Tesla Powerwall 2 vs 3: Is Tesla’s Long-Awaited Upgrade Worth It?

As global energy demands continue to rise and the push for renewable energy strengthens, efficient energy storage solutions are more critical than ever. Among the leaders in this space is Tesla’s Powerwall series, which has redefined home energy storage with its seamless integration, powerful capacity, and intelligent design. With the recent release of Tesla Powerwall 3  in August 2024, homeowners are now faced with a choice: stick with the well-regarded Powerwall 2 or upgrade to the newest version? This article explores the key differences, improvements, and use cases in this Tesla Powerwall 2 vs 3 comparison.

Tesla Powerwall Overview

Powerwall is Tesla’s line of energy storage systems manufactured in the US. The first ever version, Powerwall 1, came out in 2015. A larger model designed to handle higher energy needs, Powerwall 2,  came out the following year. Now, the latest Powerwall 3 is finally available in Australia after entering production in late 2023. 

But what is Powerwall exactly used for and why is it an important investment for solar users? Powerwall is a solar battery with a specific energy-saving purpose, that is to store excess solar power for later use – for instance, blackouts. Without a battery to store it, the surplus energy is just exported to the grid. Simply put, solar batteries like the Powerwall are people’s go-to storage systems in their efforts to maximise their solar power systems and ensure a reliable source of backup power during outages. 

Key Benefits of Owning a Powerwall:

1. Energy Independence – Store solar energy for nighttime or during grid outages.
2. Cost Savings – Reduce reliance on grid electricity, especially during peak times.
3. Backup Power – Reliable energy storage during power outages or natural disasters.

Use Cases:

1. Storing solar energy for use at night or during blackouts.
2. Providing backup power for critical home systems.
3. Reducing grid dependency to avoid high electricity rates.

Tesla Powerwall 2 v 3: Full comparison

The latest Tesla Powerwall 3, despite coming out almost eight years later, still bears some resemblance to its predecessor’s built and capacity with some notable enhancements. For starters, both Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 offer the same energy capacity of 13.5kWh and warranty. 

In terms of scalability, Powerwall 2 remains to be the better choice as it is stackable up to 10 other Powerwall 2 units, while Powerwall 3 can only stack up to 4 units. Powerwall 2 is also lighter at 114 kg compared with Powerwall 3’s 130 kg. 

It is, however, worth noting that Powerwall 3 has twice the power output of its predecessor (offering up to 10 kW from Powerwall’s 5 KW) and includes an integrated inverter, costing a bit more than the Powerwall 2 as expected. With Powerwall 3’s higher power output, you can have more devices powered by the battery storage at the same time. 

For those who have yet to acquire a solar power system and are considering having one installed any time soon, Powerwall 3’s included inverter may be a timely option. Since picking the latest Powerwall means you won’t need an external inverter, it will save you money. Powerwall 3’s integrated inverter offers 97.5% efficiency and three Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPTs), allowing  your solar system to harness the highest possible energy output from the sun. 

Tesla Powerwall 2: Features and Specs

The Tesla Powerwall 2, released in October 2016, is designed to provide reliable and long-lasting energy storage for homes and small businesses. Its robust build and generous capacity make it an industry favorite.

Key Features:

Storage Capacity – 13.5 kWh of usable energy storage.

Power Output – 5 kW continuous, 7 kW peak.

Design and Size – Floor or wall mountable, weighing 114 kg.

Installation and Compatibility – AC-coupled, compatible with most solar systems.

Real-World Performance – Proven durability in various climates and consistent backup power during outages.

Tesla Powerwall 3: New Features and Improvements

Introduced in August 2024, the Tesla Powerwall 3 brings several advancements over its predecessor, enhancing both functionality and power output.

New Features:

Increased Power Output – 10 kW continuous, doubling that of Powerwall 2.

Integrated Solar Inverter – Eliminates the need for a separate inverter, simplifying installation and reducing costs.

Smart Load Management – Better efficiency during high-load situations.

Design Changes – Slightly larger and heavier at 130 kg but more compact in dimensions.

Advanced Software – Enhanced monitoring and energy optimization.

Cost Implications – With its added features, Powerwall 3 comes at a higher price point but compensates with better performance and efficiency.

