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The future of the Tesla Powerwall in 2023

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In 2023, the Tesla Powerwall continues to be a game-changer in the world of residential energy storage. This innovative battery system allows homeowners to store excess energy generated by solar panels or electricity from the grid for use when the sun is not shining or during power outages. The Powerwall is designed to be modular, allowing homeowners to install multiple units for increased storage capacity.

One of the most significant advantages of the Powerwall is its ability to help homeowners reduce their reliance on the grid. By storing excess energy generated by solar panels during the day, homeowners can use that energy to power their homes at night or during times when the sun is not shining. This can significantly reduce energy bills and help homeowners to become more self-sufficient.

Another advantage of the Powerwall is its ability to provide backup power during power outages. With the Powerwall installed, homeowners can continue to power essential appliances and devices even when the grid is down. This can be especially important in areas prone to severe weather or frequent power outages.

In addition to its practical benefits, the Powerwall is also designed with aesthetics in mind. The sleek, compact design allows for easy installation in a variety of settings, and the system can be integrated with solar panels for a complete home energy solution.

As with any new technology, there are some potential challenges to the widespread adoption of the Powerwall. One of the most significant challenges is the initial cost of installation. While the cost of the Powerwall has decreased significantly over the past few years, it can still be a significant investment for homeowners. However, there are many financing options and incentives available that can help to offset the initial cost of installation.

Another challenge is the availability of trained installers. While Tesla is continually expanding its network of certified installers, some areas may not yet have access to trained professionals. This can make it challenging for homeowners to install the Powerwall themselves, which may add to the overall cost of installation.

Despite these challenges, the future looks bright for the Powerwall. As renewable energy continues to grow in popularity, the demand for energy storage solutions like the Powerwall is likely to increase. Tesla is also continually improving the technology behind the Powerwall, with regular software updates and improvements to the hardware itself.

In conclusion, the Tesla Powerwall continues to be a revolutionary technology in the world of residential energy storage. With its ability to help homeowners reduce their reliance on the grid, provide backup power during outages, and integrate with solar panels for a complete home energy solution, the Powerwall is poised to play a significant role in the transition to renewable energy. While there are some challenges to widespread adoption, the benefits of the Powerwall are clear, and its future looks bright.

Tesla Powerwall 3 – Features we’d like:

  1. Increased storage capacity: The Powerwall 3 may have a larger storage capacity compared to its predecessors. This would allow homeowners to store even more energy and become more self-sufficient.
  2. Faster charging and discharging: it may have faster charging and discharging capabilities, making it even more efficient and effective.
  3. Improved compatibility with solar panels: The Powerwall 3 may be even more compatible with solar panels, allowing for seamless integration and optimal energy production.
  4. More compact design: it may be even more compact than previous models, allowing for easier installation in a variety of settings.
  5. Improved software: The Powerwall 3 may have improved software that allows for more advanced monitoring and control of energy usage. This could include features such as real-time energy monitoring and the ability to schedule energy usage.
  6. More affordable: The Powerwall 3 may be more affordable than previous models, making it more accessible to a wider range of homeowners.

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Elon Musk: an ‘end to the combustion economy’

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Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has recently made headlines with his comments about bringing an end to the combustion economy. This bold statement has sparked a lot of discussion and debate about the future of energy and transportation. In this article, we will take a closer look at Musk’s comments and what they could mean for the future of the world.

First, let’s define what the combustion economy is. The combustion economy refers to the system of energy production and consumption that is based on burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. This system has been the dominant source of energy for more than a century, but it has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to its environmental impact. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Musk’s comments about ending the combustion economy are not entirely new. He has been a vocal advocate for renewable energy and electric vehicles for many years. However, his recent comments have been particularly bold and ambitious. In a tweet on February 6, Musk wrote, “The world is using fossil fuels to power everything, and we need to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy economy. That’s why Tesla is accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy.”

Musk’s comments come at a time when there is growing awareness of the need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that we need to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Many countries have set targets for reducing their emissions, and there is a growing consensus that we need to move towards a low-carbon economy.

