Fast read
Unfortunately for homeowners who already have solar installed on their property, and are simply just looking for home battery storage, a Tesla Powerwall battery - model 1 is not available anymore. The 2015 released model was replaced 18 months later by the improved Powerwall 2. In recent times Tesla changed their sales strategy and increased pricing, while supply has become tighter in Australia.
To purchase a Powerwall without a solar system, consider other brands like Sungrow, LG Resu, and Enphase that offer suitable options.
So do not just want a Tesla, but speak to experienced local installers to explore the best option for your needs as part of your research.
Can I still buy an original Tesla Powerwall 1?
You can buy a Tesla Powerwall, but it is not the original Tesla Powerwall 1.
Tesla replaced the original Tesla Powerwall 1, with Powerwall 2 in Australia in October 2017, 18 months after its release in April 2015. Some customers with the original Tesla Powerwall 1 received a free exchange for Powerwall 2, but Tesla hasn’t provided much explanation about these swaps.
The reason we witnessed the relatively fast model change was that Tesla was able to improve the technology and size of the battery and integrate more of their electronics. For instance, Tesla renewed the inverter and battery management system by making changes to the battery chemistry. The result was a more reliable battery with a higher storage capacity and increased power density.
Since 2017, when Tesla increased supply through their Gigawatt factory in Nevada, USA, the Tesla Powerwall 2 battery has remained relatively unchanged. It has seen improvements in features like peak power compared to the original Powerwall 2 and everyone agrees that the Tesla Powerwall 2 has an appealing design.
In 2023, many solar installers offer the Tesla Powerwall 2 for purchase. However, high demand has led to limited availability of the home storage battery. This situation has resulted in the development of waiting times and a significant increase in Tesla Powerwall prices over the past years, with some minor price relief observed in early 2023.
Several reasons are rumoured to contribute to the limited availability, such as:
High demand for the Tesla Powerwall battery
One reason Tesla might be doing this is because they’ve seen a significant surge in Powerwall sales, particularly in the US. With lots of people wanting Tesla Powerwalls, the wait times have gone up a lot, so, Tesla might be trying to find a way to deal with this surge in demand while also making more money.
By raising the prices of Powerwalls, Tesla could try to slow down how many people are ordering them. This could help them manage things better and make sure they can keep up with all the orders without getting overwhelmed. Plus, selling Tesla Powerwalls for more money could also help them make more profit, which is always a good thing for a company.
So, by changing the prices of Tesla Powerwalls during this time of high demand, Tesla seems to be trying to handle the situation smartly, both for themselves and for their customers.
Is it all a marketing tactic?
One reason that industry insiders assume Tesla is increasing prices and somewhat limiting supply could be a specific marketing tactic. This tactic is known as a ‘walled garden’ business strategy.
This is especially true for the US, where if one wants a Tesla Powerwall, a whole solar system with Tesla panels, and a Tesla-aligned installation company, such as Sun City, comes with the order.
Another manufacturer employing this strategy is evident in Apple products, which feature apps like iMessage. They have apps like iMessage, and you could charge an Apple phone only with an Apple charger until the European Union’s recent decision.
Tesla appears to be following this walled-garden marketing tactic, so you must overcome the walls through other products; once you are in the centre, you can not leave or even change brands. So what can you do to get a Tesla Powerwall by itself?
Other quality options on the market now
Well, as surprising as it may seem to some who only follow headlines regarding home batteries, Tesla isn’t the only brand that offers quality battery storage. While Tesla has been able to brand and market itself as the dominant default brand in the market, there is a wide variety of options at various price points.
Brands such as Sungrow, LG Energy Solutions, Enphase, Sonnen, Senec, BYD and Solar Edge offer some battery models on the local market. Many inverters and some panel manufacturers have also entered the storage market, with Enphase, SolarEdge, Qcells and Trina offering battery solutions.
Of course, with Tesla’s branding, many consumers automatically assume that it is one of the best products on the market, and while it’s a good product, there are equal alternatives at a better price point. Therefore, to purchase a Tesla Powerwall with a solar system as a combo in bulk at the price point or if you already have a solar system, the simple solution is to do your research.
Investigate the different solar battery storage options online, and you will find a vast range of options that can perform the same, if not better, than the Tesla Powerwall.
In Summary
The original Tesla Powerwall 1 was replaced by Powerwall 2 in 2017. Tesla Powerwall 2 is better, with improved technology making it more reliable and efficient. However, high demand has caused delays and price changes. Tesla might be using a marketing strategy called a ‘walled garden’ to sell more of their products together. But there are other good options from brands like Sungrow and LG Energy Solutions. Doing some research can help you find the right battery for your needs.
