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If you face frequent power outages, fear higher power bills or want to use your excess solar power, you might want to consider a home battery backup. During your solar battery search, you'll most likely encounter the Tesla Powerwall 2, Tesla's second installment of the popular home battery and CNET's best overall.
Tesla, mostly known for its electric vehicles, has made a name for itself in the solar industry too, since acquiring SolarCity in 2016. Tesla introduced the first Powerwall model in 2015 but didn't start mass production of the battery until 2017. The current Tesla Powerwall model on the market is the Powerwall 2, which has been around for a few years. Tesla recently announced the Powerwall 3, which will be available to customers sometime in 2024.
The Powerwall batteries are interesting because they're just so average, and strangely enough, we mean that in a good way. These batteries are on par with their competition in almost every way. There are a few stand-outs: unlimited-cycle warranty, capacity, stackability, well-rounded specs and some interesting app features are noteworthy. The Powerwall specifications don't stand out from the battery crowd too much. Nor does it have any particular glaring weaknesses. It does have one of the lowest price points that we've seen making it one of the most affordable batteries on the market today.
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This review focuses on the Tesla Powerwall 2 and is based on specs and information provided by Tesla online. Tesla does not have a media relations department, but they do have a general press email. After emailing this contact, we received no response.
Tesla Powerwall batteries are some of the most well-rounded lithium-ion batteries available. In our review of solar batteries, the Powerwall 2 model got at least an average rating in just about every category. It's a good value battery option because it tends to be cheaper than its competitors.
Tesla has three Powerwall models: the Tesla Powerwall, Tesla Powerwall Plus and the recently announced Tesla Powerwall 3. The Powerwall and Powerwall Plus batteries are similar to one another -- the difference is how they interact with your home's energy system. The Powerwall is compatible with new and existing solar panel systems. It can also work as a stand-alone home battery without solar panels. On the other hand, the Powerwall Plus battery is integrated with a Tesla Solar Inverter and must be installed with solar panels. Both Tesla batteries can be installed with other brands of solar panels. You don't need Tesla solar panels to install a Powerwall.
Tesla has yet to release a spec sheet for its Powerwall 3 model, so we don't know all the details yet. We do know that the Powerwall 3 has the same storage capacity as the other Powerwall batteries, and it's twice as powerful too.
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All three Tesla batteries have a 13.5 kilowatt-hour energy capacity, a decent size for a home battery backup. If you have a larger home (or plan on going off-grid), you'll likely need multiple Powerwalls. One Tesla Powerwall battery is ideal for partial home backup, while whole-home backup will likely require two or more Powerwalls. You can install up to 10 Powerwall 2 units or Powerwall Plus units for a total of 135 kWh of energy storage. Both battery models can be mixed. The Powerwall 3 is not compatible with the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall Plus models.
Tesla Powerwall batteries are not as modular as other batteries on the market, making size upgrades difficult (and expensive). If you find yourself needing a capacity upgrade, you'll have to buy another 13.5 kWh battery.
The Powerwall 2 is about average efficiency for the batteries we examined. The Powerwall 2's round-trip efficiency is 90%, meaning 10% of the electricity gets lost on its way to the battery for storage. A round-trip efficiency of 90% (or higher) is standard for lithium-ion batteries. The Powerwall Plus also has a round-trip efficiency of 90%.
The Tesla Powerwall 2's depth of discharge (how much of the battery you can use at once without damaging it) is the best it can be: 100%. Just because you can drain the majority of your battery all at once doesn't mean you should. One of the main factors affecting a battery's lifespan is the number of cycles it goes through. A battery cycle is the process of discharging (emptying) your battery and then recharging it. In other words, the fewer times you fully cycle your battery, the better. The Powerwall Plus also has a 100% depth of discharge rating.
What about power output? It's fine. One Powerwall 2 can output a peak of 7 kilowatts, with a continuous power output of 5 kW. A battery's peak power output is the amount of power the battery can put out all at once without damaging anything. Peak power output is typically used when activating large loads or appliances, such as when your AC or heat kicks on. Continuous power output is the amount of power the battery can put out at all times. The more Powerwalls you install, the higher the power output.
The Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall Plus have the same on-grid power output capabilities, but the Powerwall Plus has far better backup power output capabilities, with a peak power output rating of 22 kW in full sun or 10 kW with no sun and a continuous power output rating of 9.6 kW in full sun or 7 kW with no sun. The Tesla Powerwall 2 can also be installed in a system with a backup generator, but it will need to be connected with an external automatic or manual transfer switch.
