Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 : Which One Is the Best Fit for Your Home?

Compare Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 side by side. Discover which solar battery is best for your home with expert insights from Kennedys Plumbing & Electrical.

Home battery storage is fast becoming a must-have for Australian homeowners who want to maximise solar energy usage, reduce electricity bills, and enjoy backup protection during blackouts.

At Kennedys Plumbing & Electrical, we install and service both the Tesla Powerwall 2 and Tesla Powerwall 3 - two of the most advanced lithium-ion batteries available.

But what exactly are the differences between them? And which one is right for your home?

What is the Tesla Powerwall?

The Tesla Powerwall is a state-of-the-art, rechargeable lithium-ion battery engineered to store solar energy for home use. It connects directly to your solar panel system, capturing and storing excess energy produced during the day. This stored energy can then be used at night, during peak pricing periods, or during power outages - helping reduce your electricity bills and reliance on the grid.

The Powerwall offers energy security and peace of mind, making it ideal for Australian households facing rising power prices and grid instability. With its sleek design and robust technology, it’s one of the most popular energy storage systems in the world.

Key Benefits:

• Store solar energy for night-time use

• Maintain power during grid outages

• Reduce electricity costs

• Lower your carbon footprint

• Monitor and manage energy use via the Tesla app

  
  

Both the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 support seamless solar integration, intelligent energy management, and backup power - but they are tailored to suit different household energy needs and system setups.

Key Features of Tesla Powerwall 2

Released in 2016, the Powerwall 2 has helped thousands of Australian homes reduce energy costs and improve power reliability.

Capacity and Power

• 13.5 kWh usable storage

• 5 kW continuous output, 7 kW peak

• Powers essential appliances like fridges, lights, and heating/cooling during outages

  
  

Compact, Flexible Design

• Size: 44” H x 29” W x 6” D

• Wall or floor mounted, indoor or outdoor

• Ideal for retrofitting to existing solar systems

  
  

Smart Technology

• Monitor usage and battery levels with the Tesla mobile app

• Optimise usage to charge during off-peak times and discharge during peak

  
  

Solar Integration

• Works with existing solar inverters

• Maximises the use of excess solar energy

  
  

Warranty

• 10-year warranty

• Expected lifespan of 10–15 years with proper care

Key Features of Tesla Powerwall 3

Tesla’s latest home battery, Powerwall 3, was released in 2023 with significant upgrades to performance, design, and solar compatibility.

Enhanced Capacity and Power

• 15.5 kWh usable capacity

• 8 kW continuous output, 10 kW peak

• Built for powering multiple large devices at once (EV chargers, pool pumps, air con)

  
  

Integrated Inverter

• Direct solar panel input with no separate inverter required

• Simpler, faster installations for new solar + battery systems

  
  

Sleek and Efficient

• More compact than Powerwall 2 despite higher capacity

• Outdoor wall-mount only, vertical orientation

  
  

Smarter Monitoring

• Advanced tracking of power production, storage, and consumption

• Easily connects to home energy management systems

  
  

Extended Warranty

• 15-year warranty for extra peace of mind

• Designed for a longer lifecycle and higher savings over time

Tesla Powerwall 2 vs Tesla Powerwall 3: Detailed Comparison

Feature	Powerwall 2	Powerwall 3
Usable Capacity	13.5 kWh	15.5 kWh
Power Output (Continuous)	5 kW	8 kW
Peak Output	7 kW	10 kW
Inverter	External	Built-in
Solar Integration	Requires separate inverter	Direct solar connection
Installation	Indoor/outdoor	Outdoor only
Smart Monitoring	Yes	Yes (advanced)
Warranty	10 years	15 years
Ideal For	Existing solar setups	New solar + battery systems
Scalability	Up to 10 units	Up to 4 units (more output per unit)

Which Tesla Powerwall Is Right for Your Home?

Choose Powerwall 2 If:

• You already have solar installed

• You want a lower upfront cost

• You need flexibility in mounting indoors or outdoors

• You’re after a tried-and-tested system with reliable performance

Choose Powerwall 3 If:

• You’re installing a new solar system from scratch

• You want more capacity and higher output

• You need to power large appliances or an EV charger

• You want a streamlined, all-in-one solution

Cost & Rebates

While Powerwall 2 has a lower upfront price, Powerwall 3 may offer better long-term value thanks to its extra capacity and 15-year warranty.

Don’t Forget:

• NSW and Federal solar battery rebates may apply

• Kennedys can help with applications to save you time and money

• Many households save $1,000–$2,500 per year in electricity costs with the right battery system

The difference between Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 pricing comes down to a few elements like Tesla Powerwall 3 having an additional solar inverter included.