So, what would it take to end the combustion economy? Musk has suggested that we need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, as well as electric vehicles. Tesla has been at the forefront of this transition, producing electric cars that are both high-performing and affordable. Musk has also been working on other projects such as SpaceX and the Boring Company, which are aimed at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels in other areas such as space travel and transportation infrastructure.

Of course, ending the combustion economy is not going to be easy. The fossil fuel industry is deeply entrenched and has a lot of political and economic power. There are also technical challenges to overcome, such as the need to develop better battery technology to store renewable energy. However, Musk is not one to shy away from a challenge, and he has a track record of successfully disrupting industries such as the automotive and aerospace sectors.

In conclusion, Elon Musk’s recent comments about bringing an end to the combustion economy are bold and ambitious, but they are also necessary. The world is facing a climate crisis, and we need to take urgent action to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Musk’s vision of a sustainable energy economy based on renewable energy and electric vehicles is an inspiring one, and it is up to all of us to work together to make it a reality.

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Tesla Powerwall 3 in 2024? Release Date, Specifications, Cost.

Tesla Powerwall 3 Release Date, Specs, Cost, and Rumors.

With the great success of the Tesla Powerwall 2, people are already talking about its successor. Although the Powerwall 2 is a fantastic device and can help many households save a lot of money on their power bill, it’s far from a ‘no brainer’ at this point – you need to crunch the numbers to ensure it’s going to be worthwhile to install in your house. But with the cost of lithium-ion dropping rapidly and Tesla competitors chomping at the bit with innovative solutions to battery storage, we’ve no doubt that there’s plenty of work being done on the Tesla Powerwall 3. Could this be the device that finally makes PV solar + storage a standard for homes? Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said that they “expect to sell more Powerwalls than cars” so it’s a major part of their business. What features will the Powerwall 3 have? What will it cost and when can we expect it? Read on for more…

Tesla Powerwall 3 Release Date
Tesla Powerwall 3 – What can we expect?

Tesla Powerwall 3 Release Date

At this point we aren’t sure exactly when the Powerwall 3 is coming out, but let’s look at the time difference between the Powerwall and the Powerwall 2 and see if that gives us any clues:

Powerwall 1: Development commenced in 2012. Announced in 2015 with a pilot demonstration 0f 500 units built and installed. Production moved from Tesla Fremont to Gigafactory 1. Initially came in two models – 10kWh nickel-cobalt-aluminium cathode for backup and 7kWh for daily cycle application. Work on the 10kWh battery was discontinued and they focused on the 7kWh model and brought it to Australia in 2015, with a ten year limited warranty. 

Powerwall 2: Development commencement unknown. Announced in October 2016 at Universal Studios. Production of 2170 cylindrical lithium-ion batteries for the Powerwall 2, Powerpack 2 and Model 3 EVs starts in January, 2017.  First Australian installations early June, 2017. 

Powerwall 3: Potential 2021 announcement? 

October 2020 update: The price of a Powerwall 2 installation in Australia has risen from $11,700 to $12,500.

February 2021 update: Tesla have increased the price of their Powerwall 2…again.  It’s gone up another $800, to $13,300 (13.5kWh system).

Not sure what this means for the 3, but watch this space.

Tesla Powerwalls in 2023

Tesla’s 129MWh South Australian Battery Farm
According to GTM, in Q4 2017 they deployed 143 MWh of energy storage products, which represented a 45 percent from the same quarter YOY (year-on-year). The 129 MWh of energy storage  the Tesla Battery in South Australia partnership last year will be represented in their figures for Q1 2018.

“Solar [megawatts] deployed declined as volumes continue to be impacted by our decision to close certain sales channels earlier this year and to focus on projects with better margins,” Tesla stated. “In addition, solar deployments were affected by the short supply of Powerwalls for customers who wanted solar plus Powerwall in their house. While volumes may continue to be impacted by these factors over the near term, we expect growth to resume later this year.”

