Tesla Powerwall Waiting for Solar: Safe Steps to Try
"Waiting for Solar" or "Waiting for User Input" in the Tesla app means your Powerwall ran out of stored energy. It may come back on its own once the sun is up, and there is one outside switch step you may try.
What it means
Powerwall has run out of the energy it had stored. Tesla's steps for this alert are to cut big loads and, while the sun is shining, restart Powerwall from its outside side switch.
Powerwall also tries again by itself about once an hour while the sun is up, so it may restart on its own.
This is different from Waiting for Grid. That one means the battery is empty and Powerwall has shut down until utility power comes back. For Waiting for Grid, the step is to wait for grid power.
What you can safely try
These steps may get Powerwall running again. They are not guaranteed to.
- Turn off big loads.
- Wait until the sun is shining.
- Find the on/off switch on the outside of the Powerwall. Tesla puts it on the right side of Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+, and on the left side of Powerwall 3.
- Turn that switch off, then back on. The outside switch is the one to touch; leave everything else closed.
- Give it time. Powerwall retries on its own about once an hour while the sun is up.
When to stop and call
Stop and call us if:
- Powerwall does not restart after the steps above.
- The app shows Powerwall Disabled or "Service Required - Fault Detected." Turn the outside side switch off and book a technician.
- A Powerwall 3 shows a flashing red light, or a Powerwall 2 or Powerwall+ shows a flashing light.
- A burning smell, smoke, sparks, heat, buzzing, melting, water on or in equipment, or visible damage: stay away from the equipment, keep children and pets away, call 911 if there is smoke or fire, and book an urgent technician visit.
More error code help
Other Tesla alerts are covered in our guide to Tesla Powerwall app alerts, and every brand is in our solar and battery error codes guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Waiting for Solar mean on a Tesla Powerwall?
It means Powerwall ran out of energy. Waiting for User Input means the same thing. Turning off big loads and, while the sun is shining, turning the outside side switch off and back on may restart it.
Where is the side switch on my Powerwall?
Tesla puts it on the right side of Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+, and on the left side of Powerwall 3. Touch the outside switch and nothing else.
Will Powerwall restart by itself?
It may. Powerwall retries on its own about once an hour while the sun is up. If it does not restart, book a technician.
How is Waiting for Grid different from Waiting for Solar?
Waiting for Grid means the battery is empty and Powerwall shut down until the grid returns. For that alert, the step is to wait for grid power.
What if my Powerwall says Service Required - Fault Detected?
That is Powerwall Disabled, which needs a technician. Turn the Powerwall's outside side switch off, then book a technician visit.
Send Sunny a photo
Not sure which alert you are looking at? Sunny, the chat assistant on this site, can read a photo of the screen. Open the chat on this page, tap the paperclip, and send a photo of your app or the equipment screen. Sunny answers day or night, tells you what the alert generally means and whether there is a safe step to try, and can take your address and a good time for a technician if one is needed.
Book a diagnostic
If the alert keeps coming back, or the steps above do not clear it, book a $395 on-site diagnostic visit. A licensed technician looks at the system and you get a written report with photos. Call or text (813) 285-4505, or request a visit on our solar repair page or our contact page. To keep a working system in good shape, see our solar maintenance plans.
About us: Fused Solar and Roofing is a licensed electrical, roofing and building contractor (EC13014750, CCC1331058, CBC1252064) serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Manatee counties since 2007, and a Tesla Certified Installer.
