Tesla officially launches Charge On Solar
Charge on Solar
To use this feature, you need the following hardware and software at a minimum:
Hardware | Software |
---|---|
Model S, Model 3, Model X or Model Y | 2023.26 or Higher |
Powerwall with solar on site | 23.12.10 or Higher |
Tesla app | 4.22.5 or Higher |
- Open the Tesla app.
- Select your vehicle.
- Tap ‘Charge on Solar.’
- Follow the prompts to set your charge limit and a charge location.
Charge Limits
- Open the Tesla app.
- Select your vehicle.
- Drag the left slider with a sun icon left or right. Your vehicle will charge to this level from solar and the grid.
- Drag the right slider left or right. Your vehicle will charge on excess solar to this charge limit.
Typical Operation
The scenario below shows typical Charge on Solar behavior when a Tesla vehicle is plugged in at a home with Powerwall. Notice that the vehicle will adjust charge power approximately every 10 seconds to match the excess solar power and power consumption elsewhere in your home. Note: Your vehicle may delay the start of charging until there is at least 1.2kW of stable excess solar to maximize efficiency and lifetime of your charging equipment.Using Scheduled Charging with Charge on Solar
- Open the Tesla app.
- Select your vehicle.
- Select ‘Schedule.’
- Enable ‘Schedule’ and select a time.
Using Powerwall Modes with Charge on Solar
- Storm Watch
Powerwall will prioritize charging from any source to prepare for an outage during severe weather events before allocating any excess solar power for vehicle charging. - Backup Reserve
If your Powerwall’s stored energy is below the Backup Reserve, your Powerwall will prioritize charging to the set Backup Reserve percentage before allocating any excess solar power for vehicle charging. - Self-Powered
With Self-Powered, Powerwall will allow your Tesla vehicle to charge on excess solar until the set charge limit while covering changes in home loads and solar production until the vehicle adjusts its charging power. Once the vehicle has met its charging limit, your Powerwall will charge on excess solar as usual. This is the recommended mode to maximize Charge on Solar operation with your vehicle. - Time-Based Control
With Time-Based Control, Powerwall stores energy when energy costs are low and may sell that low-cost energy back to the grid when energy costs are higher instead of using the excess solar energy for Charge on Solar. You may also see this behavior during Virtual Power Plant or Utility Program events. In most cases, you will see the vehicle pause charging during Peak to prioritize total savings or charge your Powerwall from excess solar while charging your vehicle during Off-Peak from the grid. - Go Off-Grid
When Powerwall is off-grid, your Tesla vehicle will continue to charge on excess solar unless Powerwall prioritizes saving energy for home use during the outage.