After a test run, the Tesla app’s Charge on Solar feature is now available to all Australian owners of a Powerwall and compatible Tesla electric vehicles – and it should work with any hard-wired home electric vehicle charger.
When enabled, the feature allows owners to charge only when their solar power system is producing excess power, without having to rely on the grid (or Powerwall) – but there’s flexibility built in, too.
Once set up, Charge on Solar will activate when there is at least 1.2kW of stable excess solar power. The vehicle adjusts the charging power approximately every 10 seconds; Adjusting excess generation and electricity consumption elsewhere in the house. According to Tesla, this is intended to maximize the efficiency and lifespan of the electric vehicle chargers used.
A trial of this feature launched in Australia earlier this year for randomly selected owners. However, we have been informed that it is now available to all Australian Tesla owners who have the required vehicle, hardware and software:
- Model S, Model 3, Model X or Model Y (but 2012-2020 Model S and 2015-2020 Model
- Powerwall – Software: 12/23/10 or later
- Tesla App – Software: 4.30.5 or later
Tesla says Powerwall’s Storm Watch, Backup Reserve, Self-Powered and Time-Based control modes will work seamlessly with Charge on Solar.
The feature also offers a feature where by adjusting one slider in the app you can charge up to a certain level from solar and grid, and the other allows you to charge only with excess solar power up to your chosen limit. For example, you could start charging as usual (solar + grid) to 40% for daily travel, then to 90% using only excess power from PV.
Scheduled charging allows excess solar energy to be used until a specific time. The vehicle then accepts power from any source up to the set lower charging limit.
To use Charge on Solar, you must specify a location to avoid problems if you are in another location where excess solar energy is not available.
Tesla EV charger not required
Tesla’s hardwired electric vehicle charger is called Wall Connector, and the Gen 3 version costs about $800 before installation. However, it seems that you don’t need this kit if you already have another device installed in your home. SolarQuotes founder Finn successfully uses the feature with his solar power system, a Powerwall 2, a Delta EV charger and a Tesla Model 3.
For more information about Tesla’s Charge on Solar and how to set it up, visit this page. And if you’re looking for an electric vehicle charger (Tesla owner or not), use SolarQuotes’ electric charger comparison chart to compare models available in Australia, including those with solar smart charging support.
In other recent Tesla news, the company held a media and installer briefing about the new Tesla Powerwall 3 (PW3) in Sydney late last week. SQ’s Neerav Bhatt was at the event and has answers to a number of Powerwall 3 questions. Finn also weighed PW3; Answering the question: “Is it the right choice for every Australian household that wants a home battery?”
Prices and specifications for PW3 (and Powerwall 2) can be found in SQ’s solar battery comparison table. There you can see how they compare to other residential energy storage solutions available in Australia.
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