Nissan launches home solar package in the UK

As with rival electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla, after making some progress in the EV market with the Nissan Leaf, Nissan is now setting sights on the home with batteries and solar panels to form a complete home energy solution.

Nissan's Energy Solar scheme

Rather surprisingly, the Nissan scheme will be available only in the U.K. where there is often rain, fog and otherwise inclement weather. However, Nissan says its panels will be able to operate in bad weather and will store power in recycled Leaf batteries. This power can then be used in the home as an alternate fuel but can also power EV's such as the Leaf.

There is a push for cleaner ways to produce energy. There were 13,000 people who pre-ordered the Nissan Leaf. Even in the UK there are already 800,000 homes that are taking advantage of solar power. There definitely seems to be an expanding customer base.

Advantages of the System

The system gives customers some degree of independence from electricity providers. The company claims the system will lower electricity expenses about 66 percent when buyers opt for the six panel system. This costs about $5,200. There are several packages customers can choose from. The full package integrates energy generation with management and storage, but one can buy the components separately. The scheme appears to be an appealing solution for anyone looking to invest in renewable energy and reducing their carbon footprint.

Tesla's similar scheme

In the U.S., Tesla is bringing solar panels and Powerwall batteries to Home Depot, the giant U.S. retail company. Elon Musk's company will set up its own selling spaces in 800 different location, and will staff them with its own employees to explain the benefits of its products. Later, Tesla may also display later its solar roof which will generate electricity but looks like a regular but high-end roof and costs about the same.

The displays will be quite visible, 12 feet high and seven feet wide. Some locations will also demonstrate how the tech works. Tesla is a widely-known brand and having a spot at Home Depot is bound to attract more people to its products.

Solar panel installations are relatively expensive — between $10,000 and $30,000. However, with Trump's new import tariffs prices are expected to rise by about five percent. Tesla is counting on manufacturing its own panels using imported cells which are exempt. Only complete imported panels are subject to the tariffs. Tesla can afford to import some finished panels until it can begin constructing its own since the tariff kicks in only after 2.5 gigawatts worth have been imported.

Previously published in Digital Journal