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GreenSpark Solar is excited to introduce the Tesla Powerwall 3 to its suite of battery storage solutions. The Powerwall 3 revolutionizes home battery storage for solar energy customers, making whole-home backup possible for many homeowners.
The Tesla Powerwall has been the most popular energy storage solution Rochester-based solar installer GreenSpark has offered as part of its complete home electrification offerings. As demand for residential battery storage in the Rochester area continues to grow, the team is excited to share some of the differentiators, cost implications, and current financial options for adding the Tesla Powerwall 3 to a new or existing solar array.
Benefits of Adding Battery Backup to a Solar Array
First, if you’re new to the world of energy storage options, let’s discuss why adding battery backup for your home is beneficial. In short, any home, whether solar-powered or utility-reliant, is susceptible to grid outages and power failure if a battery backup is not in place.
Energy storage allows you to harness and store excess energy produced by your solar array to continuously power your home and your electric vehicle with clean energy, even in a blackout, day or night
The Tesla Powerwall 3 is the latest in home battery technology, and GreenSpark is excited to offer this solution to current and future solar customers.
Tesla Powerwall 3 Features
Tesla Powerwalls boast a sleek modern design, fit for any residential home seeking a high-quality battery storage backup solution. Here’s what makes the Powerwall 3 an incredible choice for energy storage.
Whole Home Back-up Protection
Thanks to the Powerwall 3’s enhanced storage capacity, output, and efficiency, whole-home backup is now possible with a single unit.
Like the Powerwall 2, the Powerwall 3 still boasts an impressive 13.5kWh storage capacity, but it can handle more power. With its greater amperage load of 60 amps (as compared to the Powerwall 2’s 30 amps), it can power more devices that take more electricity to start up. For example, it’s enough to power a large air conditioner without needing any extra equipment (unlike the Powerwall 2).
The Powerwall 3 can continuously provide up to 11.5 kilowatts of power. This means you can use your battery to power more than just your essentials, like your lights and fridge: you could also run a load of laundry on your battery. With this stronger output, you can keep more of your home running, even if the main power grid goes down.
Efficient Integrated Design
The Tesla Powerwall 3 features a hybrid design. By hybrid, we mean that the model was designed with an integrated central inverter allowing your battery to automatically charge while it simultaneously powers your home or electric vehicle.
The Powerwall can handle up to 20kW of input, so any extra energy produced that’s not needed to power your home will automatically be stored for later use. For homes requiring more battery backup capacity, the Powerwall 3 is expandable up to four units for extra coverage, though most high-production homes will be well equipped with a double Powerwall system.
24/7 Mobile Monitoring
Like the Powerwall 2, the Tesla Powerwall 3 offers app-based monitoring. Customers can view and track energy usage in real-time and customize their system with performance modes and backup protection during severe weather. You can use your app to adjust your energy consumption and loads, to maximize how long your battery storage will last.
This is incredibly enticing for more strict monitoring in areas where the utility employs time-of-use billing instead of net metering.
Safer and More Responsive
Another major differentiator between the Powerwall 3 and the Powerwall 2 is the battery chemistry. The Powerwall 2 was made with a Lithium Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) battery, whereas the Powerwall 3 is made with a Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LFP) battery.
LFP batteries have a lower energy density, a lower power output, and a higher thermal runway, which means they are less likely to catch fire at higher temperatures and have longer lifespans – all reasons why they are the standard in the battery storage industry.
Additional Safety & Performance Features:
- The Powerwall 3 can detect a power cut, disconnect from the grid, and automatically restore power to your home within a fraction of a second, keeping things running with little disruption or the homeowner needing to take any action.
- Liquid thermal controls, independent fuses, and touch-safe technology deliver maximum battery life and added safety.
- The all-in-one design is accessible from the ground, meaning easier and safer access for troubleshooting issues.
Tesla Powerwall 3 Cost
As is the case with most solar and battery backup installations, it all depends. GreenSpark works with each homeowner to help assess battery storage needs based on power coverage (how many devices need to be powered) and the desired length of coverage.
That being said, the Tesla Powerwall 3 cost is comparable to its predecessor. There’s even more good news for new battery storage customers. Unlike in the early days of the Powerwall 2, incredible incentives now enable battery storage customers to save on stand-alone units or battery backup plus solar.
The Climate Bill introduced an extension to the 30% solar tax credit to apply to battery storage that’s powered by clean energy.
In addition, bundling the Tesla Powerwall 3 with a new solar array offers even greater savings due to eliminating added labor, delivery, and permitting.
Additional Powerwall FAQ
Does the integrated inverter mean that micro-inverters would go away?
Currently, micro inverters are installed for each string of panels. If and when the inverter fails, only the connected panels shut down until it is fixed. In the case of the integrated inverter in the new Tesla Powerwall 3, a failure in the inverter could mean a temporary shutdown of most, if not all, of the array.
So, while the Tesla Powerwall 3’s integrated inverter provides a more efficient (and potentially more cost-effective) battery storage option, GreenSpark is thoroughly testing this exciting feature to ensure reliability and confirm limitations before micro-inverters are reduced or eliminated from solar array plans.
Can I add Powerwall 3 to my existing solar system?
PV systems are storage-ready for add-on later and the Powerwall 3 is compatible with all major solar inverter brands and can support various existing system sizes.
What is the warranty period for Powerwall 3?
Powerwall 3 is covered by a 10-year warranty, like Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+.
Do I need solar panels to install a Powerwall?
No. The Powerwall 3 can be installed as a stand-alone battery backup and is eligible for the 30% Federal Tax Credit.
Where can the Powerwall 3 be installed?
The Powerwall 3 may be installed indoors or outdoors; however, due to code, safety, and performance considerations, GreenSpark typically installs the Powerwall in a garage.
Is the Powerwall 3 noisy?
Not at all! These systems are QUIET! You may hear a very low hum when nearby, but the Powerwall 3 is essentially silent and much quieter than a generator.
Powerwall 3 Installation with GreenSpark
Battery backup done right is a very technical installation process, so hiring a credible expert is essential.
Why go with GreenSpark?
- Certified Tesla Powerwall Installer
- #1 battery storage and solar installer in the six-county Rochester region
- Over two decades of solar experience
- Only NYSERDA Gold Quality Installer in the region
- One-stop shop for solar, battery backup, and EV charging
