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 customization 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 solar.

Powerwall 3 is designed for owners installing a new solar and storage system. Solar systems are integrated directly into the Powerwall, for higher efficiency and more compact installation with solar inverters being included. 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
Additional energy capacity with Powerwall 3 Expansion
On-Grid Power 5 kW continuous 11.5 kW continuous
Backup Power 7 kW peak
106A LRA motor start
Seamless backup transition
11.5 kW continuous
185 LRA motor start
Seamless backup transition
Scalable Up to 10 units System expansion available anytime
40.5 kWh max addition per unit
Size and Weight H x W x D
45.3" x 29.6" x 5.75"
251.3 lbs
H x W x D
43.5" x 24" x 7.6"
287 lbs
Inverter X Solar-to-grid efficiency 97.5%
6 solar inputs with
Maximum Power Point Trackers
Installation Floor or wall mounted
Indoor or outdoor
-4°F to 122°F
Water and dust resistance
Integrated inverter and system controller
-4°F to 122°F
Flood and dust resistance2
Warranty 10 years 10 years

With Powerwall 3 Expansion

Powerwall 3 Expansion is designed for Powerwall 3 owners looking to extend backup duration at a reduced cost. Each Powerwall 3 Expansion unit provides 13.5 kWh of additional energy capacity and can easily be installed with your Powerwall 3.

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 utility 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 utility grid is offline during a power outage.

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 utility’s electricity costs are low and discharge when electricity costs are high, generating automatic savings. Powerwall will also provide seamless backup power by detecting grid outages and automatically becoming the home's main power source.