Our Thoughts on the Tesla Powerwall
The Tesla Powerwall is a high-efficiency lithium-ion battery that stores backup energy for homes to use during power outages and hours with little or no available sunshine. Its alternating current (AC)-coupled design allows installers to connect it to new and existing solar systems.
The Powerwall’s 13.5 kilowatt-hour (kWh) storage capacity makes it ideal for most homes. It has a continuous power output rating of 5 kilowatts (kW), which can run multiple appliances simultaneously. The Powerwall’s 100% depth of discharge (DoD) and 90% round-trip energy efficiency help it rank among our team’s top performing solar batteries. The battery also has noteworthy features, such as Storm Watch and app-based monitoring.
How Tesla Powerwall Scored in Our Methodology
We analyzed the Tesla Powerwall using our detailed rating methodology, which our team designed specifically to analyze and review solar batteries. The Powerwall earned a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars, scoring particularly well in the areas of warranty, depth of discharge and efficiency.
Tesla Powerwall State Availability
The Tesla Powerwall is available nationwide so residents in any U.S. state or territory can buy one. However, Tesla does not install the battery everywhere using its in-house technicians. Based on the location, homeowners may have to get the battery installed by one of Tesla’s certified installers.
Tesla Powerwall Cost and Services
The Tesla Powerwall costs $8,400, which our team has found affordable among solar batteries. This cost includes the battery, a Backup Gateway and other accessories. When you add up installation costs and taxes, the price increases to $11,500. However, based on the location and the availability of solar or storage incentives, customers might have access to a lower price.
| Battery Model | Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall | $11,500 |
Thanks to Tesla’s large-scale manufacturing experience and the battery’s AC-coupled design, Tesla’s Powerwall is one of the most affordable solar batteries on the market. Our team found that the battery costs $8,400 on its own or $11,500 with installation.
Payment Options
Just as there are choices for how to pay for a solar panel system, homeowners can buy the Tesla Powerwall with one of the four available payment models: a cash purchase, loan, lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). Customers who buy a Powerwall without solar panels may not have to access a PPA because it usually applies only to energy-generating systems and not storage devices.
Also noteworthy is that leases and PPAs typically save the least amount of money over a solar panel system’s lifetime, based on our research. Cash purchases or solar loan financing offer more savings and allow you to claim tax incentives as the system owner.
Tesla Powerwall Certified Installers
Tesla partners with a large number of solar equipment, battery and electric vehicle (EV) charger companies to install its solar panels and Powerwalls. Homeowners who live in areas where Tesla doesn’t directly offer its services can have the Powerwall battery installed by one of the company’s certified installation partners. To find a Tesla-certified installer, buyers can enter their ZIP code on Tesla’s website. Some of the major Tesla Powerwall-certified installers include:
Tesla Powerwall Warranties
| Warranty Type | Tesla Powerwall Length | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Workmanship or service warranty | 4 years | 10 years |
| Product warranty | 10 years | 10 years |
| Performance warranty | Guarantees 70% capacity at end of warranty | Guarantees 70% capacity at end of warranty |
Tesla Powerwall Installation Process
Tesla has a simplified process for buying a Powerwall battery and getting it installed. The process includes finding a Tesla-certified installer through the company’s website and ordering the Powerwall online. Below is the list of steps involved in the installation process:
- Place your order: Customers can order a Powerwall through Tesla’s website or a certified installer. To do so, plan to enter information about your address and electric bills.
- Site assessment: Tesla will survey your home and its electric systems to pick the location and wiring of the Powerwall. The company will also determine if your home needs any upgrades before battery installation and if you need more than one battery. At this stage, Tesla will propose a system design, which you will need to approve before moving forward.
- Pre-installation and preparing your home: To ensure quick and efficient installation, you must clear the ground and wall space where the installation is planned. Tesla specifies the dimensions and clearances of its Powerwall battery and Backup Gateway, and you will need to clear enough space on the mounting wall based on these specifications.
