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Diagnostic guide · Tesla Powerwall

Tesla Powerwall not charging from solar panels

Your solar panels are generating but the Powerwall stays at the same percentage — or the Tesla app shows 0kW from solar when the inverter is clearly running. This is usually a CT clamp orientation issue, a wrong operating mode, or a Gateway metering fault. This guide covers Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3.
  • Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3
  • Free remote-first diagnostic · no fix, no fee
  • Not affiliated with Tesla
Powerwall stuck at the same percentage?

Tell us your Powerwall model, what the Tesla app shows for solar generation, and how long the issue has been happening. We review app data and Gateway configuration remotely.

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Independent — not affiliated with Tesla Inc.

5.0
13 Trustpilot reviews
Trustpilot Google

I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

When my GivEnergy system had an issue, I was completely left without support and had honestly lost all hope. Thankfully, I searched online and found Ron, which completely turned things around. After sending him a message, he responded incredibly fast and called me to assure me that he would get the problem fixed. I really admire his dedicated, supportive nature and his determination to find a solution. With this kind of outstanding attitude and customer service, he has absolutely secured a future customer in me.

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron want out of is way to help, nothing was to much. He was very thorough in what he did Very knowledgeable I would highly recommend Ron and his company He did a fantastic job for me. if you have any problems, he'll do his best to help you out and resolve your problem. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron took me through a diagnostic to confirm my GivEnergy Inverter had a fault. A common one as it turns out with the AC Inverter. As GivEnergy is defunct there is no immediate fix, aside from sourcing 2nd hand replacement. It may be that a fix becomes available over the summer which would make a lot of GivEnergy customers happy (Again)

Tony Deacon · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Ron with a problem and he sorted it out quickly with no problems at all. Very knowledgeable on anything solar/ batteries. I would recommend him to anyone

Phill · May 2026 Trustpilot

I've spoken to Ron a couple of times with issues with my Givenergy installation. Such a friendly knowledge guy very highly recommended. Thank you very much for resolving my issues

michael fairhurst · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support in desperation. After explaining the issues I had with my system a diagnosis was made and a solution proposed. Fantastic service, even contacted a manufacturer to arrange replacement parts for me. Great communications, explained all they were doing and what I had to do, clearly and precisly. Followed up to confirm all was ok. Excellent service.

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

After GivEnergy went into liquidation, just my luck, my battery started playing up (internal board crashed). Contacted my installer - not interested! Found Solar tech support on a Google search. Sooo glad I found this company! Ron is extremely helpful and has plenty of experience. He soon confirmed what the fault was, and helped me to get my system up and running again. Now moved my GivEnergy account to Solar tech support, and will definitely use again if I have more issues. Unusual to find such a helpful company in these times, no morons reading scripts, just direct contact with the engineer.

Keith Ballard · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support when trying to understand what my Givenergy inverter problem might be and what might be my options. Received good/honest advise which backed up my thoughts.

Hugh Speirs · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Ron is a super star. Two months ago my GivEnergy battery failed a firmware upgrade leaving it a brick. My installer couldn't/wouldn't fix it. GivEnergy couldn't/wouldn't fix it. Then they went into administration and all hope was lost. A flurry of emails later and Ron had diagnosed the fault (failed USB flash drive, something I'd suspected) and talked me through resolving it. Two months of nothing resolved in about 3 hours. It's great to work with someone who pays attention to the details, knows that they're doing (not just following a script) and gets stuff sorted without a fuss or up-charging.

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I can add to the list of customers who had already 'given up' on GivEnergy due to their appalling customer service, and that was before they went into administration (their Trustpilot reviews don't lie!). So you can imagine my desperation when, having changed my ISP and my Inverter, predictably, proving to be the only device that didn't connect automatically to my new network, I found zero prospect of any customer support with GivEnergy having called in the administrators just five days earlier! The salvation came from Solar Tech Support. My IT advisor stumbled across their web site and some very helpful tips for beleaguered GivEnergy customers, as well as an offer to provide direct assistance. Nothing ventured, I decided to drop them an E-Mail, with very low expectations based on my experience of GivEnergy customer support. Within an hour Ron had responded with some pin point advice, and after a few exchanges of E-Mails he had nailed the problem, enabling the combined efforts of my IT advisor and solar installer to resolve it and reconnect my Inverter. Thank you Solar Tech Support, and Ron in particular, for coming to the aid of a deserted and despondent GivEnergy customer. Expert, razor sharp advice and first class customer service, even though I wasn't officially a customer.

