Powerwall 3 in New Zealand
Update 16/08/2024: Tesla Powerwall 3 is here! Tesla has officially launched Powerwall 3 in New Zealand. Check out our latest knowledge hub article here.
Are you considering a Tesla Powerwall for your home in New Zealand? With the upcoming release of Powerwall 3, potentially in 2025, it’s crucial to understand how it stacks up against the well-established Powerwall 2.
There are still a lot of unknowns with the Tesla Powerwall 3 but here’s what we know so far, to help you compare these two innovative products.
Storage Capacity
Both Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 boast an impressive 13.5kWh storage capacity.
This means no matter which model you choose, you can expect enough energy storage to power your home during peak hours or as a backup during power outages.
Inverter Specifications
The Powerwall 2 is equipped with a versatile 5kW inverter, expandable to 50kW (10 x Powerwalls), making it suitable for a wide range of home sizes and energy demands.
In contrast, the Powerwall 3 is expected to offer a choice between a standard 5kW and a more powerful 10kW inverter, catering to homes with higher power consumption. It will also be expandable to 4 units (rather than 10).
It’s important to note that with Powerwall 3, due to DC coupling, the inverter capacity is the limit of what the solar and battery can deliver at once. Whereas the AC-coupled Powerwall 2 will deliver 5kW, plus whatever your solar system is producing.
AC vs. DC Coupling – Integration with Solar Systems
A significant difference between the two models is their coupling method.
Powerwall 2’s AC coupling allows for easy integration with any existing solar system, making it ideal for retrofitting. If you already have solar, Powerwall 2 will be better for you.
Powerwall 3’s DC coupling, however, does not require a separate solar inverter to work. This ‘all-in-one’ solution, with its built-in inverter, simplifies installation. But it needs a direct connection to your solar panels. A key thing to note is that it’s not compatible with other inverters or batteries (including the Powerwall 2). This may change, but for now, the Powerwall 3 is only a good option if you are starting from scratch installing solar panels and a battery.
Solar setup flexibility
With its AC-coupled system, Powerwall 2 is compatible with almost any inverter, providing flexibility for diverse solar setups. You could have your batteries in your garage at the main switchboard, with your solar on a shed in the paddock without issue.
Powerwall 3, featuring 3 MPPTs in its inbuilt DC-coupled solar inverter, is tailored for roof flexibility, allowing for multiple solar panel orientations to be connected directly. The drawback is that the Powerwall 3 couldn’t support your solar panels on the shed in the paddock, due to needing to connect the solar directly to the unit.
The Tesla Gateway – Backup Power
Both models utilise the Tesla Gateway, ensuring a smooth user experience. This central control system manages energy storage, usage, and provides backup power, maintaining operational consistency across both Powerwall models.
Design and Installation – Space-Efficient Solutions
Both Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 share similar compact dimensions, offering a space-efficient energy storage solution that can easily fit in various home environments.
Powerwall has to be one of the most compact batteries on the market.
Monitoring
Tesla sports one of the best user interfaces. Control your battery and smart energy management with time-based control, change your backup reserve for the approaching storm or show the party trick of taking your home off the grid, all from the touch of your phone.
We are happy to tell you that the same app will be used for both Powerwall 2 and 3.
Pricing
Powerwall 3 is expected to be more expensive than Powerwall 2 due to its inbuilt solar inverter.
Currently, Powerwall 2 is the best and lowest-cost battery (of the quality ones, anyway) per kWh, on the market. Which often surprises people, as they think the Tesla brand comes with a high price.
What’s Best for You in NZ
For New Zealand homeowners, the choice between Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3 depends on your current solar setup and future energy goals.
Powerwall 2: Proven versatility, reliable performance, and cost-efficient kWh make it an excellent choice if you are considering battery storage for your home now. Even when Powerwall 3 is available, Powerwall 2 will remain the battery of choice for retrofitting options.
Powerwall 3: Anticipated in 2025, offers an all-in-one solution with a built-in solar inverter, ideal for new solar setups. If you are building new in 2025/2026 then consider Powerwall 3, but there isn’t enough difference in features to justify waiting if you’re ready for a battery now.
Remember, whether it’s the adaptable Powerwall 2 or the all-in-one Powerwall 3, your decision contributes to a greener future for New Zealand.
If you are interested in installing solar panels or batteries then fill out the form below and one of our team will get in touch with you to see how we can help.