Frequently Asked Questions

A single Powerwall costs $9,750 + tax. This price does not include supporting hardware, shipping & handling, installation, electrical upgrades, permit fees, utility application/connection charges, taxes or optional solar power system. The final design and pricing will be based on your electrical panel, home energy usage, number of Powerwalls and where you would like your Powerwall installed. Here is a more detailed breakdown of typical costs associated with a turnkey Powerwall installation in Canada:

• $9,750 : Powerwall (13.5 kWh battery with integrated inverter)
• $1,550 : Backup Energy Gateway (Tesla’s supporting hardware for Powerwall management, monitoring and control)
• $700 - $1,500 : Shipping & handling (Tesla Gigafactory USA to installation address)
• $1,500 - $3,500 : Labour (it typically takes 1-3 days to install Powerwall, depending on project complexity)
• $500 - $1,500 : Materials (conduit, cable, extra meters, sub-panels, breakers, etc.)
• $500 - $1,000 : Permit fees (regional electrical safety authority)
• $500 - $1,500 : Connection charges (utility application and connection)

Pricing above assumes that Powerwall is being located within 5 feet of your main electrical panel and that all existing electrical panels and wiring are up to code.

These are the fees that utilities collect to cover the costs associated with assessing the impact of connecting Powerwall to the electricity grid and potential meter upgrades.  These fees vary substantially throughout the country.

The exact cost benefit will depend on a variety of factors.  We work with customers during the initial consultation process to identify specific needs and determine if Powerwall is the right solution.

That depends on a number of factors: how much you pay for electricity, whether those rates vary based on the time of day, whether your utility allows you to feed excess energy back to the grid and be compensated for it, and whether solar is included.  We will work with you to make sure that the system is setup to suit your needs and where possible, reduce your electricity bill.

That depends on your utility bill and the solar program available in your area.  Powerwall stores unused power from your solar panels so you can use it later when you need it.  This allows you to maximize your consumption of solar electricity and reduce your dependence on the grid.  Some provinces and utilities allow you to feed excess energy back into the grid and credit your bill, while others will require you to locally consume the electricity you generate.  We will work with you to setup the system to best suit your needs.

Currently, home battery solutions like Powerwall are not eligible for any rebates or tax incentives, but this may change.  Check back regularly for updates.

There are no incentives for battery storage systems today. This may change in the near future.  Check back regularly for updates.

Installation of a Powerwall in your home should not have a monetary impact on your insurance, but we recommend that you contact your insurance company to discuss.

Some utilities offer net metering programs where a credit is given to the customer for exporting power back to the grid.  We can help you determine what is available from your local utility.

Powerwall is designed to provide energy storage in homes for time-of-use/ load shifting, solar self-consumption, and net metering applications involving rooftop solar and backup power.  Eventually, multiple systems may also be aggregated for grid-specific benefits that could provide additional value for homeowners and communities.  Check back regularly for updates.

In the event of any threat to health or safety, always begin with these two steps before addressing the other suggestions below:

1. Immediately contact the fire department or other relevant emergency response team.

2. Notify all people who might be affected and ensure that they are able to evacuate the area.

Only perform the suggested actions below if it is safe to do so. In all cases, once the situation is stable, contact your MPOWER Certified Installer or contact Tesla directly at 1-877-798-3752.

In case of a fire:
• Turn off Powerwall, then turn off the AC breaker to Powerwall.
• Turn off the AC breaker to the Gateway.
• Acceptable fire extinguisher types are water, CO2, and ABC. Avoid type D (flammable metal) extinguishers.

In case of flooding:
• Stay out of the water if any part of the battery, Gateway, or wiring is submerged.
• Turn off Powerwall, then turn off the AC breaker to Powerwall.
• Turn off the AC breaker to the Gateway.
• If possible, protect the system by finding and stopping the source of the water, and pumping water away.
• Let the area dry completely before use.

If there is an unusual smell or smoke:
• Turn off Powerwall, then turn off the AC breaker to Powerwall. 
• Turn off the AC breaker to the Gateway.
• Ensure nothing is in contact with Powerwall.
• Ventilate the room.

If Powerwall is making unusual noises:
• Turn off Powerwall, then turn off the AC breaker to Powerwall. 
• Turn off the AC breaker to the Gateway.
• Ensure nothing is in the vent on either side of Powerwall or in the fan. 

 

If Powerwall is leaking coolant:
WARNING:  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, coolant can be absorbed through the skin and cause damage to internal organs.  Ensure that it does not touch or enter any part of the body including, but not limited to skin, eyes, and mouth.
• Turn off Powerwall, then turn off the AC breaker to Powerwall. 
• Turn off the AC breaker to the Gateway.
• Ventilate the room. 

