Tesla Powerwall 3 Vs Powerwall 2 VS Powerwall+ what is difference? Tesla Powerwall Review Specs

Summary

In this informative video, Green Greg discusses the Tesla Powerwall 3, a hybrid inverter with a 13.5 kWh capacity, sufficient for powering a few rooms but not an entire home. The Powerwall 3 is more compact and offers 11.5 kWh on-grid capacity, making it more powerful than its predecessor. The video explores the advantages of hybrid inverters, the compatibility of Powerwall 3 with existing solar systems, and the importance of individual solar panel monitoring. Greg also addresses common questions about the Powerwall's capabilities and the availability of the Powerwall 3, expected in 2024.

Takeaways

• 📢 Tesla has announced the Powerwall 3, following the Powerwall and Powerwall Plus.
• 🔋 All Powerwalls have a capacity of 13.5 kilowatt-hours, suitable for powering a few rooms and small appliances, but not enough for an entire home.
• 🚀 Powerwall 3 has an on-grid capacity of 11.5 kilowatt-hours, which is about 20% more than the Powerwall Plus, allowing for running more power-consuming items.
• 🔌 Powerwall 3 is a hybrid inverter with both battery and inverter in one unit, making it more compact and convenient for garage installation.
• 👍 The hybrid inverter in Powerwall 3 can convert DC power from solar panels to AC for home use or feed it back to the utility company, and vice versa for charging and discharging the battery.
• ⚡ Powerwall 2 requires two conversions (DC to AC and back to DC), resulting in a 6% loss due to heat, which might be significant during emergencies or high power demand.
• 🔄 Powerwall 3 cannot be added to an existing solar system without rewiring, unlike Powerwall 2 which can be integrated with other inverters like SolarEdge or Enphase.
• 🌞 SolarEdge and Enphase systems offer individual panel monitoring and optimization, a feature not available with Powerwall Plus and 3 due to their integrated hybrid inverter.
• 🏠 Homeowners can identify underperforming solar panels through monitoring systems, which is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and cost-saving potential of a solar system.
• 💰 The availability and pricing details of Powerwall 3 are not yet announced, but it is expected to be available in the first or second quarter of 2024.
• 🏘️ Powerwalls can be stacked to run a whole home, and local installers as well as Tesla can provide and install Powerwalls, offering flexibility for homeowners.
• ❓ The ability of Powerwalls to run heat pumps or air conditioners depends on the efficiency and rating of the unit, and consultation with a local installer or Tesla is recommended.

Q & A

What is the capacity of the Tesla Powerwall 3 in kilowatt-hours?

The Tesla Powerwall 3 has a capacity of 13.5 kilowatt-hours, which is enough to run a few rooms of lights and some small appliances.

Is the Powerwall 3's on-grid capacity the same as its total capacity?

No, the Powerwall 3 has an on-grid capacity of 11.5 kilowatt-hours, which is about 20 percent less than its total capacity.

What is a hybrid inverter and how does it function with the Powerwall 3?

A hybrid inverter is a device that combines the battery and the inverter in one case. It converts DC power from solar panels to AC for home use or feeding back to the grid and also charges the battery from solar panels and discharges the battery from DC to AC.

How does the Powerwall 3 differ in size and weight from its predecessors?

The Powerwall 3 is smaller in length and width but slightly thicker and a bit lighter, making it convenient for garage installations without taking up much space.

Why is individual solar panel monitoring important for a solar system?

Individual solar panel monitoring is important to ensure that all panels are working at their peak capacity, allowing homeowners to identify any panels that may not be producing power or are underperforming due to issues like wiring problems or shading.

Can the Powerwall 3 be added to an existing solar system?

No, the Powerwall 3 cannot be added to an existing solar system because it has its own inverter for both the solar panels and the battery, and rewiring an entire solar system for this purpose would be very expensive.

What is the difference between the Powerwall 2 and the Powerwall Plus or 3 in terms of inverters?

The Powerwall 2 does not have a hybrid inverter; it requires a separate inverter for the solar panels and the battery. In contrast, the Powerwall Plus and 3 are both hybrid inverters with the inverter integrated for both solar and battery.

Why might a homeowner with a solar system receive a large electric bill despite having solar panels?

A homeowner might receive a large electric bill due to various reasons such as a malfunctioning air conditioner, an unusually hot month with increased air conditioning use, or having guests over who use a lot of electricity.

When is the Tesla Powerwall 3 expected to be available?

The exact date is not given, but it is assumed that the Powerwall 3 will be available either in the first or second quarter of 2024, following beta testing and pilot installs.

Can multiple Powerwalls be stacked to run a whole home?

Yes, Powerwalls can be stacked, and it is common practice to use two or three Powerwalls to run a whole home, depending on the energy requirements.

Does the Powerwall 3 require installation directly through Tesla or can local installers be used?

While you can install the Powerwall 3 directly through Tesla, it is also available through a distribution network of local installers who can handle the installation, especially in cases where Tesla Energy does not install on certain types of roofs or when specific brands of solar panels or inverters are used.