During an SDG&E outage, an unavailable battery app can leave a homeowner wondering whether backup power has stopped too. A lost monitoring connection and a loss of electricity are different conditions. Knowing which one you are seeing makes it easier to conserve energy and contact the right support team.
A solar-plus-battery PPA can support a practical outage plan when it includes both suitable backup equipment and clear monitoring instructions. This guide uses official sources checked September 14, 2026, with Powerwall as a specific example rather than a promise about every battery.
An offline app does not by itself prove backup failed
Tesla's internet-connectivity guidance says Powerwall continues in its last operating mode and can provide outage backup without internet access. Remote monitoring through the Tesla app becomes unavailable when the system lacks that connection.
That distinction is useful if supported lights or appliances are still running while the app cannot reach the system. It does not prove that every circuit is backed up or that enough stored energy remains for the rest of the outage. An old charge reading should not be treated as a current runtime estimate.
For another battery brand, ask the installer what continues automatically without internet and which features require a connection. Do not assume Powerwall's behavior applies to the equipment in your proposal.
Keep utility status separate from battery status
Use SDG&E's outage map for utility outage information when you have internet access. The battery app describes your energy equipment; the utility's information concerns service restoration. A powered home can still be operating on backup while its neighborhood has an outage.
Before an interruption, save your service provider's contact details and the installer's support information somewhere available offline. If expected backup circuits have also lost power, report that observation along with any error message and its time. Follow the manufacturer's troubleshooting instructions instead of treating every communications problem as a reason to reset the electrical system.
Arrange local monitoring before you need it
Tesla also provides a limited-connectivity monitoring guide. It describes local monitoring with a paired phone and Powerwall actively connected to the same network. The feature requires Powerwall firmware 24.36 or later and the latest Tesla app; each phone must be paired individually.
Have the installer demonstrate this setup before an outage and explain the network requirements for your equipment. An internet connection can fail while a local network remains available, but local monitoring still depends on that network operating. Some app features may be unavailable offline.
Include the router and other necessary networking devices in the circuit discussion. Our home-office backup guide covers equipment continuity, including when a separate UPS may be useful.
Continue managing the remaining energy
PG&E's general battery guidance explains that backed-up circuits, household demand and available solar affect duration. Those equipment principles also matter in an SDG&E home.
Follow the essential-load plan while monitoring is limited. Solar can recharge storage only with suitable sunlight and compatible backup equipment; battery energy is finite. For a separate low-charge problem, see our SDG&E battery standby guide.
Include monitoring support in the PPA
A qualifying no-upfront PPA can preserve cash while providing solar and included storage. The provider owns the solar system and charges for generated electricity, as the CPUC consumer guide explains.
Confirm eligibility, battery ownership and inclusion, backup controls, installation charges, monitoring access and who handles connectivity problems. Review ongoing rates, any escalator, term, maintenance, replacement and home-sale provisions alongside remaining SDG&E charges. No upfront purchase does not mean free electricity or guaranteed savings.
Explore the homeowner journey with a proposal that explains both outage operation and how you will check the system when remote monitoring is unavailable.