YouSolar has sold a $264,000 PowerBloc to the owner of one of the most iconic houses on California’s Big Sur coast. When we met with the customer at his home to seal the deal, three magnificent California condors circled in the clouds above the property.

Why would a homeowner consider spending more than a quarter million dollars on an energy resilience solution? Sure, who wants a multi-million dollar home with warm soda in the fridge? But the primary reason for purchasing this PowerBloc was fire protection.

With wildfire risk high year-round and the closest fire district 30 miles of winding coastal road away, fire safety is a preeminent concern in this beautiful but remote area. The property will therefore be equipped with an external sprinkler system with 18,000 gallons of water to soak the buildings and perimeter if a fire front approaches.

Even if power is cut for days and there is heavy smoke in the sky, the PowerBloc’s large batteries will ensure that the suppression systems are ready and that the house has communications and enough power to drive the pump system.

All primary appliances are electric and will be powered by clean solar energy. The PowerBloc’s 100 kW inverters will also handle the electric hot tub, two electric vehicle chargers, and heat pumps.

Astonishing views of the Pacific Ocean frame the site where the largest PowerBloc so far will be installed.

This is the largest and most powerful PowerBloc that we have sold so far. As far as residential systems go, it plays in a class of its own. But are such high-end homes a niche market? Think again. 

A load of this house is comparable to a small clinic, police station, fire department, or other critical infrastructure. We are also now submitting proposals for commercial customers for peak shaving and preserving perishable items.

While we see strong demand in the high-end residential market for years to come, we expect sales to critical facilities and the commercial sector will grow even faster and then eclipse the residential sector.