Latest news with #TeslaPowerwall
Press and Journal
25-05-2025
- Press and Journal
Couple turn Tomatin home into dream house after amazing makeover
Who: Maureen McDonald-Cooke, a project and development manager, her husband Tim, who works at Raigmore Hospital plus their two dogs Isla and Indie. What: A fabulous five-bedroom, contemporary home. Where: Tomatin on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. 'We previously lived in a Victorian house, on the edge of a market town in Norfolk. So moving to a modern contemporary property was a big change for us, but we are so pleased we did. We were moving for work reasons but it turned out to be a fantastic lifestyle change. To find our home, we used the property website Rightmove. For us, we didn't really have any specific locations in mind at the time, other than it had to be a reasonable distance to Raigmore Hospital. We found Tomatin and loved the location as it's such a beautiful and tranquil village which is close to Inverness so it was ideal. So we viewed Drovers House on a winter's day. The weather wasn't great but what stood out for us was the magnificent views of the Monadhliath Mountains. It looked like a mini-Switzerland. And seeing the stately stag and white hare peering across the field was an unexpected bonus that day. After a few visits we set the wheels in motion in 2017 and moved in on Valentine's Day in 2018 which turned out to be a beautiful bright snowy day. With it being a relatively new house, all the fundamentals were in place. But the property lacked some finishing touches, so it gave us the opportunity to put our stamp on it. Drover's House is a bright modern spacious contemporary four/five bedroom house. Downstairs, there is a spacious open plan living area with a large bedroom with a dressing room and ensuite. Upstairs, there is a glassed gallery which is a great place to read a book or as a space to work from home. Also on this floor is a spacious bathroom and three bedrooms including a master suite with a dressing room and ensuite. In addition, there is an attached studio apartment which is currently run as a successful holiday let with its own entrance, outside patio, kitchenette and shower room. Throughout the years, we've renovated and redecorated the property. Some of the work includes upgrading the kitchen and bathrooms. In 2021, we undertook a full landscaping project in the garden. Some of the focal points include a fountain, illuminated sleeper raised beds and a feature raised Cairn filled with heathers and lavender. We also installed a 'man cave' workshop with power. In 2022, we also added a garden room to bring the outside in and enjoy the ever-reaching views we are so lucky to enjoy. And finally in 2023, to do our bit for climate change, we installed 25 solar panels, with a Tesla Powerwall battery storage system. As a result, we are self-powered for most of the year which has provided us with huge savings on bills. As a microgenerator we also get money back so it's a win-win situation. I have to mention AES Solar in Forres, our renewables installer, who were brilliant and very helpful. In terms of interiors, this was quite a difficult task as we already had a lot of traditional furniture which didn't quite fit in. However, mixing old with new became quite fun. So we have ended up with an eclectic mix of styles and some second-hand pieces. But, as my husband will vouch, nothing stays in one place for very long. For paint, we love Farrow & Ball and we opted for a soft neutral palette with some strong accent colours dotted about for interest. And when it came to furniture and accessories, invariably, I always find something when I go into my favourite shop Gillies in Inverness. For us, the biggest renovation challenge was the landscaping. Neither of us are gardeners and we have very little knowledge or vision of what we wanted. But thanks to some extra help from friends, we ended up with a nice finish. Overall, I absolutely love the openness of our home both inside and outside. In winter, I love sitting under the vaulted ceiling in the lounge with the roaring wood burner on and looking out to the snow cap mountains – it's bliss. Equally in summer, I love looking at the glorious mix of trees while listening to the birds in the garden room – it's so peaceful. We've also loved the location as