Home Battery Backup Solutions

This depends on which battery you install and what your energy usage is. At Namaste Solar, we exclusively install the Tesla Powerwall 3. The Powerwall 3  can act as a whole home backup at night or in the event of a grid outage for the backup duration. Conservative usage ensures that you can back up major appliances and other home essentials. Generally, the Powerall 3 system  can back up both 120 V loads (lights, plugs, small appliances, etc.) and 240 V loads (air conditioners, electric cooking ranges, well pumps, EV charging, electric dryers, electric water heaters, etc.).

Colorado homeowners are eligible for many battery storage rebates including the 10% state tax credit, 30% federal tax credit, and other incentives through Xcel, Fort Collins Utility, and the city of Denver. These rebates can be stacked and can bring the cost of a battery down to just $2,000 for some customers. To get a complete breakdown of battery storage rebates, check out this blog.

Yes. All solar systems installed by Namaste Solar are grid-tied. This means that your solar panels and Powerwall 3 battery are connected to the local utility grid. Being grid-tied allows your system to seamlessly integrate with the local power grid, providing you with the benefits of net metering, where excess energy generated by your solar panels can be sent back to the grid, potentially earning credits on your utility bill.
Additionally, in areas like the Colorado Front Range, Xcel Energy requires that a battery storage system, such as the Powerwall 3, be connected to a solar system to receive permission to operate. This regulatory requirement ensures that the battery storage is used in tandem with solar generation, helping stabilize the grid and make it more efficient. It also ensures that you benefit from both solar energy production and the ability to store energy for use during non-sunny periods or power outages. So, if you have a Powerwall installed, it is part of a grid-tied solar system, designed to work with and improve the local utility infrastructure.

Yes. Battery storage systems are designed with your safety in mind, and there’s minimal risk of bodily or property damage associated with Powerwall’s battery storage. Further, the Tesla Powerwall 3 has safer battery chemistry than its predecessor since it’s made out of lithium, nickel, and cadmium. Compared to the environmental and health risks of fossil fuels, battery storage is a safe solution to your energy needs.

Colorado Front Range customers who are in utility territory, like Xcel, can only install battery storage with solar. Since the systems are grid-tied, the utility provider has the final say and most won’t approve battery storage without solar. Additionally, if you’re considering a Tesla solar inverter, it’s important to note that the unit works specifically with Tesla solar panels. The inverter converts the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity for use in your home, so both solar panels and the solar inverter are needed for proper operation.

The Tesla Powerwall 3 offers several upgrades over the Powerwall 2 in capacity, efficiency, and design. The Powerwall 3 has a larger storage capacity of 15.5 kWh compared to the Powerwall 2’s 13.5 kWh, and it provides a higher continuous power output of 7 kW versus the 5 kW of the Powerwall 2. Efficiency has also improved; the Powerwall 3 has a round-trip efficiency of about 92%, which is better than the Powerwall 2’s 90%. In terms of design, the Powerwall 3 features a more streamlined look with dimensions of approximately 48 x 30 x 6 inches, making it a bit larger than the Powerwall 2 but designed for easier installation and a more aesthetically pleasing look.

In addition to these performance enhancements, the Powerwall 3 incorporates advanced integration features. It offers improved software for better energy management and expanded home backup capabilities. Unlike the Powerwall 2, which requires a separate gateway for system management, the Powerwall 3 integrates more components into a single unit, simplifying the installation process. Both models come with a 10-year warranty, but the Powerwall 3’s updated technology and improved durability suggest it may offer more reliability in the long run. These advancements make the Powerwall 3 our most suggested option for those looking to invest in home energy storage.