Solar Powerwall: Is It Worth The Investment?

Are you wondering how to reduce energy costs in your home? 

How you can be prepared for power outages? 

Is it worth investing in a solar powerwall? 

We are here to guide you to make the right decision for your home!

What is a solar powerwall? 

Solar Powerwall: Is It Worth The Investment? 1

A solar powerwall is a compact lithium-ion home battery system that stores your solar energy for backup protection. It reduces your reliance on the grid by storing solar energy for use when the sun isn’t shining or during a power outage.

However, a powerwall can also be charged with any electricity source if sunlight is not available.

You can connect up to 10 powerwall units as a single energy storage system, making it feasible for homes.

In the event of a power outage, your powerwall will automatically disconnect from the grid and restore power in your home within a few seconds. Your solar panels will continue to recharge your powerwall until the grid is up again.

Generic solar battery vs Tesla powerwall

The Tesla powerwall lasts much longer while simultaneously utilizing green energy in comparison to a generic solar battery.

The Tesla powerwall is the only liquid-cooled battery available on the market, which allows it a wide operating temperature range (-20 to 50 deg C) and is less likely to reduce power output in both high and low temperatures. Whereas a generic solar battery is incapable of doing this.

Furthermore, it has a high weather rating meaning it can safely be installed outside. However, a generic solar battery needs to be installed in a sheltered area.

What does a Tesla powerwall do? 

Solar panels produce Direct Current (DC), but home appliances require Alternate Current (AC). This is where Tesla’s powerwall comes into play. It has an internal inverter and rectifier, which converts electricity between AC and DC. DC power that goes through the powerwall inverter is converted to AC, and then flows through your house.

Likewise, excess energy that’s not used in the home will keep flowing to charge your battery. It will need to go through a rectifier to be converted back to DC power in order to be stored in the battery. 

How long can a powerwall power a house? 

It depends on the size of your home and your power consumption.

One powerwall provides 13.5 kWh of usable energy for backup power. An average home uses approximately 25 kWh of energy per day. A small home may use 10 kWh and a large home 40 kWh or more per day.

The Tesla mobile app can be used to monitor your usage and conserve power to extend your backup coverage for a day or more.

Does a powerwall work during a power outage? 

Yes, of course, a powerwall works during a power outage! The energy stored in your powerwall will power your home, and solar panels will continue to recharge the powerwall.

How much does a powerwall cost? 

Each Tesla powerwall is priced at $10,500. The price increases based on the number of units connected together (up to 10). Installation prices are usually lower when installing two or more units.

Is it worth getting a powerwall? 

Yes the powerwall is worth it for homeowners who

  • Are looking to save money on their energy bills. A powerwall can save up to $ 8000 annually on your home electricity bill. 
  • Want to prepare their home for power outages
  • Lower their carbon footprint by reducing the use of fossil fuels which emit carbon during their production, transportation and usage.

However, you will need to ensure you generate enough energy. With that being said, a Tesla powerwall is one of the best solar batteries available on the market today.

How many Tesla powerwalls does it take to run a house? 

In most cases, you will need two or three Tesla powerwalls for the whole house. They will be sufficient for essential loads and large appliances such as a central air conditioner, electric cooking range, off-grid vehicle charging, electric dryer, electric water heater, pool equipment, etc.

The total number is a personal choice depending on how much power you consume or need to store and the types of appliances you use during a power outage.

Why do you need a powerwall? 

 Here are some reasons to invest in a powerwall:

  • Self-powering your home

With a powerwall, you can store and use excess solar energy. This includes using it at night, which roughly doubles the amount of solar energy directly powering your home.

  • Backup power

A powerwall provides seamless backup power in the event of a utility power outage. In a longer outage, powerwalls can recharge from your solar power system. If necessary, you can even run your home on solar indefinitely if you have an adequate powerwall.

  • Home energy monitoring

With the Tesla mobile app, you can monitor your solar, powerwall and home energy use in real-time to minimize your power consumption and save energy.

Conclusion 

As you can see, the powerwall’s storage capacity and continuous power output reduce your reliance on the grid and prepares your home for power outages.

For more on solar energy, types of solar panels, and solar appliances, head over to Justsolar.

Leave a Reply