Powerwall System Design
System Components
Powerwall: Powerwall is a rechargeable home battery that can store energy from solar.
Powerwall+: Powerwall+ is a rechargeable home battery which includes an integrated Tesla Solar Inverter and a system controller. Tesla Solar Inverter converts energy from the home’s solar panels or Solar Roof to be used by the home. Its battery assembly stores energy from solar.
Backup Gateway: Backup Gateway controls system operation, detects grid outages, disconnects the Powerwall system from the grid to enable backup power from the battery and functions as a site meter. Backup Gateway may be installed in whole home or partial home backup systems.
Backup Switch: Backup Switch detects grid outages, disconnects the Powerwall system from the grid to enable backup power from the battery and functions as a site meter. Backup Switch is installed in whole home backup systems. Tesla Backup Switch may not be approved by some utilities.
Additional Electrical Hardware: Additional electrical hardware, including electrical panels and conduit or raceway, is installed based on site needs and local electrical code.
What Powerwall Provides
The number of Powerwalls purchased determines whether whole home backup or partial home backup is provided.
Whole Home Backup: With whole home backup, your Powerwall system will be able to support all appliances in your home during a power outage. Whole home backup is determined by the number of Powerwalls and the loads in your home.
Partial Home Backup: Partial home backup allows you to back up essential loads, such as lights and outlets, and leave out larger loads, such as air conditioners and washing machines. When the grid is operational, you will be able to use and monitor all appliances. When the grid is down, only the loads you deem essential will be usable.
Typical System Configurations
Below are the most common Powerwall system configurations:
Whole Home Backup
Backup Switch Approved by Your Utility
| POWERWALL+ |
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Backup Switch Not Approved by Your Utility
| POWERWALL |
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| POWERWALL+ |
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Partial Home Backup
| POWERWALL |
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| POWERWALL+ |
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