At True South Solar, we often hear this question: “Why do I need Tesla Powerwall if I have an electric vehicle (EV)?” It’s a great question, especially as more people embrace the benefits of renewable energy and electric transportation. Many people are getting excited about using their electric vehicle for backup power during a power outage. Here are a few key reasons why Tesla Powerwall is an essential addition to your home, even if you already own an EV.
Future-Proof Your Energy Storage
Tesla Powerwall is designed with forward-thinking technology, and later this year, Tesla plans to roll out a feature enabling your Powerwall to use certain EVs for additional battery backup. This means your EV will not just be a mode of transportation but an integral part of your home’s energy ecosystem. However, most EVs cannot share their stored power with your home, making a dedicated Powerwall essential for reliable energy storage. In future years, we expect to see more and more EVs sold with bi-directional charging capability.
Tesla and other car manufacturers are rolling out electrical equipment (bi-directional chargers, automatic transfer switches) that you can install in your home so that EVs can share power with your home. This is great news, but it’s important to understand that Powerwall already contains these essential pieces of equipment (which cost thousands of dollars to purchase and install). By investing in Powerwall, you get backup power plus the ability to use your vehicle as an additional battery bank.
Ensure Constant Energy Availability
Most electric vehicles currently on the market are not equipped to share their power with your home. This means that without a Tesla Powerwall, your home remains vulnerable to power outages, especially during critical times when you need it the most. The Powerwall ensures that you have a consistent and reliable energy supply, protecting you from unexpected power disruptions. Should you be away from home when a power outage occurs, even a bi-directional charging-enabled vehicle would be unable to provide backup power to keep your food fresh and space conditioned.
Maximize Solar Energy Utilization
A typical day for many involves leaving home for work in the morning and returning in the evening. During this time, your solar panels are generating power, but your EV is not at home to be recharged. Tesla Powerwall stores this energy generated during the day, allowing you to use it later when the sun goes down and your EV returns home. This maximizes the efficiency of your solar energy system, ensuring that no power goes to waste.
Enhance Energy Independence and Savings
With Tesla Powerwall, you gain greater control over your energy usage and storage. By storing excess solar energy, you reduce your reliance on the grid, which can lead to significant savings on your energy bills. Additionally, during peak demand times when electricity rates are higher, you can use stored energy from your Powerwall instead of paying premium prices for grid power.
Peace of Mind During Power Outages
Here in Southern Oregon, where power outages can occur due to extreme weather conditions or wildfire prevention measures, having Tesla Powerwall provides peace of mind. Your home will remain powered even when the grid goes down, ensuring that your essential appliances and medical devices stay operational.
Powerwall and Your Vehicle will Make Great Partners
When more bi-directional charging EVs come available in future years, they will become great partners for Tesla Powerwall in your home. The vehicle will act as an additional reserve of power, adding even greater flexibility for you and your family in the case of a power outage. The vehicle and Powerwall will remain in constant communication so that your home can withstand multiple days without power. With solar on your roof, you will have even greater peace of mind, so that you won’t be worrying about an uncertain future.
When the power goes out, no one really knows when it will come back on. But you won’t mind.
Conclusion
Integrating Tesla Powerwall into your home energy system is a smart choice, even if you own an electric vehicle. It offers a range of benefits that enhance your energy independence, maximize your solar investment, and provide reliable backup power during outages. At True South Solar, we’re committed to helping you achieve a sustainable and resilient energy future. Contact us today to learn more about how Tesla Powerwall can transform your home energy experience.