Tesla Powerwall Settings Every Owner Should Know

[@ZachSolar]

Do you need help with the Tesla app for your new Powerwall system? Book a call here! ➡ calendly.com/infozachsolar/support

[@hectorarcelus6602]

Icon is installing the system. I was a little disappointed that they would not allow backup switch.

[@ZachSolar]

​Yeah, it is disappointing that Unisource doesn't allow the backup switch. We confirmed with them and Tesla directly. It's strange because TEP does allow it, and they are sister companies.

[@hectorarcelus6602]

@@ZachSolar You know how territurial humans are.

[@hectorarcelus6602]

Any information on the dc module for pw3?

[@ZachSolar]

@@hectorarcelus6602 We can take orders now. Deliveries are targeted for early December. Dale can help you get setup on those if you'd like to consider them at any point!

[@woohooivan]

All those aerial shots you are using are🔥 Those look like some well designed systems.

[@ZachSolar]

Thank you!

[@GJKSTUDIO]

Zach, Thank you!!

[@john_hind]

Maybe you can help with a settings problem I have since installing a PowerWall 3 a couple of weeks ago? I do not have export permission yet, but I do have a very good off-peak tariff every night. I also have a modest PV installation. I have set up 'Time-Based Control' so the battery charges up to 100% during the off-peak period, which is great if there is not much sunshine so the battery discharges through the day. Trouble is if the sun comes up strong, the battery starts charging again and quickly reaches 100%. Then any surplus PV generation after house consumption just goes to waste! This will obviously get better when I get export permission, but there could still be cases where the export tariff is less than the off-peak rate and potential savings would go to waste. Seems to me that, rather than a hard choice between 'Self-Powered' and 'Time-Based Control', there should be an upper threshold setting dividing the space above the 'Backup' region into a 'Grid Storage' region and a 'PV Buffer' region.

[@ZachSolar]

I don’t think this level of customization will be able to be had within the native Tesla app. I’m sure we could figure out a proper automation schedule within Netzero, but hard to say with absolute certainty. Check out this video on Netzero: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGfZlqNqfLZ4d5I If you'd like to have me help you set these automations up and test them, book a call here: calendly.com/infozachsolar/support

[@john_hind]

@@ZachSolar Thanks for pointing me to this app. Now I know it exists I guess I'll be able to work it out. Rather surprised I ran into the limitations of the Tesla app so quickly though as this seems like a rather obvious scenario!

[@25kpoole]

Good video. I have two powerall 3 batteries. If I set the backup reserve to 20% I'm assuming that's the equivalent to 40% with one battery? The app seems to combine the two batteries seamlessly as if it were one big one. Thanks

[@ZachSolar]

Thanks! Yeah the app factors both batteries as one total storage system. The 20% would be equivalent to 20% of your total 27 kWh capacity between the 2 Powerwalls, which is the same capacity as 40% of just one. Side note, the batteries are individually around the same state of charge (%) at all times.

[@James-rn7dv]

Strong work!

[@kathleensweet1102]

Thank you for your videos! They have helped me a great deal learning my Tesla app! I have roof top solar and a newly installed Tesla Powerwall 3. I also have a 2024 Mustang Mach e. In this video you recommend adding EV charging ports to the Tesla app. I would really like to do that. We have had a 240 charging plug added to our garage wall that I plug in the Ford charger that came with my car. Is it possible to add this to my Tesla app?

[@ZachSolar]

Thank you! Great choice on going with the Powerwall 3 🔋 Unfortunately, for the EV information to appear on the Tesla app like in this video, you would need a Tesla Universal Wall Connector installed to replace your 240V outlet and charge your Mach E from that. I think it’d be more of a “nice to have” than “need to have” IMO.

[@kathleensweet1102]

@@ZachSolar Thank you again so much. I really appreciate you for this quick reply and all you have taught me in your videos.

[@spirited1_]

Do you need to add the rates? In CA, they go up every quarter...

[@ZachSolar]

Most of the larger and more complex utilities will have pre-built rate plans available to select within the Tesla app. You only have to create a custom plan when your option doesn’t exist.

[@rorychampagnie5855]

Im in Tampa, FL. No grid power for 2days. I have 3 powerwalls. What do you recommend to set the powerwall setting to make sure the house is powered at night? Thanks

[@ZachSolar]

Glad to hear you're safe! Consume as little of the incoming solar power as possible to maximize the Powerwalls' charge. You can also turn off breakers (if safe to do so) of appliances, or parts of home you won't be using. At this point, that's the only thing you can do.

[@mattterry30]

You didn't cover "Off-Grid" which to me, is the most desired feature where you are completely energy independent. This is my favorite feature of the app and my system and as long as I have enough sun, my default setting.

[@ZachSolar]

That's really cool. I didn't know users would keep it in Off-Grid mode like that, but it makes sense. I should have absolutely included that in this video.

[@EdwinRivera-j4c]

Hi Zach, I want my powerwall to work the most of the time after hours (6pm to 7AM) what do you recomend my settings. thanks

[@ZachSolar]

Do you have TOU rates? If not, I would recommend just using it in "Self-Powered" mode for this.

