Tesla Powerwall 3: What We Like… and a Few Things We Don’t
- hannahharvey2
- Nov 18, 2025
- 3 min read
We’ve installed a lot of home batteries over the years, and the Tesla Powerwall 3 really stands out. Here’s a quick look at what we love — and a few things that could be better.
What We Like
1. All-in-One, Sleek Design
Everything’s in one compact unit — no messy inverter box cluttering your wall.
IP67 weather rating means it’s fully dustproof and can withstand temporary submersion, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor installation.
Neat and professional on the wall.
2. Flexible Power Options
Can run as 3.68kW or scale up to 11kW, fitting small homes or large setups.
Compatible with single-phase or three-phase homes.
3. Simplified Grid Connection
DC-coupled systems under 7kW can be fast-tracked by the DNO in 10 working days, making installation smoother.
4. G100 Export Limiting & Remote Meter
Lets you limit and monitor exports to comply with grid requirements.
Ensures safe, efficient operation alongside your solar generation.
⚡Charge & Discharge Performance at a Glance
The Powerwall 3 is flexible depending on your setup:
Single unit: continuous charge up to 5kW
Two or more units: continuous charge scales to 8kW
Continuous discharge: up to 11kW
Peak discharge during grid outages: up to 15.4kW
💡 Tip: A Gateway is no longer always required — the G100-approved remote meter allows cheaper installs for setups that don’t require full backup.
🔌 National Grid & G100 – What Does It Actually Mean?
Connecting a Powerwall 3 to the National Grid may involve export restrictions:
G100 Export Limitation Scheme (ELS) caps your exports if the local grid cannot handle your system’s full output.
The remote meter ensures accurate monitoring and export control.
⚠️ Important: Non-backup operation is currently unavailable when G100 is required, meaning backup may need to be enabled via a Tesla Gateway.
5. Impressive Battery Capacity
13.5kWh inbuilt storage powers appliances, EV chargers, heating, or business equipment when solar isn’t generating.
6. Scalable Storage
Add up to 3 expansion packs (13.5kWh each) for total storage of 54kWh.
Perfect for heavy energy users or small businesses.
7. Backup Power
Optional Tesla Gateway enables full backup during outages.
Limit to essential loads to prevent rapid battery depletion.
8. Smart Monitoring
Tesla app gives real-time visibility of production, storage, and consumption.
9. Reusable Returnable Packaging
Tesla has moved to returnable, reusable packaging, reducing waste and improving sustainability.
❌ Things We Don’t Like
1. Heavy & Non-Modular
Weighs as much as a baby elephant 🐘!
Non-modular design makes moving or installing tricky.
2. Backup Limited to One Phase
Only a single phase is backed up, limiting power in three-phase properties.
3. Restrictive Cable Entry
Routing cables into the Gateway is less flexible than we’d like.
4. Expansion Packs Cost Extra
Each 13.5kWh expansion pack adds to the overall cost.
📌 Bottom Line
The Tesla Powerwall 3 is a future-proof energy solution:
Sleek, integrated design
Scalable storage up to 54kWh
Fast-track grid approvals up to 7kW
Smart monitoring and control
Eco-friendly packaging
Minor quirks like weight, one-phase backup, restrictive cable entry, and extra expansion costs don’t outweigh the benefits.
🌟 Ready to Take Control of Your Energy?
If you’re in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Brecon, Bridgend, Carmarthenshire, or Cardiff, Limitless Energy Installs can help you get the most out of your Tesla Powerwall 3.
From professional installation, fast-track grid approvals, to smart monitoring and backup setup, we make it simple to future-proof your home or business.
📞 Get in touch today on 01792361638 for a free quote and see how the Powerwall 3 can work for you!
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