Latest news with #Powerwall3
The Verge
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Verge
EcoFlow says its new Ocean Pro is better than Tesla's Powerwall
EcoFlow is powering up its first permanently installed whole-home energy solution for the US. The Ocean Pro system launches this week, featuring the new Ocean Pro Battery with 10kWh of storage expandable to 80kWh, and the Ocean Pro Inverter, which supports solar arrays of up to 40kWh. EcoFlow claims the system delivers 24kW of continuous power, enough to support all your appliances, including two 5-ton HVAC systems. Ocean Pro will also work with EcoFlow's new Smart Home Panel for more advanced energy monitoring and control capabilities. Whole-home energy solutions, such as Ocean Pro, are fulfilling an increasing need among homeowners for energy independence and stability in the face of the impacts of extreme weather, rising energy costs, and the instability of the power grid in some areas. EcoFlow claims that the Ocean Pro is more powerful than any other system on the market, including Tesla's Powerwall 3. Ocean Pro's support for 40kWh rooftop solar arrays is double that of the Tesla Powerwall 3, and it can handle eight batteries on one inverter, compared to only 3 for Tesla. It's also rated higher for flooding, up to 2.6 feet, and comes with a 15-year warranty, compared to the 10-year warranty offered by Tesla. EcoFlow also claims a power switching time of under 10ms. Another unique feature is that it can be installed inside. 'We have UL 9540B safety certification approval, which means it's safe enough to be installed in the house,' Felipe Burga of EcoFlow said in an interview with The Verge. To better blend in, the system comes in three finishes: aluminum, walnut, and carbon fiber. It has a robust IP67 rating against dust and rain if you do put it outside, and the LFP batteries can operate between -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Ocean Pro can operate in grid-tied mode to sell excess energy back to the power company, supporting 290V grid compatibility. Plus, the EcoFlow app will be able to integrate with any available Virtual Power Plant networks to help support the grid based on real-time conditions and prices. EcoFlow says this is the first system with multi-source backup power, capable of working with solar, grid, its portable power stations, and most gas generators — meaning you should be able to keep your home powered from diesel, gasoline, natural gas, or propane if everything else fails. 'It's the only system that you can run your generator and your solar system at the same time.' Generators can connect directly to the inverter via an SS2-50 Port, and it will work with any 240-volt model, says Burga. 'The inverter turns the power into DC right away, powers the loads, and charges the battery, so it becomes the voltage source. We're the only system that you can run your generator and your solar system at the same time.' EcoFlow claims homeowners can save up to 18 percent on electric bills with the real-time energy monitoring in its app and its AI-powered Oasis Home Energy Management System. The latter can predict weather, pricing, and energy consumption to optimize your production, use, and storage. The app can integrate with several smart home systems and devices, including EV chargers, smart thermostats from Ecobee and Nest, energy-monitoring products like smart plugs from Shelly and TP-Link, and any Matter-compatible device. It also works with Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. Ocean Pro builds on the PowerOcean series launched in Europe in 2023 and is a step up from EcoFlow's home battery backup kits. That modular solution uses its portable power products to create a battery wall and works with EcoFlow's original smart home panel. This system is a permanent installation, offering higher capacity and the ability to tie into the grid. It can work with your existing electrical panel, but if you want to add more smart/energy monitoring capabilities, you can install EcoFlow's new Smart Home Panel. The new smart panel is EcoFlow's first full replacement electrical panel. Burga says it can handle up to 40 circuits, and you can add the Smart Home Panel 2 sub-panel for additional loads. The panel allows you to customize which loads are running, and provides fine-grained energy monitoring and management. 'Our AI learns from you when you use your power and recommends how to optimize your usage and suggest changes for saving money,' explains Burga. EcoFlow isn't publishing pricing for the battery, inverter, or smart home panel. The company says that, because it's a complete system, pricing depends on the installer and the specific setup for each home. However, for an average-sized US home, you should plan on spending at least $10,000 for two batteries and the inverter, and that's before factoring in the installation costs. Preorders are now open on the EcoFlow website, where you can input your details and be connected with an installer in your area. EcoFlow is far from alone in looking to bring more robust home energy solutions to market. Schneider launched its Schneider Home system at CES last year; Savant Power, Anker Solix, Bluetti, Jackery, and Generac also offer whole-home backup solutions. However, the upfront cost of these systems remains a significant barrier for many, and time is running out to capitalize on existing tax incentives for clean energy upgrades, which expire on December 31, 2025. 