Tesla has been in the battery business since 2015, when it introduced the Powerwall battery. Since then, more than 250,000 Powerwalls have been built throughout the world, and for good reason. The Tesla Powerwall is a superior battery with excellent operational characteristics. In fact, we selected the Tesla Powerwall as the best energy storage option of the year.
Solar batteries are very pricey, and the Tesla Powerwall is no exception. With installation costs beginning at $11,500, you may ask if a Powerwall is truly worth the price. The solution is not as straightforward as you may believe.
Tesla Powerwall in brief:
The Tesla Powerwall is a 13.5 kWh residential battery storage system that costs $11,500 when purchased in conjunction with a Tesla solar panel or solar roof system.
Local solar installers can acquire Tesla Powerwalls, but the price will likely be closer to $15,000.
If your utility employs Time of Use pricing or does not purchase extra solar power at the full retail rate, Tesla Powerwalls can save you money on your monthly electricity bill.
During a power outage, a single Tesla Powerwall can power modest loads and 120-volt appliances, such as a refrigerator, for over a day. Multiple Powerwalls are required for whole-home backup.
If you decide storage is suitable for you, the Tesla Powerwall is an outstanding solar battery, but there may be a lengthy wait before you can have one installed.
What is the price of the Tesla Powerwall in 2023?
One Tesla Powerwall+ battery costs $12,850 when purchased directly from Tesla. When paired with a Tesla solar panel or Solar Roof system, the price of a Powerwall is reduced to $11,500.
It is crucial to remember that Tesla does not offer Powerwalls alone, therefore you must buy one in conjunction with Tesla solar panels or the Solar Roof. Because your sole option is to package it with solar, you will automatically receive the $11,500 pricing if you attempt to purchase it from Tesla.
Not to worry! There are methods to get a Powerwall independently. Tesla Powerwalls are sold by certified installers nationwide and are not required to be coupled with a new solar installation. Choosing a local installer will often result in a greater cost for the Powerwall. Powerwalls have been quoted ranging from $12,000 to $18,000.
Is the Tesla Powerwall eligible for rebates or incentives?
Yes, the Tesla Powerwall does qualify for the battery storage incentives offered in the U.S.
The largest incentive is the federal solar tax credit, which reduces the cost of installing a Powerwall by 30%. Therefore, if you paid $11,500 to instal a Powerwall, you would receive a federal tax credit of $3,450.
In addition to the federal tax credit, several states and utilities also provide refunds and incentives. In certain instances, subsidies such as California’s SGIP incentive and Vermont’s Bring Your Own Device Program can cover over 90 percent of the total cost of installing a Powerwall.
Does the Tesla Powerwall reduce monthly power costs?
If your provider employs Time of Use pricing, a Tesla Powerwall can reduce your energy bill costs. Using Time of Use pricing, the cost of power fluctuates based on the time of day. Rates are higher during peak times and lowest during off-peak periods.
When you have a Tesla Powerwall, you may charge during off-peak hours, either with solar or from the grid. Then, you may utilise the saved energy to power your house later in the day, so avoiding costly peak pricing. This will technically save you money, but the savings will be limited if the difference between peak and off-peak prices isn’t too big. It is possible that you may not realise a return on your battery investment within the battery’s lifespan.
Batteries can also save you money if you have solar panels and your utility does not purchase solar power at the full retail cost. Similar to how Time of Utilize rates operate, you may keep your extra solar energy and use it at a later time rather than delivering it to the grid at a cheaper cost. Thus, you maximise the value of your excess solar power.
However, if your utility does not employ Time of Use rates or offer full retail net metering, a Tesla Powerwall will not reduce your monthly power costs.
Ordering a Tesla Powerwall
There are two methods of acquiring a Tesla Powerwall:
Purchasing one with a solar system from Tesla.
Obtaining a Powerwall from a licenced installation
Obtaining a Powerwall and solar system from Tesla is rather simple. Simply visit Tesla’s website, enter your address and power bill information, and then place your purchase. Tesla will follow up with you to schedule inspections and complete the system design, after which you will only need to await the installation. Which, by the way, may take some time. Some customers report waiting longer than eight months between placing their purchase and the installation of their solar panels.
You may also purchase a Powerwall from local solar providers, if they sell the device. Using a local installer, you may instal the Powerwall in conjunction with a new solar system, purchase an individual Powerwall to connect to your current solar panels system, or even have it put on its own! However, keep in mind that using a local installer will certainly cost you more than purchasing from Tesla.
Which choice do we thus recommend? We recommend purchasing a Powerwall from a local solar contractor, as they often offer superior service. Ordering through a website may be the most convenient alternative, but convenience does not necessarily enough when it comes to a purchase of this magnitude. Even while you may have to pay more than if you purchased directly from Tesla, a local provider will offer you customised attention, locate the best option for you, and provide continuing service for the life of your battery.