So they were about to build the South Australian battery farm within the 100 days they promised, Tesla had Samsung supply the batteries instead of manufacturing them at their Gigafactory. So it looks like they have a way to go with regards to scaling up their manufacturing processes before we start to even think about seeing a Powerwall 3. 

In America, they’ve released new pricing (thanks to CleanTechnica for the stats): 

Effective October 12th, 2018, the new pricing for three energy products is as follows (in USD):

  • Powerwall: $6,700 (originally $5,900)
  • Gateway: $1,100 (originally $700)
  • Installation: $1,000–3,000 (depending on complexity)

“The Tesla Powerwall is a genuinely good option for consumers considering energy storage, and that quality is part of the reason why so many consumers are asking solar installers for it,” Nick Liberati, communication manager for EnergySage, a solar energy system price comparison site operating in over 30 states, tells Inverse. “However, it’s Tesla’s overall brand recognition and luxury appeal that really sets the Powerwall apart from other battery competitors.”

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    Tesla Powerwall 3 Specifications and Features

     

    Tesla Powerwall 1 Specs

    Dimensions 1302mm long, 862mm wide, 183cm diameter (51.3″ x 34″ x 7.2″)
    Battery 7kWh battery (6.4kWh ‘Usable Capacity’)
    Power 7kW peak power, 5kW continuous power.
    Scalability up to 10 Powerwalls
    Weight 97kg (214 pounds)
    Cooling Liquid Cooling (liquid thermal control)
    Efficiency 92.5% round-trip DC efficiency (at optimal conditions – 25 degrees celcius (77 Fahrenheit) with 2kW charge/discharge power)
    Tesla Powerwall 1 Specifications and Cost
    Tesla Powerwall 1 Specifications and Cost
    • Wall or floor mountable, indoor or outdoor.
    • 100% Depth of Discharge
    • 10 year unlimited cycle warranty

     

     

     

     

     

    Tesla Powerwall 2 Specs

    Dimensions 1150mm long, 755mm wide, 155mm diameter. (45″ x 30″ x 6″)
    Battery 14kWh battery (13.5kWh ‘Usable Capacity’)
    Power 7kW peak power, 5kW continuous power.
    Scalability up to 10 AC-coupled Powerwall 2’s
    Weight Weighs 119.9kg (264.4 pounds)
    Cooling Liquid Cooling
    Efficiency >90% round trip efficiency.
    Tesla Powerwall 2 Specifications and Cost
    Tesla Powerwall 2 Specifications and Cost
    • Wall or floor mountable, indoor or outdoor.
    • 10 year manufacturer’s warranty
    • Integrated Inverter (converts the DC energy into AC energy you need to use in your house)
    • Control and view your energy usage/storage with the Tesla app (iOS and Android)
    • Degradation – it will hold around 70% of the 13.5kWh after 10 years.
    • Wi-Fi, Ethernet, 3G connectivity.
    • Off-grid support (AC Coupled)
    • Single Phase feed in.
    • 100% depth of discharge available.
    • Outside of the USA: Powerwall 2 doesn’t include inverter with the DC version and only works with a Solar Edge inverter.

    Tesla Powerwall 3 Specs

    This is all conjecture at this point, but we think some of the features the Tesla Powerwall 3 could include:

    Tesla Powerwall 3 Specifications and Cost
    Tesla Powerwall 3 Specifications and Cost
    • Heavily optimised for and integrated with Tesla Solar Roof (Aussies can preorder one now, will be available in 2018)
    • Heavily optimised and integrated with Tesla Electric Car (Model S, Model 3 etc.). 
    • Upgraded intelligent energy management – will learn your household’s usage, draw from weather forecasts etc. to ensure your house, battery, car or hot water stay at 100% and you are only feeding back into the grid when it’s optimal.
    • Inbuilt hybrid inverter (i.e. you can plug solar panels directly into it, eliminating the need for a separate inverter for your solar panels. The current inverter is just a battery inverter)
    • 28kWh battery (~26kWh usable capacity)
    • We predict they’ll stick with lithium-ion for the battery as its price is very affordable.
    • Alternatively, Tesla may stick with the 14kWh batteries, make them smaller and easier to install – 14kWh is sufficient power for many households – it depends on the cost/size of the batteries)
    • Single and three phase power compatible. 
    • DC version includes inbuilt inverter.
    • By 2019 Tesla expect their Gigafactory to manufacture 35 gigawatt-hours per year of battery cells. Almost as much as the current global combined battery production capacity. What will this mean for the Powerwall III?
    • What features do you think the Powerwall 3 will have? What would make it a ‘no-brainer’ for you to purchase?  Let us know in the comments.

