This Tesla Solar/Powerwall Hack Cut His Payback Period in Half

Summary

In this video, the host explores the benefits of a Tesla solar system and Powerwall installed on a friend's roof. Despite the solar panels not facing due south, they still generate significant energy savings. The homeowner, Brian, invested over $23,000 in a 5.6 kilowatt solar array and Powerwall, expecting an 18% energy offset. The system, coupled with strategic energy buying during off-peak hours, saves Brian approximately $100 a month. The video also discusses the ease of use, automatic transition to battery backup during power outages, and the potential integration with Tesla vehicles for additional power. Brian's experience highlights the financial and practical advantages of solar energy and battery systems for home use.

Takeaways

• 🌞 The homeowner installed a 5.6 kilowatt Tesla solar array and a Powerwall for a total cost of over $23,000.
• 📈 The solar panels were strategically placed on the north and west sides of the house for aesthetic reasons, despite the south-facing orientation being ideal for solar gains.
• 📊 Tesla's software provides a heatmap to determine the most sun-exposed areas of the roof, suggesting an initial larger system.
• 💡 The homeowner expected an 18% energy offset from solar, which was verified through the Tesla app.
• 🔌 The Powerwall is used to store energy generated during the day and supply it during peak usage times, accelerating the payback period.
• 💰 The homeowner saves approximately $100 a month on electricity, with the Powerwall contributing significantly to this savings.
• 🔋 The Powerwall seamlessly transitions to battery backup during power outages, maintaining continuous electricity supply without interruption.
• 🚗 The homeowner is considering adding a Tesla Cybertruck or RIVIAN as an additional power source, utilizing bidirectional charging.
• 🏡 Having a Tesla Powerwall and solar system is seen as a selling point for the house, potentially increasing its value.
• 🛠 The installation process took a few months, including design, permits, and city inspection, with the system operational within less than a year.
• 🌿 The homeowner has not had to perform any significant maintenance on the solar panels, but acknowledges the need to clean them periodically to maintain efficiency.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is discussing the installation and benefits of a Tesla solar array and Powerwall system on a friend's house.

What is the orientation of the solar panels on Brian's roof?

The solar panels on Brian's roof are not facing due south, which is the ideal direction for solar gains, but are placed on the back and sides of the home, the north and west sides, for aesthetic reasons.

What was the initial proposal for the solar system size?

Initially, Tesla suggested a larger system with additional panels on the front of the home facing south, but Brian opted for a smaller array on the less visible parts of the roof.

How much did Brian invest in the Tesla solar array and Powerwall?

Brian invested a little over $23,000 for the setup of a 5.6 kilowatt Tesla solar array and a Powerwall.

What is the estimated energy offset proposed by Tesla for Brian's solar system?

Tesla proposed an 18% energy offset for Brian's solar system.

How does the Powerwall system work in conjunction with the solar panels?

The Powerwall system charges at night during off-peak hours when electricity prices are low and discharges during the day or peak hours to supply power to the house, reducing the need to buy electricity from the grid.

What is the average monthly electricity generation from the solar panels?

Brian has been generating an average of $100 worth of electricity per month from his solar panels.

How does the Tesla software handle power outages with the Powerwall system?

The Tesla software automatically switches to battery backup during power outages, providing seamless transition without any interruption to the household power supply.

What is the potential addition to the power setup with the Tesla Cybertruck?

The Tesla Cybertruck can be used as an additional power source similar to a Powerwall, allowing for bi-directional charging.

What is the estimated payback period for Brian's solar and Powerwall investment?

Considering the federal tax credit and annual savings, the estimated payback period is around six to seven years.

What was the process like from interest to installation of the solar system?

It took a few months to get approved and have the installation team look at the house, followed by another 3 months for design, permits, and installation. The entire system was installed in one day, with a waiting period for city inspection and approval.

What maintenance is required for the solar panels?

The solar panels may need to be cleaned periodically to remove pollen, leaves, or other debris that could degrade their performance.

How does the Tesla app help in monitoring the solar and Powerwall system?

The Tesla app allows users to monitor the daily energy generation from solar, the Powerwall's charge status, and the house's energy consumption patterns.