Read more: Just looking for an emergency backup? Check out portable solar panels and solar generators.
Tesla's online customer service reputation is not the best, and it seems easier to find bad customer service reviews than good ones. Tesla Solar is not Better Business Bureau accredited, but anecdotal evidence suggests poor customer service and some customers even regretting their purchases. There are frequent complaints about rude customer service or sales representatives, as well as Tesla not following through when it comes to communicating with their customers.
Tesla's warranty for the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall Plus batteries stands out among competitors. Here's what it includes:
A 10-year warranty is the industry standard for solar batteries, but few come with unlimited cycles. The typical battery warranty covers 4,000 to 6,000 cycles, making Tesla's unlimited-cycle warranty more competitive. The number of times you cycle your battery (drain and recharge it) affects its lifespan, which is why many manufacturers will include a cycle or throughput clause in their warranty.
The Powerwall's warranty also comes with a 70% end-of-warranty capacity guarantee. Batteries lose capacity and their ability to hold a charge over time, so some manufacturers will include an end-of-warranty capacity guarantee. This is the manufacturer's guarantee that your battery will be able to store a specific percentage amount of energy by the time your warranty period is up. Tesla guarantees the Powerwall will retain at least 70% of its original capacity by the time your warranty ends.
Using the Tesla app, you'll be able to view and monitor your home's energy usage, as well as analyze and compare data about your home's past and current energy production. Powerwall can also be customized to help support your energy goals by using the different control mode settings through the app. These settings essentially change how your battery charges and discharges. Keep in mind that some features and settings are only available when paired with solar panels.
You can also set a designated percentage of your Powerwall's capacity aside to be reserved for backup power in the event of grid outages. Tesla recommends setting a backup reserve of 20% when using the backup reserve setting, but you can set it to whatever you like.
The Tesla app is not without its flaws. Online reviews show complaints about frequent glitches and the unreliability of the app, with some people saying it only seems to work half the time they use it.
There isn't much of a difference between the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall Plus. The Tesla Powerwall 2 is just a battery and can be installed with or without solar panels. The Tesla Powerwall Plus is a regular Tesla Powerwall 2 battery that has been integrated with a Tesla Solar Inverter. The Powerwall Plus is designed specifically for solar installations, while the regular Powerwall 2 model is compatible with or without solar panels.
Both batteries have the same capacity (13.5 kWh). The Powerwall Plus has a much higher backup power output rating, making it a better option if you are installing a new system and have plans to go completely or partially off the power grid. Most homes will likely need more than one Tesla battery (of any model) to live completely off-grid. Both Tesla batteries are interchangeable, meaning you can install a mix of up to 10 Powerwall 2 and Powerwall Plus batteries.
Tesla debuted the Powerwall 3 at this year's RE+, a renewable energy trade show in Las Vegas. During the week of the show, the company updated its website with some details about the Powerwall 3 but hasn't released a spec sheet yet. Representatives at RE+ also declined to speak with CNET about it. We might not have all the details as of right now, but here's what we do know.
The Tesla Powerwall 3 has an energy storage capacity of 13.5 kWh, the same as the other Powerwall batteries. The Powerwall 3 is also over twice as powerful as the other Powerwall batteries, with a continuous power output of 11.5 kW. So yeah, it's kind of a powerhouse.
Like the Tesla Powerwall Plus, the Powerwall 3 has an integrated solar inverter, meaning it can be DC-coupled for higher efficiency. It's not compatible with other solar inverters. The Tesla Powerwall 3 can't be installed with other Powerwall models either. So if you already have a Tesla Powerwall 2 or Powerwall Plus battery, you won't be able to add on the Tesla Powerwall 3.
The Powerwall 3 comes with a 10-year warranty, but we aren't yet sure if it will have the same unlimited-cycle warranty as the other Powerwall batteries. Tesla's new battery is set to be released to the public sometime in 2024. Pricing information is unknown.
Tesla unveiled its new Powerwall 3 battery on the show floor at the 2023 RE+ renewable energy trade show in Las Vegas.
Home battery systems are not cheap. The Tesla Powerwall 2 costs between $9,000 to $13,000. Pricing depends on your location and other installation and labor costs. The Powerwall 2 tends to be cheaper than similar competing batteries. When it comes to batteries, you can generally expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per kilowatt-hour of energy storage.
To get the most accurate pricing information, talk to a Tesla-certified installer in your area, and get multiple quotes to get the best price possible. Gathering a mix of quotes from national and local installers is the way to go.