we're on route seven of the national cycle route. Also, we're nestled between the hills of Aviemore and Inverness which are both only 20 minutes away. We're also surrounded by lovely woodland walks and the Findhorn River which offers an abundance of wildlife on our doorstep. For us, the icing on the cake of our house is the low energy costs. My top tip for anyone else undertaking a renovation project would be to set a realistic budget as invariably your wish list gets bigger, as costs do. We also spaced our projects out so we felt that we were progressing without it becoming all consuming.' Drover House, Tomatin, Inverness, is on the market for offers over £495,000. To arrange a viewing contact Hamish Homes on 01463 250000 or check out the website And if you enjoyed this story, you may also like: Home makeover: Author gives chapter and verse on stunning Aberdeen renovation
CNET
16-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Thinking About a Tesla Powerwall? Here's What It'll Actually Cost You
High energy bills and new tax incentives have more people turning to solar power for their homes. With a 30% federal tax credit and other local perks, installing a residential solar system has never been more appealing. And with the right setup, all you need is a battery to store that energy for later use. That's where the Tesla Powerwall comes in. It's become one of the most talked-about options for solar storage, but before you jump in, it's worth understanding what it actually costs, and what you're getting for the price. Fortunately, the Powerwall 3 is considerably cheaper than other batteries on the market. In fact, the Powerwall 3 is the cheapest it has ever been, costing about $1,065 per kilowatt-hour of energy storage, according to a report from EnergySage. Since the Tesla Powerwall 3 is a 13.5 kWh battery, you're looking at about $14,400. Can solar panels save you money? Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we'll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings. No lenders found matching this criteria It looks like we couldn't find any lenders that matched the provided criteria. Please try again at a later time. Close In this quick guide, we'll take a closer look at the Tesla Powerwall 3 to help you decide if it's a worthwhile purchase. "The thing about batteries is they have a 10- to 15-year lifespan, and a lot of the time homeowners finance for 25 years," Garrett Mendelsohn, founder of Solar Bootcamp, told CNET. "So you're financing a product that's not going to really be doing anything by the end of the 25 years and paying interest on it." Let's dig into the details to help evaluate what makes sense for you. What is the Tesla Powerwall? Put simply, the Tesla Powerwall is a big battery that can be mounted inside or outside of your home. It can be hooked up to charge an electric vehicle in your garage, provide backup power, store excess solar energy from a connected solar array or all of the above. You can also connect multiple Powerwalls together for more capacity to do all these things at once. A Tesla Powerwall solar battery, like any other solar energy storage system, can keep your essential systems online during grid outages, help maximize your net metering savings or even be your primary source of power if you have an off-grid setup. Considering Solar Panels? Our email course will walk you through how to go solar By signing up, you confirm you are 16+, will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe at any time. The Powerwall 3 is the latest model, offering a major upgrade over previous versions. However, it's not compatible with older Powerwall systems. Those are the basics. Here are some of the more technical details: Considering Solar Panels? Our email course will walk you through how to go solar By signing up, you confirm you are 16+, will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe at any time. Tesla Powerwall battery specs Category Tesla Powerwall 2 Tesla Powerwall Plus Tesla Powerwall 3 Usable capacity 13.5 kWh 13.5 kWh 13.5 kWh How many can I stack? Up to 10 units Up to 10 units Up to four units Round-trip efficiency 90% 90% 89% Depth of discharge 100% 100% 100% Continuous power output (on-grid) 5 kW 5 kW 11.5 kW Continuous power output (off-grid) NA 7 kW - 9.6 kW NA Battery type Lithium-ion Lithium-ion Lithium-ion AC- or