'We're here for the long term. We're investing millions of dollars in the US market.' The end of tax credits and the arrival of larger tariffs on batteries and solar panels bring much uncertainty to the home energy market. But Burga says EcoFlow is fully committed to its expansion into the US. 'We're here for the long term. We're investing millions of dollars in the US market, and we actually see this as a great opportunity. The market is going to shift, and we are very committed.' He points out that there's still high demand. A recent survey commissioned by EcoFlow found that 70 percent of homeowners in California, Texas, and Florida believe having a power backup solution is important. 'People want energy independence,' says Burga. 'They don't want to depend on the monopoly that energy companies have become.' Additionally, a shift away from the current market leader, Tesla, has opened the door for new entrants. EcoFlow's survey found 24 percent of respondents said they wouldn't consider investing in Tesla's power products due to 'a desire for a less polarizing and more trustworthy solution.'
CNET
16-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Thinking About a Tesla Powerwall? Here's What It'll Actually Cost You
High energy bills and new tax incentives have more people turning to solar power for their homes. With a 30% federal tax credit and other local perks, installing a residential solar system has never been more appealing. And with the right setup, all you need is a battery to store that energy for later use. That's where the Tesla Powerwall comes in. It's become one of the most talked-about options for solar storage, but before you jump in, it's worth understanding what it actually costs, and what you're getting for the price. Fortunately, the Powerwall 3 is considerably cheaper than other batteries on the market. In fact, the Powerwall 3 is the cheapest it has ever been, costing about $1,065 per kilowatt-hour of energy storage, according to a report from EnergySage. Since the Tesla Powerwall 3 is a 13.5 kWh battery, you're looking at about $14,400. Can solar panels save you money? Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we'll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings. No lenders found matching this criteria It looks like we couldn't find any lenders that matched the provided criteria. Please try again at a later time. Close In this quick guide, we'll take a closer look at the Tesla Powerwall 3 to help you decide if it's a worthwhile purchase. "The thing about batteries is they have a 10- to 15-year lifespan, and a lot of the time homeowners finance for 25 years," Garrett Mendelsohn, founder of Solar Bootcamp, told CNET. "So you're financing a product that's not going to really be doing anything by the end of the 25 years and paying interest on it." Let's dig into the details to help evaluate what makes sense for you. What is the Tesla Powerwall? Put simply, the Tesla Powerwall is a big battery that can be mounted inside or outside of your home. It can be hooked up to charge an electric vehicle in your garage, provide backup power, store excess solar energy from a connected solar array or all of the above. You can also connect multiple Powerwalls together for more capacity to do all these things at once. A Tesla Powerwall solar battery, like any other solar energy storage system, can keep your essential systems online during grid outages, help maximize your net metering savings or even be your primary source of power if you have an off-grid setup. Considering Solar Panels? Our email course will walk you through how to go solar By signing up, you confirm you are 16+, will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe at any time. The Powerwall 3 is the latest model, offering a major upgrade over previous versions. However, it's not compatible with older Powerwall systems. Those are the basics. Here are some of the more technical details: Considering Solar Panels? Our email course will walk you through how to go solar By signing up, you confirm you are 16+, will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe at any time. Tesla Powerwall battery specs Category Tesla Powerwall 2 Tesla Powerwall Plus Tesla Powerwall 3 Usable capacity 13.5 kWh 13.5 kWh 13.5 kWh How many can I stack? Up to 10 units Up to 10 units Up to four units Round-trip efficiency 90% 90% 89% Depth of discharge 100% 100% 