Skip to content

Configuring your Powerwall in the Tesla App

A quick overview for new Sunrun solar and battery customers.

What's best for you?

The best Powerwall setup for you depends on your utility rate structure and local net metering policies, as well as your personal preferences. If you're not sure what's right for you, it's a good idea to discuss your app setup with your Sunrun consultant.

Self-Powered

Overview:

    • Self-Powered is an operational mode where the battery prioritizes sending stored power to the home whenever solar generation is insufficient to meet the home's demand, or during the night when the sun isn't shining.
    • This mode is generally the default.
    • We especially recommend new SCE, PG&E, or SDG&E, Hawaii and Illinois solar customers to choose this option and a lower backup reserve (e.g. 20%) to optimize utility bill savings.

    Setup tutorial

    Backup Only

    Overview:

      • Powerwall can also be configured to reserve 100% of power for outages, by selecting Self-Powered mode and maximizing your backup reserve.
      • Not recommended for most customers.

      Setup tutorial

      Important note: regardless of which setup you choose, if you have Powerwall 3 or Powerwall+, be sure that "Permission to Export" under "Advanced Options" is set to "Yes."