The Powerwall 2 is a well-rounded battery in its capacity, performance and efficiency. Is it a decent battery? Yes. Is it your best choice? It depends. The best battery for your home is one that fits your household's energy needs and what you are looking to accomplish with a battery installation. Most installers offer more than one brand of battery, so explore other battery options from installers in your area if you can. Try to get multiple quotes to get the best price possible. Here's a look at how the Tesla Powerall 2 stacks up against other popular solar batteries.
Not every battery is right for every home. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly which solar battery is the "best" battery for your home without doing an on-site inspection. We're unable to do hands-on testing with solar batteries because of the complexity of solar panel systems, but there are ways to evaluate and compare these batteries. Here's how we evaluate solar batteries.
First, we created categories that would be used to evaluate the battery's efficiency, performance, capacity and value. We also weighted each category. The weight of each category reflects the importance we felt was relevant to the average person. Here are the categories we considered and their weights:
We looked at more than 15 of the most common batteries on the market and collected the data for each category to compare the numbers. Each category (for every battery) was then given a tier-style rating (from 1 to 5) to see which aspects of each battery were above average (among those on our list), average or below average.
Yes, but you would likely need multiple Powerwalls to go completely off the power grid. If you're installing a new solar system and have plans to go off-grid, consider installing the Powerwall Plus, which has a higher backup power output and was solely designed for solar purposes. You will likely still need multiple Powerwall Plus batteries to truly go off-grid.
Yes, Powerwall batteries are eligible for the federal solar tax credit. A solar battery will qualify for the federal solar tax credit as long as the battery can hold at least 3 kWh of energy and is installed in 2023 or later.
You can order a Powerwall online through Tesla or find an installer in your area that installs Powerwalls. If you order your Powerwall online and are located at a Tesla-serviceable address, Tesla will bring the Powerwall to your home and install it for you. If you are not at a Tesla-serviceable address, your installation will go through a Tesla-certified installer in your area.
The Tesla Powerwall has 13.5 kWh of usable capacity. This is a decent size for a singular battery, but if you're looking for whole-home backup, you'll need multiple Powerwalls. You can install up to 10 Powerwalls for a total of 135 kWh. The Powerwall and Powerwall Plus batteries can be installed together.
Tesla says the Powerwall 3 will be available sometime in 2024. Pricing information is still unknown.
Tesla Energy’s Powerwall 2 stands out as a top-tier energy storage system in today’s market. Yet, with a price tag hovering around $15,000, it’s more than just a casual purchase. Many homeowners ask themselves, “Are Tesla Powerwalls worth the investment?” before diving into their hard-earned savings.
While the answer isn’t straightforward, the Powerwall 2 comes with benefits that can justify its initial cost. However, determining its value for your home depends on a few factors, including your unique energy consumption and financial situation.
Plus, as the shift from fossil fuels continues to gain momentum United States, the Tesla Powerwall has emerged as a standout energy product. But while this home battery storage system has caught the eye of many, is it worth the hype and the price? Let’s dive deep into what the Powerwall offers.
Created by the same company that’s created ground-breaking electric vehicles, the Tesla Powerwall is a state-of-the-art lithium-ion home battery that stores energy harvested from solar power panels.
The Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+ are currently available on the market. While the Powerwall 1 ceased production in 2016, its successors have significantly upped the ante. Both the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+ have an impressive storage capacity of 13.5 kilowatt-hours, dwarfing the original’s 6.4 kWh.
What sets the newer models apart is their enhanced power output, clocking in at 5.6 kW, enabling them to energize multiple devices at once. With the capability to link up to 10 Powerwall units, they emerge as a formidable battery for both residences and businesses to store solar energy.
Tesla Powerwall 2: Sporting a more refined design than its predecessor, the Powerwall 2 is aesthetically pleasing and user-centric. It delivers a steady 5.8 kW of continuous power, peaking at 7 kW, sufficient to run the majority of household appliances. However, for power-hungry systems like air conditioning or charging your electric vehicle, multiple Powerwalls would create a better power source.
If you’re already harnessing solar energy with a dedicated inverter (like SunPower solar panels), the Powerwall 2 seamlessly integrates into your setup, enhancing energy storage without any major overhauls. But for homeowners who haven’t installed a solar panel system yet, the Powerwall+ might be a more streamlined choice, eliminating the need for a separate inverter.
Tesla Powerwall+: The distinction between the Powerwall and its “+” counterpart lies in its power metrics. The Powerwall+ can consistently churn out 5.8 kW, with peak outputs reaching 7.6 kW, making it adept at powering a range of household devices.
