The Tesla Powerwall can be a useful energy storage solution for homeowners with rooftop solar arrays.
They can store excess power generated by their solar system, or use it when they need it or send it into the grid when it makes the most sense.
Tesla Model S, with Powerwall behind (Image; T. Larkum)
Right now, it’s Tesla’s main energy storage solution at the residential level, but two energy companies have decided to use Tesla’s bigger solution generally reserved for commercial and utility applications, the Powerpack, to create a new ‘shared Powerbank’ as a community alternative to individual Powerwalls.
The project is led by government-owned Western Power and Synergy, an energy company operating in Western Australia.
A 105kW (420kWh) Tesla Powerpack and inverter system has been deployed in the City of Mandurah.
The two companies are making the energy capacity available to 52 families with solar installations in Meadow Springs.
They started looking for households interested in the project last month and planned on launching next year, but so many people applied for the spots so rapidly that they already launched the program, which will be operating on a trial basis for the next two years.
Read more: Electrek