DC-coupled? AC AC AC Price $8,400 - $13,000 $8,400 - $13,000 $13,500 How much does a Tesla Powerwall cost? By home battery standards, Powerwall batteries are on the cheaper side. Tesla's Powerwall 3 costs about $1,065 per kWh of storage. according to a recent report from EnergySage. The Powerwall 3 is a 13.5 kWh battery, so expect to spend about $14,400 -- without incentives. But this doesn't include the cost to install the battery. We were quoted $16,551 for the cost of installing a Powerwall 3 on a home in Fort Mill, South Carolina, via Tesla's website. This price includes the battery, gateway device, accessories, installation and taxes -- not too bad. Older Powerwall models are a bit cheaper, in the $8,400 - $13,000 range. However, we suspect these are slowly being phased out by Tesla. Other factors can impact the total cost of installing a Powerwall, such as labor and material expenses for placing it in a safe and convenient location. On the other side of the ledger, the federal tax credit, other incentives from state and local governments, utilities and even Tesla itself can drive down the net price. Tesla offers an energy design tool to help drive sales, but it's also useful to get a sense of how much you might expect to spend on a solar system for your home that includes a Tesla Powerwall battery. Depending on your home's energy needs, you might need multiple Powerwalls if you're looking to create a whole-home backup. And remember -- don't make any major decisions based solely on online research. Talk to multiple installers in your area to get more than one quote specific to your situation. Pros and cons of the Tesla Powerwall Pros: Unlimited cycle warranty High power output Well-rounded efficiency and performance Cheaper than other batteries of similar size Compatible with and without solar panels Cons: Limited modularity Glitchy energy management app Poor customer service reputation Not compatible with other Powerwall models Is the Tesla Powerwall worth it? If you're set on storing a significant amount of energy for your home, the Powerwall is a solid choice. It has a great warranty, strong performance, an extremely competitive price and the backing of a well-known brand. But some have reported the company's customer service to be lacking. Tesla no longer operates a media office and didn't provide comment for this story. For those with existing Powerwall 2 or Powerwall Plus models, you should know that you can't install the Powerwall 3 within your existing system. That, of course, can be a dealbreaker. However, it's clear Tesla wants you to switch to the Powerwall 3 and leave the older, less powerful models behind. Since one of these is much more powerful than previous models, it could be a savvy upgrade. If you're on the fence about getting a large battery, Mendelsohn advises it might be better to wait. Most components of a home solar system are warrantied for 25 years, but batteries are rarely guaranteed to last longer than a decade, he points out. "If you don't have blackouts, it's not really worth it for the price. You spend $13,000 to $15,000 ... for a battery that can't even do the full house" Mendelsohn says. "So it doesn't really make a lot of sense until the battery technology gets better, and they can be warrantied for 25 years." Frequently asked questions Is the Tesla Powerwall eligible for the federal solar tax credit? Yes, a Powerwall is eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. How many Tesla Powerwalls do I need? There are several factors at play here, including your energy goals and the needs of your home. You can start to get a sense by using Tesla's energy design tool and speaking to local installers. What's the difference between the Tesla Powerwall 2, Powerwall Plus and Powerwall 3 The Tesla Powerwall 2, Plus, and 3 all have a usable capacity of 13.5 kWh and a 100% depth of discharge, but they differ in power output and integration. The Powerwall 2 has 5 kW continuous output, while the Powerwall Plus adds a built-in solar inverter and boosts backup power to 9.6 kW under full sun. The Powerwall 3 is the most powerful, offering 11.5 kW of continuous output but it is incompatible with earlier models, limiting modularity to four units. All models share an unlimited cycle warranty, but the Powerwall 3's performance is a significant upgrade.
