Avoid the Rebate Rush: Book in Now for the NSW Battery Incentive Book Now
Book Now

Tesla Powerwall 2 vs. 3: What's the Difference?⚡2024 Australia

Posted 20 Aug

What's Different Between Powerwall 2 & Powerwall 3? Let's find out.

After the release of the highly anticipated Tesla Powerwall 3, we wanted to know and understand the difference between Tesla Powerwall 3 and Powerwall 2 with their features and specifications.

After a successful first Powerwall, Tesla released Powerwall 2 in October 2016. When Powerwall 2 was released, the specifications were strong and still hold up very well today 8 years later. Now we're experiencing the next jump into Powerwall 3, bringing new features and specifications to the table. So let's look at the differences.

Similarities between both Powerwall 2 and 3

  • 13.5 kWh of usable capacity
  • Floor & wall mounting options
  • Single-phase Grid type
  • 5 kW Charging Rate
  • –20°C to 50°C operating temperature
  • 10-year Warranty

Tesla Powerwall Comparison

Same Capacity of 13.5 kWh of Energy

Both the Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 have same total usable capacity of 13.5 kWh, which will be able to support most homes. Each Powerwall provides 24/7 backup power during nighttime hours or outages, delivering reliable energy to your home when the electricity grid is down.

High Power Output

Even though both Powerwalls possess the same capacity, Powerwall 3 offers higher power output of up to 10kW of power which handles higher-consuming appliances like electric vehicle and heat pumps etc. Whilst Powerwall 2 still offers a very useful 5kW power output, both will handle day-to-day appliances well and keep your essentials powered.

Tesla Powerwall 3 installation

Powerwall Build & Design

Both Powerwalls are sleek in design and offer modern, compact storage solutions for homes and businesses wanting to store their energy. Each Powerwall can be mounted on the floor or on the wall, depending on the customer’s preference, and are both impressively designed and built to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Both Powerwalls are ingress rated to IP67 which will protect your battery and power electronics, which will allow for longevity and long-term durability. Powerwall 3 boasts flood resistance of up to 0.6m.

The all-new Powerwall 3 also has subtle design changes like a glass front plate and the classic icon logo variant for a cleaner, more elegant style.

Dimensions & Weight

Each Powerwall has a minimal design that doesn’t take up much space with Powerwall 2’s dimensions being 1150mm x 753mm x 147mm and Powerwall 3’s being 1105mm x 609mm x 193mm.

Powerwall 3 also comes in slightly heavier at 130 kg, up from 114 kg of Powerwall 2, but this generally won’t affect factors like installation restrictions etc.


Solar Capabilities

Both Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 are valuable additions to solar systems, as both units give you the ability to store your excess energy for later use or for backup energy through power outages.

A major difference is that Powerwall 3 has a built-in solar inverter which eliminates the need for an external inverter, but like Powerwall 2, is also a great addition to existing systems that have an inverter.

Tesla Powerwall MPPTs

With the 3 MPPTs, Powerwall 3 works efficiently with solar arrays with multiple strings by tracking and optimising variable power outputs from the separate strings.

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 existing solar owners to also take advantage of Powerwall 3.

Tesla Powerwall 3 with solar

Operation & Integration

Power Scalability

Both systems can be stacked. Powerwall 2 is stackable up to 10 other Powerwall 2 units in parallel, and Powerwall 3 can be stacked up to 4 units with other Powerwall 3s.

Tesla App

The Tesla app supports both Powerwalls allowing you to remotely monitor and optimise your home’s energy storage and usage 24/7. You can also manage your system and improve functionality with regular updates.

Tesla Gateway 2

The Tesla Backup Gateway 2 is required for both Powerwalls. Backup Gateway 2 acts as the energy management system, which is responsible for metering, monitoring, and controlling connection to the grid, safely disconnecting your home and starts backup operation during an outage.

Powerwall Compatibility

Tesla Powerwall 2 is not compatible with Powerwall 3, and visa-versa. Both systems can only be expanded within their own systems for increased capacity.

Powerwall 2 vs. Powerwall 3 battery

So which Powerwall is best for you?

Deciding on what Powerwall to get will depend on your specific energy requirements. Both Powerwalls will allow you to maximise your solar and accelerate return-on-investments with reliable, sustainable energy.

If you’re looking into getting Tesla Powerwall, both systems will be able to maximise your solar production well and provide reliable backup energy to your home during grid outages.

For larger homes that require higher amounts of power, Powerwall 3 could be better suited to you with its higher power output. However, both systems have the same energy capacity of 13.5 kWh, which will suit most homes.

