What’s Next for the Tesla Powerwall?

The Tesla Powerwall was first introduced in 2015, but a decade later, manufacturers are preparing for what’s next. The rechargeable solar lithium-ion battery continues to be an innovation in home energy storage. It is capable of providing seven days or more of continuous power and you can go completely off-grid by pairing it with solar power systems. The last version (Powerwall 2.0) was introduced in 2018; the Tesla Powerwall 3 is set for launch in 2024.

How Does the Tesla Powerwall Work?

The Powerwall stores excess electricity that is generated by a solar power system. Solar panels may produce more electricity than is needed at any given time. Net metering allows electricity to be sent back to the grid and for homeowners to receive discounts from utilities. But the Powerwall enables you to retain that excess power and store it for when needed.

Therefore, you don’t need to purchase more energy from the utility company. The system’s battery also detects when there’s a power outage. It will automatically disconnect your home electrical system from the grid and, in a fraction of a second, begin delivering power to every system in your house.

The Powerwall 2.0 was able to store up to 14 kWh of electricity. It provided time-based control of charging and discharging and control of peak and off-peak performance via an app. You could also manage excess solar and grid power.

How Will the Powerwall 3 Compare?

The standard Tesla Powerwall capacity will remain about the same. However, it will be possible to add 40.5 kWh max per additional unit (previous models allowed up to 10 units to be installed, supporting a total of 135 kWh). The system is also expected to deliver 11.5 kW of continuous on-grid power output, compared to the previous model’s 5 kW, effectively doubling output.¹

The Powerwall 3 will also feature remote monitoring via the Tesla app. Users will be able to customize system behavior to meet their energy goals. The system is optimized for expansion so it can meet your present and future power needs. An integrated solar inverter will allow you to directly connect solar to increase efficiency.

By contrast, the Powerwall 2 could be added to existing solar systems, installed with a new one, or used on its own. The Powerwall Plus included a Tesla Solar Inverter and was designed to be installed with solar systems. It also supported more backup power. The Powerwall 3 will provide more functionality and flexibility upfront on top of its increased power output.

Will the Powerwall 3 Meet My Solar Energy Storage Demands?

The average U.S. home uses up to about 29 kW of electricity per day.² Therefore, the Tesla Powerwall can meet most of your electricity demands during nighttime hours. You can rely on it to provide power when photovoltaic cells aren’t collecting energy. The ability to expand the system can support even greater energy demands. It can be configured to your needs and thus will be priced accordingly.

The Tesla Powerwall battery is warrantied for 10 years. It is long-lasting, but every rechargeable battery loses output capacity over time, meaning it will hold less charge. Tesla guarantees the battery will store at least 70% of its rated output over the warranty period. Installing a Powerwall 3 will eliminate any reductions in old battery capacity; it’s a fresh start since the Powerwall 3’s batteries cannot be added to a Powerwall 2, nor are components of either system compatible with the other.

Nonetheless, the Powerwall will remain a practical solution for homeowners who install solar panel systems and don’t have access to net metering, are charged time-of-use electricity rates, and are charged significantly based on demand.

Will I Still Be Eligible for the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

Powerwall batteries are still eligible for the federal solar tax credit. The battery must have been installed in 2023 or later and be able to hold at least 3 kWh of energy.¹

Contact Express Electrical Services

Whether you’re planning to install a Tesla Powerwall or a Tesla Powerwall alternative, there are many options for modernizing your home. Express Electrical Services provides all types of electrical installation, repair, and maintenance in Los Angeles and Southern California. We’re also available 24/7 to provide emergency services and respond within 60 minutes. But if you need advice on future-proofing your home and taking advantage of the latest technologies, you can request service online or call us at (805) 250-5807.

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