Tesla has rolled out a feature dubbed “Solar-Powered Charging,” empowering owners to charge their electric vehicle batteries exclusively with surplus solar energy. According to TechCrunch, the automaker initiated testing for this capability in May, and now it is more broadly available to Tesla customers in the US and Canada. Nonetheless, the quantity of people able to leverage this feature is probably still rather restricted. Initially, only owners of more recent Tesla models — those from 2021 onwards — who also own a Powerwall will have access to it. The Powerwall is Tesla’s proprietary battery system designed to store solar energy captured by solar panels.
To activate the Solar-Powered Charging feature, users must initiate their Tesla app, select the feature, and then configure it. Within the feature’s settings, they’ll encounter a slider with a sun icon that they can adjust to the left or right to establish the charge limit. The vehicle will typically charge from solar power and the grid until it hits the sun slider limit, ensuring that users have sufficient power for their transportation needs. However, beyond the sun slider point, the vehicle will solely charge itself utilizing surplus solar energy.
In Storm Watch mode, the Powerwall will continue to prioritize storing backup energy and powering other appliances before allotting any surplus solar power to vehicle charging. The Solar-Powered Charging feature is designed to charge EVs strictly with excess energy, which is why owners who are concerned about insufficient power can impose a time constraint on it. Additionally, they have the option to modify their charge limit or entirely deactivate the Solar-Powered Charging feature if they wish to guarantee their batteries are fully charged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Solar-Powered Charging
What is Tesla’s ‘Solar-Powered Charging’?
Tesla’s ‘Solar-Powered Charging’ is a feature that allows owners of newer Tesla models (2021 onwards) who also have a Powerwall to charge their electric vehicle batteries exclusively with surplus solar energy.
How do you enable the ‘Solar-Powered Charging’ feature?
To activate the ‘Solar-Powered Charging’ feature, users need to open their Tesla app, select the feature, and then configure it. They can adjust a sun-icon slider within the feature’s settings to set the charge limit.
Who can use the ‘Solar-Powered Charging’ feature?
Initially, the ‘Solar-Powered Charging’ feature will be accessible to owners of more recent Tesla models, those from 2021 onwards, who also have a Powerwall, Tesla’s proprietary battery system for storing solar energy.
How does ‘Solar-Powered Charging’ work with Tesla’s Powerwall in Storm Watch mode?
In Storm Watch mode, the Powerwall will continue to prioritize storing backup energy and powering other appliances before allotting any surplus solar power for vehicle charging. The ‘Solar-Powered Charging’ feature will truly only charge EVs using excess solar energy.
Can I set a time limit for ‘Solar-Powered Charging’ or turn it off?
Yes, users can impose a time limit on ‘Solar-Powered Charging’ if they’re concerned about insufficient power. They can also adjust their charge limit or completely deactivate the ‘Solar-Powered Charging’ feature to ensure their batteries are fully charged.
More about Solar-Powered Charging
- Tesla’s Powerwall
- TechCrunch Article on Solar-Powered Charging
- Tesla’s Solar Energy Solutions
- Understanding Tesla’s Electric Vehicles
- How Solar Energy Works
3 comments
didn’t see this comin, honestly! but doesn’t surprise me, Tesla’s always pushing boundaries. wonder how it’ll perform in less sunny areas…
Sustainability FTW! Let’s use that excess solar power. Good job Tesla. but still more work to do!
alright this sounds promising, but what if theres not enough sun? got to think of rainy days, am I rite?