What’s the difference between Tesla Powerwall 3 and Powerwall 2?

Tesla Powerwall 3 has just been released – how does it compare to the Powerwall 2?

While the Powerwall 3 has some cool new features, the Powerwall 2 model still has plenty to offer. Read our head-to-head comparison guide for everything you need to know.

First things first – what is the Tesla Powerwall?

The Powerwall – manufactured by Tesla in the USA – is lithium-ion based battery storage. Powerwall 1 came out in 2015, Powerwall 2 in 2020, and now the latest Powerwall 3 has been announced in the UK in 2024.

Its main use case is to store surplus solar electricity for later use. Solar panel systems usually generate more electricity than you can use at any given moment. Rather than allow this excess electricity to escape to the grid, you can store it in a Powerwall. The Powerwall will then discharge this stored solar electricity automatically when you need it.

Powerwalls can be installed either in residential or corporate / industrial settings. For larger power users, Powerwalls can be stacked to increase storage capacity. See our main Tesla Powerwall 3 page for more details.

Tesla Powerwall 3 vs Powerwall 2

Tesla Powerwall availability in the UK

There are two versions of the Powerwall available in the UK, each with its own specific characteristics. Here are the current availability dates for both models:

MODEL
CAN BE ORDERED NOW?
EARLIEST INSTALLATION
Powerwall 3
Yes
Contact Us
Powerwall 2
Yes
Immediate
Tesla Powerwall 3 Availability

The Powerwall 3 is now being shipped in the UK and available to be installed.

As an officially-certified Tesla Powerwall Premium Installer, we have excellent access to Powerwall 3 stock, although supply is still limited. Contact us now on 0800 909 8882 for an installation date.

If you’re desperate to get your hands on a Powerwall right now, consider the Powerwall 2, as it’s available at short notice and has many similarities with the Powerwall 3.

Check out the comparison table below for further details.

Tesla Powerwall 3 vs Powerwall 2

There are differences between the Powerwall 3 and 2, but they also have many features in common. Here we highlight the key differences and add some explanatory notes:

COMPARISON
POWERWALL 3
POWERWALL 2
NOTES
Storage capacity
13.5 kWh
13.5 kWh
Identical
Warranty
10 years
10 years
Identical
Operating temperature
-20°C to 50°C
-20°C to 50°C
Identical
Environment
Indoor and outdoor rated
Indoor and outdoor rated
Identical
Mounting options
Floor or wall mount
Floor or wall mount
Identical
Scalability
Up to 4 units
Up to 10 units
PW2 has more expansion options
Power output (max)
11.04 kW
5 kW
PW3 has greater power output
Emergency power
Yes
Yes
PW3 can power more devices in a power-cut
Integrated solar inverter
Yes
No
Pros and cons of both – see below
Coupling
DC and AC
AC only
PW3 has more options
Dimensions
1,099 x 609 x 193 mm
1,150 x 753 x 147 mm
PW2 has a slightly smaller overall volume
Weight
130 kg
114 kg
PW2 is lighter

In practical terms, the main difference between the two models is the Powerwall 3’s higher power output. This means you can have more devices powered by the battery storage simultaneously. In reality, though, the 5 kW output of the Powerwall 2 is still very high and will be fine for most circumstances.

Powerwall 3 and Powerwall 2 difference with solar panels

Solar & Battery Combined

The more interesting comparison between Powerwall 3 and 2 is how you connect them up to your solar panels.

With a Powerwall 3 and its integrated solar inverter, you don’t need to buy a separate inverter for your solar panel system. This will save you some money. The inverter has three ‘MPPTs’ which means it has some shade mitigation technology built in, in case you have regular shading from a nearby tree or chimney.

However, if you need more comprehensive shade mitigation and/or you are a bit geeky and like advanced panel-level monitoring, then we would normally recommend either

  1. SolarEdge power optimisers and inverter, or
  2. Enphase micro-inverters with SunPower panels.

With either SolarEdge or Enphase, it would then make sense to choose the Powerwall 2, as the integrated inverter in the Powerwall 3 isn’t compatible with SolarEdge or Enphase. There’s no point in paying for a solar inverter that you don’t need, and opting for the Powerwall 2 would be cheaper as well.

ENQUIRE NOW
Powerwall 3 with Solar Panels

Summary

Powerwall 2 Powerwall 3 Comparison

Both the Powerwall 3 and 2 represent the very best battery storage you can get, backed up by the industry-leading Tesla 10-year warranty. The peace of mind from a rock-solid warranty issued by an incredibly strong company shouldn’t be underestimated.

If you’re getting solar panels installed, the Powerwall 3 allows you to save money by not having to purchase a separate solar inverter. It means your solar and battery system will have fewer parts and warranties to keep an eye on.

If you want advanced monitoring or cutting-edge shade mitigation technology for your solar panel system, consider the Powerwall 2 combined with SolarEdge technology. However, bear in mind the Powerwall 2 will soon be discontinued.

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