[@ffbells]

I don’t have the “vehicle charging when off grid” setting. I have charging on solar, but not the other one. I do have Netzero setting my reserve to current state of charge when the vehicle is charging, so I think I’m covered??

[@ZachSolar]

Yeah, honestly that "vehicle charging when off-grid" is only useful if the grid goes offline. That's strange you don't have it. The Netzero automation will work great for you while on-grid, to have your EV charge from the utility rather your PW.

[@hectorarcelus6602]

Thank you for your videos, very informative. We are waiting for permission from UNS.

[@mw5200]

Love the videos Zach. Have you looked or considered the TEP R-Tech plan? It claims to be for customers with technologies like solar and energy storage, but it also looks terrible in that it punishes off-peak usage.

[@ZachSolar]

Thank you! And the R-Tech is interesting but I don’t like the off-peak demand charge and restrictions that creates. Overall, I’m not sold. Regular Demand TOU is still preferred to me for now. But I like that TEP is attempting some innovation.

[@mw5200]

@@ZachSolar would you recommend demand TOU over regular TOU? My initial thought is why live with the demand charge landmine? I have a brand new 12.2kW system and 1 PW3. I’m thinking after a couple days of less than perfect pv, and the pw3 is cached… we’d end up with a big demand charge.

[@ZachSolar]

I think Demand TOU is worth at least a strong consideration when you have a battery. If you’re unsure, start out on regular TOU and see how it performs and what your demand is. Whether it’s recommended will depend on what loads you normally need to run during peak time.

[@eddiedavila1539]

Why is my power wall on standby mode

[@ZachSolar]

Are you using Time-Based control? They’re probably just waiting until peak times begin to discharge again. Otherwise they are at/below their backup reserve %.

[@hectorarcelus6602]

Thank you

[@EricV485]

So the rates and seasonality the utility has that information somewhere?

[@ZachSolar]

If Tesla has your utility rate plan already integrated, just select your state, utility, and pick the rate plan. If they don’t, then you’ll have to customize it yourself. You would just need to visit your utility’s website and input those rates.

[@therobotwithhumanhair9894]

I wish there was a more obvious definition of how the system will function during super off peak, off peak, shoulder, and peak. I want my system to charge up during my free nights and avoid using the grid all together from 9am-9pm.

[@ZachSolar]

You could set up automations in the Netzero app to achieve that. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGfZlqNqfLZ4d5I If you'd like to have me help you set these automations up and test them, book a call here: calendly.com/infozachsolar/support

[@Tom-hb1no]

Thanks for the review. In Florida there is a rate for less thàn 1000kwh and over 1000. Can the app adjust usage of the battery to keep grid use under, say, 1000 ish for the billing period. Also, currently net metering in one for one I believe, not sure

[@ZachSolar]

Unfortunately the software won’t be able to perform anything like that. It’d take some manual work to get it done.

[@jjamespacbell]

My Utility Anaheim Electric has a life line rate of $0.14 and any additional is charged at $0.22 the life line rate is 10 kWh per day but it is based on monthly buckets so a 30 day month you get the 1st 300 kWh for $0.14 each. Can this be reflected in the Tesla App? FYI I have 2 PowerWall 3's and a 7.25 Kw solar system.

[@ZachSolar]

@@jjamespacbell no the software won’t be able to get that specific unfortunately

[@Danny_oooh]

Need a updated video tesla has updated everything

[@ZachSolar]

Which parts are outdated? Everything covered in this video still look the exact same in my app. Unless there's a big update that just went out?

[@nicejoy9998]

I have SRP Plan . Planning to get a 4 kw system and 3 power wall to completely offset summer peak hour grid usage so I get $0 demand charge. This way all my consumption is at around 6 cents per KW. My summer usage is around 30 to 35 KW during peak hours and I will have the solar production equal to another power wall . It will cost me 24300 after tax rebates and that investment will save me roughly 200/month. What do you think? Do you think I can program the power wall in a way that it won’t pull nothing from the grid during peak hours hours

[@ZachSolar]

I’d probably consider increasing your solar capacity just a bit, esp if you don’t get a ton of west exposure. The 2p-8p time block could be tough on some days to cover 100% if you’re consuming 30-35 kWh then. You will have that 40.5 kWh (3x PW3) and that’s if you discharge to a full 0%. You will absolutely need to grid charge in the AM. The incoming solar won’t be enough to charge 100%, but it will help offset the consumption. It can be done, the app will control it nicely, but if it were me I’d bump the system a couple kW. Grid charging during off-peak and load shifting will make things even better.

[@nicejoy9998]

@@ZachSolar Thanks. Do you install these systems ? . Is it pricier than going directly through tesla?. Do you offer expansion packs ?

[@ZachSolar]

@@nicejoy9998 Yes we do. I’m with a premier installer for Tesla here in AZ (Icon Power). We are competitive to Tesla’s pricing and have the DC-packs ready to order. If you want a quote to compare against, shoot me an email. [e-mail]

[@nicejoy9998]

@@ZachSolar Thanks. Will contact you when i am ready.

[@LovenessLife]

This is for iPhone. Android is little different.

[@ZachSolar]

Curious what’s different for you? I have an Android as well and it appears to be identical.