You might be looking into solar for the first time. Maybe you’ve heard of the Tesla Powerwall. Now you’re wondering, “If I get a Powerwall, do I also get solar panels with it?”
This question is smart because it shows you’re thinking about the whole picture. Many people assume that the Powerwall comes as part of an entire solar system. The truth is, it does, and it doesn’t.
We know that sounds confusing, but because this battery can be installed in two different ways, there are two different answers.
At PSC Energy, we’ve spoken to many homeowners across Australia who felt confused after looking at solar ads. Some felt misled. Others just didn’t know where to start. You’re not alone in feeling like the information out there is full of gaps.
In this article, you’ll learn about the following:
- Do I Need Solar Panels for the Tesla Powerwall?
- Understanding the Tesla Powerwall 3
- Can You Use a Tesla Powerwall Without Solar Panels?
- Buying Options for the Tesla Powerwall 3
- What Does a Tesla Powerwall 3 Cost?
- Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings for Tesla Powerwall 3
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what the Tesla Powerwall is, what it includes, what it doesn’t, and what that means for you.
Do I Need Solar Panels for the Tesla Powerwall?
The Tesla Powerwall does not come with solar panels. It is a home battery. Its job is to store energy, not to create it. If you want solar panels, you need to buy them separately.
Some people get confused because Tesla sells complete energy systems. In Australia, Tesla works with approved installers who can provide a package that includes both the Powerwall and solar panels. But the Powerwall itself is only the battery. It does not include panels or any other parts of a solar system.
Think of it like this. If solar panels are the stove, the Powerwall is the fridge. The panels make the energy, just like the stove cooks food. The Powerwall stores the energy, like the refrigerator stores the food. You need both to get the full benefit, but one doesn’t come with the other.
You can buy the Powerwall on its own. You can also add it to a solar system you already have. But if you don’t already have solar panels, you will need to buy those too.
Fortunately, we’re bundling Powerwall 3 with AIKO solar panels at PSC Energy. We’ll get into this in a minute.
If you’d like to learn more about Tesla products, we recommend you check out the following article titled, Tesla Powerwall 3 Review: An In-Depth Look at Tesla’s New Solar Battery.
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Understanding the Tesla Powerwall 3
The Tesla Powerwall is a rechargeable battery made for homes and small businesses. It stores energy so you can use it later. You can charge it with solar power or electricity from the grid.
The Powerwall helps you use more of your own energy. During the day, your solar panels make power. If you don’t use it all, that energy normally returns to the grid. But with a Powerwall, you can store that extra power instead and use it at night or during a blackout.
Here are some key facts about the Tesla Powerwall:
- It holds up to 13.5 kWh of energy. For most homes in Australia, that’s enough to run the house through the night.
- It has a 10-year warranty.
- It works with most solar systems and inverters.
- It runs automatically. You don’t need to turn it on or manage it.
- It has a built-in inverter, which helps lower installation costs.
It also has an app that shows how much energy your home is making, using, and storing. This makes it easy to track your energy and feel more in control of your usage.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how to set up and use the Tesla App, you might want to check out the following article titled, How to Set Up and Use the Tesla Powerwall App.
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Can You Use a Tesla Powerwall Without Solar Panels?
Solar panels and the Powerwall work best when they’re together, but they do different things.
Solar panels make electricity when the sun is out. The Powerwall stores the electricity so you can use it later.
If you only have solar panels, you’ll use solar power during the day, but at night, you’ll need to buy power from the grid. If you only have a Powerwall with no panels, you’ll have to charge it with grid electricity, which costs money.
Powerwall and solar panels let you produce, store, and consume your homegrown electrons. This can lower your power bill and protect you during blackouts.
In Australia, most people install both at the same time. Some people add a Powerwall later to an existing solar system. That works too, but you may need to upgrade your inverter or wiring depending on what you already have.
If you already have solar panels, you can connect them to a Powerwall. Just make sure your installer checks if your system is compatible. It should be.