100% Continuous power output (on-grid) 5 kW 5 kW 11.5 kW Continuous power output (off-grid) NA 7 kW - 9.6 kW NA Battery type Lithium-ion Lithium-ion Lithium-ion AC- or DC-coupled? AC AC AC Price $8,400 - $13,000 $8,400 - $13,000 $13,500 How much does a Tesla Powerwall cost? By home battery standards, Powerwall batteries are on the cheaper side. Tesla's Powerwall 3 costs about $1,065 per kWh of storage. according to a recent report from EnergySage. The Powerwall 3 is a 13.5 kWh battery, so expect to spend about $14,400 -- without incentives. But this doesn't include the cost to install the battery. We were quoted $16,551 for the cost of installing a Powerwall 3 on a home in Fort Mill, South Carolina, via Tesla's website. This price includes the battery, gateway device, accessories, installation and taxes -- not too bad. Older Powerwall models are a bit cheaper, in the $8,400 - $13,000 range. However, we suspect these are slowly being phased out by Tesla. Other factors can impact the total cost of installing a Powerwall, such as labor and material expenses for placing it in a safe and convenient location. On the other side of the ledger, the federal tax credit, other incentives from state and local governments, utilities and even Tesla itself can drive down the net price. Tesla offers an energy design tool to help drive sales, but it's also useful to get a sense of how much you might expect to spend on a solar system for your home that includes a Tesla Powerwall battery. Depending on your home's energy needs, you might need multiple Powerwalls if you're looking to create a whole-home backup. And remember -- don't make any major decisions based solely on online research. Talk to multiple installers in your area to get more than one quote specific to your situation. Pros and cons of the Tesla Powerwall Pros: Unlimited cycle warranty High power output Well-rounded efficiency and performance Cheaper than other batteries of similar size Compatible with and without solar panels Cons: Limited modularity Glitchy energy management app Poor customer service reputation Not compatible with other Powerwall models Is the Tesla Powerwall worth it? If you're set on storing a significant amount of energy for your home, the Powerwall is a solid choice. It has a great warranty, strong performance, an extremely competitive price and the backing of a well-known brand. But some have reported the company's customer service to be lacking. Tesla no longer operates a media office and didn't provide comment for this story. For those with existing Powerwall 2 or Powerwall Plus models, you should know that you can't install the Powerwall 3 within your existing system. That, of course, can be a dealbreaker. However, it's clear Tesla wants you to switch to the Powerwall 3 and leave the older, less powerful models behind. Since one of these is much more powerful than previous models, it could be a savvy upgrade. If you're on the fence about getting a large battery, Mendelsohn advises it might be better to wait. Most components of a home solar system are warrantied for 25 years, but batteries are rarely guaranteed to last longer than a decade, he points out. "If you don't have blackouts, it's not really worth it for the price. You spend $13,000 to $15,000 ... for a battery that can't even do the full house" Mendelsohn says. "So it doesn't really make a lot of sense until the battery technology gets better, and they can be warrantied for 25 years." Frequently asked questions Is the Tesla Powerwall eligible for the federal solar tax credit? Yes, a Powerwall is eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. How many Tesla Powerwalls do I need? There are several factors at play here, including your energy goals and the needs of your home. You can start to get a sense by using Tesla's energy design tool and speaking to local installers. What's the difference between the Tesla Powerwall 2, Powerwall Plus and Powerwall 3 The Tesla Powerwall 2, Plus, and 3 all have a usable capacity of 13.5 kWh and a 100% depth of discharge, but they differ in power output and integration. The Powerwall 2 has 5 kW continuous output, while the Powerwall Plus adds a built-in solar inverter and boosts backup power to 9.6 kW under full sun. The Powerwall 3 is the most powerful, offering 11.5 kW of continuous output but it is incompatible with earlier models, limiting modularity to four units. All models share an unlimited cycle warranty, but the Powerwall 3's performance is a significant upgrade.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Residential Solar Prices Dropped and Tesla Dominated Battery Market, according to EnergySage's 2024 Solar & Storage Marketplace Report