While both the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+ share the same 13.5 kWh storage prowess, the latter comes equipped with an inbuilt inverter. This facilitates a smoother connection with solar PV panels. Moreover, the Powerwall+ delivers higher kilowatts during optimal solar conditions, whereas the Powerwall 2 maintains a consistent output, regardless of solar yield.
Home batteries, at their core, store energy in the form of DC (direct current). Similarly, solar panels generate DC power. However, the twist lies in the fact that our household appliances run on AC (alternating current) power. This is where the magic of inverters and rectifiers unfolds.
Solar panels, upon generating DC power, channel it through an inverter. This inverter transforms the DC into AC, which then powers your home. If you’re equipped with a backup battery, any excess energy not used by your home gets redirected to charge your battery. But, before it’s stored in the battery, it needs to revert to DC power through a rectifier.
Both the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+ are engineered with an in-built inverter and rectifier, facilitating seamless AC-DC conversions. While the inverter in the Powerwall 2 exclusively serves the battery, necessitating an external inverter for solar panels, the Powerwall+ comes with an integrated solar inverter. Both models can draw power from the grid, however, during periods when solar panels don’t generate electricity (at night, for example).
The energy stored in a Powerwall is ready to use at any given moment. Yet, there are specific times when tapping into this stored energy is more economical. Many utility companies charge more during peak evening hours. Sourcing power from your Powerwall during these peak times can help you save money and energy.
The quantity of solar panels needed to charge a Tesla Powerwall depends on how much sunlight your roof and solar panels get. It’s worth noting that the Powerwall boasts a 90% round-trip efficiency during its charge and discharge cycles. To harness its 13.5 kWh of usable energy, your solar panels should be capable of supplying 15 kWh.
Here’s a breakdown of this for an average solar panel system:
Given a solar panel’s output ranging from 330 to 360 watts, you’d require approximately 10 to 14 panels to generate 15 kWh of energy daily.
The precise count of solar panels needed to fuel a Tesla Powerwall varies based on the panel model and local sunlight conditions.
Remember that your home is powered by the energy your solar panels generate during the day, even as the Powerwall charges. That’s why it’s important to have the right number of solar panels to cater to both your daytime usage and battery charging needs.
The Tesla Powerwall, along with other battery storage systems, is eligible for the 30% Solar ITC Credit. This substantial incentive reduces the price of a single battery to $9,940, down from its original $14,200. However, to tap into this benefit, the following criteria must be met:
The Powerwall should be paired with solar panels or another renewable energy setup to qualify for the credit. A standalone unit drawing power exclusively from the grid won’t qualify.
For homeowners, your Powerwall should derive its entire charge from solar panels.
For businessowners, your Powerwalls must source at least 75% of their charge from solar panels.
There may be additional tax credits or financial incentives from your utility company or state government, depending on where you live. Various states, and even specific utility companies, offer solar tax exemptions and other enticing incentives.
Beyond the immediate savings, the Tesla Powerwall 2 has many advantages that make it a compelling choice for homeowners and businesses. Here’s a closer look at why:
While the initial
cost of a Tesla Powerwall
might seem steep, it’s a long-term investment. The beauty of this system is that once it’s up and running, the energy it supplies is essentially free. Pair that with its low maintenance demands and you’ll find that over time, the Powerwall can significantly offset your electricity bills, ensuring a return on your investment.
In an era of extreme weather patterns and natural disasters, power outages are becoming commonplace, especially in California. These outages can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. With a Tesla Powerwall in place, you’re not just prepared; you’re protected. It ensures an
uninterrupted power supply
to your home or business, offering unparalleled peace of mind during blackouts.
Harnessing clean energy from sustainable sources like solar and wind, the Tesla Powerwall is a nod to our planet’s future. Significant amounts of energy still comes from non-renewable sources, most notably coal power plants. By integrating Powerwalls, we can reduce the strain on our national grid and cut back on the
environmental impact
linked to coal and other fossil fuels. In essence, it’s a step towards a cleaner, greener future.
The Tesla Powerwall offers a modern solution for home and business owners who want energy independence and environmental sustainability. Its advanced features provide both long-term financial benefits and a reliable power source. Though the initial investment might seem steep, the long-term savings and peace of mind it offers make it an investment worth considering.
Powerwalls can be purchased directly from the company or from a Certified Powerwall Installer like Solar Technologies. If you’re ready to change the way you power your home and start saving more with solar, contact us today for a free customized quote.
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