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

This company are a rare gem, I had a very unusual problem following a failed firmware upgrade on my GivEnergy kit. I then found out GivEnergy were in administration and had dismissed all their support staff! None of the usual fixes to try and restore my inverter comms would work, and I looked everywhere, forums, GivEnergy youtube support videos - even AI couldn't figure it out. My installer was talking about huge sums for system replacements, and being vague / evasive about if they'd even install replacement GivEnergy inverter. Enter Solar Tech Support, reassuring and knowledgeable from the very start, I've learnt loads about my solar system though the friendly chat while my engineer worked as he diagnosed the problem and figured out a fix procedure that I've not found anywhere else - amazing . If you need solar system repairs - especially if you like me have been left high and dry by GivEnergy, I cannot recommend this company enough. Give them a call.

Andy Thomas · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I sent a message on their website regarding a problem I have on my Givenergy system. Although not supplied by Ronald, I thought it was worth an email. Within the hour on a Saturday, he phoned and we discussed the problem. He logged in remotely and gave excellent advice. I'm too far away for his on-site help but he did diagnose the problem and was happy also to chat through my thoughts about an upcoming solar/battery install I'm planning. Great bloke.... if only he was nearer!

Philip · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

When my GivEnergy system had an issue, I was completely left without support and had honestly lost all hope. Thankfully, I searched online and found Ron, which completely turned things around. After sending him a message, he responded incredibly fast and called me to assure me that he would get the problem fixed. I really admire his dedicated, supportive nature and his determination to find a solution. With this kind of outstanding attitude and customer service, he has absolutely secured a future customer in me.

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron want out of is way to help, nothing was to much. He was very thorough in what he did Very knowledgeable I would highly recommend Ron and his company He did a fantastic job for me. if you have any problems, he'll do his best to help you out and resolve your problem. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron took me through a diagnostic to confirm my GivEnergy Inverter had a fault. A common one as it turns out with the AC Inverter. As GivEnergy is defunct there is no immediate fix, aside from sourcing 2nd hand replacement. It may be that a fix becomes available over the summer which would make a lot of GivEnergy customers happy (Again)

Tony Deacon · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Ron with a problem and he sorted it out quickly with no problems at all. Very knowledgeable on anything solar/ batteries. I would recommend him to anyone

Phill · May 2026 Trustpilot

I've spoken to Ron a couple of times with issues with my Givenergy installation. Such a friendly knowledge guy very highly recommended. Thank you very much for resolving my issues

michael fairhurst · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support in desperation. After explaining the issues I had with my system a diagnosis was made and a solution proposed. Fantastic service, even contacted a manufacturer to arrange replacement parts for me. Great communications, explained all they were doing and what I had to do, clearly and precisly. Followed up to confirm all was ok. Excellent service.

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

After GivEnergy went into liquidation, just my luck, my battery started playing up (internal board crashed). Contacted my installer - not interested! Found Solar tech support on a Google search. Sooo glad I found this company! Ron is extremely helpful and has plenty of experience. He soon confirmed what the fault was, and helped me to get my system up and running again. Now moved my GivEnergy account to Solar tech support, and will definitely use again if I have more issues. Unusual to find such a helpful company in these times, no morons reading scripts, just direct contact with the engineer.

Keith Ballard · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support when trying to understand what my Givenergy inverter problem might be and what might be my options. Received good/honest advise which backed up my thoughts.

Hugh Speirs · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Ron is a super star. Two months ago my GivEnergy battery failed a firmware upgrade leaving it a brick. My installer couldn't/wouldn't fix it. GivEnergy couldn't/wouldn't fix it. Then they went into administration and all hope was lost. A flurry of emails later and Ron had diagnosed the fault (failed USB flash drive, something I'd suspected) and talked me through resolving it. Two months of nothing resolved in about 3 hours. It's great to work with someone who pays attention to the details, knows that they're doing (not just following a script) and gets stuff sorted without a fuss or up-charging.

