Tesla Motors has finally unveiled its long anticipated home energy storage solution – Powerwall.
The all-electric car company is beginning to redefine itself as an energy company, its intention all along. The premise for Tesla, as its founder Elon Musk has stated, is to help transition the world to one that is based on the sustainable generation and use of electricity.
The company is offering a 7 and a 10 kilowatt battery. The prices are $3,000 and $3,500, respectively. These prices do not include the necessary inverter and installation costs. While the system can be used without solar panels, it can be seen as more cost effective when added to a solar home since the inverter has already been paid for.
There are two primary purposes for these battery systems.
1. Peak Rate Avoidance – Many power companies charge higher rates for electricity during peak evening hours. Cheaper rate energy can be stored in a Powerwall, then used during peak hours.
2. Emergency Power – Those who live in places where storms can cut off electricity or areas where the grid can be unreliable, the Powerwall can provide electricity when the grid is not supplying any.
It’s primary use will be high electric rate avoidance. Powerwall can provide about a few hours of power every day based on average homeowner electricity usage. This will be in the evening hours when many utilities charge extra for power.
While current energy storage prices prevent complete energy independence, the Powerwall is definitely a step in the right direction. Let’s take a look at the numbers involved.
For the 10kw system at $3,500, the cost per kilowatt is $350. This is significant as Tesla has managed to achieve relatively low pricing for cutting-edge lithium-ion battery technology.
What about pricing related to everyday home use? Assuming a homeowner gets frequent use out of Powerwall over its warrantied 10 year expected life, the cost is about 15 cents per kilowatt hour.
Economically this only currently makes sense in states where peak energy costs 20 cents or more per kilowatt hour. A solar powered homeowner who lives in one of these states is paying 8 cents per kilowatt hour for solar power during the day time and 15 cents per kilowatt hour for a few hours from stored solar power. This would save a bit of money compared to the more expensive 20 cents or more per kilowatt hour peak rate.
For many of us, however, battery prices must still fall quite a bit for massive adoption of storage technologies like the Powerwall. Solar plus net metering is still much more cost effective without battery storage.
Looking towards the future, a reduction of battery and solar power prices will eventually turn the grid into a kind of back up energy provider as we all become more self-sufficient producers of power. This diminished role could have it playing more of a power manager than its traditional one of power seller.
Again, the Powerwall is definitely a major step forward for sustainable energy. Costs will continue to fall. A significant piece of the cost puzzle will arrive with the completion of Tesla’s Gigafactory. It is estimated that this battery plant will be able to reduce costs an additional 30% due to economies of scale.
Tesla’s goals reach much farther than residential energy storage. The company is continuing to work with large corporations and utility companies. They will continue their open source patent policy so that other companies can help speed up our transition to a clean energy society.
In conclusion, the Tesla Powerwall Home Energy Storage is a revolutionary product that offers a sustainable and efficient solution for homeowners to store and utilize renewable energy. With its sleek design and advanced technology, it allows users to reduce their reliance on the grid and have greater control over their energy consumption. The Powerwall is a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable future, making clean energy accessible to a wider audience and ultimately contributing to a greener planet.
In conclusion, the Tesla Powerwall Home Energy Storage is a groundbreaking product that revolutionizes the way we store and utilize energy in our homes. With its sleek design and advanced technology, it provides homeowners with a reliable and efficient solution for managing their energy consumption. The Powerwall offers numerous benefits, including reducing reliance on the grid, lowering energy costs, and promoting sustainability. Its integration with renewable energy sources further enhances its appeal and contributes to a cleaner and greener future. Overall, the Tesla Powerwall Home Energy Storage is a game-changer in the energy industry, offering a practical and innovative solution for residential energy storage.
In conclusion, the Tesla Powerwall Home Energy Storage is a revolutionary product that offers an efficient and sustainable solution for storing and utilizing renewable energy in households. With its sleek design and advanced technology, it enables homeowners to reduce their reliance on the grid and take control of their energy consumption. The Powerwall not only provides backup power during outages but also helps to optimize energy usage, thereby reducing electricity bills and carbon footprint. Overall, this product is a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future.
In conclusion, the Tesla Powerwall is a revolutionary product that offers homeowners a sustainable and efficient solution for storing and utilizing renewable energy. With its sleek design and advanced technology, it allows users to reduce their reliance on the traditional power grid and take control of their energy consumption. The Powerwall not only provides a reliable backup power source during outages but also helps to lower electricity costs and reduce carbon emissions. Overall, Tesla’s Powerwall is a game-changer in the field of home energy storage, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.