Tesla releases Powerwall 2 update—adds time-based control

The latest Powerwall 2 update from Tesla now allows “time-based controls” giving owners—of the energy storage system—the ability to control when the battery pack charges and discharges.

This means the Tesla Powerwall can now perform load shifting to maximize energy savings.

For example, when electricity is expensive, the Powerwall will now use stored low-cost energy to power the home.

This update provides the option to match the use of stored solar energy with local pricing structure or even charge the Powerwall with energy from the grid when it is cheaper.

Tesla is confident that—with this latest update—the Powerwall can monitor energy usage and solar energy production. That by using its internal current sensors, the system can now learn how you use energy.

Thereby using this information to predict future usage and production, and by doing this, the system can regulate and optimize the times it charges and discharges—based on the varying cost of electricity from the local grid.

This is extremely useful as owners can effectively get the most value from their solar production without having to change how or when they use energy.

While some applaud this latest update, some users have issues with it as user “LanscolvaA” comments on a Tesla Fan Club Forum.

“My biggest issue is that control of grid charging is only offered in an automatic mode controlled by an algorithm. That algorithm has no view on the weather or the users demand the next day. There is no ability to manually select the amount of overnight charge required.”

He adds, “For me, the lack of a ‘manual’ option is a key issue in ‘Time of Use’ and could significantly impact the payback of the Powerwall.”

What do you think? Have you tested this latest update? Let us know in the comment section below.