Battery FAQ — Tesla Powerwall
How long will my Powerwall last during an outage?
This depends on three factors:
- Your Powerwall size (kWh capacity)
- Your backup reserve setting
- What you're running in your home
The Tesla App shows your estimated backup duration under Powerwall > Backup.
Power conservation tips:
- Running lights, refrigerator, router, and phone chargers = significantly longer backup
- Running central air conditioning or large appliances = shorter backup
- For extended outages: the more you conserve, the longer your backup lasts
Can my Powerwall recharge during an outage?
Yes!
As long as your solar panels are producing, your Powerwall will continue charging during a grid outage.
On a sunny day this can meaningfully extend how long you can stay off the grid.
Where to check: The Tesla App will show you real-time solar charging even during an outage.
My Powerwall isn't charging — what should I do?
Step 1: Check for Alerts
Open the Tesla App and check for any alerts or error messages.
Step 2: Confirm Solar Production
- Check the energy flow screen to see if solar is producing
- If solar is producing but Powerwall isn't charging → possible issue
Step 3: Contact Support
If you see an error alert or solar is producing but battery isn't charging:
Contact Customer Success: 800-203-4158
💡 Good news: Tesla systems can often be diagnosed and restarted remotely without needing a technician visit.
Will my Powerwall switch on automatically during an outage?
Yes!
The Powerwall detects grid outages automatically and switches your backed-up circuits to battery power.
How fast?
- Switchover is nearly instantaneous
- Most customers describe it as seamless
- No noticeable interruption to lights or devices
What does "Gateway" mean in the Tesla App?
The Tesla Gateway is the control unit that manages communication between:
- Your solar system
- Your Powerwall
- The grid
What it enables:
- Automatic switching during outages
- Communication with Tesla App
- System monitoring and data
If you see "Gateway offline" alert: → Contact Customer Success: 800-203-4158
Can I charge my Powerwall from the grid?
Yes!
In Self-Powered Mode:
- Powerwall will draw from grid to maintain backup reserve if solar isn't sufficient
In Time-Based Control mode:
- Powerwall will draw from grid specifically during off-peak hours
Manual charging:
- Temporarily raise backup reserve to 100%
- Triggers full grid charge
- Useful before anticipated outage
What's covered under Tesla's warranty?
Tesla Powerwall
- Duration: 10-year product warranty
- Coverage: Both parts and labor for any covered repairs
Tesla Solar Inverter
- Duration: 12.5-year warranty
- Coverage: Labor included
How to Get Warranty Service
Contact our Customer Success team: 800-203-4158
We'll coordinate with Tesla on your behalf.
See [[warranty-coverage|Warranty Coverage]] for full details.
Quick Reference
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| How long during outage? | Depends on size, reserve, and loads. Check app for estimate. |
| Recharge during outage? | Yes, if sun is shining |
| Switch automatically? | Yes, nearly instantaneous |
| What is Gateway? | Control unit for system communication |
| Charge from grid? | Yes, in most modes |
| Warranty? | 10 years (Powerwall), 12.5 years (inverter), labor included |
| Not charging? | Check app for alerts, confirm solar production, then contact us |
Related Articles
- [[tesla-powerwall-settings|Managing Your Tesla Powerwall: Settings, Modes, and Storm Watch]]
- [[backup-reserve|What Is Backup Reserve and How Should I Set It?]]
- [[power-outage|What Happens During a Power Outage]]
- [[storm-guard|What Is Storm Guard / Storm Watch?]]
- [[battery-faq-enphase|Battery FAQ — Enphase]]
- [[warranty-coverage|What's Covered Under Warranty]]
Still Have Questions?
Contact Customer Success:
- Phone: 800-203-4158
- Email: Via the Venture Home app
- Webchat: Available on our website during business hours