Anyone Have Tesla Powerwall or Solar?

[dhb2]

Hi everyone.
We're looking at a new house that has Tesla Solar Panels and a Tesla Powerwall included if we want (or they can take them with them). We would have to take over the contract too, which is about seven years in, out of a 20-year agreement. Still getting details on terms. Thanks in advance!

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[NY_Rob]

They will remove the panels if you don't want them? Don't the Tesla panels serve as your roof shingles? last I looked, they aren't like conventional solar panels that get mounted over your shingles. The Tesla Solar Roof panels are your roof.

Unless you're moving to an area that has very frequent power outages, I wouldn't want the Powerwall. You know all those batteries inside the Powerwall have a finite lifespan and will need to be replaced fairly soon if they're already 7 years old.

From Google AI:
"A Tesla Powerwall battery typically needs replacing after around 8-10 years, but this can vary depending on usage patterns, with signs of needing replacement including struggling to hold a charge, frequent deep discharges, or physical damage; the battery's performance will gradually decline over time, with most noticeable degradation occurring within the first 10 years where it can lose around 30% of its capacity."

 

[iansriv]

Dave-if you can get the utility history and compare it to the Tesla payments, that might help you make the decision. It's a simple way to see to how much you are saving vs paying. Tesla is a solid system. I researched them before getting solar. All the best.

 

[mikehmb]

Solar City offered 20-year lease programs where you paid for the electricity you generated, at a considerable discount to PG&E rates (at least here in CA).

OP - get a quote from Tesla / Solar City for the buyout #. It might be advantageous to keep them so the house doesn't get damaged. But it might also be cheaper to unload and start over since PV panels are so much better/cheaper now than eve 7 years ago.

 

[dhb2]

They are actual panels, and are in the garage because they just replaced the roof. We can keep them (after they are reinstalled) or they'll take them to their new house.
Good thought on the age, newer ones would likely be more efficient.

 

[NY_Rob]

7yo panels are already 1/3 through their expected life. Unless they give you a super deal on them.. pass.

And the 7yo Powerwall, hard pass unless it's free.

 

[Mathme]

There's likely better deals on solar out there now. One thing our Solar broker told us is the Tesla solar systems (inverters, batteries, controllers) are generally made by several suppliers and only carry the Tesla brand. Thus when it comes time to update one component's software or firmware, the system can break.

We installed a system made by Enphase who is based in California. They make all of their components they've worked well since we installed them. Additionally, look around as there may be some good financing deals out there. When we got our system, we got a 25 year warranty on all components (even the battery), 25 year term on the loan, with 0 down and 0% interest.

 

[tback]

Dave-if you can get the utility history and compare it to the Tesla payments, that might help you make the decision. It's a simple way to see to how much you are saving vs paying. Tesla is a solid system. I researched them before getting solar. All the best.

If the previous owner had EV you'll have to account for this consumption.

 

[tback]

7yo panels are already 1/3 through their expected life. Unless they give you a super deal on them.. pass.

And the 7yo Powerwall, hard pass unless it's free.

^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^

They likely know this too. I'd offer them a small amount to leave them, maybe $1-2k.

 

[mikehmb]

FWIW I have the same 20-yr program going on and recently (2 weeks ago) asked Tesla for the buyout # since I want to upgrade, but don't want to be limited by the older panels (we have a modest 2kW system, would like to go 8kW, and I think we have the space).

Not a word back. This is after a considerable amount of time on with customer service.

TL;DR - tell the previous owners to take their solar with them, and you start from scratch. You'll get a way better setup, and the batteries will be more recent and usable. Hopefully they switched to different chemistry for the power walls.

 

[Ed C]

I have solar and Powerwalls. Our home is in Sonoma County and we originally got the Powerwalls to weather power outages. Since we got the Powerwalls outages in our area have become far less frequent. HOWEVER the big advantage of Powerwalls that i hadn’t been anticipating is optimizing our time of use (TOU) electrical plan. Our TOU plan is far cheaper during off peak than peak hours. And thanks to the power walls, during the off peak primarily use the grid and during peak times we primarily use battery capacity. The solar fills the batteries until they are full and then powers the house and shoots any excess back to the grid.

The savings from this has been pretty significant - in 2023 around $4400.

We are pretty big electricity users with a pool, electric heated spa, heat pump, heat pump water heater etc. so we may not be typical. But the savings from shifting electrical use from peak to off peak has been substantial.

 

[dhb2]

Thanks all - great feedback!

 

[tback]

I have solar and Powerwalls. Our home is in Sonoma County and we originally got the Powerwalls to weather power outages. Since we got the Powerwalls outages in our area have become far less frequent. HOWEVER the big advantage of Powerwalls that i hadn’t been anticipating is optimizing our time of use (TOU) electrical plan. Our TOU plan is far cheaper during off peak than peak hours. And thanks to the power walls, during the off peak primarily use the grid and during peak times we primarily use battery capacity. The solar fills the batteries until they are full and then powers the house and shoots any excess back to the grid.

The savings from this has been pretty significant - in 2023 around $4400.

We are pretty big electricity users with a pool, electric heated spa, heat pump, heat pump water heater etc. so we may not be typical. But the savings from shifting electrical use from peak to off peak has been substantial.

I'm not an owner of PowerWall.

I understand another feature is "power conditioning". If you have alot of power glitches in your area, the fact the power gets routed thru your PowerWall provides "cleaner" power to your home. Important for your electronic components.

 

[emoore]

I have Tesla solar panels (traditional mounted on roof panels), not the solar shingles. And they wor great. Got them 6 years ago and have no issues with them. Didn't get a powerwall because our power rarely goes out. I would look at a new installation and pay cash for them if you can (or at least finance, do not lease).

 

[lefkonj]

It's really a cost question. How many Kw are the panels for? How are the electric bills?

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