Tesla Powerwall Installation

1. THE SMART ENERGY SOLUTION: TESLA POWERWALL INSTALLATION FOR RESIDENTIAL USE A smart energy solution is one that utilizes self-learning technology or the Internet of Things (IoT) to manage energy usage in a more efficient and sustainable way, including Tesla Powerwall installation. This can include things like solar energy systems integrated with Tesla Powerwall for efficient energy storage, which are able to report incentive credits and provide remote service alerts. Additionally, appliances can “learn” your usage habits to conserve energy, “smart” thermostats can dynamically adjust temperatures based on your daily habits, and battery storage systems like Tesla Powerwall can respond to conditions in your home and on the grid. The Tesla Powerwall is a battery storage system that includes several “smart” features. But primarily, Powerwall is a backup energy device that provides crucial energy reserves in the event of a grid outage. When a power outage occurs, the Powerwall reacts by firing an automatic transfer switch, or ATS, to isolate your home from the grid, and then supplies stored energy from the battery to power your home’s loads, all within milliseconds. Depending on the electrical loads in your house, the Powerwall can either supply loads to the

2. entire home, “whole home backup,” or to a selected number of critical loads such as lights, heat, refrigeration, and connectivity “partial home backup.” Beyond the basic function of home backup, the Powerwall includes advanced features such as “rate arbitrage,” or the ability to capitalize on Time of Use (ToU) electric rates. Under this scenario, the Powerwall will power your home when electric rates are most expensive and buy and store energy when rates are the cheapest. This saves you money and keeps the grid operating more efficiently. Powerwall can also act as a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) to respond to grid “demand events” when the power grid is seeing its greatest usage spikes of the year. In New England, these spikes mostly occur on weekdays in July and August, late in the afternoon when air conditioning use is highest. As the grid strains to meet these demand spikes, Powerwall systems across the grid will respond in mass to push stored energy back out onto the grid as a Virtual Power Plant thereby helping the grid meet the demand spike without the need for rolling blackouts, or over-reliance on highly polluting “peaker” plants. The technological requirements to operate this program are significant. The Powerwall is able to receive a signal from the grid operator 24 hours before a demand event is scheduled. This allows the Powerwall system to “prepare” for the event by filling battery reserves to 100%. When the event begins, the Powerwall will start to discharge into the grid over the 2-3 hour window of the event down to a 20% minimum state of charge to allow some protection in the event of a power outage after the event. All of this is controlled remotely by the Tesla VPP technology platform. System owners do not need to intervene, although they do have the option to “opt out” of any grid events if they so choose. Powerwall also includes a “Storm Watch” feature that will pre-emptively fill the battery with grid power if an extreme weather event is predicted. With Storm Watch enabled, Powerwall owners don’t need to worry about being unprepared for an outage. There are three main benefits provided to grid operators by the Virtual Power Plant function of the Tesla Powerwall. By helping meet grid demand, Powerwall VPP helps keep the grid stable and safe by preventing blackouts.

3. VPP reduces pollution by allowing grid operators to keep peaker plants off- line. Some of these plants burn oil when gas supplies are scarce. VPP saves the grid operators money by lessening the effect of costly demand spikes. By providing these benefits to the grid operators, Powerwall owners are handsomely rewarded. Depending on the system size, a residential Powerwall owner can expect to earn $700-$2,000/year from their utility through VPP participation. The official name of the VPP program in Mass is “Connected Solutions.” CT, RI and VT have similar programs. Incentive rates are fixed for five years from when the Powerwall is enrolled in Connected Solutions. Between payments from the VPP program, the 30% Federal Tax Credit for battery storage systems, and zero-interest loans through Mass Save, Powerwall may be far more affordable than many homeowners think. Importantly, Powerwall is now eligible for the 30% Federal Tax Credit even when not combined with a solar energy system. This was a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Evaluating Home Suitability for Powerwall Not all homes are suitable for Powerwall installation. To determine if your home is suitable, you will need an assessment of your electrical system and the determination of an appropriate location for the Powerwall. Seeking Expert Guidance from Valley Solar If you are considering Powerwall installation, it is important to seek expert guidance from a solar company like Valley Solar. Valley Solar can help you to determine if your home is suitable for Powerwall installation and can provide you with a detailed quote for a solution to meet your needs. Valley Solar is a leading Tesla Powerwall installer in New England. Valley Solar has installed more battery storage systems than nearly any electrical contractor in New England. Our team of experienced solar electricians who can install Powerwall in your home quickly and efficiently. Valley Solar also offers a comprehensive warranty on all its solar products and services.