Tesla unveils home battery: Powerwall 3 is equipped with a built-in solar inverter and weighs 130 kg

Tesla has officially introduced its latest innovation, the Powerwall 3 home battery backup system. This cutting-edge product boasts enhanced power throughput and a built-in solar inverter, marking a significant leap forward in home solar power integration compared to its predecessor, the Powerwall 2.

While early details about the Powerwall 3 surfaced in April, today we have a comprehensive look at this remarkable technology. Retaining the distinctive squared-off slate design with a glossy white front, the Powerwall 3 maintains a battery capacity of 13.5kWh, consistent with the Powerwall 2. However, it now features a sleek "T" logo on the front, eschewing the spelled-out Tesla logo and forgoing the visually striking black finishes seen on the Powerwall 2.

One standout feature of the Powerwall 3 is its self-sufficiency. Unlike its predecessor, it eliminates the need for a third-party solar inverter, streamlining the installation process significantly. This innovative approach simplifies home solar power installations, offering convenience and efficiency for homeowners looking to harness renewable energy.

Furthermore, the Powerwall 3 offers impressive expansion capabilities, allowing units to be connected to one another, achieving a staggering 40.5kWh battery capacity. With the ability to accommodate up to six solar inputs and continuously handle 11.5kW of power, the Powerwall 3 surpasses its predecessors in performance. By comparison, the Powerwall Plus only supports four solar inputs, while the Powerwall 2 battery maxes out at 10kW at its peak.

However, it's essential to note that the Powerwall 3 does not integrate well with other battery solutions, including the Powerwall 2, and is incompatible with third-party solar inverters. Questions also remain regarding its compatibility with existing solar panels, with Tesla's FAQs on the Powerwall 3 page leaving this issue unresolved.

Although eagle-eyed observers at Electrek spotted an early Powerwall 3 installation before the official announcement, the product won't be available for purchase until 2024. Prospective buyers will need to exercise patience while waiting for the highly anticipated release.

In the meantime, Tesla continues to offer comprehensive energy solutions, including the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall Plus, both with and without solar panels. To sweeten the deal, Tesla is currently offering a $500 rebate for installations registered between June 15th, 2023, and October 31st, 2023, further incentivizing homeowners to embrace sustainable energy solutions. Unfortunately, the Powerwall 3 is ineligible for this rebate.

The Powerwall 3 enters a rapidly expanding home power backup market where Tesla has already established a strong presence. While pricing details for the Powerwall 3 have not been disclosed, it is expected that Tesla will tread carefully in quoting customers in 2024, potentially avoiding legal disputes that have plagued the company in the past.

As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of sustainable energy solutions, the Powerwall 3 promises to be a game-changer in the world of home battery backup systems, offering homeowners a more accessible and integrated approach to harnessing the power of the sun.