Tesla Motors unveils a series of batteries to help store more renewable energy

Tesla Motors has come up a series of batteries, which will help store renewable energy better at homes and offices. Last week, the announcement was made by Elon Musk, Tesla's founder and chief executive; it confirmed that the new modular Powerwall system would be selling at $3,000 for a 7kWh battery, increasing to $3,500 for a 10kWh unit. It is expected that deliveries will begin in late summer in the US.

According to Musk, the new Tesla Energy division indicated a 'critical step' in his ambition for moving the global energy systems in the direction of greater use of renewable power. Musk said at the launch that they look forward to changing the fundamental energy infrastructure of the world. He added that it is possible to achieve.

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery units are designed to facilitate load-shifting. Solar energy generated, when it is not required, will be stored and released during peak demand so as to prevent blackouts or recharge an electric vehicle.

Catherine Mitchell, professor of energy policy at the University of Exeter, said that the announcement is 'a nail in the coffin' for conventional utilities. According to Mitchell, "Storage offers the ability to extend both the displacement of fossil fuels and reduction of prices beyond peaks - making it even worse for companies whose business models are based on fossil fuels and peak pricing profits".

She added that now the concern is not that whether there will be decentralization within the energy system, the tipping point is needed to be considered in place of that.

Musk also chairs US solar installation specialist SolarCity, which has already helped install nearly 300 batteries in homes in California related to a pilot to test the system. It will be among several third parties approved to install the Powerwall system.