The Challenge
The homeowner had a 9.6 kW solar system installed in 2019. For four years, they earned solid credits under their utility's net metering program. Then in 2024, the buyback rate dropped from $0.10/kWh to $0.04/kWh — overnight.
As we documented in our blog, this is a pattern across Texas. Their solar still produced the same energy, but the financial value of exported power collapsed. The fix: store excess production in a battery and use it during peak rates instead of exporting.
Our Approach
We retrofitted a Tesla Powerwall 3 to their existing solar setup without touching the roof or panels:
- System assessment: Verified inverter compatibility (their existing Enphase microinverters integrate well with Powerwall via Gateway 3).
- Site planning: Wall-mounted the Powerwall in the garage on a non-load-bearing exterior wall. NEMA-rated enclosure for Texas heat.
- Electrical: Sub-panel reorganization to identify "essential loads" (HVAC compressor, refrigerator, internet, key outlets) for backup priority.
- Software config: Programmed Powerwall in Self-Powered mode with utility time-of-use rate schedule. Battery charges from solar during day, discharges during peak evening rates ($0.18/kWh) instead of exporting cheap.
- Inspection & permitting: All work passed first-time inspection thanks to our licensed contractor status.
The Result
Within the first month, 87% of solar production was self-consumed instead of exported. The homeowner's utility bill dropped from $180/month to [REPLACE: actual $X/month from CRM].
Bonus: The Powerwall installation qualified for the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit, recovering a significant portion of the cost on their 2026 tax return.
[REPLACE: Add real photo of installed Powerwall + Gateway]
[REPLACE WITH REAL TESTIMONIAL: Customer's words about the buyback drop and how the battery solved it.]
Equipment & Specs
- Battery: Tesla Powerwall 3 — 13.5 kWh capacity, integrated inverter
- Gateway: Tesla Gateway 3 (whole-home backup capable)
- Existing system: 9.6 kW solar, Enphase IQ7+ microinverters (preserved, no replacement)
- Backup loads: HVAC compressor, fridge, internet router, garage door, key lighting circuits
- App: Tesla mobile app for real-time monitoring & mode switching
