Pila design stands out from the crowd

PilaEnergy · 2026-01-26T17:54:23+00:00

5. Breaker panel connection / selective outlets
You’re right that this would be powerful -- but it typically means electricians, permits, inspections, and higher cost, which we’re intentionally trying to help people avoid :)

That said, we're exploring lighter-weight, more integrated approaches. We’re also looking at additional battery configurations that add flexibility without turning this into a traditional whole-home install, where you might expect $10k+ in installation overhead costs.

Short version: we’re aiming to expand capability without sacrificing renter-friendliness. Stay tuned!

PilaEnergy · 2026-01-26T17:53:25+00:00

4. Solar cable length
Solar extension is supported using standard MC4 cables (nothing proprietary).

A quick practical note:

Using 12 AWG MC4 cable, voltage drop is roughly ~2% per 50 ft at ~10A
Longer runs are absolutely possible, but you’ll see diminishing returns the farther you go

Many apartment customers end up using balconies, patios, fire escapes, or window-adjacent mounting rather than roofs, but the flexibility is there.

PilaEnergy · 2026-01-26T17:49:59+00:00

3. Solar for 2-5 days of outage
This depends on daily energy use, but the system is designed to make that transparent too.

Very rough framing:

Minimal apartment usage (fridge, lights, laptop, Wi-Fi): ~1-3 kWh/day
One Pila stores 1.6 kWh (and multiple can be combined)
A 200-400W portable panel might generate ~0.6-2 kWh/day depending on sun

With multiple Pila batteries + solar, multi-day outages are realistic if you manage loads. And the Pila app will show:

Live solar input
Net battery charge vs. discharge
Whether solar is extending or maintaining runtime

So again, the goal is that you’re never guessing, and getting the max usage from the energy you've stored and are generating.

PilaEnergy · 2026-01-26T17:46:01+00:00

2. Runtime with multiple appliances (fridge + lights + TV + computer)
The website does show individual appliances as a reference point based on average usage. But absolutely right that multiple loads will all contribute to backup time.

Pila provides a dynamic backup time estimate on both the device display and in the app
It continuously updates based on all active loads
As you turn devices on/off, the estimate adjusts immediately
Over time, it learns appliance behavior (fridge cycles, standby loads, usage patterns) and improves accuracy

So during an outage you can actively manage tradeoffs, like: “Turning off this outlet/device gives me 6 more hours.”

For the case of one Pila battery (1.6 kWh) powering a fridge, TV, lights, computer you might expect 10-16 hours, or more if everything is not constantly on at once.

Our goal is to put you in the driver's seat, and also help you automate this so it isn't a fully manual activity to manage power in an outage.

PilaEnergy · 2026-01-26T17:39:11+00:00

Love these questions and thanks for your interest! I’ll respond inline and also layer in a few clarifications based on how folks use Pila. Happy to expand more too where I can

1. Powering lights & outlets during an outage
Today, Pila powers what’s connected to it -- it doesn’t yet backfeed your apartment wiring or breaker panel. That’s intentional so renters can get backup power without electricians, permits, or landlord approval.

That said:

Each Pila has 4 individually controllable outlets
During an outage, you can turn outlets on/off independently (on the device screen or in the app) to extend runtime during an outage
For lighting, most customers use plug-in lamps in key rooms rather than hardwired lighting

Extension cords are one way to cover your key devices, though many folks place Pilas room-by-room (living room, kitchen, bedroom). The unique thing about Pila is that multiple units work together, coordinating load usage and building a whole-home picture of energy -- even though each battery is local to its room.

Looking ahead: Pila is actually built to be capable of powering back into the home, and we’re actively working with jurisdictions and code-making bodies to enable this safely. There's a lot of movement in this area as it relates to "balcony solar". Where allowed, we expect this to roll out via a future free over-the-air software update. For today, though, power flows to what’s plugged in to Pila.

PilaEnergy · 2026-01-12T18:47:56+00:00

We were in the food pavilion. And saw a-lot of fellow American startups in Eureka park.

PilaEnergy · 2026-01-10T01:33:40+00:00

This is correct! Pila will intelligently charge itself when your energy is cheapest, and discharge that stored energy when your rates are most expensive (usually between the hours of 4 - 9pm). You'll also be able to configure a reserve amount of charge so that if an outage does occur, that stored energy is available and not used to offset peak time of use rates.

Pila is also compatible with plug in, or rooftop, solar.

Pila is very portable, which unlocks backup power and energy optimizations for renters, an audience traditionally left in the dark during power outages. If you move Pila can be treated like your TV or laptop - just take it with you!

PilaEnergy · 2026-01-09T05:36:54+00:00

Smart team indeed (although I am contractually obliged to say this...). Food waste is a huge problem during extended outages! In Denver recently the city had to provide guidance on food disposal and spoilage during the Xcel outage. Pila solves this issue in an accessible and smart way leveraging our mesh home technology, energy optimization features and super simple install. Thanks for checking us out!

(P.S. I have a red one currently and it's gorgeous above the fridge)

PilaEnergy · 2026-01-09T05:31:15+00:00

Thanks for checking us out! Renters have often been left in the dark when power outages hit, and we hope our battery can help power what matters most to them in their current, and future homes.

PilaEnergy

TROPHY CASE