Take Advantage of the Federal Battery Rebate & Maximise Your Savings Today
Take Advantage of the Federal Battery Rebate & Maximise Your Savings Today
Posted 20 Aug
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With the release of Tesla Powerwall 3, many Australian homeowners are asking the same question: What is the difference between Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 — and which one is better for your home?
Both batteries deliver reliable backup protection, store excess solar energy, and reduce reliance on the grid. However, when comparing Tesla Powerwall 2 vs Powerwall 3, the real differences lie in power output, inverter technology, solar capability, and future scalability.
So you can confidently choose the right Tesla home battery.
Key Differences
|
Tesla Powerwall 2 |
Tesla Powerwall 3 |
| Energy Capacity | 13.5 kWh | |
| Power Output | 5 kW | Up to 10 kW |
| Grid Type |
Single-Phase | |
| AC/DC Coupled | AC | AC or DC |
| Dimensions | 1150mm x 753mm x 147mm | 1105mm x 609mm x 193mm |
| Weight | 114 kg | 130 kg |
| Mounting | Wall & Floor Mounting | |
| Warranty | 10 Years | |
| Round Trip Efficiency | 90% | 97.5% |
| Integrated Inverter | No | Yes |
| Built-in Solar Inverter Capacity |
0 kW | 20 kW |
| Tesla Backup Gateway 2 Required | Yes | |
| Maximum Scalability | Up to 3 Powerwall 2 units | Up to 4 Powerwall 3 units |
| CEC-Approved | No (Expired) | Yes |
While both batteries share the same storage capacity, Powerwall 3 represents a significant leap forward in overall system capability.
When it comes to comparing Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 capacity, they both offer the same Kilowatt-hour (kWh) useable capacity of 13.5kWh, which is enough for average Australian homes.
What's the difference in Tesla Powerwall power output? Whilst Tesla Powerwall 3 does not store more energy than Tesla Powerwall 2, it can deliver more power at any given time to power higher-consuming appliances up to 10kW of power output capability (double Powerwall 2).
Tesla Powerwall 3 can support high-demand appliances at the same time like air-conditioning, EV charging, or pool pumps which means it'll be better suited for more energy-intensive homes.
Higher Output on Powerwall 3
Both Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 possess 13.5 kWh of usable energy, enough to power an average Australian home overnight. Each model provides reliable backup during grid outages or night-time hours.
Whilst energy capacity is the same, Powerwall 3 can deliver the energy more efficiently under higher-demand conditions.
Efficiency & Solar Integration
Tesla Powerwall 3 includes a built-in solar inverter that helps improve the overall efficiency of converting solar energy into useable electricity.
Even through Tesla Powerwall 2 works with solar, it still requires an external inverter and can only be AC-coupled and installed for retrofitted systems.
Stacking & Flexibility
Whilst Tesla Powerwall 3 cannot be connected to Powerwall 2, it can be stacked up to 3 expansion packs which totals 54kWh.
Designed for flexibility, you can scale and add units to your liking whether you own a home or business. They're also all rated for indoor and outdoor installations for the ultimate flexibility in locations.
Tesla has kept its sleek and minimal design with Tesla Powerwall 3.
(H) x (W) x (D)
Tesla Powerwall 2 dimensions are 1150 x 753 x 147mm / 114kg
Tesla Powerwall 3 dimensions are 1105 x 609 x 193mm / 130kg
Even though Tesla Powerwall 3 is slightly heavier and has more depth, it is also narrower than Powerwall 2 which could be beneficial for tighter space. It also offers improved durability with flood resistance up to 60cm and an ingress rating of IP67 which protects your battery and its electronics.
Can Tesla Powerwall be wall-mounted? Depending on the customer's preferences, both Tesla Powerwalls can be either wall or floor-mounted.
Is Tesla Powerwall 3 good for solar? For new solar homeowners, Tesla Powerwall 3 is the choice for most. Combining its built-in solar inverter that supports up to 20kW of solar and multiple MPPTs with DC-coupling capability for better efficiency, it's the cleaner option for newer installations.
Does Tesla Powerwall 2 have a solar inverter? Tesla Powerwall 2 does not have a built-in solar inverter like Powerwall 3. It requires a compatible external solar inverter to be AC-coupled.
Because Powerwall 3 has multiple MPPT support, it's a great choice for roofs with various roof orientations and solar arrays for more
complex installations.
Direct Solar Support:
Tesla Powerwall 2
Tesla Powerwall 3
Because of Powerwall 3’s integrated solar inverter, it can either be AC or DC-coupled which means that it can work entirely with solar panels or with an existing inverter. This is a versatile aspect that allows both existing and brand-new solar owners to take advantage of Tesla Powerwall 3.
It's important to note that Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 are not compatible as Powerwall 2 has been discontinued and is no longer CEC-approved for Australian installations. Only Tesla Powerwall 3s can be installed with other Powerwall 3s which enables futureproofed expandability to meet your requirements.
For battery installations in Australia, pricing will be greatly dependent on individual installations which can vary project to project based on factors like installation requirements, chosen hardware, energy goals, and configuration.
Tesla Powerwall 2 Pricing: No longer available and can't be priced.
Tesla Powerwall 3: $14,700*
Tesla Gateway 2: $1,800*
Note: These prices are NOT including the federal battery subsidy - you can calculate estimated savings here.
Whilst Tesla Powerwall 3 may cost more than what the Powerwall 2 was offered for, the higher upfront cost includes much more capability
including its built-in inverter which reduces the requirement for additional hardware.
*Pricing are approximate and indicative, reflecting simple supply and installation with no additional hardware or installation
requirements. These values are subject to change at any time. Prices not including any rebates or deductions.
Every house will have its own unique requirements and goals which will affect what the right battery will be for you.
Whilst we made an article around the best battery and sizes, in summary, it really comes down to how much electricity you use on average, your lifestyle and when you used most of your energy, to your energy goals and what you're wanting to get out of your system.
If you're overwhelmed with battery options, we offer free consultation to help business and homeowners alike with finding the ideal battery.
Whilst both Tesla Powerwalls offer great features to enable home energy storage and solar maximisation, we definitely recommend Tesla Powerwall 3.
Tesla Powerwall 3 is Tesla's newest energy storage which is designed for modern and future installations and configurations and will continue to be the case for the long-term just like its predecessor.
With a solid 13.5kWh of storage paired with direct solar integration, it's hard to skip Tesla Powerwall 3 and its benefits.
Overall, Tesla have an outstanding reputation for quality energy storage and technology. Whilst we are certified Tesla installers, we genuinely recommend Tesla Powerwall 3 for premium solar and battery systems that prioritise longevity and reliability.
It is designed for homes and businesses throughout Newcastle and Maitland that are looking to maximise solar power.
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Leave a Comment
Why even consider Tesla Powerwall,when the new Powerwall 3, is still only single phase
Powerwall was designed for the American market, where electricity grid over there is single phase,using 110V AC
Why are you pushing a wheel barrow with front wheel missing, where all new homes built in Australia over the last 15 years plus, designed to AS4777, three phase, 1000kva
Better choice is Sungrow battery storage, 15kva, three phase, third of the cost to install then a Powerwall
All battery backup system's have spiral out of control in the last 5 years, almost third more to install, due to the current exchange rate of the US$, against the AU%
If Tesla Powerwall 3 is installed to a 3-phase home, it would perform the same as if the house were single phase. Most homes will be completely fine with having a single-phase battery for energy backup.
One of the main features is that it also has a built-in solar inverter which supports up to 20kW of solar, removing the need for an external inverter.
We do agree though, Sungrow is also an excellent choice for scalability and flexibility!