    Tesla Powerwall 3 Price

    The cost of the Powerwall 1 and the Powerwall 2 was roughly the same, so we don’t expect the price of the Powerwall 3 to fluctuate more than around 20%. 

    Powerwall 1 Price (Australian Installation): Around $10,000 (7kWh battery, installation and supporting hardware included).

    Powerwall 2 Price (Australian Installation): Around $12,000 -15,000 (14kWh battery, installation and supporting hardware included).

    March 2019 – Prices for the Powerwall 2 and installation cost have increased between $1,000 – $2,500 due to industry changes. These have been factored into the price above. 

    Powerwall 3 Price: (Australian Installation): We estimate it will cost around $15,000 – $20,000 installed. Call it a hunch.

    More about the Power Wall 3 and what to expect

    Unleashing Energy Independence: Introducing Tesla Powerwall 3

    Powerwall 3: Redefining Energy Storage

    The Tesla Powerwall 3 represents the next evolution in residential energy storage technology. Designed as a sleek and compact unit, the Powerwall 3 seamlessly integrates into homes, providing a clean and efficient way to store excess energy generated from renewable sources like solar panels. With an increased energy capacity compared to its predecessors, the Powerwall 3 boasts an impressive storage capacity that can power an average household for several days, even during extended periods of low sunlight or grid outages.

    Key Features and Advancements

    1. **Enhanced Energy Capacity:** One of the most significant improvements of the Powerwall 3 is its increased energy capacity. Equipped with advanced lithium-ion battery technology, the Powerwall 3 can store more energy than ever before, enabling homeowners to store surplus energy during peak production times and use it during periods of high demand or grid instability.

    2. **Seamless Integration:** Tesla has always prioritized design and aesthetics, and the Powerwall 3 is no exception. The sleek and compact design allows for easy wall-mounting and unobtrusive installation. It seamlessly integrates into both new and existing solar power systems, offering homeowners a seamless and visually appealing addition to their homes. It’s taking forever to arrive but we hope to hear more news about the device by end of 2023 or 2024 at latest.

    3. **Smart Energy Management:** The Powerwall 3 is equipped with intelligent energy management software that optimizes energy consumption and storage. This feature allows homeowners to monitor and control their energy usage in real-time through a user-friendly app, giving them greater control over their energy costs and reducing their carbon footprint. How impressive will this be in the third iteration of the battery? Only time will tell.

    4. **Grid Resilience:** In regions prone to power outages, the Powerwall 3 shines as a reliable backup power solution. During grid failures, the Powerwall 3 can automatically detect the outage and switch to its stored energy reserves, ensuring that essential appliances and devices remain operational.

    Benefits and Impact

    The introduction of the Tesla Powerwall 3 brings forth a multitude of benefits and potential impacts:

    1. **Energy Independence:** Homeowners can rely less on traditional energy sources and reduce their dependence on the grid, resulting in greater energy self-sufficiency and cost savings over time.

    2. **Environmental Benefits:** By efficiently storing and utilizing renewable energy, the Powerwall 3 will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a more sustainable future.

    3. **Economic Savings:** The Powerwall 3 will allow homeowners to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours and sell excess stored energy back to the grid, potentially generating additional income.

    4. **Grid Stability:** Wide-scale adoption of energy storage systems like the Powerwall 3 can contribute to a more stable and resilient grid by reducing strain during peak demand periods.

