A home battery can help keep a Coronado security-camera system running during an SDG&E outage when its complete power supply is included in the backup design. Count the recorder, camera power equipment and any needed network devices—not just the cameras visible outside.
SDG&E's Coronado Island Reliability Project upgrades the island's transmission supply. Its current page says a construction-related power interruption is not anticipated, but advance notice would be provided if one becomes necessary. That project page is not an outage notice for your address. Household backup still needs its own equipment plan. Sources below were checked October 11, 2026.
Trace where each camera gets power
Bring the installer a simple equipment list:
- Cameras powered through Ethernet cables, often called PoE cameras.
- The network video recorder, or NVR, and its hard drive.
- A separate PoE switch or injector, if used instead of recorder-powered camera ports.
- The router and modem needed for your intended network functions.
- A viewing monitor, if viewing footage locally during an outage is a priority.
Have the installer identify the outlets and circuits supplying those devices. A backed-up living-room router does not establish that a recorder in the garage will receive battery power.
Include recorder power in the load estimate
Some equipment displays camera consumption, which is useful but incomplete. Reolink's PoE monitoring guidance explains that supported recorders show camera-port power; the recorder's hard drive and mainboard also consume electricity. A camera-port total is therefore not the complete system's outlet load.
Ask for the total AC demand of the proposed backup equipment, accounting for operating modes such as nighttime illumination. Avoid counting camera consumption twice when it is already included in a recorder or switch's measured input.
For an explicitly hypothetical complete camera-and-recorder load averaging 60 watts, twelve hours uses 0.72 kilowatt-hours: 60 × 12 ÷ 1,000. This is an assumed load calculation, not a product specification or promised runtime. Add separate network equipment and other household loads if they are outside that measured total. Battery conversion losses, available charge and power limits also matter.
Separate recording from remote viewing
Keeping equipment powered does not guarantee access from your phone. For example, Reolink's offline-operation guide describes compatible powered PoE camera/NVR configurations that retain local viewing and playback without internet, while remote access and online notifications are unavailable.
Confirm your exact models, recording settings and storage arrangement. Ask the installer to demonstrate the intended backup operation and explain any transfer interruption or restart behavior. A home battery cannot restore an internet provider's failed network, and camera backup is not a guarantee of security protection.
Put these loads in the solar-plus-battery proposal
A suitable PPA can make solar and included storage accessible without an upfront equipment purchase for qualifying homeowners. The CPUC consumer guide explains third-party solar ownership and ongoing electricity payments. Availability and approval depend on the actual offer and property.
Request written confirmation of battery ownership, included backup circuits, any additional installation charges, maintenance and replacement coverage. Review the payment rate, possible escalator, contract length, transfer terms and remaining utility bill. Camera equipment is not automatically included in a solar agreement.
Available battery charge and total household demand limit duration; solar recharge requires suitable sunlight and compatible backup equipment. Our Coronado battery mounting guide addresses another part of the installation plan. Bring your equipment list and SDG&E bill to West Coast Alternatives' homeowner journey to discuss a proposal that includes your recording priorities.