69,000 California Powerwalls Helped Keep the Lights On During the Heat Wave Could Yours Be Next?
During California's September 2026 heat wave, some of the most important power on the grid came from garages and side walls of ordinary homes. On September 9 and 10, approximately 69,000 Tesla Powerwall owners took part in California's virtual power plant, together dispatching more than 500 megawatts to the grid. Tesla Energy described it as equivalent to the output of a power plant, but from Powerwalls already in people's homes.

How a virtual power plant works
A virtual power plant connects thousands of home batteries so they can respond together when the grid needs help. During a heat wave, demand peaks in the evening as air conditioners run and solar production fades. Batteries that charged from rooftop solar earlier in the day can release stored energy at exactly that moment, easing strain on the grid and reducing the need for expensive, polluting peaker plants. California's home battery fleet has grown quickly. On September 9, 2026, more than 140,000 home batteries across multiple brands discharged over 580 megawatts, the largest residential virtual power plant dispatch on record. Participants are compensated through these programs, and Tesla has said it paid Powerwall owners nearly $10 million in 2024 for virtual power plant participation.

This is mainstream now
A few years ago, home batteries were a niche product. Today they are part of how California keeps the lights on. Utilities and the state are building programs around them, and Governor Newsom recently signed SB 913, which directs regulators to create a method for valuing home batteries that send power to the grid during high demand.
For homeowners on SCE, SDG&E, and PG&E, a battery paired with rooftop solar delivers everyday value too. It stores solar energy for the expensive evening hours on time-of-use plans, and it keeps essential loads running when the grid goes down.

How to join them without buying the equipment
Many of the homeowners participating in programs like this purchased their systems. But buying is not the only way to get started. Through third-party ownership programs, qualifying homeowners can get solar and battery storage installed without buying or financing the equipment, the installation, the maintenance, or future repairs. The provider owns and services the system, and the homeowner enjoys lower energy costs and backup power. Getting started is simple. Just provide a recent electric bill and speak with a My Home & Solar Solution advisor, who can review your usage and help you see whether your home qualifies. Tens of thousands of California homes helped power the state through its latest heat wave. Yours could be next.

To find out if your home qualifies for a TPO solar and battery program, visit myhomesolution.org/california_public_utility_commissions