Working is Partnership with SolarEdge and SMA, Tesla have been able to configure the Powerwall to enable compatibility with ALL INVERTER MANUFACTURERS. Upon its release, Tesla Powerwall's were only compatible with PV Systems using SolarEdge Inverters.
Of particular interest to SMA owners is the AC Coupled solution, the "SUNNY BOY STORAGE 2.5", the battery inverter can be installed or expanded in any location, at any time. The Sunny Boy Storage is a true jack-of-all-trades, one that uses high-voltage technology to make it cost-efficient and light weight. It also uses just a few components, because the most important functions for intelligent battery management are already integrated. It can be combined with numerous types of energy: PV, wind energy, combined heat and power plants.
SolarEdge have their standard DC coupled system which is compatible with most existing pre-installed SolarEdge inverters. In addition, SolarEdge have created an AC coupled solution as part of its "StorEdge" product interface by re-configuring their tried and tested, SE-3500 inverter as a dedicated battery inverter.
Both AC Solutions are compatible with almost any other existing inverter, and any battery storage system will work with FEED IN TARIFF AND EXPORT PAYMENTS.
2: Revised Typical Installed Prices:
In the short term, to generate interest CTS Renewables Ltd were able to offer the Tesla packages at prices significantly lower than the industry average for early adopters, however due to changes in exchange rates for both Dollars and Euro's alongside the slower than expected battery price reductions, As of 20/08/16, we can no longer offer the rates provided in previous emails and correspondence.
£4,499 - Tesla Powerwall to connect into existing compatible SolarEdge Inverter.
£4,799 - Tesla Powerwall to connect into any other inverter using the SMA or SolarEdge AC Coupling Solution
3: Long Term Battery Pricing
There has been a great deal of discussion on forums, message boards and within the industry about significant reductions in battery pricing in the near future. At a recent event attended by the BBC's technology reporter, Dave Lee, at the new Tesla Battery "Gigafactory" which is due to fully open in 2020, Elon Musk discussed potential battery cell savings of up to 30%. Which is a significant saving but it needs to be put into perspective.
Firstly its four years away and will no doubt be phased over that period. Secondly, these are expected savings for the battery cells, and not the other components which form the battery and its installation. Other costs which are not likely to change significantly include, the housing, US shipping, import taxes, UK delivery, wholesaler margins, other components such as cabling, SMA/SolarEdge battery inverters, and CTS Renewables installation cost. With all the other aspects considered I would expect that a 30% reduction in cell cost could only result in a 10-15% reduction in overall install cost. Finally, Non of this takes into account any additional price increases expected by the poor exchange rates with the Dollar and Euro.
This is vastly different from expectations of up to 50% reductions in the coming few months, as discussed in forums. I was expecting more significant changes and sooner, but it would appear that they will be much more conservative. I do however stand to be corrected!
4: Tesla Rumors Debunked
There have been a few articles recently in Tech Magazines and blogs regarding a Powerwall 2 which will be more powerful than the current Powerwall. According to my discussions directly with Tesla the rumors are groundless.
The only revision to the Powerwall is its newly released compatibility with the SMA Sunny Storage 2.5, any discussions regarding extra capacity is confusing its original advertised capacity, which was revised down to allow an advertised Depth of Discharge of 100%, or their 10kw backup version which has a different configuration.
Inside the Powerwall is a single self contained battery pack which you will find in the Tesla cars (which also have more packs). To upgrade the Powerwall would mean a change across the entire product range. Any near future revisions will be aesthetic to the housing or to the wiring centre to ease installation of the equipment.
CTS Renewables Ltd are able to offer alternative storage solutions from LG, Samsung and we are one of the few installers accredited to install the Tesla Powerwall. Follow this LINK to read more detailed information on battery storage systems from our latest information flyer.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newscast, more information on our products and services can found on our website www.ctsrenewables.co.uk or you can call our office on 01623 422254.
Kind Regards
Matthew Baxter
Sales & Marketing Director
