Photon Brothers Featured on Denver7: Tesla Powerwall Experts Weigh In on Xcel’s $10,000 Battery Rebate
When Colorado homeowners started asking questions about Xcel Energy’s new PSPS backup battery rebate program, Denver7 turned to industry experts for answers. One of the companies featured in the coverage was Photon Brothers, where our team shared real-world insight on how Tesla Powerwall systems perform during outages and why battery storage is becoming more important for Colorado homeowners.
As a Tesla Premier Certified Installer, Photon Brothers was selected as a trusted source to discuss battery backup technology, outage protection, and the value of the new Xcel rebate program. This designation is rare and reflects our long-standing partnership with Tesla, our history of expert installations, and our deep experience with Tesla Powerwall systems across Colorado.
Watch Photon Brothers on Denver7
Denver7 interviewed Photon Brothers CEO Matthew Raichart to discuss how long Tesla Powerwall batteries can realistically power a home during outages and how homeowners can take advantage of Xcel Energy’s new rebate program.
In the interview, Matthew Raichart shared firsthand experience from the spring snowstorm outages in Colorado, where his own Tesla Powerwall system continued powering his home after losing grid power. According to Raichart, his Tesla app estimated approximately 24 hours of backup power remaining during the outage while still supporting essential home functions.
Get Expert Help With the Xcel Battery Rebate
If you’re interested in installing a Tesla Powerwall or learning whether you qualify for the Xcel PSPS battery rebate, Photon Brothers can help guide you through the process from start to finish.
Why Denver7 Featured Photon Brothers
Battery backup systems are becoming one of the hottest topics in Colorado energy as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) become more common in wildfire-prone areas.
Denver7 highlighted Photon Brothers because of our extensive experience designing and installing Tesla Powerwall systems throughout Colorado. As Tesla Premier Certified Installers, we work directly with Tesla products every day and help homeowners understand how batteries perform in real-world conditions.
Our team regularly helps homeowners answer questions like:
- How long will a Tesla Powerwall last during an outage?
- Can a battery run medical equipment like CPAP machines or oxygen systems?
- Is solar required with a home battery?
- How much does the Xcel rebate actually cover?
- What appliances can stay powered during an outage?
These are critical questions for homeowners preparing for wildfire-related outages and rising energy uncertainty across Colorado.
What Is the Xcel PSPS Battery Rebate?
Xcel Energy recently launched a rebate program offering up to $10,000 toward home battery backup systems for qualifying customers. The program is specifically designed for homeowners who:
- Depend on electricity for medical equipment
- Participate in Xcel’s Medical Certification Program, or Colorado’s Medical Exception Program
- Live in Tier 2 or Tier 3 wildfire risk zone
The rebate was created to help vulnerable customers maintain power during Public Safety Power Shutoffs and other emergency outages.
For many homeowners, this rebate can dramatically reduce the cost of installing a Tesla Powerwall backup battery.
Photon Brothers has already been helping Front Range homeowners navigate rebate eligibility, system sizing, and installation requirements for this program.
For a full breakdown of qualifications and rebate details, read our guide here: Xcel PSPS Battery Rebate Explained
How Long Does a Tesla Powerwall Last During an Outage?
One of the biggest topics discussed in the Denver7 segment was battery runtime.
The answer depends on several factors:
- How much electricity the home uses
- Whether solar panels are installed
- Which appliances are running
- Number of Powerwall batteries installed
- Time of year and weather conditions
During the Denver7 interview, Photon Brothers explained that homeowners using essential appliances conservatively can often achieve significantly longer runtimes than many people expect.
A Tesla Powerwall can typically keep critical appliances running, including:
- Refrigerators
- Wi-Fi and internet
- Lighting
- Medical devices
- Small electronics
- Select heating systems
When paired with solar, battery systems become even more powerful because solar panels can recharge the battery during daylight hours.
Why Tesla Premier Certification Matters
Not every solar company has direct recognition from Tesla.
Photon Brothers holds Tesla Premier Certified Installer status, a distinction awarded to select installation partners with proven expertise and a strong track record of successful Tesla energy installations.
This certification reflects:
- Extensive Tesla Powerwall installation experience
- Consistent installation quality
- Ongoing partnership with Tesla
- Advanced product knowledge
- High customer satisfaction standards
For homeowners considering a battery backup system, choosing an experienced installer matters. Proper battery sizing, load management, backup panel configuration, and system design all impact how well your battery performs during an outage.
My home was the only one in the neighborhood fully lit and operational…
When the outage happened, I didn’t even realize my home had switched to backup power because everything continued running normally. My Powerwall was charged to 80%, and it instantly took over when the grid went down. My home was the only one in the neighborhood fully lit and operational, powering essential appliances, internet, garage doors, and lighting. I’m extremely happy with the performance of the Powerwall.
—Eldon H. | Louisville, Colorado Homeowner
Frequently Asked Questions About Tesla Powerwall & Xcel Rebates
Colorado homeowners are increasingly investing in battery backup systems for several reasons:
PSPS events and severe weather outages are becoming more common across Colorado.
Rising Utility RatesElectricity prices continue to increase, making battery storage more attractive for energy management and long-term savings.
Energy IndependenceBattery systems give homeowners more control over their power usage and backup protection.
Better Solar PerformancePairing solar with battery storage allows homeowners to store excess solar energy for nighttime use or outages.
Eligible homeowners may qualify for up to $10,000 toward a home battery backup system. You can find an entire list of local Colorado and Front Range rebates and incentives here.
No, Tesla Powerwall can function without solar, though solar extends backup duration.
Backup duration depends on energy usage, appliance loads, and number of batteries installed.
Customers must live in qualifying wildfire risk zones identified by Xcel Energy.
Photon Brothers is a Tesla Premier Certified Installer serving Denver and surrounding Colorado communities.
Get Started Today
This program is limited to qualifying homeowners and high-risk areas, and demand is expected to grow quickly as more people become aware of it.
If you think you may qualify, now is the time to take the next step.
Photon Brothers will walk you through the entire process, from checking eligibility and designing the right battery system to handling incentives and installation.
Why Homeowners Trust Photon Brothers
Photon Brothers has become one of Colorado’s leading solar and battery installers by focusing on high-quality installations, premium equipment, and long-term customer support.
Our team specializes in:
- Tesla Powerwall installations
- Solar + battery systems
- Whole-home backup solutions
- Energy storage consulting
- Colorado rebate and incentive guidance
Being featured on Denver7 reinforces what our customers already know: when it comes to Tesla Powerwall systems and battery backup expertise, Photon Brothers is a trusted leader in Denver and the entire Front Range.
