Powerwall / Powerwall+ Fails to Provide Backup Power to All Loads​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

When providing backup power, the Powerwall system is overloaded and Powerwall / Powerwall+ does not power backup loads

Symptoms

This issue is likely caused by a load in the backup circuit that is too large for Powerwall to support, which causes a system overload. Powerwall will attempt to back up the loads but will fail, and a rhythmic, audible clicking will be heard from Powerwall until all unit thresholds have been met:
  • In-rush current for the offending load has been alleviated
  • Home consumption does not exceed 5.0 kW per Powerwall / Powerwall+
  • Average State of Energy is above 0%

Note that this issue is only present during an outage.

Steps to Troubleshoot

  1. Ensure no cables or other obstructions are blocking the contactor in the Gateway / Backup Switch.
  2. Look for pumps, motor loads, or other large loads in the backup circuit (see What Can Powerwall Back Up for large appliance compatibility with Powerwall / Powerwall+).
  3. If a large load is found, shut off all two-pole breakers and perform an off-grid test to confirm that Powerwall / Powerwall+ does not collapse off-grid.
  4. If Powerwall / Powerwall+ successfully grid-forms, relocate the large load out of the backup circuit. The load can be left in the main service panel upstream of the Gateway, or (if Backup Gateway 2), fed from the Gateway Non-Backup lugs or load shed (see the Feature Notes appendix in the Powerwall / Powerwall+ Installation Manual).
  5. If Powerwall / Powerwall+ does not successfully grid-form, confirm the State of Energy is greater than 0%.
  6. If the Powerwall / Powerwall+ State of Energy is at 0%, allow Powerwall / Powerwall+ to charge to at least 30% before attempting another off-grid test. If the Powerwall State of Energy is greater than 0%, contact install support.
  7. If at any point during the backup failure a non-rhythmic toggling can be heard in one or more units, contact install support.
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Note
If turning off a large load, toggle Powerwall / Powerwall+ OFF then back ON six times to attempt to grid form again.