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I can add to the list of customers who had already 'given up' on GivEnergy due to their appalling customer service, and that was before they went into administration (their Trustpilot reviews don't lie!). So you can imagine my desperation when, having changed my ISP and my Inverter, predictably, proving to be the only device that didn't connect automatically to my new network, I found zero prospect of any customer support with GivEnergy having called in the administrators just five days earlier! The salvation came from Solar Tech Support. My IT advisor stumbled across their web site and some very helpful tips for beleaguered GivEnergy customers, as well as an offer to provide direct assistance. Nothing ventured, I decided to drop them an E-Mail, with very low expectations based on my experience of GivEnergy customer support. Within an hour Ron had responded with some pin point advice, and after a few exchanges of E-Mails he had nailed the problem, enabling the combined efforts of my IT advisor and solar installer to resolve it and reconnect my Inverter. Thank you Solar Tech Support, and Ron in particular, for coming to the aid of a deserted and despondent GivEnergy customer. Expert, razor sharp advice and first class customer service, even though I wasn't officially a customer.

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

This company are a rare gem, I had a very unusual problem following a failed firmware upgrade on my GivEnergy kit. I then found out GivEnergy were in administration and had dismissed all their support staff! None of the usual fixes to try and restore my inverter comms would work, and I looked everywhere, forums, GivEnergy youtube support videos - even AI couldn't figure it out. My installer was talking about huge sums for system replacements, and being vague / evasive about if they'd even install replacement GivEnergy inverter. Enter Solar Tech Support, reassuring and knowledgeable from the very start, I've learnt loads about my solar system though the friendly chat while my engineer worked as he diagnosed the problem and figured out a fix procedure that I've not found anywhere else - amazing . If you need solar system repairs - especially if you like me have been left high and dry by GivEnergy, I cannot recommend this company enough. Give them a call.

Andy Thomas · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I sent a message on their website regarding a problem I have on my Givenergy system. Although not supplied by Ronald, I thought it was worth an email. Within the hour on a Saturday, he phoned and we discussed the problem. He logged in remotely and gave excellent advice. I'm too far away for his on-site help but he did diagnose the problem and was happy also to chat through my thoughts about an upcoming solar/battery install I'm planning. Great bloke.... if only he was nearer!

Philip · Apr 2026 Trustpilot
ℹ️
Before you start: open the Tesla app and check the energy flow diagram. Note whether the solar reading shows a kW value, shows 0.0kW, or is missing entirely. Also check the Powerwall SOC percentage — if it has been stuck at the same level for 3 or more sunny days, that confirms the battery is not receiving charge from solar.
Diagnosis

Step-by-step charging fault diagnosis

Work through these steps in order. Step 1 catches the simplest cause — wrong mode. Step 2 addresses the most common hardware cause — reversed CT clamps. Steps 3–5 cover Gateway, inverter, and Powerwall 3 specifics.

1
Check the operating mode in the Tesla app

Open the Tesla app → Settings → Customize. The mode should be Self-Powered or Time-Based Control. If it is set to Backup Only, the Powerwall reserves capacity exclusively for power cuts and will not charge from solar during normal operation. In Self-Powered mode, the battery charges from any excess solar not used by the house. Also check Energy Exports under Customize — if set to Everything, the system prioritises export over battery charging once full, which is normal. If the battery is not full and still not charging, the mode is not the issue.

2
Check the CT clamp orientation

CT clamps are directional — the arrow must face toward the source (away from the consumer unit). If the solar CT is backwards, the Gateway reads generation as negative and will not charge the battery. In the Tesla app, check the energy flow diagram: if solar shows 0.0kW when the sun is out and the inverter is running, or shows a negative value, the CT is reversed. The fix is physical — rotate the clamp 180 degrees on the cable. A reversed site CT can also cause the entire power flow to be misread, making it appear that solar exports to grid instead of charging the battery. This requires an electrician.

3
Verify the solar inverter is registered on the Gateway

In the Tesla app, go to the Device page and confirm your solar inverter appears as a recognised device. Then check the Metering page — the Solar CT must be assigned and on the correct phase. If the inverter is not registered, the Gateway does not know solar exists and will not use it to charge the Powerwall. This can happen after a Gateway replacement, a firmware update, or if commissioning was not completed. Re-registration requires installer access to the Gateway commissioning interface.

4
Check whether the solar inverter is generating

The Powerwall cannot charge if the solar inverter is faulted or producing nothing. Check the inverter display or its own monitoring app — is it showing active generation? Common faults that prevent generation include grid voltage trips (G98/G99 disconnection in the UK), a tripped AC or DC isolator, or an earth fault. If the inverter is faulted, the Powerwall not charging is a symptom, not the cause — fix the inverter first and the Powerwall will resume charging automatically.

