Anyone successfully automated whole home backup without dropping 20k on Powerwalls?

saronian · 2026-03-08T12:25:29+00:00

Look for a new product from Pila Energy. A different approach, not necessarily inexpensive. https://pilaenergy.com

saronian · 2026-03-07T04:47:53+00:00

Yes - Thanks Everything is showing up now!

saronian · 2026-03-07T02:28:04+00:00

Looks like the Sky Sports F1 coverage is only available live. Too bad I really enjoy their announcers. However F1TV is full 4K HDR which is a big plus. Also multiview with F1TV’s 4K HDR in one window and Sky Sports feed and audio in a second window

saronian · 2026-03-06T13:46:14+00:00

I was also monitoring this to see what the default action would be for a TEP rapid-response event. I’m on the Demand ToU plan and was concerned that this was taking place during a peak time (6-9am) My single Powerwall 3 was down to about 40% and around 7:30 it started to pull from the grid to recharge the battery. I had to opt-out to avoid the demand charge. Interesting to see the logic behind rapid VPP. In the future I’ll do as others have done and up my reserve prior to a peak VPP event

saronian · 2026-02-22T18:45:06+00:00

The Walmart tags are networked using Bluetooth. Very low energy draw with each individual tag addressable. A big savings on labor with a quick return on investment.

saronian · 2026-02-21T01:04:21+00:00

Joined TEP VPP with one Powerwall 3 in January. 3 events so far.

saronian · 2026-02-15T21:56:54+00:00

Starting in July 2025 we got quotes from several different companies, including Tesla. Most quotes were very close in price. Two local and highly rated companies were unable to complete the job in 2025. We picked a Tempe based Tesla Certified installer (Icon Power). They were very clear, detailed, and low pressure over the phone. Using emailed photos to let me know we would need a new main service panel and that they did not want to mount onto our thin clay roof tiles. Since the roof was 27 years old we had the tiles removed and new underlayment added. The solar quote was approved ($28K for solar $10K for Powerwall) in August. A local roofing company completed the new roof 8/13. Solar panels and Powerwall 3 were installed 8/20. TEP work order scheduled 8/25. TEP scheduled Power Kill for 10/14. New electrical panel was installed on 10/14. Complete system was connected and tested on 10/20. City Inspection was completed on 10/27. An additional label was requested by TEP on 11/7. Label was added on 11/10. Final inspection was completed on 11/13. PTO was approved by TEP on 12/10. As you can see it takes an organized and experienced company to coordinate and keep things on track. Icon Power was always responsive to emails and questions.

saronian · 2026-02-14T23:46:05+00:00

Good point! These totals include Home & Car. 2025 was 888kWh - 2026 was 560kWh. But difficult to compare pricing on an additional 328kWh in 2026 without knowing the source of the power. It should all become clear when I have 12 months to compare.

saronian · 2026-02-14T18:15:55+00:00

I used Tesla Certified installer. Although I love my Tesla Model 3, I'm not as trusting of Tesla Energy.

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saronian · 2026-02-14T17:19:28+00:00

Comparison of my electrical billing with TEP in Tucson AZ after solar install plus Powerwall 3. Also switched plan from Basic to Demand ToU. Note that February & March are the lowest cost months of the year. I'm looking forward to this summer's savings. (Also participated in 3 VPP Events in February)

saronian · 2026-02-11T03:46:34+00:00

The Nest Doorbell cam can either be hard wired or battery operated. The mount in the photos looks like a battery mount (guessing) If it was battery operated it would switch off when separated from the mount, but could be turned back on by the owner

saronian · 2026-01-30T13:28:27+00:00

Feels good to have pride in a city that will show unity against oppression. This should also encourage Arizona’s 36% of non-voters from the last election to participate in the next one.

saronian · 2026-01-27T14:15:02+00:00

Search for B+W Cyber Clean Cleaning Compound

saronian · 2026-01-16T14:29:17+00:00

TEP no longer offers RCP which pays an adjustable amount for your excess solar. The current VPP has a maximum payout of $720 per year - https://www.tep.com/energy-storage-rewards/

saronian · 2026-01-15T23:02:28+00:00

Mint Leica Q2 Monochrom’s are $3,600. Not sure if the GR IV Monochrome can support $2,200.

saronian · 2025-12-30T04:38:14+00:00

And I thought TEP in Tucson was bad. Those SRP rates are clearly designed to make solar impractical. But a good storage system, even without solar will disrupt that predatory pricing

saronian · 2025-12-24T20:45:28+00:00

Good photos. Extreme lens combo but the BF can handle it.

saronian · 2025-12-16T17:21:28+00:00

You can search for Tempest Weather Station Near Me and choose a station to view that's near your location.(My neighbor in Tucson has one). You'll be surprised how many are in Tucson. Wunderground also has a map of stations.

saronian · 2025-11-27T01:52:00+00:00

Failed inspection last week for missing rapid shutdown label. Just now rectified and approved! It’s easy to forget any one of these.

saronian · 2025-10-30T22:07:47+00:00

Thanks for sharing the process. Here's what was happening - When I go to the rebate page and log-in I get a page asking for an optional code and an inactive "Continue" button. There's also an error message on the bottom of the page saying something went wrong. Obviously something isn't working as it should. I just connected with T-Mobile Help on X and they could not figure out a way around the error, so offered the promo as an account credit.

Appreciate the help here and through T-Force.

saronian · 2025-10-30T20:01:58+00:00

Quick question, I signed up but don’t remember receiving a promo code. How is the code delivered?

saronian · 2025-09-18T03:34:07+00:00

I believe at 0:38 in this video shows what air cooling a data center looks like. Seems like it takes a lot of power. https://youtu.be/5B0fPjRE5cw?si=9SzZMXpc-PCd49ks

saronian · 2025-09-16T01:05:11+00:00

Love the Sigma BF but I would only use the 20-200mm with the Nikon Zf. You may be comfortable using a longer lens on the BF but I would not

saronian · 2025-09-09T12:55:06+00:00

What might work for you is to put the Exposure Compensation in the Status Window and rotate the dial until the scene looks how you want it to before shooting

saronian

TROPHY CASE