The Tesla Powerwall is a solar-charged battery for your house and car.
Having made a considerable fortune founding and then selling PayPal and subsequently investing in space travel and electric cars, billionaire inventor and entrepreneur Elon Musk is promising to revolutionise the way we power our homes.
The Powerwall is a sleek-looking unit that is installed in a garage or outside wall and takes its energy from roof-mounted solar panels. For those who live in sunny climes, the technology promises a supply of energy that is both autonomous and environmentally sustainable.
A solar-powered battery for your house
The average home uses more electricity in the morning and evening than during the day when solar energy is plentiful. Without a home battery, excess solar energy is often sold to the power company and purchased back in the evening.
This mismatch adds demand on power plants and increases carbon emissions. The Powerwall bridges this gap between renewable energy supply and demand by making a home’s solar energy available whenever it is needed.
The primary market for the Powerwall is expected to be existing owners of the Tesla electric car, but Musk sees the device as a power source for those in developing countries which lack infrastructure but have no shortage of sunshine.
Prices in America are expected to be $3500 for the 10kWh version and $3000 for the 7kWh and both come with a 10 year warranty.
Technical specification of the Powewall:
• 7kWh or 10kWh
• 2kW continuous power
• 3kW peak power
• 92% efficiency
• -20C – 43C operating temperature range
• Dimensions: H: 1300mm W: 860mm D:180mm
More at teslamotors.com/powerwall
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