Why haven’t California homeowners installed a battery system yet?

Most California residents are unprepared in the event of a wildfire disaster and the related power outages, according to a survey conducted by Haven Energy, a climate tech company focused on home battery systems. The survey also shows a general lack of awareness of state and federal subsidies tied to home battery systems.

“We are deeply concerned by the survey results, which highlight the alarming lack of preparedness and awareness among Californians when it comes to wildfires, power outages, and the technology and incentives that will protect their homes and help fight climate change,” said Vinnie Campo, Co-founder and CEO of Haven Energy.

This survey was conducted July 6-10, 2023 by Haven Energy online through AYTM among 1000 adults 18+ located in California. Some report findings:

• Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) California residents don’t have funds set aside for potential wildfire damage
• Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) California residents don’t have any preparations in place (e.g. backup power, evacuation plan) in the event of a wildfire in their area
• A total of 3 in 5 (60%) California residents either have less than $5,000 in their emergency funds (27.8%) or no emergency fund at all (32%)

Roughly half of the most destructive wildfires in California’s history are attributed to the electrical infrastructure. Utility companies will also proactively cut power to electrical lines as a measure of last resort to help prevent their spread. The result is that power outages are increasingly more frequent throughout the State. The survey found that a majority of California residents have experienced a power outage in the last year and expect to continue to experience them with greater frequency this summer.

• The majority (51%) of California residents reported experiencing 1-2 power outages over the past year
• The majority (51%) of California residents expect at least 1-3 power outages over the next 3 months
• Nearly 2 in 5 (18%) expect 4-6 power outages over the next 3 months

While a vast majority of California residents predict higher energy bills, and many expect a surge in demand for climate tech solutions, a greater number of California residents are unaware of the incentives and subsidies available to them.

• More than 7 in 10 (72%) of California residents predict higher energy bills over the next decade
• More than 2 in 5 (43%) of California residents predict a surge in demand for solar panels
• More than 1 in 4 (27%) of California residents predict a surge in demand for home battery systems
• Nearly 2 in 5 (38%) of California residents predict a surge in demand for energy-efficient home appliances
• Nearly 4 in 5 (78%) of California residents are unaware they can save up to $2,500 off the full cost of a home battery system with state subsidies
• 4 in 5 (80%) of California residents are unaware they can receive up to 30% off the full cost of a home battery system with federal subsidies

Why haven’t California homeowners installed a battery system?

Of the total respondents (1,000), Nearly one-third of respondents identified as homeowners (36%). The most common reasons that homeowners gave for not installing a home battery system were they were either too costly, they had never heard of them, or they were unfamiliar with the home battery installation process.

• 2 in 5 (40%) of California homeowners reported that home battery systems are too costly
• Over 1 in 3 (34%) of California homeowners have never heard of home battery systems
• Nearly 1 in 3 (32%) of California homeowners are unfamiliar with the installation process
• Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) of California homeowners don’t know what the benefits are of a home battery system