How Powerwall Works

Powerwall gives you the ability to store energy for later use and works with solar to provide key energy security and financial benefits. Each Powerwall system is equipped with energy monitoring, metering and smart controls for owner customisation using the Tesla app. The system learns and adapts to your energy use over time and receives over-the-air updates to add new features and enhance existing ones.

Models of Powerwall

Powerwall is a rechargeable home battery system that can be installed with or without solar.

Powerwall 3 is designed for owners installing a new solar and storage system. Powerwall 3 features an integrated solar inverter for higher efficiency and more compact installation. Powerwall 2 is designed to be added on to existing solar systems and is compatible with all major inverter brands.

Powerwall 2 Powerwall 3
Energy Capacity 13.5 kWh1 13.5 kWh1
On-Grid Power 5 kW continuous Up to 11.04 kW, depending on local conditions
Backup Power 7 kW peak
106 A LRA (Locked Rotor Amps) motor start
Quick backup transition
Up to 11.04 kW, depending on local conditions
185 A LRA (Locked Rotor Amps) motor start
Quick backup transition
Scalable Up to 10 units Up to 4 units
System expansion available soon
40.5 kWh max addition per unit
Size and Weight H x W x D
1,150 mm x 753 mm x 147 mm
114 kg
H x W x D
1,105 mm x 609 mm x 193 mm
130 kg
Inverter X Solar-to-grid efficiency 97.5%
3 solar inputs with
Maximum Power Point Trackers
Installation -20°C to 50°C
Water and dust resistance
-20°C to 50°C
Flood and dust resistance2
Integrated inverter and system controller
Warranty 10 years 10 years

With Solar

When the sun rises, solar begins powering the home. When additional power is required for the home, the home can pull it from the grid.

Powerwall is charged by solar during the day, when solar panels are producing more electricity than the home is consuming. Powerwall then stores that energy until the home needs it, such as when solar is no longer producing at night, or when the grid is offline during a power outage. With Tesla, when your Powerwall system changes status, such as the grid going down or offline, you can expect to receive notifications from the Tesla app.

When the sun comes out the next day, solar recharges Powerwall so you have a cycle of clean, renewable energy.

Without Solar

If your electricity rates vary throughout the day, Powerwall can charge when your electricity rates are low and discharge when electricity rates are high, generating automatic savings. Powerwall will also provide quick backup power by detecting grid outages and automatically becoming the home's main power source.

1 See Powerwall Technical Specifications for more details.

2 Flood resistant up to 0.6 m