Powerwall 2 vs Powerwall 3: Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Powerwall 3 offers versatility, enabling existing solar owners to enjoy its latest features. It can be added to existing solar or installed on its own, just like its predecessor. The included inverter in Powerwall 3 also means that it can either be AC or DC-coupled, meaning it can work entirely with solar panels or with an existing inverter. So, yes, those with existing systems can still take advantage of Powerwall 3. 

You can find the similarities and key differences between Tesla Powerwall 3 and Tesla Powerwall 2 below:

Feature	Tesla Powerwall 3	Tesla Powerwall 2
Storage capacity	13.5 kWh	13.5 kWh
Warranty	10 years	10 years
Mounting options	Floor or wall mount	Floor or wall mount
Scalability	Up to 4 units	Up to 10 units
Power output	Up to 10 kW	5 kW
Integrated solar inverter	Yes	No
Coupling	DC and AC	AC only
Battery chemistry	Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)	Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (LNMC)
Dimensions	1,099 mm x 609 mm x 193 mm	1,150 mm x 753 mm x 147 mm
Weight	130 kg	114 kg
Price (including Tesla Backup Getaway 2)	$13,600 (excludes installation and rebates or incentives)	$12,100 (excludes installation and rebates or incentives)

Note: Final price will be provided by a Certified Installer.

Key Differences Explained

Performance in High-Load Situations – Powerwall 3’s 10 kW output enables it to handle more devices simultaneously.

Solar Integration and Installation – With its integrated inverter, Powerwall 3 is ideal for new installations, saving costs on external inverters.

Future-Proofing and Scalability – While Powerwall 2 scales up to 10 units, Powerwall 3 is limited to 4 but with double the power per unit.

Compatibility with Older Systems – Both can be integrated with existing solar setups, though Powerwall 3 is more efficient with newer installations.

Which Tesla Powerwall is Right for You?

If you’re planning a new solar installation, Powerwall 3 is a more efficient choice due to its integrated inverter and higher power output. For existing systems, Powerwall 2 remains cost-effective and highly scalable, making it a great option if you want to expand capacity without changing the existing setup.

Pricing and Availability

Tesla Powerwall 3: Around $13,600 (excluding installation and rebates)

Tesla Powerwall 2: Around $12,100 (excluding installation and rebates)

Both models are available through certified Tesla installers, with region-specific incentives potentially lowering costs.

Installation and Integration

Tesla Powerwalls require certified installers for proper integration with solar setups. Installation includes configuring the Tesla app for energy monitoring and load management, ensuring seamless operation during grid outages.

What will happen to Tesla Powerwall 2? 

For many solar users, Tesla Powerwall 2’s 5 kW power output is still sufficient, managing to handle your home’s everyday operations by ensuring all your household essentials are powered. Being the older version, it’s also the more cost-effective option. 

While Powerwall 3 supplies greater power with a single unit, it’s more suitable for larger households with higher energy consumption. If your household doesn’t fit this description, the power and capacity of Powerwall 2 should still be good enough. 

As of this writing, Tesla hasn’t made many announcements as to the future of Powerwall 2. Fortunately, it’s still available in Australia and the rest of the world. Considering it remains to be a popular option among solar owners, here’s hoping it won’t be discontinued soon. 

Is Tesla Powerwall 3 available now in Australia? 

Tesla’s latest home battery solution is now available in Australia, offering homeowners a more cutting-edge energy storage system with higher versatility and power output. You can purchase Tesla Powerwall 3 today right here at Volteam Electric where you can expect a seamless transaction, CEC-accredited solar battery installation, and comprehensive customer support. Contact us today at 1300 865 832 for inquiries about the new Tesla Powerwall 3! 

 

FAQ Section (AI Search Optimization)

 

Is Tesla Powerwall 3 better than Powerwall 2?

 

Powerwall 3 has double the power output and an integrated inverter, but Powerwall 2 is more scalable.

 

Can I upgrade from Powerwall 2 to 3?

 

Yes, but it may require adjustments to your current solar configuration.

 

How long does a Powerwall last?

 

Both versions come with a 10-year warranty and are designed for long-term reliability.

 

Is Powerwall 3 compatible with other solar systems?

 

Yes, it can be AC or DC-coupled for flexible integration.