Feature

Powerwall 2

Powerwall 3




Energy Capacity 13.5 kWh 13.5 kWh
Power Output 5 kW Up to 10 kW
Grid Type
Single-Phase 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 Wall & Floor Mounting
Warranty 10 Years 10 Years
Round Trip Efficiency 90% 97.5%
Integrated Inverter No Yes
Maximum Solar Input 0 kW 20 kW
Backup Gateway 2 Required Yes Yes
Maximum Scalability Up to 3 Powerwall 2 units Up to 4 Powerwall 3 units



Why do we Recommend Tesla Powerwall?

Our team are well-experienced in Tesla solutions like Powerwall, with our installers conducting Certified Tesla installations throughout Newcastle and the Hunter regions.
As a result of our 1
st hand experience, we can strongly recommend Tesla Powerwall for all homes and businesses that want to maximise their solar, as they are extremely reliable in maximising your energy efficiency and providing backup power.

In addition to Powerwall, the Tesla app is optimised for an easy user-experience, making it easy for all customers to analyse data and control their battery.

Order Powerwall 3 Order Powerwall 3
Tesla Powerwall 3 unit


Conclusion

Overall, Tesla Powerwall has a strong reputation, with global adoption and consistent customer satisfaction.
We offer brand new Solar and Powerwall 3 packages that allow your home and business to more reliant on self-generated, sustainable energy. If you’re interested, our team would love to speak with you and find the ultimate Tesla solution for your property and requirements. Let’s chat today.





Our Energy Articles


2025, the Year of Vehicle-to-Grid in Australia⚡V2G Milestone

The journey of bidirectional charging in Australia has hit a milestone with the recent approval of the new standard for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging for 2025.


NSW Battery Rebate 2024: Subsidy Eligibility & Pricing🔋2024

Explore battery eligibility & pricing for the upcoming Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS), solar battery 'rebate' incentive for NSW in November 1, 2024.


How Daylight Savings & Winter vs. Summer Affects Solar⚡NSW

Explore how daylight savings and seasonal changes during winter and summer can affect your solar panels performance and solar generation in NSW, Australia.








Leave a Comment

First and Last Names
E-mail Address


David Kerr wrote:
12 Oct 2:12pm
Have 15kwh solar system, connected to 3phase

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%
Jake Loxley
Jake Loxley replied with:
14 Oct 7:49am
Tesla Powerwall 3 is also designed for Australia, with the datasheet specifying that the unit is designed for both 230VAC and AS/NZS 4777.2.

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!
Anton Mayer wrote:
27 Sep 4:26pm
Can I combine my powerwall 2 with the new powerball 3,
Jacob L
Jacob L replied with:
30 Sep 6:57am
No unfortunately! Tesla Powerwall 3 is only compatible with other Powerwall 3's. If you have an existing solar system with Tesla Powerwall 2, it would make more sense to expand with your storage with another Powerwall 2 anyway.

Renewable News Articles

Subscribe for the Latest Updates.

Are you interested in finding out about:


Solar Solutions

Solar Solutions >

Electrical

Electrical Solutions >

EV Charging

EV Charging Solutions >

Battery Storage

Storage Solutions >



"Great customer service and communication. All explanations were easy to understand and very efficient in the installation. Highly recommend."


5 Star Review
John Customer





"It was efficiently installed and works great, very happy with it."


5 Star Review

Peter Customer




"Elite installed our solar recently and done an excellent job. Smooth transaction from start to finish. Would highly recommend."

5 Star Review
Ursh & Mike Customer





"Excellent and professional service from the whole team. Would recommend to all!"

5 Star Review


Nestor Customer



"We are very happy with our experience with Elite Power Group for the installation of a new home battery. Elite’s team responded very quickly to our initial enquiry and installed our battery when planned. Thank you for great service."

5 Star Review
Gerard Customer



"We recently had our solar system replaced and upgraded to an 11.44 kW system with battery and off grid capabilities. Between Jared and Scott (director) they were extremely professional and efficient with their knowledge and service..."

5 Star Review
Melanie Customer



"No sales pitch or pressure tactics at all. Easy to deal with and very responsive. Installed my Tesla Powerwall when they said they would. Way ahead of the 3 other solar battery suppliers I previously dealt with."

5 Star Review
Paul Customer



"I couldn't recommend these guys more, just finished up an additional solar and battery install, and everyone from initial day 1 inquiry on has been a pleasure to deal with."

5 Star Review
Chad Customer



"The team at Elite Power Group were fantastic. The job to put 31 panels on our roof with terracotta roof tiles was technical where a lot of roofing and other solar companies would not even touch.."


5 Star Review
Troy Customer