Tesla is rolling out a new feature designed to help rooftop homeowners charge their Tesla cars with additional solar power.
In recent years, Tesla has made it clear that it is interested in charging at a higher current than the two-way charging that has become popular in the electric car industry.
The automaker made waves earlier this month when it announced plans to offer unlimited overnight billing for $30 per month. We are talking about charge-to-charge control of electric vehicles.
Now we're learning that Tesla is looking at another way to charge electric cars: charging from excess solar power.
A recent update to Tesla's mobile app revealed new code that reveals a feature that allows Tesla cars to charge themselves using excess solar energy:
This feature is not yet visible to consumers of the app, but the code clearly talks about optimizing charging for solar homeowners:
"Plug the car into the home grid during the day to charge with ultra-clean energy from the sun."
It looks like you can connect your car to a specific solar site, and while you're connected to that site, Tesla controls when the car can be charged with additional solar power. A car is probably not preferred, but if the sun is too high, you will be charged.
Presumably, the new feature will be available in an upcoming update to Tesla's mobile app.
Few products go together better than electric vehicles and solar power. Who does not want to ride in the sun?
I think there is still room to optimize the use of two products together and this is a good example.
Now is a good time to start your solar journey to install your system on sunny spring days. If you want to make sure you find a reliable solar installer in your area who offers competitive pricing, visit EnergySage. EnergySage is a free service that makes it easy to go solar, whether you own or rent. There are hundreds of pre-screened solar installers for your business so you get quality solutions and save 20-30% over doing it yourself. Plus, it's free to use and you won't get any sales calls until you select an installer and give them their phone number.
It's easy to compare individual solar panel prices online and you'll have access to unbiased energy advisors to help you every step of the way. Start from here
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links that generate income. Next up.
