Tesla is making home battery backup significantly more affordable in Texas, launching a new Powerwall lease that can bring the effective cost of two batteries down to just US$35 per month.
The new offer combines a two-Powerwall lease with the Tesla Electric Backup plan. Customers only need to pay a one-time US$100 order fee, while Tesla covers the cost of a standard installation. The lease starts at US$122 per month during the first year, but eligible Tesla Electric customers receive an US$87 monthly credit, lowering the net payment to US$35 plus tax.
Tesla uses Powerwalls to support the grid
The unusually low price comes with a trade-off: Tesla gets to manage the Powerwalls when the grid needs additional energy.
Tesla Electric can charge the batteries when electricity is inexpensive and discharge energy to the home or grid during periods of higher demand and prices. That flexibility helps Tesla offset the cost of the monthly credit while using thousands of distributed batteries as a virtual power plant.
However, customers won’t be left without backup capacity. Tesla says at least 20% will remain reserved for outages at all times, while the full amount of stored energy becomes available if the grid goes down. Storm Watch can also automatically charge the Powerwalls ahead of severe weather.
Not available to every Texas homeowner
There are however some significant eligibility restrictions. The program is only offered in select parts of Texas with retail electricity choice, and customers cannot have solar panels installed at their home.
You must also lease two eligible Powerwalls, enroll in Tesla Electric Backup after installation and remain current on both their electricity account and lease payments.
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