Everything You Need to Know About the Tesla Powerwall 3

If you’ve ever been caught off guard by a blackout or looked at your electricity bill and thought “There has to be a better way,” going solar is the logical solution. Home solar systems have been rapidly gaining popularity, with 7% of American homes now having solar panels. That number is expected to double by 2030, reaching 15%.

With weather-related outages up 60% since the 2000s and electricity costs continuing to rise, more homeowners are turning to backup battery systems to complement their solar systems and gain energy independence – and at a rapid rate. According to American Clean Power, US battery storage jumped from 47 MW in 2010 to 17,380 MW in 2023.

Enter the Tesla Powerwall 3. 

The latest generation technology to hit the market, the Tesla Powerwall 3 is the most powerful, efficient, and advanced energy storage solution to date.

From the Tesla Powerwall 3 specs to how to get the most out of your backup battery, here’s everything you need to know about the Tesla Powerwall 3.

Why Home Energy Storage Matters

First up, let’s explore how a backup battery for home can be a game-changer. Picture this: a storm rolls in, and the grid goes dark. Without a backup, your fridge warms up, your Wi-Fi drops out, and you’re left navigating your home by candlelight. Backup battery systems eliminate the stress, inconvenience, and cost associated with blackouts.

But home energy storage isn’t just about keeping the lights on–it’s also about saving more money and living more sustainably. Solar power with battery backup lets you store the excess solar energy your panels produce during the day and use it when energy costs are highest. With utilities like PSEG Long Island embracing time-of-day rates, homeowners with both solar and battery systems can benefit from clean, renewable energy while also reducing their reliance on conventional energy sources during those expensive peak hours.

If you’re an EV owner, you can even charge your vehicle overnight using the energy your home battery system captured from your solar panels during the day. Plus, if you’re thinking about ditching fossil fuels entirely, batteries are a critical component of an all-electric home.

How do Home Batteries Work?

As you already know, a battery is like a storage tank for electricity, and a home battery solution is a much larger version used to power your home when other resources, like electrical grid power or daylight for solar panels, are not available. When energy flows in, it is stored, and when you need that energy, the battery will release it as electricity for use in your home. The better the battery, the more efficiently it can store and deliver power.

How do Home Batteries Work with Solar?

Solar panels are daytime powerhouses. However, once the sun sets, they are not able to generate additional power. This is where batteries shine. 

During the day, your panels capture sunlight to generate direct current (DC) electricity. If your home doesn’t use all of it, the surplus will be used to charge your battery. In the evening, or other times when sunlight is not available, the battery’s inverter takes over, converting the energy from DC to AC, feeding your home with stored solar energy rather than drawing expensive electricity from the grid.

Meet the Tesla Powerwall 3

Tesla is synonymous with innovation, and the Powerwall 3 is no exception. Whether you’re upgrading from an older system or taking your first step into the world of energy storage, this new-to-market battery is designed to make home energy smarter, more efficient, and easier to manage.

Tesla Powerwall 3 Specs

Massive Tesla Powerwall 3 Capacity: each Powerwall 3 supports up to 20 kW DC of solar and provides up to 11 kW AC of continuous power per unit. For most homeowners, this is enough to power their whole home during an outage. Depending on the size of your home and energy needs, a second Powerwall may be recommended. 

Seamless Integration: the Powerwall 3 pairs effortlessly with solar systems and Tesla’s app, so you can track your energy use in real-time. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz), ethernet, and cellular (LTE/4G 6).

Heavy Load Handling: it has the ability to start heavy loads rated up to 185 LRA, meaning a single unit can support the power needs of most homes.

Scalability: Need more power? You can stack multiple Powerwall 3 batteries for maximum energy independence.

High Efficiency: The Powerwall 3 has an impressive efficiency rating, with a round-trip (solar to battery to home) efficiency of 89% and a solar to home efficiency of 97.5%.

What does a Tesla Powerwall 3 Cost?

The good news is that lithium-ion battery pack prices are dropping fast, having fallen 82% from $780+/kWh in 2013 to $139/kWh in 2023. 

To buy a Tesla Powerwall 3, you’ll be looking at a cost of around $10,000 for the first unit. For larger homes with greater energy needs, you’d be sitting at approximately $14,000 for two batteries. This pricing accounts for a rebate offered by New York State via NYSERDA, as well as a federal tax credit known as the Residential Clean Energy Credit.

Tesla Powerwall 2 vs Tesla Powerwall 3

If you’re familiar with the Powerwall 2, you might be wondering: what’s changed? Let’s compare their specs.

Feature	Powerwall 2	Powerwall 3
Energy Capacity	13.5 kWh	13.5 kWh
On-Grid Power	5.8 kVA continuous	11.5 kW continuous
Backup Power	10 kW peak	11.5 kW continuous
Size	45.30 in x 29.6 in x 5.75 in	43.5 in x 24 in x 7.6 in
Weight	251.3 lbs	272.5 lbs
Warranty	10 years	10 years
Scalability	Single size	Up to 40.5 kWh max per unit
Inverter	Not included	Included (6 solar inputs)

 

More Power: The Powerwall 3 delivers 11.5 kW of continuous power—nearly double what the Powerwall 2 offered. This means you can power more appliances simultaneously without worry.

Sleeker Design: The Powerwall 3 is slimmer, making it easier to install in tight spaces, and it has improved cooling technology to keep things running smoothly, even in hot climates.

Higher Efficiency: Improved energy efficiency means less wasted power, giving you more bang for your buck.

What are the Benefits of a Tesla Powerwall 3?

Energy Security: Keep the lights on during blackouts and reduce reliance on the grid.

Cost Savings: Use stored energy when electricity prices spike, slashing your energy bills.

Sustainability: Maximize the use of your solar panels and reduce your carbon footprint.

Control: Monitor and manage your energy system with the Tesla app, giving you total visibility and peace of mind.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Tesla Powerwall 3

To truly unlock the full potential of your Powerwall 3, consider these energy (and money!) saving strategies.

Enroll in Time-of-Day Rates

Many energy suppliers charge different rates depending on the time of day. Typically, it’s cheaper during off-peak hours in the evening and pricier during peak demand in the day when grid demand is higher. 

When you’re on a time-of-use plan you can program your Tesla Powerwall 3 using its Time-Based Control function to discharge energy during those high-cost periods, saving you money without you lifting a finger.

Join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)

A VPP connects your battery to others in your community to create a network of stored energy. When you join a VPP program, like the one offered by Tesla and PSEG Long Island, you’ll help stabilize the grid, get compensation from program-based incentives, and maintain energy security. It’s a win-win-win!

Maintain Ideal Conditions

The Tesla Powerwall 3 is low maintenance, but a little care can go a long way. Work with a Tesla Premier Certified Installer to make sure your battery is installed in a location with good ventilation and moderate temperatures, and make sure it’s connected to a reliable internet network for firmware updates. Pro tip: Schedule regular check-ins through the Tesla app to ensure your Powerwall is performing optimally and receiving updates.

Ready to Power Up Your Home with Solar or a Tesla Powerwall 3?

Whether you’re thinking about going solar or adding a Tesla Powerwall 3 to your existing system, there’s never been a better time to invest in home energy storage. Not only will you save money and reduce your environmental impact, but you’ll also gain energy independence in a world where outages and high energy costs are increasingly common.

At EmPower Solar, we make transitioning to clean energy solutions effortless. From home solar panels to total home electrification, we provide customized solutions tailored to your needs.

Want a battery backup for home? See how the Powerwall 3 can transform your energy game. We’ll help you explore your options and design a system that works for your home and budget. Book a consultation with our experts today!