As electricity costs keep climbing in California, many people are drawn to the idea of using solar panels and battery storage to rely less on the utility, or to bypass it altogether.

That is the issue facing an Oakland apartment resident on the r/SolarDIY subreddit who is trying to determine whether a relatively small system could eliminate a PG&E bill.

Here's what to know

In a post on Reddit, the resident asked for guidance on a battery-and-solar setup for a two-bedroom apartment occupied by two adults. The home's power needs included two TVs, a fridge, a microwave, a convection oven, modest lighting, and basic devices.

Because power in California can be so costly, even a compact battery system might handle enough day-to-day demand to make a dent. Still, the original poster was probably a little too ambitious.

"You'd need more panels [than] you think to go off grid," a commenter wrote. "Also chances are your HOA wont be happy either if they see random panels on the roof."

For many households, the answer is not all-or-nothing. Even partial backup can reduce how much costly utility power gets used at night or during peak-rate periods.

Adding battery storage is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save on energy costs, and move closer to going off-grid. It is also one of the clearest ways to turn daytime solar production into usable evening power.

Readers interested in battery options can explore EnergySage's free tools to learn more about home battery storage. EnergySage has also teamed up with the electrification brand Qmerit to guarantee you get the best price on home battery storage solutions. Another option is Pila, whose plug-and-play batteries are priced at a fraction of the cost of a whole-home backup system.

More background

Living in an apartment makes the calculation a bit more complicated. Strong sun exposure may suggest solar is an easy fit, but choosing the right battery still comes down to the details.

A fridge, lighting, Wi-Fi equipment, phones, and tablets are one category of load. A microwave and convection oven are another. High-draw appliances can drain a battery much faster.

In places such as Oakland, where residents are often juggling high housing costs alongside steep power bills, even a partial setup that reduces evening grid use, provides outage protection, and offsets some utility charges can help lower costs.

"You'd do better with balcony solar to offset electrical load during the day," a user suggested.

For renters and apartment residents, there are additional complications such as roof access, landlord approval, wiring limitations, and building safety requirements.

"I'm not really looking to go off grid but I would love to mostly or significantly reduce my PG&E bill is really my goal," the OP later admitted in a follow-up.

What can be done?

The first step is getting realistic about energy use. That means separating must-have loads from comfort or convenience loads. From there, consumers can compare battery sizes, backup durations, and installation costs before committing.

A well-matched system can keep essentials running during outages while helping reduce dependence on expensive utility electricity throughout the rest of the year.

For some people, the practical win may not be reaching a true $0 bill right away. It may instead mean starting with a smaller backup system, cutting the most expensive utility usage, and expanding later.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.