After cutting teeth on the development of electric cars, Tesla jumped onto the commercial and home battery storage bandwagon. The company took the energy storage industry by storm when it announced its first-generation home battery product—the Tesla Powerwall battery system in 2015.
After cutting teeth on the development of electric cars, Tesla jumped onto the commercial and home battery storage bandwagon. The company took the stored energy industry by storm when it announced its first-generation home battery product—the Tesla Powerwall battery system in 2015.
The DC-coupled storage battery was the first high-voltage home storage system with a smaller capacity of 6.5kWh. In 2016, the second-generation Tesla Powerwall 2.0 was unveiled, delivering up to twice the energy intensity (13.5 kilowatt hours), more than double the storage capacity, and a built-in battery charger/inverter that ensures more flexibility and power compared to the first module. This innovation marked a great milestone in CEO Elon Musk’s vision of sustainable energy for the future.
In this Tesla powerwall review, we will focus on the latest updates, facts, costs, Tesla powerwall specs and benefits of investing in the second generation storage battery.
Latest News On The Tesla Powerwall 2.0
Since April 2021, Tesla stopped selling Powerwalls for individual purchases. Instead, people interested in a Tesla Powerwall would now be required to install a brand new Tesla solar roof system or solar panel. In essence, there are no more retrofits for existing solar panels, a huge bummer for most folks.
Towards the end of April same month, Tesla took their move a notch higher when CEO Elon Musk announced via a tweet that all Tesla solar panels and solar roof systems would henceforth be bundled with the Powerwall. That means you have to buy a Powerwall whenever you acquire a solar PV system through Tesla.
What is a Tesla Powerwall?
The Tesla Powerwall is a lithium solar battery system and a revolutionary home solar battery with one of the largest energy capacities available on the market today.
When integrated with solar, the Tesla Powerwall 2.0 stores excess energy generated at daytime and avails it when needed. This keeps the home self-powered through outages while minimizing reliance on the grid.
Combined with solar panels and the Tesla Solar Roof, it provides an incredible energy storage solution capable of storing energy at home, detecting outages and automatically supplying a home’s energy when the grid is down.
How much does the Tesla Powerwall cost?
As of May 2021, Tesla lists the cost of one solar battery pack at $7,500 excluding $1,000 for the Gateway, a device that acts as the engine of the installation; and actual installation charges of about $3,500.
However, since Tesla Powerwalls must now be fitted with Tesla solar systems, you will be eligible for the “Solar + Powerwall discount”. If the discount will be considered, then the total installation cost of a Tesla Powerwall will be $10,500 as illustrated below:
Installation component | 1 Powerwall | 2 Powerwalls | 3 Powerwalls | 4 Powerwalls |
Powerwall battery | $7,500 | $15,000 | $22,500 | $30,000 |
Gateway | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Installation | $3,500 | $3,000 | $2,500 | $2,000 |
Solar + Powerwall Discount | ($1,500) | ($2,000) | ($2,500) | ($3,000) |
Total cost | $10,500 | $17,000 | $23,500 | $30,000 |
Ideally, the cost of installing a complete Tesla Powerwall system ranges between $12,000 and $15,600 (before incentives in your state). The figure includes the Tesla Powerwall battery, an inverter, other component costs, and estimated installation costs.
A state like California provides strong financial incentives through its Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) which gives rebates of up $5,800 for every residential energy storage battery installed. This has seen significant increase in demand than Tesla can handle right now.
When it comes to installing a Tesla powerwall for self-consumption, off-the-grid use and backup power, the cost of the storage battery is just a fraction of the overall cost.
Depending on where you live and your electrical setup, installation costs vary. Hence, whether the Tesla Powerwall 2.0 is a cost-effective solution for your home will depend on your electricity needs and the reasons for installing a home energy storage battery.
The ultimate cost is also largely influenced by the number of Tesla Powerwalls one chooses to install.
Notably, with the strong demand having surpassed production for quite a while, the Tesla Powerwall price is set to increase even further.
The company’s market value is expected to climb further considering the present crazy demand for its Powerwall. In 2020, the automaker promised to ramp up production of its energy storage products following tens of thousands of reservations for its Powerwall.
Tesla Powerwall specs
The Tesla Powerwall boasts some of the best performance specifications in the residential battery market; in addition to the Gateway management system which ensures smart monitoring and control.
Tesla Powerwall Key Features
Feature | Specification |
Total energy capacity | 14 kWh |
Usable energy capacity | 13.5 kWh |
Real power rating | 7 kW peak / 5 kW continuous (charge & discharge) |
Round trip efficiency | 90% |
Depth of discharge | 100% |
Dimensions | 45.3 in x 29.6 in x 5.75 in |
Weight | 251.3 lbs/114kg |
Operating modes | Solar Self-Consumption, Time-Based Control, Backup Power |
AC Voltage | 230V |
Feed in Type | Single-phase |
Grid Frequency | 50 Hz |
Power Factor Output Range | +/- 1.0 (adjustable) |
Internal battery DC Voltage | 50V |
Warranty | 10 Years |
Installation Floor or wall mounted Indoor or outdoor | Up to 10 Powerwalls-4°F to 122°F / -20°C to 50°C Water & dust resistance to IP67 |
Certifications | Meets US and international safety and EMI standards |
Given its ability to store up to 13.5kWh of energy capacity, the Powerwall 2.0 has one of the leading capacity ratings for home solar batteries on the market. This is enough energy to power nearly half of the average United States’ households’ daily energy usage.
