Generac PWRcell energy storage system

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Generac PWRcell energy storage system, particularly in comparison to the Tesla Powerwall. Participants explore technical specifications, consumer experiences, and potential applications of these energy storage systems, including their use with photovoltaic (PV) systems and during power outages.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express curiosity about the Generac PWRcell and seek knowledge regarding its functionality and specifications.
  • Comparisons are made between the Generac PWRcell and the Tesla Powerwall, noting similarities in capacity and warranty terms.
  • One participant mentions that the Tesla Powerwall has been on the market longer, suggesting that consumer reviews may be more readily available for it.
  • Another participant highlights that the Powerwall can accept DC input directly from a PV array, which may offer flexibility for users with solar systems.
  • Some participants discuss the use of these systems for backup during power outages, particularly in regions prone to public safety power shutoffs.
  • There is mention of the cost considerations for using these systems solely for energy storage without a PV system.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the advantages or disadvantages of either energy storage system, and multiple competing views remain regarding their specifications and applications.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed consumer reviews for the Generac PWRcell and uncertainty about the specific performance of both systems in various scenarios.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for homeowners considering energy storage solutions, particularly those interested in comparing the Generac PWRcell and Tesla Powerwall for residential use.

dlgoff
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TL;DR
Do these things work?
I'm curious about the ads I've been seeing on TV about these Energy Storage Systems. Anyone have any knowledge about them?
generac-pwrcell-inverter-battery-enclosure__22755.1603040229.jpg

image from https://sunwatts.com/20-2-kwh-generac-pwrcell-energy-storage-system/
Thanks in advance
 
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Compare them with the tesla power wall.

If you're looking for consumer reviews, search for the power wall first because it has been on the market longer.

If you want technical specifications, look at the Generac web site.
 
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anorlunda said:
power wall
I see nothing useful there.
 
anorlunda said:
Compare them with the tesla power wall.
https://www.tesla.com/powerwall

It looks like the smallest model is comparable to the Tesla Powerwall (13.5kWh). Both have 10 year warranties, and the specs look pretty comparable. The SunWatts page has a link for customer reviews, but I didn't see any reviews in my checking (I could have missed them).

Don -- do you have a PV system that you want to use with this battery system? Or will you just be storing energy from the grid for use when power is out? I know some folks here in Silicon Valley up in the foothills near me that use the Tesla Powerwalls to back up their home for the PG&E "Public Safety Power Shutoff" events that happen during peak fire danger periods. They seem satisfied with them so far. I don't know anybody personally who is using them with their PV system.
 
Last edited:
berkeman said:
do you have a PV system that you want to use with this battery system? Or will you just be storing energy from the grid for use when power
I was just curious about them. I have no system.
 
I only skimmed the specs, but it looks like the Powerwall can take DC input directly (like from a PV array) and deal with the DC-DC conversion to store the energy in the batteries. Seems like a pretty flexible system. Kind of pricey for just energy storage for PG&E PSPS events, but might make sense for homes with a PV array.
 
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