Tesla has already produced its first batch of Powerwalls at its Gigafactory in Nevada, and stock of the batteries is due in South Africa by the end of January 2016.

That’s the word from Greg Blandford, sales director at Rubicon, an authorised Tesla Energy reseller in South Africa.

“This is two months ahead of schedule so we are excited to see the first batch [arriving in South Africa at the end of January,” he said.

With the instability in the rand, Blandford said that for the moment he prefers to give pricing in US Dollar until our currency stabilises.

“We estimate the selling price to be in the region of $3,600-$4,000, depending on external factors.”

Rubicon will try to keep the price as low as possible, and sell Tesla batteries on volume to keep costs lower, Blandford said.

Tesla Powerwalls from Gigafactory 1

While a few lucky South Africans have already got their hands on Tesla Powerwalls, Blandford’s mention of those made in Tesla’s Gigafactory is significant.

Earlier this year, Tesla announced that work on the Gigafactory was ahead of schedule and that it had moved a production line for Powerwalls and Powerpacks from its Fremont facility to Nevada.

Tesla’s aim with the Gigafactory was to expand production of Lithium Ion batteries to meet its projected future demand, with minimal environmental impact.

It is designed to be a net-zero facility, getting all the energy it needs to produce batteries for Tesla from renewable sources.

Where to buy the Powerwall in South Africa

Blandford said that if anyone is interested in booking the first Powerwalls to arrive in South Africa, they are welcome to mail him at [email protected].

“We will not sell directly to the end user but the sale will be done through the installer,” he said. “Naturally the solar system and the Powerwall will need to be sized to the customer’s requirements.”

Tesla will select who its qualified installers will be in South Africa themselves, Blandford said.

“We have gone through a number of qualification criteria to meet their standards. In the same manner, the installers of the Powerwall will be selected.”

While Rubicon may propose installers to Tesla, it ultimately decides who they will be.

“Tesla is a big brand and as such there is a responsibility to represent them as they intended.”

More on Tesla in South Africa

Tesla Motors coming to South Africa: report

Tesla Powerwall has huge potential in South Africa: Tesla CTO

SA alternative to Tesla Powerwall: prices, power details