What Is Tesla Powerwall 3? Everything You Need to Know

As the #1 lithium-ion battery on the market for years now, the original Tesla Powerwall and Powerwall 2 revolutionized energy storage for solar systems. So, what’s new about the Tesla Powerwall 3? 

Available by mid-2024, the new Tesla Powerwall 3 comes with an integrated inverter to increase efficiency when using and storing power. It’s also easier and more time-efficient to install. The most significant upgrade in the new Powerwall is its 11.5kW of continuous power output, compared to the 5kW of the current Powerwall 2 and the 5.7kW of the Powerwall+. In short, it takes home energy storage to the next level, protecting you from outages at any time of day, as well as time-of-use rate changes and net metering changes. 

If you already have a rooftop solar, the new AC-coupled Powerwall 3 will pair with your existing inverter setup by including a Tesla Gateway. Alternatively, our team could install a DC-coupled Powerwall 3 to seamlessly pair the Tesla inverter to your panels. The final system will be custom-designed based on your specific installation. 

The Powerwall 3’s sleek new design and smaller size make it an attractive option for new solar systems. Plus, there are significant rebates available. Most notably, Xcel Utility, which currently offers $5,750 off the cost of a new Powerwall installation. 

So, if you’re looking to go solar in 2024, keep reading to learn more about the changes to the Tesla Powerwall 3.

• Onboard inverter
• More continuous power
• Stackable installation
• Remote controls for optimized energy
• Not backwards compatible

Onboard Inverter

The Powerwall+ and the Powerwall 2 were designed to work with already installed and operating solar systems. They’re compatible with all inverters currently manufactured, allowing battery storage to work seamlessly with existing solar power generation systems. That said, the inverter came in a separate box. 

One of the key differences with the Powerwall 3 is that it brings the inverter onboard, all in one unit. It comes with an installed inverter that connects to your solar panels and reduces the energy loss between transfers. With the inverter part of the battery system, you lose less power, which translates into greater efficiency and more savings.

More Continuous Power & Bigger Battery Storage

The Powerwall 3 represents significantly more storage space without a substantially bigger footprint. The new Powerwall has 11.5kW of continuous power output, compared to the 5kW of the current Powerwall 2 and the 5.7kW of the Powerwall+. Since battery storage installed with a solar power generation system helps avoid outages, storing more power means your home can operate without interruptions, even if the grid is down for an extended period.

With the option to charge during the day and rely on battery power at night, the Powerwall 3 delivers a 24-hour solution for those times when the sun goes down and the grid is dark.

Stackable Installation

The Powerwall 3 is designed for modular, scalable installation. Once the battery is installed, you can add a Tesla Auxiliary Pack, which is essentially an additional Powerwall, that can be stacked on top of one another, letting you design your power storage in cubic feet, not square feet. With both indoor and outdoor installations available, the Powerwall 3 brings extra electric storage to the next level.

If you want to start with a single battery, you can. Then, as your power needs expand or as you deal with longer or more frequent blackouts, you might choose to expand your stored power. Installing additional batteries is so easy; trust our team to do the heavy lifting for you.

Remote Controls for Optimized Energy

One of the biggest benefits of a Tesla Powerwall 3 is the option to control how the stored power is used. There are several options, all designed to help you save in different circumstances. The time-based control settings let you use stored power during peak times and grid power when the cost is at the lowest level. If your home typically produces enough power for the day, you might use the self-powered mode, where you don’t use any power from the electric grid. But, while switching between those modes, you also have a backup option that reserves power in case of an outage.

You control how much power you store versus use, all through an intuitive app that also gives you abundant insights into your normal power usage. View your usage levels and get data on outages, all through your Tesla app.

Not Backwards Compatible

If you’re installing your first solar power generation system or just want a backup power source for your home, the Powerwall 3 has a lot to offer. For example, the onboard inverter converts DC power straight into AC electricity. Since power isn’t being inverted until it exits the battery, this means less energy gets lost in the process, saving you even more energy.

Because previous Powerwalls harnessed separate inverters, the AC-coupled Powerwall 3 will work in sync with your current system, however, there are two additional conversions. The energy moves from DC in your panels, to AC in your existing inverter, then is converted back to DC by the integrated Tesla inverter and stored as DC in the battery, then converted back to AC to power your home.