A homebuyer who inherited a Tesla Powerwall expected it to help them tap into cheaper electricity overnight.
Instead, the battery appeared to be so old that it was unable to use app controls, leading the owner to ask the internet for help.
Here's what to know
In a Reddit thread posted to the site's r/Powerwall forum, the homeowner said the house they purchased came with a solar setup and Powerwall dating to around 2015 or 2016.
The original poster was trying to find out whether the battery could charge from the grid during cheaper winter rate periods. OP wrote, "I was looking to try and make use of my off-peak electricity tariff to charge it during the winter but I can't seem to do it."
The buyer also said they could not get the unit into the Tesla app, and that setting a manual schedule in SolarEdge made it "just completely pauses the battery."
In the replies, one commenter cited that the manual said "page 28 says only controls are on what it's connected to." Another commenter added, "The Powerwall 1 does not have any compatibility with the mobile app. Sorry mate."
Others were just impressed by the equipment itself. One user wrote, "Wow, an OG Powerwall. I haven't seen one of those in a long time."
A first-generation system may still store power, but older hardware does not always support the app-based tools and time-of-use features many newer buyers assume are standard.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn't that worth an email or two? |
Unfortunately, that does seem to be the case here. The homeowner was trying to shift charging to cheaper off-peak hours during the winter, when solar production can dip and grid electricity can play a larger role in household energy use. But if the battery cannot charge when rates are lowest, one of its simplest cost-cutting advantages may disappear.
For homeowners hoping for those money-saving features, installing modern battery storage tech can be one of the best ways to protect a home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid.
If you're exploring an upgrade, EnergySage can help you get information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates. EnergySage has teamed up with the electrification brand Qmerit to guarantee you get the best price on home battery storage solutions.
Pila is another company offering excellent battery backup options, and its plug-and-play batteries are priced at a fraction of what a whole-home backup system would cost.
Where can I learn more?
For a better sense of what Tesla Powerwall systems can and cannot do, these stories look at where the batteries shine, where they fall short, and what newer options offer.
• Tesla's latest update added a game-changing Powerwall meter that gives owners clearer battery data.
• In California, one homeowner said his Tesla Powerwall earned $600 through a virtual power plant.
• An energy specialist found the Tesla home tech can keep families running through blackouts.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
