Unstable electricity prices and weather-related outages continue to affect energy reliability across Australian homes.
Households with solar often face limitations when the sun goes down or when the grid goes offline. Without an integrated storage system, solar energy use is restricted to daylight hours, leading to continued reliance on the grid.
Tesla Powerwall 3 provides a high-capacity storage solution with built-in inverter support for up to 20 kW of solar input. It delivers 13.5 kWh of usable energy per unit and up to 11.04 kW of backup power, making it suitable for homes needing consistent supply during outages or after dark.
Integrated Features for Solar and Smart Energy Use
Powerwall 3 is designed to connect directly with solar systems using its built-in inverter. This integration allows the system to function without needing a separate solar inverter. Its solar-to-grid efficiency of 97.5% maximises usable energy throughout the day.
Energy flow and settings can be monitored using the Tesla app. Users can view generation and consumption in real time and select between backup, savings, or self-powered modes. This level of control helps match the system to daily usage patterns and long-term goals.
Powerwall 3 can be installed in new solar systems or retrofitted to most existing setups, including systems with microinverters, depending on configuration.
Backup Performance and Power Capacity
Each Powerwall 3 unit provides up to 13.5 kWh of usable energy and supports a continuous backup output of 11.04 kW. This level of output is enough to run high-demand appliances such as washing machines, kettles, or split-system air conditioning units during a grid outage.
It also supports 185 A of locked rotor current (LRA), allowing it to start heavy appliances without interruption. The system is suited for whole-home or partial backup, depending on configuration and appliance load.
Powerwall 3 is compatible with Tesla’s Backup Gateway 2, which manages grid connection and automatically switches to battery power during blackouts.
Scalable Energy Storage for Expanding Needs
The Powerwall 3 supports up to four units in a single system. This allows energy storage to be expanded over time, up to a total of 54 kWh. This is suitable for larger households, high-usage properties, or homes with electric vehicles and solar car charging systems.
Each unit includes three MPPT channels, supporting a total solar input of up to 20 kW. This makes it compatible with larger rooftop installations or segmented arrays with variable orientation.
All units are managed as one system through the Tesla app, with automatic balancing between storage and solar input.
Outdoor Durability and Climate Tolerance
Powerwall 3 is designed for Australian outdoor conditions. The enclosure carries an IP55 rating and can be installed on an external wall, carport, or shaded structure. The internal battery compartment and electronics are rated IP67 for water and dust protection.
It operates in ambient temperatures from –20°C to 50°C and can continue functioning in humid or exposed coastal environments. The system also includes flood resistance up to 0.6 metres, reducing risk during localised flooding events.
Weight is 130 kg, and wall or floor mounting options are available depending on space and access.
Installation and Support
Tesla Powerwall 3 can be installed on homes with or without solar and is suited to both new builds and retrofit installations. The system is installed and commissioned by accredited Tesla installers, who configure phase compatibility and backup settings.
In Newcastle and surrounding regions, installation includes access to a local service team, assistance with performance monitoring, and a 10-year manufacturer warranty. Support is also available for homeowners looking to expand their storage system later.
To learn more about installation options or confirm system compatibility, contact Aztech Solar for a detailed product briefing.
FAQs
Can this system charge from the grid?
Yes. It can store electricity from the grid when solar is unavailable. This helps maintain supply during peak rates or in homes without solar panels.
Is it compatible with microinverter setups?
Compatibility depends on the design of the existing solar array. A site inspection is recommended to assess how the system can be integrated.
Can it be installed in a home with three-phase power?
Yes, but it operates as a single-phase unit. In multi-phase homes, backup power is available only on the connected phase.
What happens if more than one unit is installed?
Multiple units operate as a single system. The monitoring app tracks total storage, usage, and solar input across all units.
Will system monitoring still work during a blackout?
Yes, as long as the local network and modem remain powered. The app continues showing power levels, consumption, and system status in real time.
