Backup Mode
Overview
Section titled “Overview”Netzero supports Backup Mode, a Powerwall operational mode that charges the battery from the grid at a faster rate compared to Self-Powered mode (around 3.3 kW per battery, see Charging Rates below). Backup Mode can also be used to preserve the Powerwall’s charge.
Important notes:
- Not compatible with VPP programs. When the system is in Backup Mode, it will not discharge during VPP events. When participating in VPP programs, avoid using Backup Mode, or ensure VPP events never overlap with periods when the system is in Backup Mode.
- Not supported in the Tesla app. When enabled via Netzero, the Tesla app will show no operational mode selected. You can still use the Tesla app to switch back to Self-Powered or Savings. In Netzero, all modes are supported and displayed properly.
- Backup Mode can be set as an automation action (Set operational mode) or manually from Automation > Configuration (useful for testing).
Using Backup Mode
Section titled “Using Backup Mode”1. Faster Charging from the Grid
Section titled “1. Faster Charging from the Grid”Previously, controlled charging of the Powerwall (i.e. not charging in Savings mode, which cannot be directly controlled) required setting the backup reserve to 100% and resetting it later via automations, charging at about 1.8 kW per battery.
To charge faster (about 3.3 kW per battery), use Backup Mode. Grid Charging must be enabled. Example automation:
Every day at 12:00 AM: Set operational mode to Backup; Set grid charging to Enabled.Every day at 6:00 AM: Set operational mode to Self-Powered.Note: To stop charging, switch the mode back to your normal setting (Self-Powered or Savings). You may also disable Grid Charging if desired.
2. Preserving Powerwall Charge
Section titled “2. Preserving Powerwall Charge”Backup Mode can also prevent the battery from discharging. This is similar to the Preserve Battery Charge automation (which sets the backup reserve to the current state of charge), but Tesla’s recent changes prevent that method from working between 81-99% state of charge. Backup Mode has no such limitation. To preserve charge, enable Backup Mode with Grid Charging disabled. Example automation:
When vehicle charging starts: Set operational mode to Backup; Set grid charging to Disabled.When vehicle charging stops: Set operational mode to Self-Powered.Note: Remember to reset the operational mode to your normal setting, and re-enable Grid Charging if needed.
Charging Rates by Mode
Section titled “Charging Rates by Mode”| Mode | Grid Charging? | Typical Rate per Battery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savings | Required | ~5 kW | Fastest charging; Tesla controls when charging occurs during off-peak hours. |
| Backup Mode (Netzero) | Required | ~3.3 kW | Charges from solar (if available) and grid to 100%. |
| Self-Powered | Optional | ~1.8 kW | Setting backup reserve to 100% (or any value above the current state of charge) forces charging from solar and grid. |
Multiple Batteries: Charging rates scale with the number of Powerwalls (e.g., ~6.6 kW for two in Backup Mode), but:
- Utility import limits may reduce the rate.
- Powerwall 3 expansion packs charge slower than full Powerwall 3 units. See the Powerwall 3 Datasheet for details.
Other grid-charging methods exist (e.g., manual Storm Watch or VPP events), but they cannot be automated in Netzero.