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Integrating Powerwall and Solar is the best way to maximize your system’s value – allowing you to use solar power day and night. Powerwall can be integrated with a new or existing solar system.
Since Powerwall 2 is an AC coupled solution, it is compatible with typical inverters installed on a home energy system. To ensure reliable operation during power outages, at least one Powerwall is required for each 7.68 kW AC of non-Tesla solar included in the backup circuit. Additional solar energy exceeding this ratio will be configured to shut down during a grid outage.
When Powerwall is installed without solar, it charges from the grid to power your home during grid outages, to save you money on your electricity bill using Time-Based Control mode and to support the Tesla Virtual Power Plant.
When Powerwall is installed with solar, recent installs can charge from the grid if allowed by your installer during commissioning and by the customer in their Tesla app.
Powerwall can be added to a system with a backup generator connected with an external Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) or a Manual Transfer Switch (MTS).
The Powerwall system is installed between the utility meter and the generator transfer switch and can charge from solar while the grid is operational and when the grid is down during an outage. However, Powerwall and the generator are not directly integrated which means Powerwall does not charge from the generator.
In an outage, Powerwall responds immediately and provides backup power before the generator can detect the outage. The generator is turned on only when the Powerwall has a low charge, or if loads exceed Powerwall's maximum output.
When grid power returns, the generator will turn off, both the ATS and Powerwall system will reconnect to the grid and Powerwall will resume normal operation. If Powerwall is installed with an MTS, manual operation of the switch is required to power the home loads with the generator, and to connect the home loads back to the Powerwall system or the grid.
Powerwall can provide stored solar energy to your electric vehicle through your home electrical panel. However, there is no direct connection between Powerwall and your charging equipment.
Powerwall enables your Tesla vehicle to charge using excess solar energy, maximizing the clean energy being used by your vehicle. Using the Tesla app, set Charge on Solar limits and charge with solar energy.
Tesla vehicles can also be backed up by Powerwall, enabling Powerwall to intelligently charge the vehicle during a power outage. During a power outage, your Tesla vehicle will charge at up to the max charging currently set in your Tesla vehicle. Powerwall will continue, slow or stop charging any connected Tesla vehicle based on Powerwall’s stored energy and your set charging threshold.
Powerwall can either be installed alongside and separate from other existing battery systems, or upstream of those other battery systems.
Powerwall can work with other renewable energy sources, such as small wind turbines. They should be treated similar to solar and meet specific requirements. Consult a Certified Installer for additional information.