Hawaii Storm Preparedness
Storm Preparedness for Hawaii Solar, Battery, and Tesla Powerwall Owners
Severe weather can bring heavy rain, strong wind, flooding, and power interruptions across the islands. A little preparation can help homeowners protect their families, understand their solar and battery systems, and know how to monitor energy use if the grid or internet service goes down.
Quick Answer: What Should Solar and Battery Owners Do Before a Storm?
Before severe weather arrives, charge phones, confirm your battery app is working, avoid roof access, secure outdoor items, review backed-up circuits, and follow official emergency instructions. Tesla Powerwall owners should confirm the Tesla app is updated and review Tesla's local monitoring instructions before internet or cellular service is interrupted.
Follow Official Storm Guidance First
Solar and battery preparation should always come after life-safety guidance. Monitor the National Weather Service Honolulu office, the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, county emergency alerts, and local utility updates for the latest warnings and instructions.
- Keep enough water, food, medication, and basic supplies for your household.
- Charge phones, tablets, battery packs, flashlights, and radios before conditions worsen.
- Know where shutoff switches, breakers, and emergency contacts are located.
- Stay away from downed lines, flooded electrical equipment, and damaged solar or battery components.
Prepare Your Solar PV System Safely
Do not climb on your roof before or after a storm. From the ground, homeowners can look for obvious loose debris, unsecured outdoor items, or branches near equipment. If you notice cracked panels, damaged conduit, exposed wiring, inverter warnings, roof leaks near solar equipment, or unusual smells or sounds, keep your distance and contact a qualified professional.
Grid-tied solar systems are designed with safety rules that may stop solar production during a grid outage unless the system includes properly configured battery backup. How your system behaves depends on equipment type, battery storage, backed-up circuits, available sunlight, and installation design.
Hawaiian Electric Storm Readiness Update
Hawaiian Electric has activated its emergency response plan and is preparing crews, equipment, and restoration resources for potential storm impacts. HECO reminds customers that restoration work begins only when conditions are safe for crews, since high winds, flooding, lightning, fallen trees, and other hazards can delay repairs.
HECO safety reminders for customers
- Review your household emergency plan and keep basic supplies ready.
- Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines and report downed lines or unsafe electrical conditions.
- Plan ahead for anyone who depends on electrically powered medical equipment.
- Use portable generators only outside in well-ventilated areas and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Monitor Hawaiian Electric updates through its website, storm center, mobile app, and official social channels.
For Tesla Powerwall Owners: Review Local Monitoring Before the Grid Goes Down
Tesla provides instructions for monitoring Powerwall with limited connectivity. Tesla notes that if internet or cellular service is unavailable, Powerwall and the Tesla app may still communicate locally when your mobile device and Powerwall are connected to the same network and the system has been paired.
Before storm conditions worsen
- Update the Tesla app on your phone.
- Confirm your phone has recently opened and connected to your Powerwall in the Tesla app.
- Review Tesla's phone pairing steps if your mobile device has not been paired.
- Keep your phone connected to the same local network used by Powerwall when possible.
- Save Tesla's support article for offline reference if your browser or phone allows it.
During an Outage: Use Power Thoughtfully
If your system includes battery backup, use energy carefully during an outage. Battery runtime depends on what is backed up, how much energy your home is using, weather conditions, time of day, available solar production, and battery charge level.
- Prioritize essentials such as refrigeration, communications, medical needs, and lighting.
- Delay high-load appliances when possible.
- Watch battery charge level and home consumption in your monitoring app.
- Use air conditioning carefully if it is connected to backed-up circuits, because cooling loads can use significant power.
After the Storm Passes
Wait until conditions are safe before checking anything outside. Never touch damaged electrical equipment, submerged equipment, exposed wires, or downed utility lines. If you see visible damage or your monitoring app reports a fault, document what you can safely see from the ground and contact support.
Alternate Energy Hawaii customers can reach the team for solar PV, battery, monitoring, and energy-system support questions.
Need Help With Solar, Battery, or Powerwall Questions?
AEI can help customers review solar PV, battery storage, monitoring questions, and backup-power planning. For immediate safety concerns, follow emergency officials and utility guidance first.
Storm Preparedness FAQ
Can I monitor Tesla Powerwall if internet or cellular service goes down?
Tesla explains that Powerwall owners may be able to monitor power flow and charge level locally from the Tesla app when the phone and Powerwall are on the same network and the system is properly paired. Review Tesla's instructions before severe weather arrives.
Should I climb on my roof to inspect solar panels?
No. Do not climb on your roof before, during, or after storm conditions. Check only from the ground when safe, and contact a qualified professional if you suspect damage.
Will solar panels power my home during every outage?
Not always. A standard grid-tied solar system may shut down during an outage for safety. Backup operation depends on whether the system includes battery storage and how the backed-up circuits are designed.
What should I do if my solar or battery equipment looks damaged?
Stay away from damaged equipment, exposed wiring, flooded electrical areas, and downed lines. Document visible issues from a safe distance and contact support when conditions allow.