If you don’t have solar panels yet, you will need to buy those separately. You’ll also need other parts of the system, like:
- Mounting gear
- Switchboard upgrades
- Installation labour
Tesla does not sell solar panels in Australia directly. Instead, it works with approved installers like PSC Energy, who can offer solar and Powerwall as one system.
If you’d like to learn a bit more about the Powerwall 3, you might want to check out the following article titled, Powerwall 3: Is It Worth It?
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Buying Options for the Tesla Powerwall 3
If you buy the Powerwall on its own, you’ll need to make sure your home setup can support it. This means checking your switchboard, solar inverter, and battery location.
A certified installer like PSC Energy will do this for you. We will also handle the installation and set up the app on your phone.
If you don’t have solar panels, you can buy a complete solar and battery package from someone like us. This is often the easier option. It means you get everything at once. We will design a system that fits your home, install the panels, install the Powerwall, and connect it all together.
Tesla itself does not handle the sale or installation directly in Australia. Instead, it lists certified installers. These companies are trained to work with Tesla’s equipment and meet Tesla’s quality standards. PSC Energy is one of these installers.
When you talk to an installer, ask them:
- Does your quote include both solar and the Powerwall?
- What brand of solar panels do you use?
- What’s the full price for everything?
- Do you handle the grid connection paperwork?
- What are the warranty terms?
You want a clear answer to what’s included, what’s not, and what it will cost.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the NSW solar battery rebate, you might want to check out the following article titled, Everything You Need to Know About the Home Battery Rebate for NSW.
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What Does a Tesla Powerwall 3 Cost?
A Tesla Powerwall by itself costs $13,600 in Australia. This price includes the battery, the Gateway 2, which assists the Powerwall when the grid goes down but does not include installation. The final price will change based on where you live, how complex your setup is, and which installer you choose.
It’s important to get a detailed quote. Ask your installer to show the cost of each part. That way, you know what you’re paying for the Powerwall, the panels, and the labour.
If you’d like to learn more about the price of a Powerwall 3, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Much Does a Tesla Powerwall 3 Cost?
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Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings for Tesla Powerwall 3
Many people misunderstand what the Tesla Powerwall does and what it includes. This can lead to costly mistakes. Here are the most common ones to avoid.
Mistake 1: Thinking the Powerwall makes electricity: The Powerwall does not make electricity. It only stores it. You need solar panels to produce power. If you install a Powerwall without solar, it will charge from the grid, which costs money and defeats the purpose for most people.
Mistake 2: Assuming solar panels are included: Tesla does not sell solar panels in Australia. The Powerwall does not come with panels. You need to buy those separately through an installer. Always check if your quote includes both battery and solar.
Mistake 3: Buying from a non-certified installer: Not all installers are trained to work with Tesla equipment. You might not get the Tesla warranty or support if your installer is not SAA certified (Solar Accreditation Australia). Always choose a certified Tesla installer like PSC Energy.
Mistake 4: Not checking your current system: If you already have solar, you need to make sure your system can support a Powerwall. Some older systems may need upgrades. Your inverter might not be compatible, or your wiring may not handle the added load.
Mistake 5: Ignoring your energy use: Some homes use more energy than one Powerwall can store. If your usage is high, you might need two batteries or a bigger solar system. Always look at your power bills before choosing your system size.
You can make better choices and get more value from your setup when you avoid these mistakes.
If you’d like to learn more about Tesla products and their potential problems, we recommend you check out the following article titled, Problems with Powerwall 3.
Your Next Step with Powerwall
To get the most from a Tesla Powerwall, you need a complete system that fits your home and how you use power. That means thinking about more than just the battery. You need to look at your energy use, your roof size, and whether your current setup needs upgrades.
The best next step is to speak to a trusted installer who can explain everything clearly. PSC Energy is a certified Tesla installer in Australia. We can look at your home, design a system that fits, and give you a quote that shows precisely what’s included. That way, there are no surprises.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the federal solar rebate, also known as the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, you might want to check out the following article titled, What the 2025 Federal Election and the Government Rebate Means for Solar Batteries in Australia.
