Introduction
City Prepping is a well-known preparedness educator with over one million followers across YouTube and social platforms. His content focuses on one core principle: prepare for the unexpected — whether that means natural disasters, grid instability, or long-term economic uncertainty.
Based in California, a region increasingly affected by wildfire-related power shutoffs and rising electricity prices, he decided to apply the same preparedness mindset to his own home.
For him, energy independence wasn't about trends or aesthetics — it was about control, resilience, and long-term value.
“I wanted to take control of my energy, prepare for the unknown, and get ahead of energy price inflation — without overpaying for a whole-house solar system.”
The Challenge
California's grid instability presents a real challenge for homeowners:
i) Frequent power shutoffs during fire season
ii) Rising electricity rates and unpredictable utility costs
iii) Limited reliability during extreme weather events
For City Prepping, backup power was not optional. "Backup power here isn't a luxury — it's almost a necessity", he said.
He had previously used portable power solutions, but those systems were limited in scale and capability. They could not integrate with the home, nor could they export power back to the grid or serve as a long-term infrastructure investment.
The goal was clear:
i) Reliable backup during outages
ii) Meaningful reduction in monthly utility bills
iii) A system that could grow and adapt over time
The System Configuration
City Prepping built a fully off-grid-capable solar + storage system, designed for reliability today and flexibility tomorrow.
System Configuration:
i) Solar Array: 20 bifacial Rich Solar Mega panels, 550 W per panel. Total solar capacity: 11,000 W
ii) Battery Storage: 5 × Pytes V5 lithium batteries. Total capacity: 20 kWh
iii) Inverter: EG4 Kilowatt PV hybrid inverter
Power Capabilities: the system reliably powers essential and high-demand household loads, including: lighting, refrigerator & microwave, well pump, Mini-split system,central AC, additional household appliances and miscellaneous loads
The system is currently operating off-grid, with plans to transition into hybrid operation once permitting is completed — enabling grid export and further cost optimization.
Why Pytes
For City Prepping, whose mission is to prepare for the unexpected, long-term reliability and safety were non-negotiable.
Pytes V5 stood out as a proven and mature energy storage solution, with over eight years of market validation and stable performance across thousands of real-world installations. Fully certified to UL 9540, UL 1973, and UL 9540A, the system meets local permitting requirements in California, ensuring compliance, safety, and peace of mind.
The modular design of V5 allows the system to scale easily over time, aligning perfectly with a preparedness-focused approach. Remote monitoring via the WiFi dongle provides real-time visibility into system performance, enabling proactive management and long-term operational confidence.
Globally, Pytes batteries are deployed in over 60 countries across six continents, with a documented monthly failure rate of just 0.3% and no recorded safety incidents. Designed and manufactured under OBM standards, Pytes delivers a rare combination of certified safety, proven reliability, and flexible scalability — making it a trusted choice for resilient, future-ready energy storage.
The Outcome
Energy Independence & Backup Reliability
The home continues operating seamlessly during grid outages. Automatic backup ensures uninterrupted power even during fire season shutoffs.
Lower Utility Bills & Long-Term ROI
With typical electricity bills of $250–300 per month, the system is projected to pay for itself in ~9 years and deliver 11+ years of essentially free electricity over its 20-year lifespan.
Future-Proof Flexibility
Once fully hybrid-enabled, the system can export excess solar energy to the grid, function as a large-scale UPS, and expand battery capacity over time thanks to Pytes V5's modular design.
Peace of Mind
Backed by a 10–12 year warranty, the system provides both financial returns and confidence, knowing energy security no longer depends on grid reliability. A generator will add an extra layer of backup for extended low-solar periods.
“It'll pay for itself and provide free electricity for years — that's icing on the cake. But peace of mind is what matters most.”
When a preparedness educator with millions of followers chooses a home energy system, the choice speaks volumes. City Prepping's selection of Pytes V5 reflects his priorities: safety, flexibility, long-term value, and control over the future. For anyone preparing for outages, rising costs, or the unexpected, Pytes delivers power you can rely on.
Note: Check out the full installation video on YouTube to see City Prepping's Pytes V5 system in action. Special thanks to City Prepping for his trust and for sharing his preparedness journey Watch Here
