Powerwall System Design
A Powerwall system consists of at least one Powerwall battery and a Backup Gateway or a Backup Switch. Powerwall, in conjunction with a Backup Gateway or Backup Switch, will power the home during a grid outage. When the system is installed with solar, Powerwall stores solar energy produced to power the home when the sun isn’t shining.
Typical System Design
The Powerwall system configuration installed at your home may vary, depending on:
- The size of your solar system
- The model of your Powerwall
- How many Powerwalls you have purchased with solar
Note: Installation should only be performed by Tesla or a Tesla Certified Installer.
Powerwall 3 System Configurations
Backup Switch approved by your utility
1. Utility Meter with Backup Switch
2. Main Panel
3. Powerwall 3
Backup Switch not approved by your utility
1. Utility Meter
2. Gateway
3. Main Panel
4. Powerwall 3
1. Utility Meter
2. Main Panel
3. Gateway
4. Backup Panel
5. Powerwall 3
Powerwall+ System Configurations
Backup Switch approved by your utility
1. Utility Meter with Backup Switch
2. Main Panel
3a. Powerwall+ Solar Assembly
3b. Powerwall+ Battery Assembly
Backup Switch not approved by your utility
1. Utility Meter
2. Gateway
3. Main Panel
4a. Powerwall+ Solar Assembly
4b. Powerwall+ Battery Assembly
1. Utility Meter
2. Main Panel
3. Gateway
4. Backup Panel
5a. Powerwall+ Solar Assembly
5b. Powerwall+ Battery Assembly
Powerwall 2 System Configurations
1. Utility Meter
2. Gateway
3. Main Panel
4. Solar Inverter
5. Powerwall 2
1. Utility Meter
2. Main Panel
3. Gateway
4. Backup Panel
5. Solar Inverter
6. Powerwall 2
Other System Designs
A service that is greater than 200 A can be backed up using one of two methods. For whole home backup, we will split the service into multiple systems of 200 A increments and install a Backup Gateway and Powerwall(s) for each system. If the service cannot be split into two systems, then one Backup Gateway will be used to back up as much of your home’s service as possible, up to a 200 A limit, and considering site-specific installation complexities.
The diagram below depicts a 400 A service split into two 200 A systems.
System Components
There are many variables such as climate, home orientation, site conditions and energy use goals, that make each home unique. For a final detailed recommendation on system design, talk to your Tesla Advisor or a Tesla Certified Installer. Typically, your Powerwall system consists of:
Powerwall 3, Powerwall+ or Powerwall 2
Powerwall 3 features an integrated solar inverter allowing solar to be connected directly for high efficiency. With a higher power output, it can provide whole home backup to most homes and support larger solar systems. Like Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+, Powerwall 3 is capable of being added to existing solar systems and is compatible with all major inverter brands.
Powerwall+ combines Powerwall 2 with an integrated solar inverter, to power the home or store for later use. Powerwall+ can be installed with other Powerwall 2 batteries.
Powerwall 3 Expansion
Powerwall 3 Expansion is an attachable unit designed for Powerwall 3 owners to increase backup duration and energy needs at a reduced cost. Powerwall 3 Expansion units provide an additional 13.5 kWh of energy per unit. Powerwall 3 Expansion units can be easily installed with Powerwall 3. Schedule a virtual consultation with a Tesla Advisor to learn how to best optimize your energy system.
Backup Gateway, Backup Switch or Gateway 3
Backup Gateway 1 or 2 control system operation, detect grid outages, enable backup power from the battery and function as a site meter. Backup Gateway 1 or 2 may be installed in whole home or partial home backup systems.
Backup Switch and Gateway 3 detect grid outages, enable backup power from the battery and function as a site meter. Backup Switch is installed in whole home backup, and Gateway 3 can be installed in partial home backup or whole home backup when paired with a Powerwall 3. Backup Switch may not be approved by some utilities.
Tesla Solar Inverter
Tesla Solar Inverter converts DC power from solar to AC power for home consumption. Tesla Solar Inverter can be installed with any Powerwall system. Powerwall 3 and Powerwall+ have an integrated solar inverter.
Additional Electrical Hardware
Additional electrical hardware includes electrical panels, conduit, disconnects, meters and more. These are installed based on site needs and code requirements.