    What’s Next?

    The Tesla Powerwall 3 represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of clean, sustainable, and independent energy solutions. With its enhanced energy capacity, seamless integration, and intelligent energy management, it offers homeowners a powerful tool to harness the potential of renewable energy sources and reduce their environmental impact. As the world continues to transition towards a more sustainable energy future, innovations like the Powerwall 3 are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the way we power our homes and communities.

    Powerwall Installers in Australia

    There are quite a few companies ready to install the Powerwall 2 in Australia – here are some:

    Australia Wide Solar
    Bradford Solar
    Consolidated Energy
    Energy Matters
    Instyle Solar
    Origin Energy
    MC Electrical
    Natural Solar
    Solarbank
    Solarhart
    SolarHub
    Solar Wise
    Springers Solar
    Superior Solar
    Venergy

    Powerwall Alternatives

    If you’re not necessarily sold on the Powerwall 2 and don’t want to wait for the Powerwall 3, there are many Powerwall competitors and alternatives you can investigate, such as sonnen, BYD B-Box Solar Battery, Redback Technologies, Fronius, Mercedes-Benz, and Eaton Nissan xStorage. 

    sonnen
    BYD B-Box Solar Battery
    Redback Technologies
    Fronius
    Mercedes-Benz
    Eaton Nissan xStorage

    Want more alternatives to the Powerwall? Our Solar Battery Comparison area will help – if you have any questions or would like some guidance please email us or simply ask in the questions below! While the Powerwall is certainly an amazing product, depending on your personal circumstances you can get a better result by using one of its competitors. The sonnenBatterie, for example, is onto its 8th iteration and powers 75% of German energy storage – it has a modular capacity from 2-16kWh and, amongst others, is definitely worth a look. 

    2019 Update: sonnen have been bought out by Shell so we expect big things from them in the future. If you’re not in a rush and are interested in future technology like the Powerwall 3, keep an eye on our site and we’ll have updates on what’s going on in the constantly changing world of battery storage.  We’re working hard on a solar battery comparison guide as well and hope to have it to you very soon. 

    Dan Petit on CanadianCor.com has an interesting idea about how he’d like the next gen units to work:

    An entire integrated package rated at 20 kW after 10 years including Gateway, a basic “next-to-garage-breaker-panel” installation cost included, and standard panels (of 5 or 6 kW) as an entire highly competitive total cost should be a very doable thing. A free pack renewal at ten or so years for pre-orders would be the superclincher!!

    Agreed that it would be nice, and doable, but a ‘highly competitive total cost’ doesn’t really scream Tesla, unfortunately. There are better options if budget is your biggest motivator when installing energy storage.

     

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      Tesla Solar Inverter – first looks!

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      After an unprecedented 2020, Tesla have been busy in the background and this week have announced the launch of a new solar inverter.

      An inverter is an important part of any solar system – it’s used to convert DC power (generated by your solar panels) into AC power (i.e. usable for grid export or usage in the home). For Tesla to dip their toe in this end of the market shows an interesting insight into their overall strategy to help manage renewable energy as widely as possible. Their website has a bit of a spiel about the product:

      “Tesla Solar Inverter completes the Tesla home solar system, converting DC power from solar to AC power for home consumption. Tesla’s renowned expertise in power electronics has been combined with robust safety features and a simple installation process to produce an outstanding solar inverter that is compatible with both Solar Roof and traditional solar panels. Once installed, homeowners use the Tesla app to manage their solar system and monitor energy consumption, resulting in a truly unique ecosystem experience.”

      Tesla Solar Inverter
      Tesla Solar Inverter (source: Tesla.com)

      Can I buy the inverter in Australia?

      You can’t actually view the Tesla Solar Inverter page on the official Australia Tesla website yet (it just 404‘s) – but according to their press release “(the inverter) completes the Tesla home solar system”. You can use the American link which will show you the (fairly utilitarian) details they are currently providing.

