There’s a lot to consider before investing in solar. But the good news is that solar power with Tesla is designed to last for years to come.
Many people wonder whether they should install the Tesla Powerwall inside or outside, if the Powerwall is waterproof, or if it can withstand cold or hot temperatures.
This article will discuss the following:
- The pros and cons of installing the Tesla Powerwall indoors vs. outdoors;
- Whether the Powerwall should be installed in a basement or garage;
- How Powerwalls can be arranged to suit your space, and
- Key specs of Powerwalls to consider when choosing an area for installation.
Let’s dive in and discover the best places to install a Tesla Powerwall to get the most out of your solar backup battery system.
About the Tesla Powerwall
Each Tesla Powerwall unit contains a lithium-ion battery, which can be charged and used as a backup battery system. The current options available are the Tesla Powerwall 2 and the Powerwall+.
Each of these models offers 13.5 kWh energy capacity, more than other solar backup battery systems on the market. It is also a massive upgrade from the original Powerwall model, which only had a capacity of 6.4 kWh. Customers can enjoy 5.6 kW of continuous power from these units as well.
The Powerwall is a large unit—it weighs 251 pounds and is 45 in x 29.6 in x 5.75 in. The Powerwall+ has the same Powerwall unit, plus an integrated inverter and system controller, bringing the weight up to 344 pounds and overall dimensions to 62.8 in x 29.7 in x 6.3 in.
Both models are white and sleekly designed to be mounted to the side of a flat surface (floor or walls). Finally, both models can withstand weather from -4F to 122F and are water- and dust-resistant. They meet North American safety and EMI standards.
Tesla Powerwall: Inside or Outside?
Because the Powerwall can withstand such a wide range of temperatures, many people choose to mount their units outdoors. Indeed, in many areas of North America, residents don’t need to worry about exposing their lithium-ion batteries to extreme temperatures that could damage their components.
However, plenty of people also reside in areas where extended exposure to frigid temperatures could cause concern. The solar panel system itself is, naturally, going to be mounted outside—likely on a roof in shingles or in separate panels.
Nevertheless, the battery system does not have to be outdoors to work with solar panels or roof shingles.
For many people, having the Powerwall close to the source delivering the charge makes sense. However, this is not a necessity. Below, we’ll answer some common questions people have about the placement of the Powerwall.
Can Powerwall Be Installed in a Basement?
Yes, a Powerwall can be installed in a basement. For homes that are in areas with widely fluctuating temperatures, a basement can be a great choice for the following reasons:
- The temperature of a basement is pretty stable, eliminating concern about extreme cold or heat.
- No need to worry about rain, dust, snow, or high winds damaging the panels.
- Basements are often fire-resistant, as they are built on concrete foundations. This reduces concern for damage due to fire.
However, the biggest concern about putting the Powerwall in a basement is its potential to be damaged due to flooding.
Be sure that wherever you choose to install it, the unit will be safe from water damage! If your basement is your only option, but you’re worried about flooding, keep in mind that the entire unit can be wall-mounted.
Can Powerwall Be Inside a Garage?
Yes, a Powerwall can be safely installed inside a garage. If your garage becomes very hot in the summer, this could reduce some of the battery functions. Thankfully, this will likely not be a point of concern for most people.
There are some other factors that you will want to consider:
- How large is your garage? You will need a fair amount of space, especially if you plan to install stacked units.
- You will have to run conduits through the walls. This is not extremely complicated, but it does add steps to the process.
- Wall-mounted units tend to do better with cinder block walls rather than drywall.
Can Tesla Powerwall Be Installed Outdoors?
The Tesla Powerwall can safely be installed outdoors if the temperature doesn’t fall below 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the cold won’t destroy the battery, it will not function as well as it should.
In this case, the reduced capacity may make a costly investment into a colossal waste of time.
That being said, for many people, outdoor installation is an attractive option. However, you may want to invest in a privacy fence if your units are visible or easily accessible to passers-by.
Where Does Powerwall Need to be Installed?
The Tesla Powerwall is versatile and can be installed in many areas. There are a few requirements that need to be met, whether you choose to install the unit(s) indoors or outdoors:
- The wall or floor needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the unit(s).
- There needs to be enough room to mount the unit and connect it to an inverter if needed.
- You need to have access to high-speed internet to monitor and control the system through the app.
- You must buy a Powerwall with new solar roof shingle or panel installations—and if you want to add the Powerwall to an existing solar array that you have already set up, you will need to work with a third-party vendor.
Does Tesla Powerwall Need Ventilation?
No! People often think that the Powerwall will require a ventilated space because they are used to working with conventional lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries produce hydrogen gas when used, requiring them to be in spaces with adequate airflow.
But unlike these traditional batteries, the Powerwall is made of lithium-ion with hermetically sealed cells. They do not produce gas. There is no free liquid electrolyte either, so there is no hazard should the enclosure be punctured.
Can Powerwalls Be Stacked?
Yes. The Powerwall is made so that up to 10 units can be stacked for up to 135 kWh capacity. The slim design means that the units will easily stack next to each other with less than half an inch of space between them.
How Heavy is a Tesla Powerwall?
As mentioned earlier, the Powerwall weighs about 251 pounds. The Powerwall+, with the integrated inverter and system controller, weighs about 344 pounds.
No matter your choice, the product you receive will be too large to handle on your own. This is just one reason the Tesla Powerwall will be installed for you.
Another reason is that although lithium-ion batteries are safer than their lead-acid counterparts, incorrect wiring or installation can still result in a fire. It’s best to leave this job to the professionals.
Are Powerwalls Waterproof?
No, Powerwalls are not waterproof. They are water-resistant. The key difference here is that although the units are designed to withstand rain, they could become damaged if they were to become submerged.
Some people or companies say that the Powerwall is fully waterproof, but this is not the case. The Tesla Powerwall will always perform better in a clean, dry environment.
Do Powerwalls Make Noise?
Although the Tesla Powerwall is quiet, it does make some noise. It has a pump as well as a fan, both of which emit sound.
The good news is that the sound should be less than 50 decibels even when running together. For comparison, that is about the same as having a “moderate” conversation. Even if you install your Tesla Powerwall indoors, this should not interfere with your everyday activities.
Where is the Best Place to Install Tesla Powerwall?
The best place to install a Tesla Powerwall is wherever it makes the most sense for you. Keep your units indoors if your geographic region is subject to extreme temperatures. Or keep it inside if you’re worried about vandalism or lack of wall space outside.
The Tesla Powerwall can be installed indoors without an issue. It is kid- and pet-friendly without stray wires and produces no gas emissions. It is quiet, sleek, and looks attractive wherever it is installed.
You can work with a certified technician to choose the best area to install your Tesla Powerwall. You’ll feel much more confident about your choice if you get feedback from an expert. Good luck!