- Installation: On the scheduled date and time, technicians from Tesla or a certified installer will install the Powerwall in your house and connect it to your home circuit. You can connect the Powerwall to the internet to receive updates and notifications.
- Testing and commissioning: Once technicians install the Powerwall, they will ensure the battery is functioning properly and all features are active.
What Customers Think of Tesla Powerwall
The popularity of the Tesla Powerwall is evident from its large number of global sales. Our team read reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to get an idea of what customers like and dislike about Tesla and the Powerwall. Note that online reviews may pertain to Tesla as a whole in addition to its solar energy products.
What Customers Like
- Ease of ordering: Although buying a solar battery or panel system typically involves lengthy sales pitches and consultations, many homeowners liked that they could order the Powerwall quickly online.
- Equipment quality and features: Several Powerwall owners praised the battery’s reliability, efficiency and quality of construction. They also mentioned the ease of monitoring the battery through an intuitive smartphone app.
- Company market presence: A number of reviewers reported buying the battery based on the fact that the chances of Tesla going out of business are very low, offering peace of mind regarding warranty coverage.
- Strong warranty: Numerous Powerwall customers mentioned in reviews that they chose the Powerwall because of its strong warranty.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Long wait times: Depending on the location, several reviewers reported long wait times of weeks or even months for their Powerwall order to process.
- Communication issues: Tesla’s project manager is the customer’s single point of contact until the installation is over. Several customers mentioned slow or inefficient communication regarding installation updates or other issues.
Our team reached out to Tesla for comment on its negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Tesla Powerwall vs. the Market
The solar battery market is rapidly growing, and the Tesla Powerwall has some strong competitors. Here is a table comparing the Powerwall with the SunPower SunVault and SonnenCore+, two other solar batteries on the market.
| Star Rating | ||
| System Cost With Battery | $27,500–$34,500 | $40,000–$56,000 |
| Battery Cost | $11,500 | $16,000–$20,000 |
| Warranty Length | 10 years | 10 years |
| Installation Process | Tesla and Tesla-certified installers | SunPower and certified SunPower dealers |
| Storage Capacity | 13.5 kWh | 13 kWh–15 kWh |
| Continuous Power Rating | 5 kW | 6.8 kW |
| Star Rating | ||
| System Cost With Battery | $27,500–$34,500 | $40,000–$56,000 |
| Battery Cost | $11,500 | $16,000–$20,000 |
| Warranty Length | 10 years | 10 years |
| Installation Process | Tesla and Tesla-certified installers | SunPower and certified SunPower dealers |
| Storage Capacity | 13.5 kWh | 13 kWh–15 kWh |
| Continuous Power Rating | 5 kW | 6.8 kW |
The Tesla Powerwall is comparable to the SunVault and SonnenCore+ in terms of warranty, but both batteries have greater storage capacities than the Powerwall. The SunVault battery beats the Powerwall and Sonnen battery for continuous and peak power rating. However, the Powerwall is also the most expensive of the three.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tesla Powerwall
The Tesla Powerwall is worth it if you are looking for a reasonably priced and well-built solar battery that offers high efficiency and decent power output, based on our review. Moreover, its smart features and modern styling make it a highly desired solar battery.
Tesla offers a 10-year warranty with the Powerwall, which is considered the standard lifetime of the battery. However, based on usage and number of cycles, the battery can last several more years.
Yes, the Tesla Powerwall has a continuous power rating of 5 kW, which makes it capable of powering an air conditioner and other larger appliances. However, the battery may not be able to run several air conditioners at once.
You can install the Powerwall without solar panels, particularly if you have an improper roof layout or if you are only looking for resilience against short blackouts.
The Powerwall is a direct current (DC) battery, as with all other batteries, which means you cannot use energy from the device directly to power your appliances, which require AC electricity. You will need to install an inverter to help convert the energy into a usable form to power your home. When pairing a Powerwall with a solar panel system, you can use your solar inverter with both the solar panels and the Powerwall. If you install a Powerwall alone, you will need to buy a separate inverter.
Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Solar Companies
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