      So you still can’t get this in Australia but we’ll keep you posted as soon as there’s any information. Tesla are very US focused so hopefully they bring the party to Australia sooner rather than later! And on that note, no news yet on the Tesla Powerwall 3 but we’re still waiting with bated breath. The site for the new inverter notes that it’s “built on Powerwall 2 technology for exceptional efficiency and reliability” so maybe we are a ways off yet?

      Tesla Solar Inverter Specifications

      The product 660mm high and 411mm wide. It’s available in two configurations, depending on how many solar panels you have on your roof – 3.8 kW and 7.8 kW.

      The new inverter will be compatible with ‘standard’ solar panels as well as integrating seamlessly with the Tesla Solar Roof.

      A warranty is available for the product and will be a strangely chosen 12.5 years. Haven’t seen a half year in a warranty in a while!

      The product will also feature Wi-Fi, Ethernet and cellular connectivity with OTA (over the air) updates, and has been “designed to integrate with Tesla Powerwall and Tesla app”. Matching inverters, batteries and panels can be quite the mission if you’re looking to get the best result so it’s nice to see Tesla working hard to offer more of a ‘full stack’ approach to renewable energy (not just solar power either!).

      Lastly, it has 4 MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers. Most inverters have two so it’ll be interesting to see what we’re in for with the Tesla Solar Home lineup!

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      Solar Carport for the Tesla Cybertruck?

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      Australian Startup Poised To Solve Problems For Tesla Cybertruck With Unique Solar Carport

      The Tesla Cybertruck has received nearly 150,000 pre-orders, despite its widely-mocked launch. With production set to begin in 2021, the Cybertruck has been widely criticised by skeptics, not least because of its unconventional form, which is incompatible with other truck parts and is unlikely to fit in a standard garage or parking space. Tesla is no stranger to bumps in the road, however, and already creative thinkers are beginning to navigate the issue. At the forefront is Iron Matrix, an Australian startup focused on clean energy buildings. 

      A Solar Carport Fit For A Cybertruck

      Iron Matrix has unveiled plans for a solar-panelled carport to go alongside its solar construction to support life off-grid, which has recently been patented. The company’s founder and CEO, David Morgan, thought up a straightforward design using bolted steel construction techniques to produce a shelter for the Cybertruck that generates energy. Solar carports have proven successful in other areas, supplying energy to entire businesses and generating their own income in addition to charging the electric vehicles they shelter. Morgan plans to target the Californian market, and the Cybertruck-friendly solar port has been granted a tech patent in the USA. The design plans for the port suggest that the invention will be capable of powering the Cybertruck for approximately 100km per charge.

      Charge Anywhere

      What’s really special about Iron Matrix’s design is that the port is to be flat-pack, with each steel piece able to fit into the Cybertruck for easy transportation, allowing you to construct the port and charge the vehicle wherever you are. The design takes a fundamental problem with the Cybertruck’s design and turns it into an advantage: the garage space travels with you. “All of a sudden that Cybertruck sounds like a fantastic idea,” said Morgan, whose patent for the solar construction method allows Iron Matrix buildings to be built anywhere – cranes, footings and scaffolding are not needed due to the specialised joint connections used.

      Power For 100km A Day

      The Cybertruck will require a significant amount of energy to charge, but Morgan estimates that the solar carport will be capable of outputting approximately 30kWh per day. He says the port will get a standard electric vehicle about 150km a day, and the Cybertruck roughly 100km a day. The idea is that the truck could be left to charge for a few days while you take the weekend to live off-grid. The Iron Matrix system was inspired by the falling cost of lithium batteries, which can now “deliver a kilowatt hour for half the price of the grid,” said Morgan. The Cybertruck carport can already be ordered: production of the steel began in October 2019 and became publicly available once Iron Matrix received its patent.

      There is international competition for Iron Matrix though: Lars Büro, a design and research agency in New York has unveiled a ‘Cyberbunker’ designed to solve the same problem for Tesla’s Cybertruck. Iron Matrix’s unique system of solar charging, however, is sure to keep it a step ahead of its competitors.

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