Tesla Certified Powerwall Installer
MCS certified, award-winning installation by ALPS Electrical. 250+ five-star reviews on Checkatrade.
Tesla Certified Installer in the North East
ALPS Electrical is one of a very small number of Tesla Certified Installers in the North East of England. Tesla Certified status is not easy to achieve. It requires rigorous technical training, ongoing assessment, and a proven track record of high-quality installations. Tesla only grants certification to installers who meet their exacting standards for workmanship, customer service, and technical competence.
Being Tesla Certified means we have direct access to Tesla's technical support team, priority access to Powerwall stock, and the ability to commission systems through the Tesla Installer Portal. It also means your Powerwall warranty is fully backed by Tesla, with the assurance that the installation was completed by a trained and approved professional. We were among the first installers in the region to complete a Powerwall 3 installation and have since fitted numerous systems across Teesside, County Durham, and the wider North East.
Tesla Powerwall 3: The Latest Generation
The Tesla Powerwall 3 represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor. The headline feature is the built-in solar inverter, which eliminates the need for a separate string inverter. This means fewer components on your wall, a cleaner installation, lower overall system cost, and one integrated unit managing both your solar panels and battery storage.
Key Specifications
The Powerwall 3 delivers 13.5 kWh of usable energy storage with a continuous power output of 11.5 kW, which is substantially higher than the Powerwall 2's 5 kW output. This increased power capacity means the Powerwall 3 can comfortably handle high-demand appliances including electric cookers, heat pumps, and EV chargers. The built-in inverter supports up to 11.5 kW of solar input, making it suitable for systems of up to approximately 15 kW of panel capacity when accounting for real-world conditions.
The Powerwall 3 supports up to four solar string inputs directly, accommodating multiple roof faces and orientations without the need for additional optimisers in most cases. For particularly complex roof configurations or systems with significant shading, we can integrate power optimisers to maximise panel-level performance.
Backup Gateway and Storm Watch
One of the most compelling features of the Tesla Powerwall is its ability to provide whole-home backup during grid outages. The Backup Gateway, included with every Powerwall 3 installation, automatically detects a grid failure and isolates your home from the grid within milliseconds. Your Powerwall then powers your entire home from its stored energy, and if you have solar panels, they continue generating and charging the battery even while the grid is down.
Storm Watch is a Tesla-exclusive feature that monitors severe weather forecasts in your area. When a storm is predicted that could cause power outages, Storm Watch automatically prioritises charging your Powerwall to full capacity so you have maximum backup energy available. This feature provides genuine peace of mind during winter storms and severe weather events, which are not uncommon in the North East.
Tesla Powerwall 3 vs Powerwall 2: What Changed?
The Powerwall 2 was a groundbreaking product that established Tesla as the leading name in home battery storage. The Powerwall 3 builds on that foundation with several major improvements that make it the superior choice for new installations.
Built-In Inverter
The Powerwall 2 required a separate solar inverter, adding cost, complexity, and an additional piece of equipment to your installation. The Powerwall 3 integrates the inverter directly into the battery unit. This means fewer failure points, a simpler installation, and a single app controlling your entire solar and battery system. For new solar panel installations, this is a significant advantage.
Power Output
The Powerwall 2 offered 5 kW of continuous output, which could struggle with simultaneous high-demand loads such as a cooker, kettle, and heat pump. The Powerwall 3 delivers 11.5 kW of continuous output, more than doubling the capacity. This makes whole-home backup genuinely practical, as the Powerwall 3 can handle almost any combination of household appliances without throttling or load shedding.
Efficiency and Performance
The Powerwall 3's round-trip efficiency of 97.5 percent (DC to battery to DC) is among the highest in the industry. This means less energy is lost in the charging and discharging process compared to competing products. The higher efficiency translates directly to more usable energy from every unit stored, whether that comes from your solar panels or cheap overnight grid electricity.
The Tesla App
Both Powerwall generations use the Tesla app, which remains the best energy management app in the consumer market. The app provides real-time energy flow visualisation showing solar generation, home consumption, battery charge level, and grid import or export. You can set your energy preferences (self-consumption, time-based control, or backup reserve), monitor historical performance, and track your energy independence percentage over time. The app also provides detailed weather data and Storm Watch notifications.
Is the Tesla Powerwall Worth the Premium?
The Tesla Powerwall sits at the premium end of the home battery market. A Powerwall 3 with Backup Gateway typically costs more than a comparable GivEnergy or FOX ESS system. So is the premium justified?
For many customers, the answer is yes. The built-in inverter reduces total system component count and simplifies the installation. The 11.5 kW continuous output provides genuine whole-home backup capability that most competitors cannot match with a single battery unit. The Tesla app is best in class. Storm Watch is unique to Tesla. And the Tesla brand carries a level of trust and recognition that gives homeowners confidence in their investment.
The Powerwall is particularly well-suited for larger homes with high electricity consumption, homes that want reliable whole-home backup during power cuts, and customers who value a premium integrated product. If budget is the primary consideration and whole-home backup is not required, alternative systems like the GivEnergy Gen 3 or FOX ESS offer excellent performance at a lower price point. We install all major battery systems and will always recommend the best solution for your specific needs, regardless of brand.