20th edition of EnergySage report captures consumer trends from 2024, offers insight into 2025 BOSTON, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After a year of contraction, residential solar and storage prices both reached new all-time lows even as panels have continued to increase in power output, according to the 20th EnergySage Intel: Solar & Storage Marketplace Report released today. This semiannual report analyzes millions of transaction-level data points from homeowners shopping on from January through December 2024 for solar panels, inverters, batteries, and more from solar companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. EnergySage's report captures the trends shaping consumer behavior, installer offerings, and equipment preferences, while spotlighting early indicators of how tariffs, interest rates, and Tesla brand backlash may influence the market in the months ahead. Below are three key insights from the latest report, which can be downloaded for free at Residential solar and storage prices both reach new all-time lowsSolar prices dropped for the third consecutive six-month period, hitting $2.50 per watt, the lowest median quoted price since EnergySage began tracking data in 2014. Quoted storage prices also fell, setting a new record low of $999 per kilowatt-hour stored. "Heading into 2025, solar and battery prices had never been lower on the EnergySage Marketplace, and for homeowners, that means more affordable and accessible clean energy solutions," said Emily Walker, Director of Content and Insights at EnergySage. "This creates a compelling record-low benchmark to measure against as we begin to see the effects of shifting policies and tariffs take hold this year." Tesla's Powerwall 3 disrupts the storage—and solar—marketTesla became the most quoted battery brand in H2 2024, occupying 63% of Marketplace share nationwide. Because the Powerwall 3 includes an integrated inverter, Tesla also became the second-most quoted inverter brand. With batteries increasingly being added to solar systems—the national battery attachment rate jumped to 45% in H2 2024, an all-time high—Tesla's growth was a key driver of the low storage and solar prices seen on EnergySage. "Tesla's emerging dominance in both storage and inverter quotes reflects the market's appetite for integrated, all-in-one solutions," said Charlie Hadlow, President and COO of EnergySage. "But as concerns around availability and brand sentiment surface, we're watching closely to see whether this momentum holds or if consumer backlash will begin to shift installer and homeowner preferences." Rated solar panel output continues to climbSolar panels have continued to increase in power output due to larger sizes and higher efficiencies. In H2 2024, 33% of quotes included solar panels with rated outputs above 450 watts, up from just 1% in H2 2023. We are tracking tariff-related solar panel stockpiling to see if it hinders U.S. solar technology growth in 2025. "As panel technologies improve, more homeowners are being offered higher-output systems—meaning fewer panels, more power, and a better return on investment," said Emily Walker, Director of Content and Insights at EnergySage. "We're closely watching how inventory strategies and upcoming tariffs may shape this trend." For a decade, the Solar & Storage Marketplace Report has provided an unparalleled look into the trends for pricing, equipment, and consumer preferences shaping today's U.S. residential solar, energy storage, and home electrification industry. "The data in this report tells a broader story about the industry's evolution," said Charlie Hadlow, President and COO of EnergySage. "From the rise in storage adoption to the shift toward higher-efficiency equipment and lower costs, we're seeing homeowners take greater control over their energy choices. EnergySage is here to help them power their way." This latest report furthers the company's mission to make clean energy and energy-saving solutions like rooftop solar, energy storage, community solar, and heat pumps more accessible and affordable through trusted resources, unbiased advice, and a simple shopping experience. For questions or to inquire about additional insights, please contact intel@ ABOUT ENERGYSAGE, is the simplest, most trusted way to comparison shop and save on high-quality clean energy and energy-saving solutions, including rooftop solar, energy storage, heat pumps, and community solar. As the trusted partner for hundreds of vetted and accredited solar, HVAC, and electrical installers, EnergySage enables shoppers to request multiple high-quality quotes in minutes. With in-depth resources and unbiased support, EnergySage makes the entire process simple, low-stress, and more affordable for consumers, while serving as the conduit for clean energy companies and providers in all 50 states and D.C. to grow their businesses, reduce costs, and simplify their operations. For these reasons, leading organizations like National Grid, Mass Save, Sierra Club, Intuit, SEIA, and NCSU's DSIRE point their audiences to EnergySage to begin their clean energy transitions. Visit EnergySage for more information, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE EnergySage
