THIS TESLA SOLAR/POWERWALL HACK CUT HIS PAYBACK PERIOD IN HALF

EV Channels Review

This video provides a comprehensive 12-month review of a Tesla Solar and Powerwall installation. The owner, Brian, opted for a smaller 5.6 kW system on the less-than-ideal north and west-facing sides of his home for aesthetic reasons, costing $23,466 before the federal tax credit. Despite the suboptimal placement, the system has performed well, generating an average of $100/month in electricity savings from solar alone. The real game-changer, however, is the Powerwall. By strategically charging it at night during off-peak hours (as low as 1 cent/kWh) and using that stored energy during peak hours (around 30 cents/kWh), Brian estimates this strategy effectively doubles his savings and halves the payback period, bringing it down to an estimated 6-7 years after the tax credit. The seamless transition during power outages and the integration with the Tesla app are highlighted as significant benefits. While Brian expresses a desire to add more panels, he is limited by roof space and code regulations. Maintenance has been minimal, though cleaning is recommended during pollen season. The video also touches on the potential for bidirectional charging with the Cybertruck and the value of solar as a home resale asset.