When cleaning up spilled coolant:
• Wear safety goggles, rubber gloves, pants, a long sleeved shirt, and fully closed shoes when cleaning up spilled coolant.
• Avoid further coolant spills by putting a bucket under the leak. Powerwall holds up to 2.3L (2.4 qt) of coolant.
• Pour cat litter, sawdust, or another absorbent material on the spill immediately. Allow the material to absorb as much of the coolant as possible.
• Use paper towels to collect the material that was used and discard the soiled paper towels in a sealed plastic bag. Place the sealed plastic bag into the garbage.
• Clean up anything that remains using soap and warm water.

Powerwall comes with a 10-year unlimited cycle warranty.  Powerwall is still usable after that, but its capacity will degrade over time.  It must be connected to the Internet to allow remote firmware upgrades from Tesla.  If an Internet connection is not established or is interrupted for an extended period, and Tesla is unable to contact you, the warranty may be limited to 4 years.  

Powerwall needs internet (wired Ethernet and your home Wi-Fi) or cellular service to communicate with the Tesla mobile app and receive software updates.  A reliable connection is required to provide new product features over time.  Powerwall can function if the connection is temporarily lost but should not be installed in a location without internet or cellular service.

Tesla’s lithium ion batteries, such as those used in Powerwall, contain valuable materials that can be recovered and recycled for further use in both battery and other applications.  Tesla strongly encourages recycling and attempts to retrieve all batteries that have reached end of life (EOL) for purposes of recycling. 

The integrated inverter in AC Powerwall 2 is warranted for 10 years.  Powerwall must be reliably connected to allow remote firmware upgrades from Tesla.  If an internet connection is not established or is interrupted for an extended period, and Tesla is unable to contact you, the warranty may be limited to 4 years.

Powerwall is currently available in white.

Most homes require a single Powerwall to backup essential lights, sockets and fridge for 12-24 hours.  Adding a second Powerwall will double how much energy you can store.  During a power outage, that means your essential appliances will last twice as long.  It would also allow you to store twice as much solar energy during the daytime for use at night.

This depends on the specific power consumption of the backup circuits during the power outage. One Powerwall can support a single refrigerator for approximately 3 days.  A typical family of 4 people powering critical lights, phones, laptops, internet modem/Wi-Fi, a refrigerator/freezer and a gas furnace fan can be supported for 1-2 days.  If a couple of electric space heaters are involved, a single Powerwall will be 100% discharged in approximately 3-5 hours.  Your MPOWER Certified Installer will work with you to identify the most appropriate loads for Powerwall to backup in your home.

 

Powerwall uses lithium-ion battery cells.  These cells are made up of the same chemical components as the rigorously tested and proven battery product used in the Tesla electric vehicles.

Lithium ion batteries in Powerwall have several advantages over lead acid batteries.  Lead acid batteries typically last 5-7 years and can only be partially discharged.  We call this the depth of discharge and for lead acid batteries, it typically ranges between 50-70% of the total capacity.  Powerwall has a 10-year warranty and offers a full depth of discharge (0 to 100%). 

Some lead acid batteries also require maintenance, are bulky and often need to be installed in a special enclosure.  In comparison, Powerwall is a sleek wall mounted unit that requires no maintenance.

Powerwall provides clean, quiet, maintenance free energy with automatic backup power that provides enough energy security for most common outages.

Gas generators are noisy and produce noxious fumes so they need to be located outside.  They take between 20 seconds to 3 minutes to start-up.  Powerwall has nearly instant power (1/4 second), no emissions and a quiet cooling fan.

Gas generators require periodic test starts and cleaning.  Powerwall does not require maintenance and comes with a 10-year unlimited cycle warranty.

Backup generators are typically loud and require regular maintenance and/or refueling.  
Powerwall provides homeowners a smaller, quiet and automated emergency power supply during a blackout.  When paired with solar panels, the power is clean and renewable which minimizes negative impacts on the environment.

If you have a new or existing microFIT contract, you are allowed to install a battery storage system that is independent of the microFIT facility on your property.  Connecting a battery storage system within your microFIT facility will be a violation of your microFIT Contract.  Your MPOWER Certified Installer will work with you to determine if Powerwall would be permitted under the terms of your contract.

Yes! Solar panels harness the sun’s energy and convert it into energy we can use in our home.  Connected with a Powerwall, you will be able to store the excess power your solar panels produce in your home and use it when you need it most.  Your MPOWER Certified Installer will be able to install solar panels along with Powerwall.

Yes, Powerwall can be integrated with your existing solar system.  Powerwall is compatible with solar inverters from SMA, SolarEdge, Fronius, Enphase micro inverter, Delta, and ABB.  Tesla will continue to explore compatibility with other inverter companies.

Powerwall has a dedicated inverter built into the battery, allowing for grid and photovoltaic integration.  A separate solar inverter is needed to take the DC (Direct Current) electricity produced by your solar panels and your Powerwall and convert it to the AC (Alternating Current) to charge Powerwall.
 