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This cutting-edge appliance can power your home during blackouts — and it qualifies for massive government incentives
Cutting-edge energy storage tech from New York's BioLite is helping to alleviate a problem for anyone who doesn't like spoiled food — or sitting around in the dark. Since those qualifiers likely include mostly everyone, the company's home-based batteries should be well-received news, especially given the deluge of utility line-dropping extreme weather events being endured, causing more blackouts. If household power is out for hours, the damage could far exceed sour milk. There are 8.4 million Americans with diabetes who need costly refrigerated insulin to live, according to the American Diabetes Association. Other essentials, like phones, internet, and basic home functions, can be lost with the lights as well. BioLite's ingenious solution can be installed in about a half-hour. Its automatic battery system can be targeted to power appliances in your home that you can't afford to lose, like a vital basement sump pump that is keeping rising water at bay. Amazingly, it charges by being plugged into a standard wall outlet. Appliances are plugged into the long, thin, laptop-sized battery. They run off the grid supply — bypassing the battery — until the power drops. Then, the battery takes over, lasting for 30-60 hours, all according to BioLite marketing vice president Erica Rosen, who talked with The Cool Down about the invention. "If you can install a flat-screen TV, you can install this, no problem," Rosen said. BioLite costs around $2,100 after applicable, budget-saving 30% tax breaks. Other types of large generators can cost thousands more and often burn planet-warming dirty fuels. Tesla Powerwalls are another option, storing power from the grid or from solar panels. CNET reported that Powerwall 3 runs about $14,000 before incentives. Certain electric vehicles are also turning into blackout saviors. The Ford Lightning and Chevy electric Silverado are both built to power homes during emergencies. You can expect to pay $60,000 and higher for the rides, minus applicable tax breaks. BioLite's lower-cost option can keep core parts of the home up and running during ever-increasing and worsening storms. Yale Climate Connections reported that the number of calamities causing at least a billion dollars in damage is increasing each year, reaching 28 in 2023. The inflation-adjusted calculation set a record dating to 1980. Do you have a backup power source in your home? Yes — a portable generator Yes — a full-on generator I use solar panels No — I don't Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Worse yet, the Verge reported that there have been 60% more weather-related blackouts in warmer months during the last 10 years compared to the 2000s. Supercharged storms and a strained grid are the culprits, with Earth's overheating causing increased risks for the extreme weather, per NASA. Battery backups can help you mitigate the damage should your power go out. Using less electricity to begin with can also ease grid strain and reduce air pollution. It starts by unplugging so-called energy vampires at night. The unused chargers and devices can suck up loads of juice, also increasing your power bill. Better yet for BioLite's part, you won't notice the tech until it's time to use it. It's thin enough to install behind the fridge or other furniture. "Out of sight, peace of mind," per the company website. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
We Found Out the Real Cost of Using a Tesla Powerwall
To set up a residential solar system you have to have a battery to harness the solar power. Since there has been a boom in residential solar adoption, thanks in part to rising discomfort with current energy bills and also thanks to the federal tax credit that gives 30% of the total cost of the system back on your tax return along with other incentives, there have been many people looking into which battery may be the best. The Tesla Powerwall battery has become a popular choice to look into. Fortunately, the Powerwall 3 is considerably cheaper than other batteries on the market. In fact, the Powerwall 3 is the cheapest it has ever been, costing about $1,065 per kilowatt-hour of energy storage, according to a report from EnergySage. Since the Tesla Powerwall 3 is a 13.5 kWh battery, you're looking at about $14,400. In this quick guide, we'll take a closer look at the Tesla Powerwall 3 to help you decide if it's a worthwhile purchase. "The thing about batteries is they have a 10- to 15-year lifespan, and a lot of the time homeowners finance for 25 years," Garrett Mendelsohn, founder of Solar Bootcamp, told CNET. "So you're financing a product that's not going to really be doing anything by the end of the 25 years and paying interest on it." Let's dig into the details to help evaluate what