The biggest name in home batteries is the Tesla Powerwall, and after years of anticipation, you can finally order the newest model: the Tesla Powerwall 3.
The Powerwall 3 is now available in the continental US. (It’s coming to Puerto Rico and Hawaii later this year.)
We first got a look at the Powerwall 3 at last year’s RE+ trade show, although Tesla didn’t offer a ton of details then. This is a big development for the home battery space: Powerwalls accounted for half of home battery installations last year. We rated the Tesla Powerwall 2 highly on our solar batteries list, citing its well-rounded attributes. So how does the latest edition measure up?
Tesla Powerwall 2 vs. Tesla Powerwall 3
Tesla says the Powerwall 3 is “designed to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.” While both designs aim to provide a simple installation process and solar panel system compatibility, the Tesla Powerwall 3 design packs more of a punch. Powerwall 3 is able to start up larger appliances than its predecessor, so you might not need as many batteries to backup your home. Its increased power capacity and whole-home battery storage can better support grid reliability during periods of high demand, such as high summer temperatures.
In contrast, the Powerwall 2 is best for partial backup or light commercial use. If you wanted to cover your entire home’s energy usage with the Powerwall 2 model, you’d likely need to purchase more than one unit.
Both systems effectively support renewable energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions when paired with solar panels. In some states, like California, your utility rate might encourage battery adoption. If you don’t have rooftop solar, you can still use battery backup to power your home during an outage and reduce energy bills.
What’s the Tesla Powerwall 3 price?
If you order directly through Tesla’s website, you can expect to pay at least $8,400 for one unit before additional taxes and installation fees. The cost of taxes depends on your location, and installation fees vary by installer.
Solar battery shopping tips
Solar batteries are expensive but can provide value beyond just power outages. Here’s a list of resources to help you shop for a solar battery:
