Home Battery System GuideTesla's Powerwall 3 datasheet lists 13.5 kWh of nominal battery energy and nominal AC output up to 11.5 kW per unit, on a 120/240 VAC split-phase system. Tesla rates a single unit to start heavy loads up to 185 LRA and supports scaling to 4 Powerwall 3 units, or up to 7 total units with Expansions. Tesla warrants the Powerwall 3 for 10 years.
Energy and power ratings
Tesla's Powerwall 3 datasheet lists a nominal battery energy of 13.5 kWh AC, measured at 25 degrees Celsius at beginning of life. That is the usable energy a single unit stores for backup or daily cycling.
On the power side, Tesla lists nominal output power in configurable steps of 5.8, 7.6, 10, and 11.5 kW AC, with maximum apparent power up to 11,500 VA. The datasheet connects the unit to a 120/240 VAC split-phase grid at 60 Hz, which matches standard U.S. residential service.
Starting heavy loads and off-grid power
Tesla designed the Powerwall 3 to start large motors on its own. The datasheet lists a load start capability of 185 LRA, which Tesla describes as letting a single unit start heavy loads such as those found in many homes.
When running off-grid on solar, Tesla lists a configurable maximum continuous discharge power of 15.4 kW with PV only, available only when the on-grid rating is set to 11.5 kW and the unit is installed with an 80 A breaker and appropriately sized conductors. Tesla also lists a maximum output fault current of 160 A for one second.
Solar input and efficiency
The Powerwall 3 is a combined solar inverter and battery, so it accepts panels directly. Tesla's datasheet lists a maximum solar STC input of 20 kW and six MPPTs, with a PV DC input voltage range of 60 to 550 V DC.
Energy that passes through the battery loses a little in conversion. Tesla lists solar-to-battery-to-home efficiency at 89 percent for a typical solar shifting use case, and solar-to-home efficiency at 97.5 percent when power flows straight through without cycling into the battery.
Scaling, warranty, and environment
Households that need more energy or power can add units. Tesla's datasheet lists power scalability of up to 4 Powerwall 3 units supported, and energy scalability of up to 3 Expansion units for a maximum total of 7 units. Supported backup hardware includes Gateway 3, Backup Switch, and Backup Gateway 2.
Tesla warrants the Powerwall 3 for 10 years. The datasheet rates it for indoor and outdoor installation with a NEMA 3R enclosure and IP67 battery and power electronics, across an operating temperature range of -20 to 50 degrees Celsius, so it suits a wide range of climates.