Not including installation, Tesla Powerwall 2 pricing starts at around $10,350, and the Tesla Powerwall 3 pricing starts at around $11,530. This does not include the required Tesla Gateway which costs around another $1650.

Powerwall on 3 Phase Power – What You Need to Know

One of the standout features of Tesla Powerwalls is their scalability. As you add multiple Powerwalls to your property, the usable capacity increases, allowing you to store more solar energy and extend your battery backup duration.

Good news – both the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 can be installed on 3-phase properties, making them compatible with a wide range of Australian homes and businesses.

How Does Powerwall Work with 3-Phase Power?

Tesla’s smart energy management system allows a single-phase Powerwall to intelligently offset usage across all three phases of your home.

Let’s break it down:

Imagine your Powerwall is producing 10kW of power on Phase A. Your home is using:

• 5kW on Phase A

• 2.5kW on Phase B

• 2.5kW on Phase C

Even though the battery is only connected to one phase, your smart meter (provided by your energy retailer) will balance the usage across all three phases. This means your site can net out to zero grid import, thanks to clever site-level metering.

The Catch? Blackout Protection Limitations

Here’s the key trade-off: Tesla Powerwalls can only provide backup power to one phase.

So, in a blackout, only single-phase appliances will be powered by your battery. If you’ve got a 3-phase air conditioner or other heavy-duty 3-phase appliances—those won’t run during a power outage. It’s important not to confuse this with normal operation though—your Powerwall will still support these appliances when the grid is active via net metering.

Whole-Home Backup (With a Catch)

At Kennedy’s Plumbing & Electrical, we design Powerwall systems that give you as much backup coverage as possible. While your 3-phase appliances won’t be backed up in an outage, we can keep your essential circuits running smoothly so your lights, fridges, internet, and other key appliances stay powered.

Want true energy independence—even on 3-phase? We’ll help you plan your ideal Powerwall setup so you’re prepared, powered, and protected.

Installation, Maintenance & Support

• Professional installation is required for both units

• Our team at Kennedys Plumbing & Electrical are certified Tesla installers

• Minimal maintenance: just monitor performance via the Tesla app

• Backed by Tesla’s support network + our responsive local service team

  
  

Is Tesla Powerwall 2 or Tesla Powerwall 3 Better?

Whilst both Tesla Powerwalls will allow you to maximise your solar and accelerate return-on-investments, one might be better for your property and energy requirements.

With the same capacity of 13.5 kWh of energy storage, both Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 will allow you to store your excess energy reliably.

For simultaneous solar installations, Tesla Powerwall 3 might be the better choice as the all-in-one unit has its own solar inverter.

Environmental Impact & Sustainability

Installing a Powerwall helps you:

• Reduce grid reliance and fossil fuel use

• Lower your household carbon emissions by up to 50% or more

• Support a clean, renewable energy future

FAQ About Tesla Powerwalls

Which Powerwall should I choose?

• Choose Powerwall 2 if you're retrofitting to an existing solar system or have moderate backup needs.

• Choose Powerwall 3 if you're installing a new solar setup and want higher power output, better whole-home backup, and an all-in-one design.

Can I use the Powerwall without solar panels?

Does Powerwall work in a blackout?

Is Powerwall 3 compatible with existing solar systems?

Can I monitor my Powerwall remotely?

Can Kennedys Plumbing & Electrical install my Powerwall?

What’s the lifespan of a Tesla Powerwall?

Why Choose Kennedys Plumbing & Electrical?

We’re the local experts in solar battery storage, trusted by homes across the Hawkesbury, Hills District, and Sydney region. When you choose Kennedys, you get:

• Full Tesla-certified installation

• Real customer service (no subcontractors)

• Local support and product knowledge

• Ongoing help with system monitoring and optimisation

• Access to rebates and savings opportunities

Powerwall Installation Across Hawkesbury, Penrith & Western Sydney

From Jordan Springs to Kurrajong, Glenmore Park to North Richmond – Kennedy’s Plumbing & Electrical is your trusted local team for Tesla Powerwall installations.

Thinking about going off-grid, adding battery backup, or just want to get more out of your solar setup? Give us a call or request a quote online. We’ll help you choose the right Powerwall system and install it seamlessly – so your home stays powered day and night.

Final Tip:Don’t wait for the next blackout to wish you had backup power. Get your Tesla Powerwall installed now and take control of your energy future.