The Tesla Powerwall 3 is Tesla’s latest home battery for Australian homes, combining energy storage, a built-in solar inverter, and blackout backup into one compact unit.
Below, we break down the full Tesla Powerwall 3 specs for Australia – including usable capacity (kWh), power output (kW), solar input limits, backup performance, and what each term actually means in plain English.
If you’re comparing batteries or trying to work out whether Powerwall 3 suits your home, this guide explains the specs without the jargon.
Tesla Powerwall 3 Key specs
- Usable energy: 13.5 kWh (AC)
- Continuous output (AC): Up to 11.04 kW (model-dependent)
- Solar input (STC): Up to 20 kW DC (integrated inverter)
- MPPTs: 3 (ideal for multiple roof orientations: east/west/north)
- PV DC input voltage range: 60–550 V DC
- PV DC MPPT voltage range: 60–480 V DC
- Motor start (surge): 185 A LRA load start capability
- Best fit: Higher-load homes — helps keep more circuits running during outages
- Backup modes: Whole-home or partial-home backup (depends on switchboard design + load priorities)
- Islanding device (AU/NZ): Backup Gateway 2
- Expansion: Add Powerwall 3 Expansion units for longer backup time
- Grid type: Single phase, 230 VAC, 50 Hz
- Mounting: Floor or wall mount
- Rated for: Indoor/outdoor installation
- IP ratings (AU datasheet): IP67 (battery & power electronics), IP55 (wiring compartment)
- Size (H × W × D): 1105 × 609 × 193 mm
- Weight: 130 kg
- Operating temperature: –20°C to 50°C (may derate above 40°C)
- Monitoring & controls: Managed through the Tesla app (monitoring, energy flows, control modes)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), Ethernet, LTE/4G (cellular typically acts as backup)
- Warranty: 10 years
What each spec means (plain English)
Usable energy (kWh): How much electricity the battery can actually store and use. Bigger number = runs your home longer.
Continuous output (kW): How much power it can supply at once, continuously. Bigger number = more appliances can run at the same time.
Solar input (STC) (kW DC): The maximum solar power it can accept under standard test conditions (a benchmark). Bigger number = it can handle more solar coming in.
MPPTs: Solar “tracking channels” that optimise power from panel groups. More MPPTs = better results when panels face different directions or have different shading.
PV DC input voltage range: The safe voltage range from solar panels into the unit (important for correct system design).
PV DC MPPT voltage range: The voltage “sweet spot” where the solar tracking performs best.
185 A LRA (motor start/surge): How well it handles big start-up bursts from appliances like air conditioners, pumps, or fridges. Higher rating = fewer issues starting heavy loads.
Best fit: higher-load homes: Suits homes that use more power at once (bigger families, more air con, pool equipment, EV charging, etc.).
Backup modes (whole-home vs partial-home):
- Whole-home: backs up most or all circuits
- Partial-home: backs up essential circuits only (lights, fridge, internet, key power points)
Your switchboard setup and priorities decide what’s possible.
Backup Gateway 2 (islanding device): The controller that safely disconnects your home from the grid during a blackout so the battery can power your home without feeding power back into the street.
Expansion units: Extra battery modules that increase storage (more storage = longer backup and more night-time usage from solar).
+13.5 kWh per Expansion: Each expansion adds more “battery tank size” for longer runtime.
Up to 3 Expansion units: Limits how many extra modules can attach to one main unit.
Up to 4 Powerwall 3 units supported: Multiple full units can be installed for more total power + storage (final limits depend on design and local rules).
Single phase, 230 VAC, 50 Hz: Standard electricity supply for most Australian homes.
Mounting (floor or wall): Flexible installation based on space and wall structure.
Indoor/outdoor rated: Designed for outdoor installation (with correct placement and installer compliance).
IP67 / IP55: Water/dust protection ratings — built to handle weather exposure; some compartments have different protection levels.
Size & weight: Helps plan where it will fit and what mounting/support is needed.
Operating temperature: Designed to operate in that temperature range; in extreme heat it may reduce output to protect itself.
Tesla app monitoring: Track solar production, battery level, home usage, and control operating modes from your phone.
Connectivity (Wi-Fi/Ethernet/LTE): How it stays connected for monitoring and updates; LTE is typically a backup if your internet drops.
Warranty: The product coverage period (10 years) under Tesla’s warranty terms.