Tesla Powerwall 3: Specs, Backup Power and Rebates (2026)

What it does, what it can back up, and which rebates it qualifies for in Canada and the US. Specs from Tesla's datasheet. Last checked October 3, 2026.

By Sam Menard

Short answer: The Tesla Powerwall 3 stores 13.5 kWh and delivers up to 11.5 kW of continuous power per unit. It has a solar inverter built in, so it suits new solar and battery systems. It gets no BC Hydro battery rebate. Ontario, Massachusetts and parts of California do have battery programs; check that this model is on each program's list.

How it works

Powerwall 3 is a battery and a solar inverter in one box. Your panels plug straight into it, so a new solar-plus-battery system needs one less piece of equipment. It uses DC coupling: solar power can charge the battery without being converted to AC and back first.

Tesla Powerwall 3 specs

Usable energy	13.5 kWh per unit
Continuous power	Up to 11.5 kW (installer can set 5.8, 7.6, 10 or 11.5 kW)
Starting big motors	Up to 185 LRA (a measure of the motors it can start, like AC compressors). Tesla says one unit covers most homes' needs.
Built-in solar inverter	Yes: up to 20 kW of panels, 6 inputs (MPPTs)
Efficiency, solar to battery to home	89%
How big it can grow	Up to 4 Powerwall 3 units, plus up to 3 Expansion packs (13.5 kWh each); 7 units total
Operating temperature	-20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F)
Install location	Indoor or outdoor, wall or floor
Size and weight	1105 × 609 × 193 mm; 132 kg installed
Warranty	10 years

Source: Tesla Powerwall 3 Datasheet (2025). Specs can change between versions; ask your installer for the current datasheet.

What can it back up?

Two numbers matter. kWh is how much energy it stores (how long it lasts). kW is how much it can power at once (how many things run together).

One unit stores 13.5 kWh; two store 27 kWh.
One unit can run 11.5 kW at once. A fridge, lights, internet and furnace fan together use about 1 kW. Central AC can use 3 to 5 kW while running, and more for a moment when it starts.

Who it's best for

New solar and battery systems, since the inverter is built in.
Homes that want whole-home backup, including central AC or a well pump, from a single unit.
Homes that may add more storage later with Expansion packs.

Watch out for

It's big and heavy (132 kg). Plan where it goes before you sign.
If you already have solar with its own inverter, ask your installer how it will connect.
In BC, it gets no BC Hydro battery rebate (see below).

Tesla Powerwall 3 rebates by province and state

Where	Program	Amount	Rules
British Columbia	BC Hydro battery rebate	$0 for Powerwall 3	Max 50% of cost. Battery must be on BC Hydro's qualified list. Battery-only installs need Peak Saver. Powerwall 3: Not eligible.
Ontario	Home Renovation Savings	$300 per kWh, up to $5,000	Max 50% of cost. You can't also sign a net-metering agreement with your utility.
Massachusetts	ConnectedSolutions	About $1,375 a year for a 5 kW battery	Paid for letting your utility use the battery during summer peak events. Mass Save's 0% HEAT Loan (up to $25,000) can cover a battery enrolled in ConnectedSolutions.
California	SMUD My Energy Optimizer Partner+	$300 per kWh, up to $6,000	SMUD customers on the Solar and Storage Rate; enroll within 90 days of permission to operate. Tesla is on SMUD's list of eligible battery brands.
California	SGIP (Self-Generation Incentive Program)	Depends on your tier	Mainly for income-qualified homes, medical baseline customers and high fire-threat areas.
California	Pasadena Water and Power pilot	Up to $550 per kWh	PWP residential customers; limited funds.

There's no battery rebate on file for Nova Scotia, and the US federal 30% credit for batteries you own ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025.

In BC: Tesla batteries have been off BC Hydro's rebate list since March 12, 2025, so Powerwall 3 gets $0 from the BC Hydro battery rebate. It can still earn Peak Saver bill credits if you enroll it. Source.

Powerwall 3 vs other home batteries

	Tesla Powerwall 3	Enphase IQ Battery 5P	Eguana Evolve	FranklinWH aPower 2
Storage per unit	13.5 kWh	5 kWh	14 kWh	15 kWh
Continuous power per unit	11.5 kW	3.84 kW	5 kW	10 kW
Solar inverter	Built in (up to 20 kW solar)	No (AC coupled, works with any solar)	No (AC coupled, works with your solar inverter)	No (AC coupled, works with any solar)
Warranty	10 years	15 years	10 years (60% capacity, pro-rated)	15 years or 60 MWh
BC Hydro rebate	Not eligible	Check the list	Check the list	Check the list

Full guides: Enphase IQ Battery 5P · Eguana Evolve · FranklinWH aPower 2.

Common questions

How long will a Powerwall 3 power my home in an outage?

It depends on what you run. A fridge, lights, internet and a furnace fan might use about 1 kW, so one 13.5 kWh unit could last around 12 hours with no solar (allowing for losses). Central AC or electric heat drains it much faster. With solar, the battery refills during the day.

Does the Tesla Powerwall 3 work in the cold?

It's rated to operate down to -20°C (-4°F). In places with colder winters, installers often put it in a garage or basement.

Can I get a rebate for the Tesla Powerwall 3 in BC?

Tesla batteries have been off BC Hydro's rebate list since March 12, 2025, so Powerwall 3 gets $0 from the BC Hydro battery rebate. It can still earn Peak Saver bill credits if you enroll it.