Powerwall 3 and Tesla Electric: A New Chapter for UK Energy

What is Tesla Electric?

Tesla Electric is an electricity provider revolutionising the way we think about energy consumption and production. As an innovative venture under Elon Musk's Tesla umbrella, Tesla Electric aims to integrate advanced energy solutions into everyday life. This initiative leverages Tesla's expertise in electric vehicles, battery storage, and solar technology to create a more sustainable energy ecosystem.

At its core, Tesla Electric offers a dynamic approach to energy management, allowing households to harness solar power, store excess energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By integrating products like the Powerwall 3, Tesla Electric enables users to store renewable electricity and use it during peak demand times or power outages, ensuring a reliable energy supply.

For UK homeowners, this means access to clean energy and the potential to lower electricity costs while contributing to a greener future. Tesla Electric not only simplifies the energy usage process but also empowers consumers to take control of their energy production and consumption through innovative technology and smart energy solutions.

How does Tesla Electric work?

Tesla Electric operates by combining several cutting-edge technologies to create an efficient and sustainable energy system for homes and businesses. Central to this is the Powerwall 3, a sophisticated battery energy storage product that stores excess energy generated by solar panels. During periods of low sunlight or high energy demand, the Powerwall 3 releases stored energy, ensuring a continuous power supply.

Tesla Electric also functions as a virtual power plant (VPP), where multiple Powerwall units across different households are connected to form a large-scale battery storage network. This network can provide electricity to the entire grid, enhancing stability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Through real-time energy management, Tesla Electric adjusts the power output based on the time of day and energy demand, optimising energy usage and reducing costs.

Additionally, Tesla Electric offers flexible electricity plans tailored to the needs of individual users. With features like sellback credit for excess energy and customisable tariffs, users can maximise their energy efficiency and financial savings. Through a user-friendly mobile app, customers can monitor their energy production, usage, and storage, making it easier to manage their energy consumption and contribute to a sustainable energy economy.

What is a virtual power plant?

A virtual power plant (VPP) is a network of decentralised energy resources, such as solar panels and battery storage systems like Tesla's Powerwall 3, that work together to generate and supply electricity to the grid. Unlike traditional power plants that rely on a single large-scale facility, a VPP aggregates the power output from multiple, smaller energy sources to create a reliable and flexible energy supply.

In the case of Tesla Electric, the VPP connects numerous Powerwall units installed in homes and businesses. These units store excess solar energy generated during the day and release it when demand is high or during outages. This not only ensures a stable energy supply for individual users but also contributes to the overall grid stability.

By using real-time energy management, Tesla Electric's VPP can adjust the collective power output based on current energy needs, optimising the balance of supply and demand. This innovative approach reduces the need for fossil fuels and enhances the efficiency of the entire electricity grid, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

Am I eligible for Tesla Electric?

Currently, Tesla Electric is only available in Texas in the US. However, recent developments have shown that we could see Tesla Electric come to the UK as soon as 2025!

Furthermore, those with access already in the US, do not need a Tesla vehicle or Powerwall to sign up for Tesla Electric.

These relaxed criteria could be different for the UK, but based on the current setup for Tesla Electric and the mandatory Universal Service Obligation (USO) for energy suppliers in the UK, which states that energy suppliers cannot constrain an offer to a limited number of customers, it's likely that Tesla Electric will aim to be as inclusive as possible.

When will Tesla Electric be available in the UK?

It is expected that Tesla Electric will be available in the United Kingdom as soon as 2025.

What is the difference between Powerwall 2 and 3?

The Powerwall 3 builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor, the Powerwall 2, with several key improvements and new features that enhance its performance and usability.

Integrated Inverter

Perhaps the most notable change in the new Powerwall 3 is the inclusion of an inverter directly within the device. This integration simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for a separate, external solar inverter. As a result, homeowners can expect a more streamlined setup, reduced installation time, and potentially lower installation costs, making it easier to transition to a clean energy system.

Battery Chemistry

One of the key differences between the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 lies in their battery chemistry. The Powerwall 2 uses Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) chemistry, which is known for its high energy density and strong performance in various temperature conditions. NMC batteries are efficient and compact, making them suitable for maximising energy storage in limited space.

In contrast, the Powerwall 3 switches to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which offers several advantages%20Batteries\&text=They%20are%20renowned%20for%20their,compared%20to%20cobalt%2Dbased%20chemistries.) over NMC. LFP batteries are renowned for their enhanced safety, longer lifespan, and greater thermal stability. While they may have a slightly lower energy density compared to NMC, LFP batteries are less prone to overheating, thermal runaway, and have a longer cycle life, meaning they can endure more charge and discharge cycles before their capacity starts to degrade.

This shift to LFP in the Powerwall 3 reflects Tesla's focus on improving the overall durability and safety of their energy storage systems, making them more robust and reliable for long-term residential use.

Power Output

In terms of the overall energy storage capacity (13.5kWh), there is no change. However, the Powerwall 3 has the capability to output 11.04kW of concurrent power, over doubling the 5kW of its predecessor. This huge upgrade allows the new Powerwall to match even the most energy demanding of appliances, such as showers, heat pumps and tumble dryers.

Storm Watch

Storm Watch is a powerful feature integrated into Tesla’s Powerwall systems, designed to protect your home during severe weather events. When a significant storm or extreme weather is detected in your area, Storm Watch automatically prepares your Powerwall by maximising its energy storage capacity. This ensures that your home has a full charge available, ready to provide backup power if an outage occurs.

In the Powerwall 3, Storm Watch operates seamlessly with its advanced battery management and grid interaction features. As soon as a storm warning is issued, the system temporarily suspends any non-essential energy usage, such as selling excess energy back to the grid, and focuses on storing as much power as possible. This proactive approach helps ensure that your household remains powered throughout the storm, even if the local electricity grid is compromised.

Is Tesla Powerwall 3 compatible with my existing solar system?

Yes, the Powerwall 3 is compatible with all major inverters! While the Powerwall 3 comes with an integrated inverter, it can also be installed as an AC-coupled device, allowing you to use your existing solar inverter. However, if your solar panels are connected directly to the Powerwall 3, the DC electricity generated by your panels is stored directly in the battery. This reduces the number of energy conversions, increasing storage efficiency from 90% to up to 97.5%.

However, if your system makes use of a Powerwall 2, you will not be able to add in a Powerwall 3.

When will the Tesla Powerwall 3 be available in the UK?

We can expect to see the Powerwall 3 in the UK in late October 2024.

If you are looking to get a Powerwall 3 installed in your own property, get in touch with our team of solar experts today and we can assess your energy needs, recommend the best system for you, and make that system a reality.