The Tesla Powerwall 3 released for homes in the continental US in 2024. It is available throughout the US including Puerto Rico and Hawaii. When we first saw it at the RE+ trade show, there weren't many details. But now that Powerwalls have accounted for half of home battery installations in 2023, we know this is a big development in home batteries. We rated the Tesla Powerwall 2 highly on our solar batteries list, citing its well-rounded attributes. So how does the latest edition measure up?
Tesla says the Powerwall 3 is "designed to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy." While both designs aim to provide a simple installation process and solar panel system compatibility, the Tesla Powerwall 3 design packs more of a punch. Powerwall 3 is able to start up larger appliances than its predecessor, so you might not need as many batteries to backup your home. Its increased power capacity and whole-home battery storage can better support grid reliability during periods of high demand, such as high summer temperatures.
In contrast, the Powerwall 2 is best for partial backup or light commercial use. If you wanted to cover your entire home's energy usage with the Powerwall 2 model, you'd likely need to purchase more than one unit.
Both systems effectively support renewable energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions when paired with solar panels. In some states, like California, your utility rate might encourage battery adoption. If you don't have rooftop solar, you can still use battery backup to power your home during an outage and reduce energy bills.
What's the Tesla Powerwall 3 price?
If you order directly through Tesla's website, you can expect to pay at least $9,300 for one unit before additional taxes and installation fees. The cost of taxes depends on your location, and installation fees vary by installer.
Tesla used to provide a breakdown of cost including estimated taxes and installation costs. Now you get only the cost of the battery before providing more personal information. Waiting for a company to contact you with a price isn't ideal (though common in the industry), so hopefully this feature will change. I went through those steps and, within a minute, received an email notification that a Tesla Certified Installer will reach out with price information and how to complete my Powerwall order. Contact from an installer isn't instant.
You can save money on a Tesla Powerwall 3 by applying the 30% federal solar tax credit. This one incentive reduces the total of one unit to $6,510. There may be additional rebates or incentives in your state to further offset the cost.
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If you buy more than one Powerwall, Tesla offers a discount. You can connect up to four total units.
Tesla Powerwall 3 price
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| Number of units | Price | Price after federal tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8,400 | $6,510 |
| 2 | $17,500 | $12,250 |
| 3 | $25,700 | $17,990 |
| 4 | $33,900 | $23,730 |
| 5 | $42,100 | $29,470 |
| 6 | $50,300 | $35,210 |
Things to consider
While Tesla is a top solar battery company, consider the following before buying the Tesla Powerwall 3.
- Compatibility: The Tesla Powerwall 3 isn't compatible with the Powerwall 2. If you already have previous Powerwall models and want to add capacity, you must install a Powerwall 2.
- Location: If you live in California and are under NEM 2.0, adding the Tesla Powerwall 3 to your current solar system is considered changing the design and you will need to enroll in NEM 3.0.
Tesla Powerwall 3 battery specs
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| Energy capacity | 13.5 kWh |
|---|---|
| Max continuous discharge power | 11.5 kW |
| Max continuous charge power | 5 kW |
| Load start capability | 185 amps |
| Scalability | Up to four units |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Solar battery shopping tips
Solar batteries are expensive but can provide value beyond just power outages. Here's a list of resources to help you shop for a solar battery:
- Get quotes from multiple installers before moving ahead.
- Explore our solar battery buying guide.
- Shop other solar battery brands like Bluetti, Generac and SunPower.
- Learn about the role inverters play.
- Discover what a virtual power plant is and how you could benefit from participation.
- Determine if you could save money with solar panels through net metering.
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Faith Foushee CNET Contributor
Faith Foushee is a CNET contributor and a former writer for our sister publication SaveOnEnergy.com, covering energy-efficient products, renewables and other energy topics. She enjoys learning about new energy technology and helping others save money. Faith graduated from High Point University with a bachelor's degree in strategic communication.
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