5
Check the Powerwall 3 charge rate limit

Powerwall 3 charges at a maximum of 5kW per unit from solar or grid, despite having an 11.5kW discharge output. This is a design characteristic of LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry that protects the cells. If your solar array peaks above 5kW, the excess exports to grid even while the Powerwall is not full — this is normal behaviour, not a fault. Two Powerwall 3 units charge at 10kW combined. Powerwall 2 (NMC chemistry) also charges at 5kW per unit. If your system charges slowly but does charge, the rate limit is likely the explanation rather than a fault.

6
Power cycle the Gateway and check for firmware updates

If the mode is correct, CTs are properly oriented, and the inverter is generating — perform a Gateway power cycle. Turn off the Gateway circuit breaker, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on. Allow 5 minutes for the system to reconnect and re-establish communication. Check the Tesla app for pending firmware updates — Tesla pushes updates automatically but they can stall. If the issue persists, the Gateway may have a metering fault or the Powerwall may have a hardware issue. Contact STS for a remote diagnostic — we review your Tesla app data, generation history, and Gateway configuration to determine the next step.

Tesla Powerwall charging — how it works

The Tesla Powerwall charges from solar through the Gateway, which acts as the brain of the system. It monitors solar production via CT clamps, measures house consumption, and decides whether to charge the battery, power the house directly, or export to the grid. The decision depends on the operating mode in the Tesla app: Self-Powered prioritises battery charging from excess solar, Time-Based Control follows a tariff schedule, and Backup Only reserves capacity for power cuts. If any part of this chain breaks — wrong mode, reversed CT, unregistered inverter — the Powerwall appears to ignore solar even though everything else is working.

Powerwall 2 is AC-coupled — solar goes through a separate inverter to AC, then back to DC into the battery, with roughly 7% conversion loss. Powerwall 3 is DC-coupled with a built-in inverter, reducing loss to under 3%. However, Powerwall 3 has a 5kW charge input limit per unit due to its LFP chemistry, which means large solar arrays will always export some energy midday even when the battery is not full. STS diagnoses Powerwall charging faults remotely by reviewing the Tesla app energy history, Gateway metering configuration, and firmware versions. We are independent from Tesla and from your installer.

FAQ

Powerwall charging — common questions

The most common cause is a CT clamp installed backwards — the Gateway reads solar as negative and won't charge the battery. Check the Tesla app energy flow: if solar shows 0.0kW or negative when the sun is out, the CT orientation is wrong. The second most common cause is the mode being set to Backup Only instead of Self-Powered. Also verify the inverter is registered on the Gateway Device page and is generating.
Powerwall 3 charges at 5kW max per unit from solar or grid, despite 11.5kW discharge output. This is an LFP chemistry design characteristic. Solar above 5kW exports even when the battery isn't full. Two units charge at 10kW combined. Powerwall 2 also charges at 5kW per unit but uses NMC chemistry.
CT clamps have an arrow that must face toward the source — for solar, the arrow points toward the inverter. If reversed, the Gateway reads generation as negative. Check in the Tesla app: watch the energy flow diagram while the sun is out. If solar shows 0.0kW or negative when the inverter is generating, the CT is backwards. The fix is physical — rotate the clamp 180 degrees, which requires an electrician.
No — they cannot be installed together. Different battery chemistries (NMC vs LFP), different firmware, different Gateway generations. Powerwall 2 is AC-coupled with a separate inverter; Powerwall 3 is DC-coupled with a built-in inverter. Add another unit of the same type if you need more storage — up to 10 Powerwall 2 units or 4 Powerwall 3 units per system.
If the battery is full, exporting is normal. If it's not full: check the mode (Backup Only won't charge from solar), check Permission to Export under Customize, and check for a backwards CT clamp causing the Gateway to misread power flow. On Powerwall 3, solar above the 5kW charge limit exports even when the battery isn't full — this is by design, not a fault.
Book

Powerwall still not charging?

If you have checked the mode, CT orientation, and inverter — and the Powerwall still will not charge from solar — the issue may be a Gateway metering fault, a firmware bug, or a Powerwall hardware problem. We review your Tesla app data, energy history, and Gateway configuration remotely. Independent from Tesla and your installer.

  • Not affiliated with Tesla Inc
  • Free remote diagnostic · no fix, no fee
  • On-site visits available across the UK

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