Andrew’s story: using Tesla Powerwall 2 to power a smarter home
In October 2024, Good Energy installed a Tesla Powerwall 2 at Andrew’s home, helping him take greater control of his energy use and sustainability goals.
Key stats
📍 Location: Oxfordshire
✅ 13.5kWh Tesla Powerwall 2 battery to add to an existing 3.6kWp solar array
📊 Carbon offset: Equivalent to planting 32 trees each year
The challenge: Solar panels alone weren’t enough to take control of rising energy bills
Having had solar panels installed for over a decade already, Andrew was ready to upgrade and found that the cost of battery storage had become viable for him.
“I had enquired in the past about battery storage, but it was too expensive for me. After speaking to Good Energy, it became apparent that the cost of this technology had come down in price to a more affordable level, whereas energy costs have soared.”
The solution: A seamless battery install offering backup, savings, and control
From quote to installation, Andrew found the whole process of getting a solar battery easy and reassuring. He first came across Good Energy while visiting the NSBRC exhibition, where he arranged a video survey after speaking to the team. He appreciated Good Energy’s “competitive” pricing and “non-pushy” approach compared to other suppliers he spoke to.
The installation process ran smoothly, with Good Energy managing the necessary permits and keeping things simple from start to finish: “The survey was simple using the phone camera, and the team provided good communication throughout”.
“During the process it was explained to me that a permit was required for connection to the grid. This was done by Good Energy and was all included in the quote. I like to be told a price and have no unexpected add-ons.”
Even big changes, like deciding to site the Powerwall outdoors instead of the garage (to avoid the need for a smoke detector), were handled smoothly: “The installation team was friendly and efficient, providing a neat installation with very little intrusion.”
Greater independence with the Tesla Powerwall
Andrew chose the Tesla Powerwall 2 because of its large storage capacity, trusted brand reputation, and smart energy features: “The Powerwall works brilliantly. I like that it can back up the house during a grid outage – I’ve already had one incident and it switched over to the Powerwall without any issue.”
Using his Powerwall alongside his existing solar panels, Andrew has changed the way he powers his home: “Many days we have been 100% self-powering.” During sunny periods, he stores excess solar energy for later use. At other times, he can charge the battery overnight using cheaper off-peak electricity, maximising savings even when the sun isn’t shining.
“During the day when the sun is out my solar feeds the house. I have an Immersun device that sends excess to my immersion heater on the hot water tank. Once that is up to temperature it diverts to the Powerwall. When that is at 100% it will export to grid. I have, on occasion, then used the excess solar to charge my car.”
Additionally, through the Tesla app, Andrew’s system “basically looks after itself”. By inputting his tariff details, his Powerwall can automatically optimise charging and discharging based on electricity rates and solar forecasts, helping him charge at the cheapest times. “I love the app. I’m a bit of a geek and check it quite a bit.”
While it’s still early days, Andrew expects the Powerwall to make a noticeable dent in his energy bills over the long term.
Looking ahead: smarter energy
Andrew is “very pleased so far” with his Tesla Powerwall and is already thinking about further green upgrades with hopes to install an air source heat pump in the future. For now, he’s glad to have taken a big step toward greater energy independence and has already recommended battery storage to friends.