kW-h (300 W for 12 hours). For battery/solar systems, solar is sized for continuous operation
    • Whole House with Air Conditioning (AC): > 4 kW power and 24 kW-h storage (2 kW for 12 hours). For battery/solar systems, solar is sized for continuous operation
  • Estimated costs provided do not include taxes, fees (including permit fees), delivery, installation, upgrades (including enhancements to existing infrastructure), maintenance or operation.
  • Battery backup power options do not include the cost of household solar installations. The costs, paybacks, and electricity produced by solar systems varies for individual households. The California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission have jointly developed a number of calculators to help residents determine their individual solar system costs and benefits.

For more information, please email us at: TechnologyClearinghouse@arb.ca.gov

For assistance with web accessibility, please email webaccessibility@arb.ca.gov.