Tesla Powerwall 3 Official Release
As a Premier Certified Tesla Powerwall Installer, we have installed nearly 1,000 Powerwalls in North Carolina, and have been one of the first to pilot the Powerwall 3 in our state.
When it comes to deciding on your battery storage solution, it’s important to consider more than just the latest technology. You want to find the perfect match for your energy goals and lifestyle. So, let’s dive into the Tesla Powerwall 3 and see how it compares to the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 2+ in terms of performance and features.
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3 New Features of the Tesla Powerwall 3
- Boosted Continuous Power: The Powerwall 3 clocks in at 11.5kW continuous power supply, while previously the Powerwall 2 maxed out at 5kW and Powerwall+ maxed out at 7.6kW in full sun. With increased surge capability, the Powerwall 3 is able to start up larger mechanical loads like a well pump or AC unit at the same time. Meanwhile, with more efficient continuous power supply, the Powerwall 3 can extend usage time during an outage with careful consumption.
- More Inputs: The Powerwall 3 accommodates up to 20kW of solar on a single inverter. The option to connect more panels is great for those with larger solar systems.
- Easier Installations: The reduced weight of the Powerwall 3 (57 pounds less to be exact) makes installations simpler, a plus for installers.
How does the Powerwall 3 compare to the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 2 Plus?
Below is a table that compares individual Powerwall units
| Comparing Powerwall Models | Powerwall 2 | Powerwall + | Powerwall 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Capacity | 13.5 kWh | 13.5 kWh | 13.5 kWh |
| What can it power? | Emergency circuits, lights, and outlets | Some lights, wall outlets, a refrigerator, and small to medium appliances | Most AC/heat pumps, wells, pool equipment, EV chargers, water heater, and laundry |
| Scalability | Up to 10 units | Up to 4 units | Up to 4 units |
| How many can be stacked together? | Up to 3 | Up to 2 (1 PW+ and PW2) | Currently 1 (with plans for staking up to 4 coming soon) |
| On-Grid Power | 5.8 kW | 5.8 kW (no sun) 7.6 kW (full sun) | 11.5 kW continuous |
| Weight | 251 lbs. | 344 lbs. | 287 lbs. |
| Built-in Inverter | No | Yes | Yes |
| Round-Trip Efficiency | 90% | 90% | 90% |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
What can you backup with a single Powerwall 3?
Like we mentioned in the chart above, a single Powerwall 3 can power outlets, lights, and most AC/heat pumps, wells, pool equipment, EV chargers, water heater, and laundry.
The essence of home energy storage lies in two key factors: the duration of power during an outage and the surge capacity. While the Powerwall 3 has increased its surge capacity (allowing larger energy loads to be backed up), it doesn’t stretch the duration since battery capacity remains at 13.5kW. This means that while you can power more during an outage, those loads may not last as long unless carefully managed.
Learn more about how a Powerwall works during an outage →
What could you backup with a single Powerwall 2?
A single Powerwall 2 can power your emergency circuits, lights, and outlets. When stacked with more than one unit (you can stack up to 6), your Powerwalls can backup your entire home, which we refer to as ‘whole-home backup’. Learn more about how the Powerwall 2 can backup your home in this video.
3 Things to consider before jumping into the Powerwall 3
The Tesla Powerwall 3 offers some exciting benefits, but here are some big points to consider:
- Same Storage Capacity: While it has several enhancements, the Powerwall 3 still has the same energy storage capacity compared to the Powerwall 2 and Plus.
- Shorter Backup Time: A higher withdrawal rate can lead to a shorter time period where power is available for backup during outages.
- Same Warranty: The 10-year warranty remains consistent with the PW2 and PW+.
How much does a Powerwall 3 cost?
The million dollar question, how much does a Tesla Powerwall 3 cost? Our pricing for the Powerwall 3 will be in the same ballpark range as the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall Plus. For reference, a single Powerwall 2 costs approximately $15,400 – $15,900 before you get 30% off the installed price, thanks to the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit! If you are purchasing multiple units or bundle it with a solar purchase, each additional Powerwall would cost around $11,900 to $11,600.
Is the Powerwall 2 going anywhere?
Tesla will phase out the Powerwall 2 sometime in the near future. If you’ve already purchased a Powerwall 2 or Powerwall+, Tesla will continue to support these products with firmware updates through the app.
Is the Powerwall 3 Right For You?
Here are some cases where the Powerwall 3 might make more sense:
Air conditioning enthusiasts: If you’re planning to back up your air conditioner or heat pump with a battery, Powerwall 3 would be a good option for you. But a word of caution – with its reduced capacity duration, you’ll need to manage its use well, or you might find yourself short on backup during power outages.
New construction homes with medium power needs: For those building new homes and have systems around 15kW, the Powerwall 3 is an great choice. It allows homeowners to choose one Powerwall 3 instead of two Powerwall Plus units, offering cost savings on inverters, though with a bit less storage.
City dwellers facing flickering lights: For city homes that experience short power glitches, the Powerwall 3 can be a lifesaver. Your home can keep humming along nicely during those short hiccups. But, for places where power outages last longer, the Powerwall Plus might be more suitable with its larger storage.
What’s Next?
If you’re interested in starting your solar + battery journey or adding a battery to an existing system, reach out today! We’ll walk you through a solution tailored to your specific needs.
