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, 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.
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
If turning off a large load, toggle Powerwall / Powerwall+ OFF then back ON six times to attempt to grid form again.