A Fortuna solar-and-battery proposal should identify whether the home’s heat pump has auxiliary electric heat before promising heating during an outage. The compressor, indoor fan and any resistance heating elements can create different electrical loads. A backup design that supports one operating mode may not support them all.
For eligible homeowners, a qualifying no-upfront-cost solar-plus-battery PPA can help make a carefully designed system accessible. The useful question is specific: which heating equipment and operating modes will the proposed battery actually support?
A local reason to coordinate heating and battery plans
Redwood Coast Energy Authority’s heat-pump guidance describes heat pumps as a good fit for Humboldt’s mild climate and explains both ducted and ductless options. That makes heating electrification a relevant consideration when a Fortuna household plans solar and storage. It does not establish that every home has the same heating demand or equipment.
Check your bill for your electricity service arrangement. For RCEA participants, RCEA supplies generation while PG&E delivers electricity through its infrastructure. An RCEA service plan does not determine the circuits a private home battery can operate. RCEA explains the division of responsibilities.
Find out what “auxiliary heat” means in your system
Carrier explains auxiliary heat as a secondary heating source that helps the heat pump meet demand; electric resistance strips are a common example. Its operation depends on the equipment and controls. Do not assume your system has strips, or that an “AUX” setting means the same thing on every installation.
Give the HVAC contractor and battery designer the outdoor-unit, air-handler and installed heater-kit model numbers. Ask them to document:
- The electrical demand of compressor heating, indoor airflow and auxiliary heating.
- Which components may operate together, including during defrost or thermostat recovery.
- Which heating circuits will receive backup power and which will remain unavailable.
- Whether any approved load management is needed, and what comfort limitations it creates.
Have the contractors coordinate any control changes with the manufacturer’s requirements. Do not disconnect heating elements or alter thermostat wiring yourself to make a battery estimate work.
Separate power limits from stored energy
Power determines whether the battery can support the active equipment. Stored energy helps determine how long it can run. PG&E’s battery guidance notes that only backed-up circuits receive power and that larger loads can shorten backup duration.
For a simple illustration, assume the supported heating equipment draws 2 kilowatts and a resistance stage adds another 5 kilowatts. Together, that is 7 kilowatts before refrigerators, lights or other loads. These are hypothetical inputs, not ratings for a particular heat pump or a recommendation for Fortuna homes. The designer must replace them with the actual system’s requirements and check startup and continuous output limits.
Even if the battery can supply that power, runtime still depends on available charge, cycling, indoor and outdoor conditions, other loads and operating losses. Solar may recharge a compatible backup system when sunlight permits; it cannot guarantee overnight heating or uninterrupted comfort.
Put the agreed heating scope in the PPA proposal
Ask for a written supported-load list alongside the equipment schedule. If heating is excluded or restricted during outages, know that before choosing the system. Our Fortuna battery-reserve guide covers the separate question of how much charge is available when an unexpected outage begins.
Under a PPA, the provider owns the solar system and the homeowner pays for generated electricity, as the CPUC solar guide explains. Verify local availability and property qualification, the ongoing price and any escalator, battery fees, maintenance, contract duration and transfer terms. No upfront purchase does not mean free electricity or guaranteed savings.
Talk with West Coast Alternatives about a solar-and-battery proposal matched to your Fortuna home. Bring the heating model numbers and current utility bill so the backup discussion starts with the equipment you actually use.