If you have or will be installing solar panels, you will need a separate inverter for the solar panels.

Net Metering allows customers to feed excess energy back into the grid.  Excess energy fed into the grid is credited to your account to reduce your electricity bill.  Check with your utility to determine if net metering is available in your area.

Powerwall does not currently have the ability to charge from a generator. Please stay tuned for future updates.

If you have an existing generator connected to your property and would like to install Powerwall at this time, the generator must be completely isolated from the Powerwall on a separate electrical panel.  The generator cannot be allowed to feed energy into Powerwall.

Your MPOWER Certified Installer will work with you to ensure the system is properly configured.

Yes, Powerwall can provide stored solar energy to your EV through your home electrical panel.  However, there is no direct connection between Powerwall and the EV wall connector.

Keep in mind a single Powerwall provides 5 kW of continuous power output and 13.5 kWh capacity.

Many electric utilities provide usage reports on the monthly bill or provide internet access to usage reports.  There are also several third party power monitors available for sale that will assist homeowners to measure electricity usage at the appliance and fixture level.

Yes!  You need to seek approvals from your condominium management team or board to authorize the work required.

Only Tesla Powerwall Certified Installers are authorized to install Powerwall in Canada. We offer a full service experience, managing all the applications and approvals with your utility and your local electrical safety authority.

We recommend that Powerwall be installed indoors, close to the main electrical panel.  Some outdoor installations are possible.  Your Certified Installer will work with you to determine the ideal location for Powerwall installation on your property.

Powerwall should not be installed in habitable areas such as kitchens and bedrooms.

Requirements vary based on the electric utility and regional safety authorities.  Your Certified Installer will advise you of local requirements and facilitate the application and approval of any permits if required.

It may be possible to have a Certified Installer remove and relocate Powerwall to another property; however, this would be an expensive procedure and may void the product warranty.  It is not recommended.

Powerwall must be installed on a level floor or an upright wall that can support 160 kg (350 lbs) which is the maximum weight of Powerwall and associated equipment.  Powerwall must be mounted vertically and cannot be tilted backward or forward by more than 5 degrees.

Powerwall can be installed on most surfaces as long as the wall or floor can support the necessary weight (160 kg/ 350 lbs). 

The unit must be installed upright and is designed to be wall or floor mounted.

The Powerwall itself is 115cm tall x 75.5cm wide x 15.5cm thick (45.3" x 29.7" x 6.1"). Additional space will also be required for associated equipment. Your Certified Installer will work with you to identify a suitable installation area in your home.

This is not recommended but is possible. Removal/relocation of the unit is costly, may cause damage and may void the warranty.  If you would like to make changes to the location of your Powerwall, please contact your Certified Installer.

We are currently exploring opportunities for Powerwall to be available in publicly accessible locations across Canada.  Check back here or our social media for images or recent installations.

MPOWER is currently only serving residents of Canada. Please reach out to Tesla directly.

Upon acceptance of the quotation, your Certified Installer will initiate the utility connection application process and arrange for all the necessary permits.  This process can take 4-6 weeks. Installation of equipment is usually complete within 1-3 days.  After installation, final inspection by local safety authorities and commissioning can take another 4-6 weeks.  In total, the permitting, installation, and final commissioning process may take 9-13 weeks.

Powerwall is rated for indoor and outdoor installation with an operating temperature between -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F).  For optimal performance, we recommend installing a Powerwall in a garage or utility room close to the electrical panel.

The availability of Tesla Solar Tiles in Canada is uncertain at this point in time. Please check back here for updates.

Powerwall emits no pollution while operating and benefits the environment by storing excess electricity generated from solar panels during the day to power your home with clean energy during the evening.  This ability to store electricity generated from intermittent renewable resources, such as the sun, reduces our dependence on dirty power and supports sustainable energy development.

Installing Powerwall without solar helps to reduce your household demand for peak electricity which is often generated by burning gas/coal and provides a clean, quiet alternative to loud, fossil fuel burning generators during a power outage. 

Additionally, Tesla’s lithium ion batteries, such as those used in Powerwall, contain valuable materials that can be recovered and recycled for further use in both battery and other applications.  Tesla strongly encourages recycling and attempts to retrieve all batteries that have reached end of life (EOL) for purposes of recycling.

Emission savings attributed to Powerwall use can be found through a number of different use cases.  If Powerwall is charged during the day from your solar system, the use of this energy at a later time is emissions free.  If Powerwall has been charged from similar zero or low carbon sources (from the grid at low peak for example) and is then used during a grid outage for backup instead of a gas or diesel generator, this energy is lower or emissions free.  If Powerwall is charged at off-peak, most often this grid electricity has been generated from low or zero carbon sources.  By utilizing this energy from your Powerwall during peak periods you are most often utilizing lower emission energy.