Unlike other power devices, you can’t store Tesla Powerwalls anywhere since they aren’t exactly small devices…however, they aren’t extremely large either, but depending on the location of your main panel, you may have to think about where to place it before installation.
According to Tesla’s site requirements, pre-installation, and installation guide, you should never install your Tesla Powerwall sideways. The guide also outlines specific instructions for mounting a Tesla Powerwall and you should follow them to avoid any issues.
While Tesla doesn’t provide any descriptive reasoning for why you shouldn’t install a Powerwall sideways, they do explicitly mention that you should not, within the installation guide. The Powerwalls come with brackets and the necessary hardware to mount the Powerwall appropriately.
What You Need To Know When Installing A Tesla Powerwall
If you’re considering purchasing a Tesla Powerwall, be aware that you’ll need enough space to install it upright. If not, find another way to use the device or don’t buy it at all.
Though the installation guide does not go into specifics, you are essentially working with a large battery that conducting enough current to cause serious harm or death. Therefore, it is in your best interest to follow the safety instructions provided in the installation manual.
The great thing about Powerwalls is that they can be mounted in a variety of locations. They come with wall mounting brackets, so you don’t have to worry about it sitting low on the floor. And there are a few things you should know about the Powerwall before you get started, which will help decide its best location for your home.
- Tesla Powerwalls require an internet connection
- The best connection is wired or it needs to be close to your router
- Must do a self-survey or professional survey prior to site installation
- Clear enough space for one or more Tesla Powerwalls
- Use a certified installer to install the Powerwall(s)
- The Powerwall also needs to be conveniently located close to your main panel
To ensure everything is done correctly, a certified Tesla crew (consisting of 2-3 people) will install your Powerwall. The process usually takes no more than 4 or 5 hours, but in some cases may take up to 8 hours. Keep in mind that since the Powerwall needs an internet connection, it must be within range of your WiFi network or directly connected to an ethernet port on your gateway device.
At the same time, you want it placed somewhere close to your main panel. Keep in mind, the farther away from the main panel the Tesla Powerwall is, the more sheetrock and line-running the installation crew will have to deal with.
Self-surveys can be done but you need to follow the guidelines from Tesla Support and fill out the online form. If you are not confident you can do the self-survey on prospective sites for the Tesla Powerwall, you can hire a site surveyor.
Only certified installers should install a Tesla Powerwall in your home. If you’re a certified electrician and prefer to do it yourself, you should talk to Tesla before you purchase your Powerwall.
Can Multiple Tesla Powerwalls Be Used Together?
Generally, powerwalls can sit side by side, but not stacked on top of each other like pancakes. That means you will need a good deal of horizontal space. Since you can’t install one of them horizontally, now you will have to find room for up to three, vertically.
You will need to find a more convenient spot to install your Powerwalls since they cannot be installed horizontally. If you are installing multiple side-by-side, this is even more true. To run a standard home completely on Tesla Powerwall(s), you need at least three…and that’s just for appliances with low power surging requirements like washers, dryers, refrigerators.
Anything else in your home with high power surge requirement (i.e., HVAC system) needs its own additional Powerwall unit or two.
Not only does the Tesla Powerwall come with a full mounting kit, but it provides you with more installation options. You can install them high up on the wall like you would a TV set. Or you could panel system (which certified Tesla technicians will also install) three panels effectively run your entire home for some time during a power outage.
Where Can Tesla Powerwalls Be Installed?
In general, most people will install their powerwall in their garage so that it will have protection from the elements, close access for convenience, be in proximity to a WiFi signal, and be near to the homes main electrical panel.
The great thing about Powerwalls is that they can be mounted in a variety of locations. They come with wall mounting brackets, so you don’t have to worry about it sitting low on the floor. And there are a few things you should know about the Powerwall before you get started, which will help decide its best location for your home.
That being said, most people will install them in their garage. This is because the Powerwall needs an internet connection and must be within range of your WiFi network or directly connected to an ethernet port on your gateway device. If you don’t have a garage, or if your garage is too full to accommodate a Powerwall, you can also install it in your basement.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the Powerwall needs to be close to your main panel. The farther away from the main panel the Tesla Powerwall is, the more sheetrock and line-running the installation crew will have to deal with.
Is It Easy To Install A Tesla Powerwall?
Installing a Tesla Powerwall is not complicated, but there are a few things you need to know. The most important thing is to position the Powerwall close to an electrical panel. Another crucial requirement is mounting the Powerwall securely.
The answer to this question really depends on your level of expertise. If you are comfortable working with tools and electricity, then you should be able to install the Powerwall yourself. However, if you are not comfortable working with tools and electricity, then it is probably best to hire a professional to install the Powerwall for you.
If you are comfortable working with tools and electricity, then you should be able to install the Powerwall yourself. However, if you are not comfortable working with tools and electricity, then it is probably best to hire a professional to install the Powerwall for you.
What Tools Are Needed To Install A Tesla Powerwall?
You can install a Powerwall yourself however, there are a lot of stipulations behind that. First, you have to understand and obey your local building codes (in terms of electrical installation, wire gauges, etc).
Second, you need to know what you’re doing. If you are a certified electrician, that’s a whole lot better and safer than someone who just enjoys DIY projects. There are several things you will need to complete the project:
- 5mm Flathead Screwdriver
- Socket Wrench with 8mm Hex
- Wire Strippers
- Ratcheting Strap
- Torque Wrench with 3mm Allen Bit
- Powerwall Mounting Bracket and Hardware
- Small 2mm Flathead Screwdriver
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- Torque Screwdriver with ¼” Bit Holder
- Drill
- Backup Gateway Mounting Hardware
- Conduit Fitting or Cable Gland
- Minimum 300V Rated 4-Conductor, Twisted Pair, Shielded Copper Cable
- 600V-Rated Copper Cable
- Earthing Rod
- Conduit Raceway
Having the right tools on hand during installation is crucial, especially if you’re planning to mount any powerwalls. It’s extremely important that you check your copy of the installation guide and any forms you may have signed to see if using improper tools or mounting equipment will void any warranties!
Final Thoughts
Tesla’s Mounting and installation guide recommends against mounting the Tesla Powerwall sideways. While the manual doesn’t explicitly state why, it’s most likely for safety and to allow the equipment to run properly.
You might be able to get away with slide-installing a bunk bed or something similar, but a Tesla Powerwall is an entirely different animal that should be installed according to instructions.