Tesla's rechargeable battery can power your home — here's how it works (TSLA)

By: Business Insider

December 05, 2016 at 11:08 AM EST

Tesla

Tesla unveiled the new and improved version of its at-home battery, Powerwall 2, in October.

The at-home battery can store solar energy and provide backup power for your home. It fits into Tesla's larger energy ambitions since it acquired SolarCity in November, allowing it to offer solar roof and panel installations in addition to backup energy storage.

Here's a breakdown of how Powerwall 2 works:

Tesla's Powerwall 2 is a lithium-ion battery that can be mounted on the wall or floor of your home. Panasonic makes the cells for the Powerwall, while Tesla builds the battery module and pack.Tesla

As mentioned before, the Powerwall can store electricity that is generated by solar panels during the day to use later in the evening. It can also serve as a backup power supply in case there's an outage.Tesla

Above you see Tesla's solar roof, which can generate electricity for Powerwall 2 to store.

The battery can also draw electricity from the utility grid when rates are low and store it for later use.YouTube/VideoMisery

Powerwall 2 differs from Tesla's first generation Powerwall in a few ways. Aesthetically, Powerwall 2 is flatter and more rectangular. It weighs 269 pounds and is 6.1 inches deep.Tesla

For comparison, Tesla's first generation Powerwall weighed 200 pounds and is 7.1 inches deep, making it a bit lighter, but more clunky than Powerwall 2.

Perhaps a more important update is that Powerwall 2 now comes with an inverter included in its price instead requiring a separate purchase. The inverter plays a critical role by converting the electricity generated from the solar panels into an alternating current that can be used for power.Tesla

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