Business Journals
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Dallas businesses at a solar crossroads: How tariffs, rising costs and Freedom Solar Power are shaping the future
As Dallas pushes forward on the path to cleaner, more sustainable energy, local businesses are facing an important choice. Recent federal tariffs on imported solar components are creating new challenges — raising costs and tightening supply chains. But even in this complex environment, Freedom Solar Power, one of Texas's top solar installers, is stepping up with smart solutions tailored for the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region. How tariffs are shaking up the solar market In 2024, the U.S. government rolled out steep tariffs on solar imports from Southeast Asia — specifically Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. These countries supply more than 75% of the solar modules used in the U.S., so the impact has been immediate and significant. Some tariffs have jumped to over 3,500%, making many imported products practically unsellable. While the goal is to boost U.S. manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, the short-term result has been a spike in solar panel costs — up to 30% higher in some cases. That's putting pressure on solar developers and potential customers alike, threatening to slow down the momentum toward renewable energy. Freedom Solar's response: Planning ahead, staying competitive Despite these headwinds, Freedom Solar Power is growing its presence in the Dallas area, serving cities like McKinney, Carrollton, Flower Mound and Denton. The key to their continued success? Preparation. By securing inventory before the tariffs hit — thanks to strong relationships with suppliers — Freedom has been able to lock in better pricing for their customers. That kind of foresight gives them a competitive edge that few others can match. Their approach goes beyond just pricing. Freedom offers efficient, reliable solar technology backed by world-class service. And as one of the largest Tesla Powerwall installers in Texas, they also provide energy storage solutions that keep the lights on during outages — a must-have in a state known for extreme weather and grid instability. Big savings and a greener tomorrow Installing solar in Texas is more affordable than many people think. Freedom Solar customers can start with payments as low as $99 per month and save an average of $28,000 over the life of their systems. On top of that, the environmental benefits — like reducing your carbon footprint — are a win for both your bottom line and the planet. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is also helping offset the rising costs caused by tariffs. New tax incentives and credits for solar equipment can significantly lower the financial barrier for businesses and homeowners alike. Freedom Solar helps customers navigate these incentives to get the most value from their investment. Why now is the time to make the switch With the solar landscape changing fast, businesses and homeowners that act now can lock in lower prices before further shifts in policy or supply drive costs even higher. Freedom Solar Power is ready to guide DFW residents through every step of the process, offering proven expertise and customized solar solutions. Freedom Solar Power's strategic work in the Dallas area shows that, even in challenging times, there are smart ways forward. For those ready to take control of their energy future, reduce long-term costs and make a positive impact, now's the time to make solar part of your story. Start your solar journey today with a free consultation at and take $1,000 when you make the switch.
Business Journals
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Houston's solar surge: How tariffs, rising costs and Freedom Solar Power are shaping the future of energy
Houston is at a turning point in its energy journey. As the city looks to more sustainable power sources, solar energy is stepping into the spotlight. Leading that charge is Freedom Solar Power, a top solar installer based in Texas, now expanding rapidly across Houston's residential and commercial markets. But the path forward isn't without challenges — especially with new federal tariffs shaking up the solar industry. Tariffs are changing the game In 2024, the U.S. government imposed steep tariffs on solar components imported from Southeast Asia — countries like Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, which supply more than 75% of America's solar panels. Some of these new tariffs are as high as 3,521%, dramatically increasing the cost of solar modules and raising project costs by up to 30%. The goal of these tariffs is to boost U.S. manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains. However, the immediate impact has been a sharp rise in prices, creating hurdles for both solar companies and customers looking to make the switch. Freedom solar power's smart response Even with these industry headwinds, Freedom Solar Power is gaining momentum in Houston. Since opening its local office, the company has completed major installations for organizations like ABC Home and Commercial Services and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. To stay ahead of the tariffs, Freedom Solar Power secured inventory at pre-tariff prices by leveraging long-standing supplier relationships. This foresight allows them to offer lower rates to customers in the short term — an advantage many competitors can't match. Their strategy centers on delivering high-quality, customized solar systems that meet the diverse needs of Houston residents and businesses. As Texas' largest installer of Tesla Powerwall batteries, Freedom also offers dependable energy storage solutions — an essential benefit in a region prone to hurricanes and grid outages. The financial and environmental payoff The numbers speak for themselves. Take Freedom's project at Stainless Structurals in Conroe, Texas: over 4,000 solar panels were installed across 118,000 square feet, offsetting 78% of the facility's electricity use and saving an estimated $4.8 million over 25 years. Across Texas, Freedom Solar customers save an average of $28,000 in electricity costs over the life of their systems. With financing options that start as low as $99 per month, going solar is more accessible than many people think. And thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), customers can tap into tax credits that help offset higher equipment costs caused by tariffs. These incentives make solar an even smarter investment in the long run. Take control of your energy future In a rapidly changing energy market, adaptability and customer focus are key. Freedom Solar Power is showing how solar providers can lead by anticipating challenges, securing strong supplier deals and making clean energy both affordable and dependable. Partnering with a proven provider like Freedom Solar Power can put you on the path to energy independence, long-term savings and a cleaner environment. As Houston moves toward a more sustainable future, those who lead today will power tomorrow.