makes sense for you. Put simply, the Tesla Powerwall is a big battery that can be mounted inside or outside of your home. It can be hooked up to charge an electric vehicle in your garage, provide backup power, store excess solar energy from a connected solar array or all of the above. You can also connect multiple Powerwalls together for more capacity to do all these things at once. A Tesla Powerwall solar battery, like any other solar energy storage system, can keep your essential systems online during grid outages, help maximize your net metering savings or even be your primary source of power if you have an off-grid setup. The Powerwall 3 is the latest model, offering a major upgrade over previous versions. However, it's not compatible with older Powerwall systems. Those are the basics. Here are some of the more technical details: By home battery standards, Powerwall batteries are on the cheaper side. Tesla's Powerwall 3 costs about $1,065 per kWh of storage. according to a recent report from EnergySage. The Powerwall 3 is a 13.5 kWh battery, so expect to spend about $14,400 -- without incentives. But this doesn't include the cost to install the battery. We were quoted $16,551 for the cost of installing a Powerwall 3 on a home in Fort Mill, South Carolina, via Tesla's website. This price includes the battery, gateway device, accessories, installation and taxes -- not too bad. Older Powerwall models are a bit cheaper, in the $8,400 - $13,000 range. However, we suspect these are slowly being phased out by Tesla. Other factors can impact the total cost of installing a Powerwall, such as labor and material expenses for placing it in a safe and convenient location. On the other side of the ledger, the federal tax credit, other incentives from state and local governments, utilities and even Tesla itself can drive down the net price. Tesla offers an energy design tool to help drive sales, but it's also useful to get a sense of how much you might expect to spend on a solar system for your home that includes a Tesla Powerwall battery. Depending on your home's energy needs, you might need multiple Powerwalls if you're looking to create a whole-home backup. And remember -- don't make any major decisions based solely on online research. Talk to multiple installers in your area to get more than one quote specific to your situation. Pros: Unlimited cycle warranty High power output Well-rounded efficiency and performance Cheaper than other batteries of similar size Compatible with and without solar panels Cons: Limited modularity Glitchy energy management app Poor customer service reputation Not compatible with other Powerwall models If you're set on storing a significant amount of energy for your home, the Powerwall is a solid choice. It has a great warranty, strong performance, an extremely competitive price and the backing of a well-known brand. But some have reported the company's customer service to be lacking. Tesla no longer operates a media office and didn't provide comment for this story. For those with existing Powerwall 2 or Powerwall Plus models, you should know that you can't install the Powerwall 3 within your existing system. That, of course, can be a dealbreaker. However, it's clear Tesla wants you to switch to the Powerwall 3 and leave the older, less powerful models behind. Since one of these is much more powerful than previous models, it could be a savvy upgrade. If you're on the fence about getting a large battery, Mendelsohn advises it might be better to wait. Most components of a home solar system are warrantied for 25 years, but batteries are rarely guaranteed to last longer than a decade, he points out. "If you don't have blackouts, it's not really worth it for the price. You spend $13,000 to $15,000 ... for a battery that can't even do the full house" Mendelsohn says. "So it doesn't really make a lot of sense until the battery technology gets better, and they can be warrantied for 25 years." Yes, a Powerwall is eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. There are several factors at play here, including your energy goals and the needs of your home. You can start to get a sense by using Tesla's energy design tool and speaking to local installers. The Tesla Powerwall 2, Plus, and 3 all have a usable capacity of 13.5 kWh and a 100% depth of discharge, but they differ in power output and integration. The Powerwall 2 has 5 kW continuous output, while the Powerwall Plus adds a built-in solar inverter and boosts backup power to 9.6 kW under full sun. The Powerwall 3 is the most powerful, offering 11.5 kW of continuous output but it is incompatible with earlier models, limiting modularity to four units. All models share an unlimited cycle warranty, but the Powerwall 3's performance is a significant upgrade. The Powerwall 3 can last about 10 to 15 years, depending on how you use and maintain it. Tesla also offers a 10-year warranty for added peace of mind.