The Tesla Powerwall 2.0 is integrated with an inverter and a reasonably standard electricity output of 5KW that enable it to power lighting, electrical outlets and appliances of up to 120 volts. Any larger appliance with more volts will demand extra Powerwalls to run it.
So, what makes the Tesla Powerwall specs stand out?
Tesla has developed an innovative mobile app that enables users to check the real-time system operations and performance history of their Powerwall as well as their Tesla Electric Vehicle, where applicable. App users can switch the storage battery between three modes:
- Solar Self-Consumption
- Backup Only Power
- Time-Based Control
These three modes enable the user to choose when and how to discharge and store energy in their home solar battery.
For example, when in Solar Self-Consumption Mode, the Powerwall can power your home by storing solar energy for use later on, or it can serve as an emergency home battery backup during a power outage. This allows homeowners to maximize the financial utility of their solar storage battery, enabling them to capitalize on the abundant free energy on their rooftops before drawing from the main grid at a cost.
The Backup Only Mode switches the battery to enable it to store as much energy as possible and ensure the battery remains full. This ensures a continued supply of power even during blackouts and when coupled with the right size of solar panels, then the backup power can sustain a household for weeks.
When a homeowner has a time-based control to charge electricity from their utility retailer, then the Tesla Powerwall 2.0 activates its smarts to use only “off-peak’ rates then discharge the energy at peak rates. Essentially, the actual financial benefits gained depend on the electricity retailer’s tariffs but are not adequate to warrant buying a storage battery system only.
The Tesla Powerwall has a standard warranty for its lithium-ion batteries which operate at about 70% of its original capacity after its warranty period of 10 years expires.
The operating mode you select affects the duration your Powerwall 2.0 will battery lasts. For more information on how your usage affects the Powerwall battery see Tesla’s warranty.
Is the Tesla Powerwall a Worthwhile Investment?
Given its ability to store up to 13.5kWh of energy capacity, the Powerwall 2.0 has one of the leading capacity ratings for home solar batteries on the market. This is enough energy to power nearly half of the average United States’ households’ daily energy usage.
The Tesla Powerwall 2.0 is integrated with an inverter and a reasonably standard electricity output of 5KW that enable it to power lighting, electrical outlets and appliances of up to 120 volts. Any larger appliance with more volts will demand extra Powerwalls to run it.
So, what makes the Tesla Powerwall specs stand out?
Tesla has developed an innovative mobile app that enables users to check the real-time system operations and performance history of their Powerwall as well as their Tesla Electric Vehicle, where applicable. App users can switch the storage battery between three modes:
Solar Self-Consumption
Backup Only Power
Time-Based Control
These three modes enable the user to choose when and how to discharge and store energy in their home solar battery.
For example, when in Solar Self-Consumption Mode, the Powerwall can power your home by storing solar energy for use later on, or it can serve as an emergency home battery backup during a power outage. This allows homeowners to maximize the financial utility of their solar storage battery, enabling them to capitalize on the abundant free energy on their rooftops before drawing from the main grid at a cost.
The Backup Only Mode switches the battery to enable it to store as much energy as possible and ensure the battery remains full. This ensures a continued supply of power even during blackouts and when coupled with the right size of solar panels, then the backup power can sustain a household for weeks.
When a homeowner has a time-based control to charge electricity from their utility retailer, then the Tesla Powerwall 2.0 activates its smarts to use only “off-peak’ rates then discharge the energy at peak rates. Essentially, the actual financial benefits gained depend on the electricity retailer’s tariffs but are not adequate to warrant buying a storage battery system only.
The Tesla Powerwall has a standard warranty for its lithium-ion batteries which operate at about 70% of its original capacity after its warranty period of 10 years expires.
The operating mode you select affects the duration your Powerwall 2.0 will battery lasts. For more information on how your usage affects the Powerwall battery see Tesla’s warranty.
Read More: The Best Tesla Powerwall Alternatives 2023
Can you go off-grid with the Tesla Powerwall?
Installing a solar plus home storage system is a fantastic way to take control of your power bills, but this does not mean you will be completely disconnected from your utility company. Going “off-the-grid” with solar storage batteries can be a costly and complex proposition than you can imagine. Most residential batteries including the Tesla Powerwall only provide enough battery capacity to store just a few hours of power. In order to maintain energy to your property without interruption for days, then you will have to install several Powerwalls to increase your storage capacity.
Can the Powerwall 2.0 charge a Tesla EV?
Tesla is now synonymous with electric vehicles and the Tesla Powerwall 2.0 home solar battery storage system is designed to charge a Tesla EV. Unfortunately, for now, there is no direct connection from the Tesla Powerwall to the EV connector.
Is a Tesla Powerwall Right for Your Home?
The Powerwall is, without doubt, one of the most expensive storage batteries on the market right now and given its high capacity, it’s possible that one smaller Powerwall battery can sufficiently power your energy needs. For most households in the United States, 5–10kWh of storage capacity is more than enough for evening/overnight use.
Despite its high capacity, the Powerwall 2.0 won’t allow you to disconnect from the grid just yet. You’ll always need to beef up your energy levels through your utility company though that’s currently true of most solar storage systems.
If this Tesla Powerwall review has been helpful and you would like to speak to a reliable solar installer in your area to provide customized advice about the Tesla Powerwall specs and a free Powerwall installation quote, click here and get connected to a certified installer go solar today.
