In comparison, most solar inverters rated up to 6kW have two MPPT's and can operate with only two independent strings of panels. This enables four individual strings of solar panels to be connected and operate independently this is important for rooftops with panels mounted on multiple orientations and would be well suited to rooftops using the Tesla solar tile roof system. The inverter specifications are impressive, in particular the inclusion of four MPPT's (maximum power point trackers) on the larger 7.6kW model. To meet the strict US regulations, it incorporates all the latest safety features, including rapid shutdown, arc fault and ground fault protection. The inverter is available in two sizes, 3.8kW and 7.6kW, and at present is only being sold in the US. This is the first solar inverter from Tesla Energy, and in typical Tesla form, they have not followed the majority of inverter manufacturers and focused on new innovations. In an industry-first, Tesla released a string solar inverter featuring a liquid thermal management system. Power derating is common for most lithium-ion based batteries, but Tesla's liquid cooling enables the Powerwall to expel more heat under high loads and during rapid charging, which should result in a longer life span and better performance at higher temperatures. Although, like most lithium battery systems, it is still likely to derate or reduce its power output at ambient temperatures above 40☌. The Tesla Powerwall is still the only battery system on the market to incorporate a liquid thermal management system that enables it to operate in a wide range of temperatures from -20 to +50☌. Several competing battery systems above 10kWh can output up to 8kW continuous and 10kW+ surge, so it’s not surprising the Tesla Powerwall had some hidden capacity available. This was enabled after analysing years of operational data and determining there were no detrimental effects. However, the increased power is only available at ambient temperatures up to 30C. Increased Power output via software updateĮarlier in 2021, Tesla announced a new software update that can increase the continuous and peak power rating by up to 50% on some later model Powerwalls. Heat and batteries just don't go well together. The IP rating (weather rating) remains high at IP56, although it still should be installed in a sheltered location, such as a carport or garage, and out of direct sunlight if possible. Still weighing in at 120kg, it is definitely not light, although thankfully, it can now be ground-mounted as well as wall-mounted. Interestingly it also has a simple on/off switch on one side. Gone are the sleek curves of the first Powerwall, giving way to a more practical rectangular shape with venting on either side for cooling and a bright green LED strip. The larger cells have several advantages, including a greater energy density and a longer runtime.Ĭompared to the first Powerwall, the Powerwall 2 was designed to be more compact, easier to handle and simpler to install. The original Powerwall 1 used the smaller 18650 size cells, while the Powerwall 2, reviewed here, uses the larger 21-70 cells, which have a 21mm diameter and are 70mm long. The Powerwall uses lithium NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) battery cells developed in collaboration with Panasonic, which are similar to the Lithium NCA cells used in the Tesla electric vehicles. Price drop! After years of consecutive price rises, 2023 has seen two reductions taking the price down to just under $13,000 dollars in Australia (excluding installation), a total drop of $3,330 in just 4 months. However, it is now one of the more expensive on the market. When first released, the Powerwall was one of the most affordable AC-coupled battery systems. Likewise, the price increased substantially in the US to over $11,000. The first modest increase of $950 was announced in March, the second in May, and the largest and most recent price hike was in October, lifting the cost of a Powerwall system above $16,000 Australian dollars. During 2021, there were several price fluctuations, but in 2022 the price shot up dramatically with three consecutive price increases. Surprisingly, another two price increases occurred during 2020, lifting the price to around AU$11,000. The Powerwall had its first price increase in late 2018, bringing it up to AU$10,000 (US$7400).
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