Pricing Guidance
Tesla Powerwall pricing varies depending on your specific installation requirements, including cable run distances, consumer unit configuration, and whether you are adding solar panels at the same time. As a general guide, a Powerwall 3 with Backup Gateway installed alongside a new solar panel system is more cost-effective than a retrofit installation, because the built-in inverter replaces the need for a separate solar inverter.
We provide detailed, transparent quotes for every Powerwall installation. Our quotes include all equipment, installation labour, scaffolding if required, DNO application, MCS certification, and commissioning. There are no hidden costs. We can also discuss finance options to spread the cost of your Powerwall installation over manageable monthly payments.
Tesla Powerwall Installation Process
Survey
We visit your property to assess the optimal location for the Powerwall, the route for cabling, your consumer unit capacity, and your meter setup. For new solar installations, we also assess your roof for panel placement. We discuss your energy goals, usage patterns, and whether you want whole-home backup or backup to selected circuits only.
Design and Application
We design your system using Tesla's design tools and submit the necessary G99 application to Northern Powergrid. For Powerwall 3 with solar panels, the built-in inverter simplifies the system design. We handle all DNO paperwork and keep you updated on approval progress.
Installation
A Powerwall installation with solar panels typically takes two to three days. The Powerwall and Backup Gateway are wall-mounted, usually in a garage or on an exterior wall. All cabling is routed neatly and secured to a professional standard. If you are having solar panels installed at the same time, the panels are mounted and connected to the Powerwall's built-in inverter.
Commissioning
We commission the system through the Tesla Installer Portal, configure your energy settings, perform a backup test to verify seamless switchover, and set up the Tesla app on your phone. You receive full MCS documentation, warranty certificates, and a thorough walkthrough of the app and system operation.
Adding a Second Powerwall
For homes with very high energy consumption, electric vehicles, or heat pumps, a single Powerwall may not provide sufficient storage. Tesla supports stacking up to four Powerwall units for a combined 54 kWh of storage. We have completed several dual Powerwall installations across the North East, providing homeowners with enough storage to achieve near-complete energy independence when combined with a large solar array.
A dual Powerwall setup also doubles the continuous power output to 23 kW, ensuring that even the most demanding home can run entirely from battery during a grid outage. This level of capability is particularly appealing for larger properties with multiple high-demand circuits.
Get a Tesla Powerwall Quote
As one of the few Tesla Certified Installers in the North East, ALPS Electrical is your local expert for Powerwall installations. Whether you want a Powerwall 3 with a new solar panel system, a Powerwall added to your existing solar setup, or a standalone Powerwall for time-of-use tariff savings, we provide a complete, professional service from survey to commissioning. Call us on 01642 790 489 or fill in the quote form for a free, no-obligation assessment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Battery storage costs in the UK range from £2,500 for a small 5kWh unit to £12,000+ for premium systems like the Tesla Powerwall 3 (13.5kWh). A mid-range system like the GivEnergy Gen 3 with 9.5kWh storage typically costs £4,000-£6,000. Prices include installation and are subject to 0% VAT when installed alongside or added to an existing solar panel system.
Yes, battery-only installations are increasingly popular. By charging your battery overnight on cheap tariffs like Octopus Go (7.5p/kWh) and using that stored energy during the day when rates are 24p+/kWh, you can save hundreds of pounds per year. Our Fox Cube battery-only installation video on YouTube demonstrates the savings potential in detail.
Both are excellent systems. The Tesla Powerwall 3 has a built-in inverter (simplifying installation), 13.5kWh capacity, backup gateway capability and the polished Tesla app. GivEnergy Gen 3 offers more flexible sizing, a strong community following, open API access and typically lower cost per kWh of storage. We install both and recommend based on your specific needs, budget and whether you want full home backup capability.
Modern lithium-ion solar batteries typically last 10-15 years, or 6,000-10,000 charge cycles. Tesla Powerwall comes with a 10-year warranty. GivEnergy offers a 12-year warranty on Gen 3 batteries. After warranty expiry, batteries continue to work but with gradually reduced capacity, similar to a mobile phone battery. Most batteries retain 70-80% of original capacity after 10 years.
A hybrid (DC-coupled) battery connects directly to the solar panels via a hybrid inverter, converting energy once and achieving higher efficiency (typically 95-97%). An AC-coupled battery connects to your home electrical circuit and works independently of the solar inverter, making it easier to retrofit to existing solar installations. We install both types and recommend based on whether this is a new installation or an addition to an existing system.
It depends on the battery system. The Tesla Powerwall with Backup Gateway can provide whole-home backup during grid outages. The Sigenergy system also offers full home backup. Most other batteries (GivEnergy, FOX ESS) provide backup to selected essential circuits only. Full home backup requires additional hardware and typically costs more. We can design a system to meet your specific backup requirements.
Time-of-use tariff arbitrage means charging your battery when electricity is cheapest (typically overnight at 7-10p/kWh on tariffs like Octopus Go, Intelligent Go or Flux) and using that stored energy during expensive peak periods (24-35p/kWh). This can save £300-£600 per year even without solar panels. With solar panels as well, savings can exceed £1,000 per year.
A G99 application to Northern Powergrid is required when your total inverter capacity exceeds 3.68kW per phase (single-phase) or 11.04kW (three-phase). Most residential battery and solar systems require a G99 application. The process takes 4-12 weeks and we handle the entire application on your behalf at no additional charge. Systems under 3.68kW only require a simpler G98 notification.