If you are still thinking of getting a Tesla Powerwall or equipping your roof with redesigned solar panels, you should probably consider taking both or going completely elsewhere. Elon Musk revealed in a tweet that “Starting next week, Tesla’s solar panels and solar roof will only be sold as an integrated * battery-powered * Tesla Powerwall product,” creating the brand synergy he sought.
Electrek reported last month that the Tesla website started telling potential Powerwall buyers that the only way to get the battery on demand would be to order solar panels, so it seems that this policy works both ways. Beyond linking two items with big tickets, Musk said that “Tesla can unlock larger capacities for free by updating the software next month” for Powerwall 2 and that for new installations, solar energy will be powered exclusively by the battery.
Of course, as Electrek also mentioned that even if you already have a contract with Tesla for your panels, you may have modified the business at a higher price than originally estimated, citing the “complexity of the roof”.
All Engadget recommended products are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.