Tesla, the leading electric vehicle and clean energy company, has officially opened ordering in the U.S. for its next-generation Powerwall 3 home battery. The product, which is designed to store excess solar energy and provide backup power during outages, boasts improved performance, features, and affordability compared to its predecessor, Powerwall 2.
One Powerwall 3 costs $5,880 (including 30% Federal tax credit), the same as Powerwall 2. However, the installation cost is not included in the price and may vary depending on the location and the service provider. Tesla estimates that the average installation cost ranges from $3,500 to $4,500 per unit.
Powerwall 3 has the same energy capacity as Powerwall 2, which is 13.5 kWh. However, it has several enhancements that make it more efficient and versatile. For instance, Powerwall 3 has a solar inverter directly integrated into the unit, which eliminates the need for a separate device to convert the direct current (DC) from the solar panels to the alternating current (AC) used by the home appliances. Powerwall 3 also has six solar inputs, up from four in Powerwall 2, which allows for more solar panels to be connected to the system.
Powerwall 3 can provide 11.5 kW of continuous power to the grid, which is the same as Powerwall 2. However, Powerwall 3 can also provide 11.5 kW of continuous backup power in case of a grid outage, which is 64% more than Powerwall 2’s 7 kW. This means that Powerwall 3 can power more essential loads, such as lights, refrigerators, and air conditioners, for longer periods of time.
Powerwall 3 is also more durable and resilient than Powerwall 2. It is now flood resistant to over 2 feet, which means that it can withstand water damage from storms or floods. It can also operate in a wider range of temperatures, from -4°F to 122°F, which makes it suitable for different climates and seasons.
Powerwall 3 is also more scalable and flexible than Powerwall 2. It can be expanded anytime by adding more units to the system, up to a maximum of 40.5 kWh per unit. It can also be configured in different ways, such as stacked or wall-mounted, to fit the available space and the customer’s preference. Powerwall 3 is also lighter than Powerwall 2, weighing 287 lbs, which makes it easier to install and transport.
Tesla claims that Powerwall 3 is cheaper for the company to make and easier for the customers to install than Powerwall 2. This is because Powerwall 3 uses the same battery cells as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, which are mass-produced and have lower costs. Powerwall 3 also has fewer components and simpler wiring than Powerwall 2, which reduces the installation time and complexity.
Powerwall 3 is a breakthrough product that aims to make home energy storage more accessible, reliable, and sustainable. By using Powerwall 3, customers can reduce their dependence on the grid, lower their electricity bills, and support the transition to renewable energy. Powerwall 3 is currently available for order in the U.S., and Tesla plans to expand its availability to other markets in the future.