Here's how awesome the Tesla Powerwall 3 is, how it's better than the last version and how much it costs...
The Tesla Powerwall has been a leader in the domestic battery storage market for many years, thanks to its sleek design and industry-leading features.
Tesla recently celebrated over 600k installations of the Powerwall 2, judging by the scale of the production plant for the Powerwall 3, they’re expecting even greater demand for the Powerwall 3.
The newly launched Tesla Powerwall 3, set to replace the Powerwall 2, promises to be a significant upgrade, boasting more power and enhanced capabilities.
So, what exactly has been improved? What new features can you expect? And perhaps most importantly, what will the cost be?
Let's find out...
PS Heatable are Premier Tesla-approved installers, we offer fixed prices with expert installation, so get a price for a Powerwall 3 here.
Prefer video? We have reviewed the Powerwall 3 on our YouTube channel below:
Tesla Powerwall 2 vs Powerwall 3
In the table below we have compared the key features of both generations of the Tesla Powerwall:
Features: | Tesla Powerwall 3 | Tesla Powerwall 2 |
Usable Capacity | 13.5 kWh | 13.5 kWh |
How many can I install? | Up to 4 units (54 kWh) | Up to 10 units (135 kWh) |
Round-trip efficiency | 90% | 89% |
Depth of discharge | 100% | 100% |
Continuous power output | 3.68-11.5 kW | 5-7.2 kW |
AC- or DC-coupled? | Options for both (inbuilt hybrid solar inverter) | AC |
So How Do the Tesla 2 & 3 Differ?
The most significant upgrade from the Powerwall 2 to the Powerwall 3 is its all-in-one (hybrid) system design, featuring a built-in solar inverter.
For the UK market, The inverter can accept up to 3 solar strings with MPPT (maximum power point tracking). Tesla also boasts a market-leading inverter efficiency, rivalling the production power of microinverters.
Looking for a Tesla Powerwall 3 for your existing array, as part of a new install with or without solar? Get a fixed price from the UK’s leading Tesla installers in 60 seconds.
This enhancement eliminates the need for a separate inverter, which was necessary with the AC battery design of the Powerwall 2.
The Powerwall 3 is also compatible with existing solar arrays and microinverters, offering seamless integration for users with pre-installed solar systems.
This compatibility ensures that homeowners can easily upgrade to the latest technology without needing to overhaul their existing setup.
It’s possible to just connect your existing DC strings straight into a Powerwall 3. By doing so, you’ll enable battery storage and be protected by a 10-year inverter warranty.
This integration is especially beneficial for new systems, reducing the total number of components required and simplifying maintenance and warranty processes.
With both the inverter and battery storage covered by Tesla, the world’s leading manufacturer in this space, users can enjoy streamlined support and peace of mind.
Additionally, the Powerwall 3 can deliver up to 11,000 watts of continuous power, more than double the capacity of its predecessor.
This substantial increase in power capacity provides robust support for your home, ensuring that more appliances can run simultaneously and that energy needs are met even during high-demand periods.
If the power of the Powerwall 3 is too hot to handle for your local grid operator, fear not as Tesla has had the product approved in power ratings starting from as little as 3.68Kw. This process is software-controlled so if the grid later approves a higher power setting then no additional hardware is required to upgrade.
Overall, the Powerwall 3’s advancements in integrated design, compatibility, and increased power capacity make it a significant upgrade, offering enhanced performance and efficiency for modern energy needs.
Image showing the Tesla Powerwall 3.
Usable Capacity
In terms of usable capacity, both the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 are comparable, each capable of storing up to 13.5 kWh of energy. This capacity is sufficient to meet the energy needs of most households, particularly during peak usage times or power outages.
If more power is desired, the new Powerwall 3 system offers expandability with up to three optional 13.5 kWh battery units. These additional units can be DC-coupled, allowing for a combined total of 54 kWh of storage.
This modular approach provides flexibility for homeowners with higher energy demands or those looking to increase their energy independence over time.
In contrast, the Powerwall 2 allows for the installation of up to 10 battery units, enabling a staggering total capacity of 135 kWh. While this offers significant storage potential, it is likely more than what the average household requires.
For perspective, according to OFGEM, the average UK home typically consumes between 8-10 kWh of electricity per day.
This means that even a single Powerwall unit could provide enough energy storage to cover several days of typical use.
However, it’s essential to recognise that energy consumption can vary based on several factors, including household size, the number and type of electrical appliances, and individual usage patterns. Larger homes with more occupants or those with energy-intensive appliances may require more storage capacity to meet their needs.
Additionally, the ability to expand the Powerwall system offers future-proofing for homeowners. As energy needs evolve, either due to the addition of new appliances, electric vehicles, or lifestyle changes, adding more storage capacity ensures that the system can adapt without requiring a complete overhaul.
Overall, both Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 offer substantial storage capacities that can be tailored to meet the varying needs of households.
The improvements in the Powerwall 3, particularly its expandability and integration features, make it a versatile and robust solution for modern energy storage needs.
Explore a Battery Storage Case Study: Check out an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on battery storage. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.
The image above features a Tesla Powerwall 3 installation performed by our team of Tesla-certified installers at Heatable.
Performance & Efficiency
The Powerwall 3 has made significant strides in both performance and efficiency. With an impressive 11.5 kW continuous power rating while on-grid, it more than doubles the 5 kW output of the Powerwall 2.
This increase in power capacity makes the Powerwall 3 not only more capable of meeting higher energy demands but also the most powerful domestic battery currently available.
