Tesla Powerwall 3: Install, Cost, & 4 Reasons

Why we decided to get Tesla Powerwall 3 installed at our house? We show you the final installation after inspection, what 2 Powerwall 3's look like installed, share the full out of pocket cost, and give you 4 reasons to get Tesla Powerwall 3's installed.

First: Whole Home Back Up 24/7 for short term power outages
-Power goes out, we stay running
-Test with normal house stuff going, TV’s, AC, lights, internet. 1 hour, used 15%

Second: Offset usage, meaning charge the batteries in the morning and mid-day, use them during peak electric rates from 4-9pm (in our case)

Third: Solar capture, or Charge on Solar, which I’ll be able to test after full Edison approval

Fourth: Off grid self containment for long term emergency use, like a major earthquake
If the grid goes down, solar can charge our Powerwalls during the day, and power the house, plus it can power the house at night when the sun goes down, repeat as needed

Install Specs
Solar Specs: 5.5kw solar array, installed in 2014 still producing at nearly the same capacity
Estimated Annual Production:8,629 kWh
20 Solarworld Panels 275w each
20 Enphase Microinverters

Powerwall 3 Specs: 13.5 kWh each, 2x, 27kwh total capacity, installed June 2024

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Due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use of the information I share in my videos. (Tesla Tips & Trips) assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not (Tesla Tips & Trips) or any business affiliated to (Tesla Tips & Trips).

00:00 Intro
00:18 Our System Specs
02:25 We Passed They Failed
02:45 Total Cost
04:19 No. 1 Whole Home Backup
05:20 No. 2 Offset Usage
06:17 No. 3 Charge on Solar
06:58 No. 4 Emergency Off Grid
09:02 Next Video
09:13 Wrap Up
09:56 Thank You!

[kwesty]

We just got PTO today from our provider, PG&E. We live in Nor Cal, El Dorado Co. We had our final inspection two weeks ago. I was very surprised it only took 2 weeks. We opted for 1 power wall and a new 9.4 Kw system. However, I think I am going to add a second PW at the end of summer. Tesla initially told me 2 was the way to go but I did not want to have to finance anything.

[lucidf]

After being switched to NEM 3.0, I see why you would switch to battery backup. I’m still on NEM 2.0, so, I’m getting full price for the power I generate (not on PG&E). I don’t have many power outages, though that is a possibility in an emergency. My solar system is a few years older, started in 2011, and is using Enphase microinverters, so I’m glad to hear your system was compatible with Powerwall 3. I don’t have a lot of wall space for Powerwalls, and the distance between yours was eyepopping. I would have to install inside the garage, or one inside and one outside the garage wall. I thought I was all set with a 4Kw Solar system, but the City Utility is planning three double digit rate increases in the next 3 years. So, I think it’s time to upgrade, especially if the City changes over to NEM 3.0.

[bladerunner]

Thank you for the information. my solar system is being installed. Ground mounted with the power wall batteries will keep you posted.

[phillipherchenroder]

I just had my Powerwall 3 installed today with brand new solar panels and IQ8M Enphase micro inverters. They call this AC coupled. Tesla released this a couple of months ago.

[elainebradley]

We always enjoy your videos, we have incorporated many of your suggestions.

[bigherm]

Thank you for the video. Very informative and timely for me. I also watched your PW3 installation video. I am considering a similar setup with 6 kW solar, Tesla gateway and one PW3. I do not have room for many more solar panels, but I am waffling between one or two PW3s. I am waiting for my final design before I can move forward. It is helpful to hear about your process and positive experience.

[isaaltunkaya]

which inverter ı have to install for theese powerwall 2 ?

[jdmstop]

So you are no longer in NEM 2.0 and is now in NEM 3.0. This means you are no longer getting the higher paid out rate for excess energy sent back to the grid.

[keningram]

$6, 900 for Installation !! doesn't that seem excessive ? What was the Installation cost of your Solar System in 2014 ?

[stevemuzak]

$21K is like almost 17 years of my electricity bills.

[koreandude]

Great explanation. For #3, i cant believe they restrict you from the bat. I mean, you paid and installed all this out of your pocket, its silly that you can't charge your car from solar off the start. Unless I'm mistaken lol

[gordonlowe]

We are considering PW3 install with no solar. Looking to go with GAF Timberline solar when we next replace our roof. I am concerned that these improvements might increase our property taxes. Has this kind of thing happened to anyone?

[dennissteul]

Yeah, I haven't quite embraced solar panels and batteries. The cost for the panels and batteries seems steep. Maybe sometime in the future? Who knows. But thanks for the video, I found it very informative.

[calivalley]

What type of A/C do you have, single stage, two stage or variable? The reason I ask is the start up amp requirement, initial draw, when your A/C kicks on, do you need to consider that when going with the PW3?

[MelvinC]

Thanks for the informative video. I have a 8.91kw system and want to put 2 PW3 and everyone is telling me that i need to add panels. Is that correct? Do you produce enough power to fully charge both batteries? Do charge both batteries to 100% and also discharge them to 0 daily? Can these 2 batteries have enough juice to charge the Tesla?

[crazycoastie]

Whats your daily average solar collection? Love to see a short video of your collection, flipping through a week of data from the Tesla App. (but might make sense to wait til your system is fully approved by your electric company)

[JimTruong-xobg]

i am interesting to install the pw3 are they service in Boston area?

[Jago]

My PW3 and 8.4KWh system was just installed today. I believe inspection is next so it’s not activated yet. How did you get the app connected to your PW3? Bluetooth connection or did your installers run an Ethernet cable to your PW? I don’t think my guys did an Ethernet so I may have to bug them about it. Maybe Wi-Fi built in??

[cjb]

Just got quotes from Tesla and their installer, Freedom Forever as I live in the south and they contract their installation. That said, I've got a 5K sq home in the rural south, and wanting to get as much "grid independence" as possible as I don't think the grid will keep up with demands in the next 3--5 years where I live and likely to see rolling blackouts, and perhaps longer periods of outages.

That said, they think I can get by with 2 power walls, and panels to support them however, I'm wondering if it's not worth doing 3 power walls to maximize capacity and assure longer independence from the grid.

I also have a 24KW Generac, whole home generator that runs on propane which is nice because I'll have 4 sources of energy in total, pretty cool!

[ErolEskinazi]

Than you for making this video. Such a neat install. On 3:42 I just missed the backup gateway model you used. Does it say whether it is a Gateway 2 (Model 1232100-xx-y) (or Gateway 3 (Model 1841000-x1-y)?