Tesla Powerwall 3 vs Sungrow Batteries

Solar battery technology continues to advance in Australia. Homeowners and businesses now have several strong energy storage options.

Three of the most popular choices are the Tesla Powerwall 3 and the modular Sungrow SBR and Sungrow SBH batteries. Each system offers different strengths. Tesla provides the Powerwall 3 Expansion Pack for added storage. Sungrow offers flexible designs through its SBR and SBH ranges.

This guide explains the main differences so you can choose the most suitable battery for your needs.

Tesla Powerwall 3 vs Sungrow Battery: Features

Tesla Powerwall 3 Features:

• Fully integrated battery + inverter system
• Large continuous power output suitable for whole-home backup
• Built-in blackout protection with seamless transition
• Integrated Gateway for monitoring, control, and grid-islanding
• Smart app with real-time data, backup control, and VPP compatibility
• High efficiency due to optimised internal architecture
• Expansion Pack option to increase storage without extra hardware
• Simple and elegant design for both indoor and outdoor installation

Tesla keeps the design simple: one large unit that handles everything, engineered for reliability and ease of installation.

Sungrow SBR Features:

• Modular design: 3.2 kWh modules stacked vertically
• Wide capacity range suitable for most homes
• High-voltage battery for improved round-trip efficiency
• Lightweight and installer-friendly
• Compatible with Sungrow’s hybrid inverters
• Strong thermal management and high safety rating
• Flexibility to add modules later (within the same generation)

The SBR is ideal for homeowners who want room to grow, or who have unpredictable energy usage.

Sungrow SBH Features:

• Large-scale modular capability
• Built for commercial and industrial performance
• Higher discharge and charge rates
• Works with Sungrow three-phase hybrid solutions
• Suitable for businesses, farms, and properties needing long backup duration
• Scalable to very large capacities (tens of kWh to hundreds of kWh)

The SBH is powerful, flexible, and engineered for heavy use. Read our blog on Sungrow SBR vs SBH.

Tesla Powerwall 3 vs Sungrow Battery: Specs

Tesla Powerwall 3 Specs:

• Usable Capacity: ~13.5 kWh
• Power Output: 11.5 kW continuous (grid-connected), higher in backup mode
• Round-Trip Efficiency: ~89–93%
• Operating Mode: AC-coupled with integrated inverter
• Scalability: Up to multiple units with the PW3 Expansion Pack
• Installation: Indoor/outdoor, wall-mounted or ground-mounted
• Backup: Whole-home backup capable

The Powerwall 3 is designed for both power and simplicity, offering high output for appliances like ducted air-conditioning or pool pumps.

Sungrow SBR Specs:

• Usable Capacity: 9.6 kWh to ~25.6 kWh (depending on number of modules)
• Module Capacity: 3.2 kWh each
• Round-Trip Efficiency: ~95%
• Voltage Range: High-voltage stackable platform
• Installation: Indoor/outdoor
• Compatibility: Sungrow Hybrid Inverters (single-phase and some three-phase)

The SBR shines with its flexibility. You select the exact size you need.

Sungrow SBH Specs:

• Usable Capacity: Larger configurations (e.g., 25 kWh to 80+ kWh depending on system)
• Modular: Multi-module stacks
• Round-Trip Efficiency: ~95%
• Design: High-voltage, commercial-grade battery system
• Power Output: Much higher than SBR, suitable for heavy loads
• Compatibility: Sungrow three-phase hybrid and commercial systems

The SBH is designed for businesses or large off-grid properties needing deep storage.

Tesla Powerwall 3 vs Sungrow Battery: Scalability

Scalability is an important factor for homes and businesses that expect their energy use to grow.

Tesla Powerwall 3

The Powerwall 3 is a fixed size unit although it remains expandable through the Powerwall 3 Expansion Pack. This approach increases storage while keeping the system footprint small.

Sungrow SBR and SBH

Both Sungrow systems use modular designs. The SBR allows several small modules to be stacked. The SBH uses larger modules for greater capacity. This structure gives Sungrow strong flexibility for future upgrades.

Tesla Powerwall 3 vs Sungrow Battery: Warranties

Tesla offers a warranty based on retained energy and cycle life.

Sungrow provides similar warranties for both SBR and SBH modules. Each brand has a proven performance record in Australia.

Best Battery for Residential Installations

In most homes the main decision is between the Tesla Powerwall 3 and the Sungrow SBR Battery.

The Powerwall 3 suits homeowners who want a high power system with dependable backup performance. The built in inverter and simple design make it easy to install.

The SBR is a good option for those who want more flexibility. It allows owners to start with a smaller system and add more modules later. Its connection to Sungrow hybrid inverters also gives it strong efficiency.

Summary for homes

• Choose Powerwall 3 if you want a strong all in one unit with excellent backup.
• Choose SBR if you want modular storage that can grow.

Best Battery for Commercial Installations

In Australia commercial solar systems usually need higher storage and strong cycling performance. The Tesla Powerwall 3 paired with the Expansion Pack is suitable for commercial applications and works well for sites that need dependable backup and a simple system layout. The main unit provides strong power capability and the Expansion Pack increases storage without adding extra inverters which helps keep the installation neat.

The Sungrow SBH Battery is purpose built for commercial energy use. Its larger modules and broad capacity range make it a strong option for offices, workshops, warehouses and similar properties that need sustained storage and long backup capability.

Best Battery During Blackouts

Tesla is well known for reliable blackout protection and the Powerwall 3 continues this reputation. It delivers high surge power and a quick transition which helps keep appliances running smoothly during an outage.

The Sungrow SBR and SBH batteries also provide stable backup performance. Both systems respond quickly and can supply essential household or business circuits during outages. The SBR suits homes that want a capable backup option while the SBH supports larger sites with higher power needs.

Each of these systems offers dependable resilience during blackouts and the best choice depends on the level of backup power each property requires.

Best Battery for VPP Programs

Both brands participate in Virtual Power Plant programs across Australia. Tesla has one of the most established VPP networks. Sungrow continues to increase its VPP partner list. Homeowners who want the widest VPP options may find Tesla slightly ahead although Sungrow remains competitive.

SolarBright Recommendations

SolarBright installs all four battery options because each meets different energy goals.

• Tesla Powerwall 3 suits homeowners who want strong backup and a simple all in one unit. The Expansion Pack suits owners who want more storage without extra hardware.
• Sungrow SBR Battery suits flexible residential systems that may grow.
• Sungrow SBH Battery suits commercial sites that need scalable high capacity storage.

Our team can help design a system that delivers long term energy savings and reliable performance for your home or business.