New Backup Switch from Tesla

[Carlos Thomas]

They just came to install the new Backup Switch that goes behind the meter. You can see that the unit is different. Even the metal being used is different.

The first photo is the old backup switch.

New backup switch

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[Korben Dallas]

Who is ‘they’ & why did they make this change?

 

[Carlos Thomas]

They = Willow Glen Electric. They are responsible for all of the Tesla employee installs and a heavy majority of the customer installs for the Tesla PowerShare BackUp Gateway in the SF Bay Area. Tesla informed them that every customer who has the previous generation of the BackUp Switch needs to have their unit replaced with the latest hardware. This was all done at no additional cost.

According to Willow Glen Electric, they made what appears to be a lot of hardware updates which should reduce the number of error codes some units have been throwing. In addition it will allow for faster switching during an outage. Based on what I have seen online from folks that have it installed and then they simulated a power outage by turning off the main breaker to their home, they all seem to take less than 2 seconds to switch over. So this this new unit is faster, then that is telling me they are trying for sub second/almost instant switches.

Another thing to note is that the cable that went from the PowerShare Backup Gateway to the BackUp Switch was swapped out too. They said this is the "new cable", which has a better outdoor rating. The cable thickness is probably 70% thinner and is black versus the thicker grey.

 

[Korben Dallas]

Ok. Thank you for that clarification.

So it sounds like I might have to have my original PowerWall & PV system installer come back out to replace my backup switch with the new one once the PowerShare software update is finally pushed to my Cybertruck. In that regard I received an email from the PowwerShare team last week that the update is "coming soon". Where have I heard that before?

Anyway, I appreciate your response.

Take care.

P.S. I’ll be heading down your way to Modesto in 10 days. Tired of the rain up here as we logged 7" from last Friday thru Tuesday at our home in the Olympics and need some sunshine.

 

[REM]

Tesla informed them that every customer who has the previous generation of the BackUp Switch needs to have their unit replaced with the latest hardware. This was all done at no additional cost.

This must mean a significant upgrade for VPP operations! woot!

 

[OUTLAW]

What a Robust upgrade.

 

[syburtruck]

The backup switch for non Powerwall installs is not the same. You have all the hardware you already need, if you have a functioning powerwall install, have a wall connector and the main charger used for the truck is backed up.

 

[Victsm]

Appreciate the sharing.
Great to see all the upgrades with the backup switch.
Have been waiting for backup switch approval from PGE for PowerShare installation ever since WGE stopped doing backup switch installation in April 2024.
The alternative load transfer installation costs more than double compared with the backup switch installation.
Finally getting my PowerShare installed next week.

 

[CT605]

Is your system fully up and operational now with the new Ring ? I had the update installed as well but am still waiting for the system to be activated .

 

[Art138]

Is your system fully up and operational now with the new Ring ? I had the update installed as well but am still waiting for the system to be activated .

Should not take more than 10 days….at least that’s how long mine took to be activated.

 

[CT605]

Its been over a month now ….. and still waiting with no information on when this will finally be enabled or what the hold up is now . So well past 10 days .. :{

 

[CT605]

Mid June —Still Zero Progress … Almost 1.5 yrs in total waiting for this

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