Newsweek
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Texans Are Buying Up Tesla-Powered Homes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New Tesla-powered homes in Houston, Texas, are quickly being snatched by buyers, according to Realtors in the city, despite growing frustration across the country with Elon Musk and his work within the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). "We have honestly had no issues with Trump and Musk backlash. In fact, I had over 150-plus people at my broker's open. It was insane, people were very excited," Houston-based broker and director of sales at NextGen Real Estate Jaime Fallon told Why It Matters For a state that has built its economic strength on fossil fuels, the interest in the Tesla-powered homes in Texas is somewhat surprising, but also telling of how attitudes toward alternative types of energies are shifting. Even more unexpected is how little impact the recent political controversy around Musk has had on the new community of homes in Houston, despite Tesla itself having suffered a plunge in sales over the past few months as a backlash against its CEO. Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks during the unveiling of the new Tesla Model Y in Hawthorne, California on March 14, 2019. Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks during the unveiling of the new Tesla Model Y in Hawthorne, California on March 14, 2019. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images What To Know The 11 Tesla-powered homes, which promise to be totally self-sufficient in terms of energy, were developed by Utopia Homes and listed by NextGen brokerage and stand in the vibrant Houston Heights area. Each home features Tesla solar roof shingles, Tesla Powerwall home battery systems, and electric vehicles (EV) chargers. They all comprise three bedrooms, three bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, kitchens with premium Whirlpool appliances, Quartz countertops, under-cabinet lighting, and walk-in pantries, spa-like owner suites with freestanding soaking tubs, dual vanities, and oversized showers, and private yards. What seems to have attracted so much interest toward the homes is their 24/7 power reliability designs, something Texans do not take for granted. The Lone Star State is not connected to the national power grid, and winter freezes and summer extreme heat often cause significant outages for residents. "Houston has had a huge issue with electricity," Fallon told "When we lose power, we're out for five days." "These homes generate energy, so forget about electric bills anymore and on top of that sell the power back to the grid," said Houston Realtor Jacqueline Skweres in an Instagram post. Such comfort comes at a price. The starting price of the Tesla-powered homes ranges from $524,000 to $544,900, around $180,000 above Houston's median list price of $365,000, according to Despite the high price tag, Fallon told that interested buyers are "normal, everyday people" from Texas and other states—as far as Washington, according to the broker. "People just want peace of mind and power security," she said. Newsweek contacted Fallon and Tesla for comment by email on Tuesday morning. What People Are Saying A listing for the Houston Tesla-powered homes read: "Step into modern elegance expertly crafted by Utopia Homes. This property showcases groundbreaking Tesla Solar Roof Shingles and Power Wall technology, ensuring 100 percent energy security and eliminating electric bills for a truly sustainable lifestyle. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 power outage protection." Fallon told "Who cares who is in office when you don't have power? Houston has had a huge issue with electricity because we're not on the national grid. "While we are big on oil, gas, and generators, now people are seeing that they can have Tesla-powered homes at similar price points. We are not selling sunset; we are selling power." What Happens Next While the Houston homes are doing well on the market, Tesla continues to face growing challenges, which are in part linked to the contentious role Musk is playing in the Trump administration and in part with overseas competition. The company will release its latest earnings report on Tuesday afternoon, which should show the full impact of the backlash against the Tesla CEO.
