When considering home energy storage solutions in Australia, the Tesla Powerwall and SolarEdge Home Battery are two prominent options. Both offer unique features and benefits tailored to different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which system aligns best with your energy requirements.
Overview of Tesla Powerwall and SolarEdge Battery
Tesla Powerwall
The Tesla Powerwall is a lithium-ion battery designed to store energy for residential use. It integrates seamlessly with solar panels, storing excess energy for use during peak times or outages. Key features include:
- Capacity: 13.5 kWh of usable energy.
- Continuous Power Output: 5 kW.
- Peak Power Output: 7 kW for short durations.
- Warranty: 10 years with a guaranteed 70% capacity retention.
SolarEdge Home Battery
Introduced in Australia in March 2022, the SolarEdge Home Battery is designed to work exclusively with SolarEdge inverters, offering a cohesive energy storage solution. Key features include:
- Capacity: 9.7 kWh of usable energy.
- Continuous Power Output: 5 kW.
- Peak Power Output: 7.5 kW for short durations.
- Warranty: 10 years with a guaranteed 70% capacity retention.
Compatibility and Integration
Existing Solar Systems
- Tesla Powerwall: Compatible with most existing solar panel systems, making it a versatile choice for retrofitting.
- SolarEdge Home Battery: Requires a SolarEdge inverter, which may necessitate additional upgrades if your current system uses a different inverter brand.
New Installations
- Tesla Powerwall: Suitable for new installations, especially if you prefer an AC-coupled system.
- SolarEdge Home Battery: Ideal for new installations with SolarEdge inverters, offering streamlined integration and potentially higher efficiency due to DC coupling.
Solar Edge and Tesla Powerwall – Efficiency and Performance
- Tesla Powerwall: As an AC-coupled system, it involves multiple energy conversions, which can result in slightly lower efficiency compared to DC-coupled systems.
- SolarEdge Home Battery: Being DC-coupled, it reduces the number of energy conversions, potentially offering higher overall efficiency.
Availability and Customer Support
- Tesla Powerwall: High demand can lead to availability challenges. Customer service experiences vary, with some users reporting longer response times.
- SolarEdge Home Battery: Generally more readily available in the Australian market, with a reputation for responsive customer support.
Pricing Considerations
Pricing for both systems varies based on installation specifics and market conditions. The Tesla Powerwall typically has a higher upfront cost due to its larger capacity. However, it’s essential to consider potential savings from efficiency, compatibility, and available incentives.
Tesla Powerwall 3
- Battery Price: The Tesla Powerwall 3 is priced at approximately AUD 11,900.
- Backup Gateway: An additional AUD 1,700 is required for the Backup Gateway, essential for grid integration and backup functionalities.
- Total Equipment Cost: Approximately AUD 13,600, excluding installation.
- Installation Costs: Installation fees can vary based on system complexity and location but are generally expected to bring the total installed cost to around AUD 15,000.
Also read: Tesla Powerwall 3 vs Tesla Powerwall 2
SolarEdge Battery
- Battery Price: The SolarEdge Home Battery (10 kWh model) is available for approximately AUD 15,599.
- Installation Costs: Installation fees are additional and can vary depending on the specific requirements of the system and location.
Comparison Between Powerwall vs SolarEdge Battery
| Feature | Tesla Powerwall | SolarEdge Home Battery |
| Manufacturer | Tesla (USA) | SolarEdge (Israel) |
| First Released | 2015 | 2022 |
| Price (approx.) | $16,000 + installation (before rebates) | $13,000 + installation (before rebates) |
| Battery Size | 14 kWh | 10 kWh |
| Usable Storage | 13.5 kWh | 9.7 kWh |
| Continuous Power | 5 kW | 5 kW |
| Compatible with Any Solar Inverter? | Yes | No (Works only with SolarEdge inverters) |
| Compatibility with Solar Systems | Can be retrofitted to most existing systems | Only compatible with SolarEdge solar systems |
| AC or DC Coupled | AC-Coupled (includes built-in battery inverter) | DC-Coupled (requires external inverter) |
| Oversizing Capability | Limited (up to 133% of inverter capacity) | More flexibility (e.g., up to 10 kW with a 5 kW inverter) |
| Efficiency (Round-Trip) | 85% | 94.50% |
| Backup for Single-Phase Homes | Yes | Yes |
| Backup for Three-Phase Properties | Yes (but only backs up one phase) | Yes (but only backs up one phase) |
| Charging During Blackouts | Yes (for single-phase homes only) | Yes (for single-phase homes only) |
| Warranty | 10 years with unlimited cycles; 70% capacity retention at 10 years | 10 years with unlimited cycles; 70% capacity retention at 10 years |
| Noise Level | < 40 dBA at 30°C | < 25 dBA at 1m distance |
| Weight | 114 kg | 121 kg |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 753 x 1150 x 147 mm | 790 x 1179 x 250 mm |
| Operating Temperature Range | -20°C to +50°C | -10°C to +50°C |
| Add-On Batteries | Yes | Yes |
| Installation Location | Indoor or outdoor | Indoor or outdoor |
| Mounting | Floor or wall mount | Floor or wall mount |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) | Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) |
| Fire Safety | Liquid thermal control to seal unstable cells | Built-in fire extinguisher and temperature sensors |
| Government Rebates Eligible | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Power Plant Compatible | Yes | Yes |
Choosing the Right Battery for Your Home
When deciding between the Tesla Powerwall and SolarEdge Home Battery, consider the following:
- Existing Infrastructure: If you have an existing solar system with a non-SolarEdge inverter, the Tesla Powerwall offers broader compatibility.
- System Efficiency: For new installations aiming for higher efficiency, the SolarEdge Home Battery’s DC-coupled design may be advantageous.
- Availability: If immediate installation is a priority, the SolarEdge Home Battery might be more readily available.
- Budget: Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including installation, potential inverter upgrades, and long-term savings.
Conclusion
Both the Tesla Powerwall and SolarEdge Home Battery are robust energy storage solutions suitable for Australian homes. Your choice should align with your existing solar infrastructure, efficiency preferences, budget, and availability considerations. Consulting with a reputable installer like Isolux Solar can provide personalized insights tailored to your specific needs.
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