This enhancement is particularly beneficial for households with higher energy consumption, enabling them to run more appliances simultaneously and reducing reliance on grid electricity during peak usage times.
In terms of efficiency, both models have similar round-trip efficiency, which measures the energy lost during the storage and retrieval process, typically as heat. The Powerwall 2 has a round-trip efficiency of 89%, while the Powerwall 3 has a slightly improved efficiency of 90%.
Although this 1% increase might seem marginal, it represents a step forward in energy conservation. Higher round-trip efficiency means more of the stored energy can be used, which enhances the overall cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of the battery system.
Regarding depth of discharge, which indicates the usable capacity relative to the battery’s maximum capacity, both Powerwall models boast a 100% depth of discharge.
Image showing the Tesla Powerwall 3 in Garage setting.
This feature ensures that users can utilise the entire capacity of the battery without risking damage or significantly reducing the battery’s lifespan.
This is crucial for maximising the return on investment for homeowners, as they can fully benefit from the energy they store, whether for use during power outages or to offset peak energy costs.
Furthermore, the built-in solar inverter in the Powerwall 3 simplifies the installation process. For Powerwall 2, users needed to install a separate inverter to convert DC power generated by solar panels to AC power used by home appliances.
The integrated inverter in Powerwall 3 reduces the complexity and cost of installation, making it more accessible for homeowners looking to integrate solar energy solutions.
Overall, the Powerwall 3’s advancements in power output, efficiency, and design integration make it a significant upgrade over the Powerwall 2, providing homeowners with a more robust and efficient energy storage solution.
Check out our guide on the best electricity tariff for battery storage here.
Tesla Powerwall 3 Warranty
The Powerwall 3, like the Powerwall 2, comes with a 10-year warranty, maintaining the same standard in terms of coverage duration. In the energy storage industry, a 10-year warranty is typical, reflecting common practices among manufacturers.
Battery capacity naturally deteriorates over time, so most manufacturers guarantee a certain level of performance by the end of the warranty period.
In this case, Tesla guarantees that your Powerwall will retain up to 70% of its original capacity after 10 years. This retention rate is quite standard across the industry.
However, what sets Tesla apart is their unlimited cycle coverage. A battery cycle is a measure of the battery’s lifespan, with each full charge and discharge constituting one cycle.
Typically, warranties are tied to a specific number of cycles, meaning that once the designated cycle count is reached, the warranty expires.
With Tesla’s unlimited cycle coverage, there is no cap on how much or how often you can use your battery. This means that regardless of the number of cycles your Powerwall completes, the warranty remains valid for the full 10-year period.
This feature provides users with greater flexibility and assurance, knowing that their battery usage is fully supported without restrictions.
Overall, the Powerwall 3 continues Tesla’s tradition of offering robust warranty terms, ensuring long-term performance and reliability for homeowners.
This combination of a standard 10-year warranty and unlimited cycle coverage makes the Powerwall 3 a compelling choice in the market.
For an in-depth analysis of premier battery storage systems, consult our best solar battery guide.
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How Much Does the Telsa Powerwall 3 cost?
The overall investment for a Tesla Powerwall 3 installation is tailored to your unique requirements but starts at £7,995 through Heatable (we are Tesla Certified Premium Installers too).
This pricing benefits from the new VAT regulations, effective from February 1st, 2024, which exempt Powerwall installations from VAT
charges.
To explore the complete range of Tesla Powerwall products we offer, along with prices, check out our Tesla Powerwall range here.
Why Should You Choose the Tesla Powerwall 3?
The Tesla Powerwall 3 represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Powerwall 2, continuing Tesla’s leadership in the domestic battery storage market.
The most notable improvement is its all-in-one (hybrid) system design, which includes a built-in solar inverter.
This integration simplifies the installation process and reduces costs, eliminating the need for a separate inverter. It is also compatible with existing solar arrays and microinverters, allowing for easy upgrades without major system overhauls.
Performance-wise, the Powerwall 3 offers a substantial increase in power capacity, delivering 11.5 kW of continuous power—more than double that of the Powerwall 2.
This enhancement ensures that the Powerwall 3 can meet higher energy demands, making it capable of running more appliances simultaneously and providing robust support during peak usage times.
Additionally, both models feature a 100% discharge depth, maximising the battery's usable capacity.
In terms of efficiency, the Powerwall 3 has a slightly improved round-trip efficiency of 90%, compared to the Powerwall 2’s 89%.
This marginal improvement means more of the stored energy can be utilised, enhancing the overall cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of the system.
The Powerwall 3 also offers expandability with up to three additional 13.5 kWh battery units, allowing for a combined total of 54 kWh.
This modular approach provides flexibility for households with higher energy needs or those seeking greater energy independence.
While the Powerwall 2 can be expanded up to 10 units, the average UK home typically does not require such a large capacity.
Tesla’s warranty terms remain robust, with both Powerwall models covered for 10 years. The unlimited cycle coverage is a standout feature, allowing users to utilise the battery as much as needed without affecting the warranty.
Overall, the Tesla Powerwall 3’s advancements in design, performance, efficiency, and reliability make it a compelling choice for modern energy storage needs.
It offers enhanced features, robust warranty terms, and compatibility with existing solar systems, providing homeowners with a powerful and future-proof solution for their energy requirements.
Check out our Tesla Powerwall 3 installation from start to finish in our YouTube video below:
Tesla Powerwall 3 features
Next Steps For Your Battery Journey:
When planning to install battery storage for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their battery installation.
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