Tesla Powerwall 2
Buyers Guide

A guide to the popular Tesla Powerwall 2 battery.

The Tesla Powerwall 2 has proven to be one of the most popular home battery storage systems in Australia.

The vector image shows a Tesla Powerwall 2 battery next to a heading that reads 'Tesla Powerwall 2: A complete guide'.

In late 2025, the Tesla Powerwall 2 was discontinued in Australia. Tesla didn't seek renewal for its appearance on the Clean Energy Council's 'Approved batteries' list.

The Powerwall 2 was also subject to a battery recall in September 2025.

The good news is that the Tesla Powerwall 3 - a new and improved version of the Powerwall 2 - is available and free of any issues.

Since its Australian launch back in February 2017, Tesla has commanded a sizeable portion of Australia’s residential battery storage sales. As of January 2026, the Tesla Powerwall 3 remains one of the best home battery storage systems on the market.

Tesla Powerwall 2 recall

In a product safety notice published on 16th September 2025, the Australian Competition and Consumer (ACCC) issued a recall on selected Tesla Powerwall 2 units.

The concern is that 'Tesla has identified certain lithium-ion battery cells from a third-party supplier in a subset of Powerwall 2 systems that may fail and overheat'.

Some issues of minor damage had been reported to Tesla, but importantly, no injuries.

Check if your battery is part of the recall

Tesla has reportedly been able to discharge the affected batteries remotely. However, you can check if your unit is part of the recall via the Tesla App.

In addition to the App notification, a certified Tesla installer will make contact via phone or email.

Affected batteries replaced at no cost

According to Tesla, any batteries subject to recall will be replaced at no cost.

For full details on the issue, you can visit the Tesla Powerwall 2 replacement webpage.

Powerwall 2 overview

The Powerwall 2 is a single-phase, AC-coupled battery that can connect to your home's electrical system separately from solar panels and work with almost any existing solar inverter.

Debuting in 2016 as a replacement for the short-lived Powerwall 1, the 13.5kW Powerwall 2 quickly became the benchmark for home battery storage, setting the standard that other manufacturers have tried to match.

Lauded for its futuristic styling, rock-solid performance, and seamless integration with most existing residential solar systems, the Powerwall 2 continues to be a sound battery for consumers that have installed one.

Its reliability, ease of use, and ability to provide backup power during outages have set it apart in an increasingly crowded market.

Tesla Powerwall 2 specifications

The infographic image explains the key specs of the Tesla Powerwall 2 battery, including: 1. 13.5 kWh capacity, 2. 5kW Continuous power, 3. AC coupled and 4. A 10-year warranty.

The table below outlines all of the specifications of the Tesla Powerwall 2 battery.

Specification Detail
Energy Capacity 13.5 kWh usable energy storage​
Power Output 5 kW continuous, 7 kW peak (burst output)​
Round-Trip Efficiency ~90% (AC charge/discharge efficiency)​
Dimensions 1150 mm × 753 mm × 147 mm (about 45.3″ × 29.6″ × 5.8″)​
Warranty 10 years manufacturer warranty​

Tesla Powerwall 2 pricing trends

The Tesla Powerwall 2 launched in Australia in February 2017 with an introductory price of $9,600, which did not include installation. Since then, prices have fluctuated significantly.

Just like Tesla’s car prices, the cost of the Tesla batteries has fluctuated in line with a range of different factors such as global supply chain, material costs, as well as the various state and now federal battery rebates and incentives.

Year Price (AUD) Key factors
Feb-17 $9,000  Launch price with competitive $/kWh
Feb-18 $9,600  Strong demand
Oct-18 $12,250 - $12,350 Increased production costs, Tesla prioritising Model 3
Jul-19 $11,700  Partial rollback of 2018 increase
Oct-20 $12,500  Supply chain challenges & currency fluctuations
Feb-21 $13,300  Global chip shortage, high demand
May-21 $12,750  Short-term cost reduction
Mar-22 $13,700  Rising lithium & battery costs
May-22 $14,650  Continued inflation in material costs
Oct-22 $16,230 - $16,500 Peak price due to supply issues, high demand
Feb-23 $14,599  Supply chain improvements, better foreign exchange rates
Apr-23 $12,900  Further cost reductions & Tesla promotions
Mid-2023 $12,100 ‚ $11,350 (w/ rebate) Tesla rebate reduces effective price
Late 2023 - 2025 $9,000 - $10,400 Tesla adjusting pricing ahead of Powerwall 3 release

Powerwall 2 prices peaked back in October 2022 at around $16,500 as inflation in lithium and supply shortages took their toll.

Following the launch of the Powerwall 3 in August 2024, Powerwall 2 prices steadily crept back to launch prices of $9,000 - $10,400 for the unit only. The cost to have a Powerwall 2 installed was closer to $15,000. Since the inception of the battery rebate, the price of solar batteries in Australia has dropped significantly.

Powerwall 2 pros & cons

Despite the recent recall, the Tesla Powerwall 2 remains one of the best batteries due to its reliability, performance and ability to provide backup power.

Pros

  • Strong Performance - 13.5 kWh of usable storage capacity and 5 kW continuous (7 kW peak) output.
  • Reliable – 10-year warranty and proven low degradation over time.
  • Compatibility – the Powerwall 2 is an AC-coupled unit which works with most existing solar systems.
  • Effective backup power - Provides near-instant (~1-second) battery backup during power outages.

Cons

  • Price – Despite later price drops, the Powerwall 2 remained at the high end of the market in terms of price.
  • Single phase – While it can be used in a 3-phase home, the Powerwall 2 does not produce a 3-phase output.
  • Size – Weighing in at 114 kg and with large H x W x D dimensions makes the Powerwall 2 one of the larger units for its output.

Powerwall 2 discontinued

Tesla is no longer continuing supply of the Powerwall 2.

For existing Powerwall 2 owners and those looking to purchase a new Powerwall 3 in 2026, discontinuation of the Powerwall 2 is unlikely to cause any real issues. Tesla's 10-year warranty on the Powerwall 2 remains in place, which means that units are still covered for repairs and replacements under warranty for the lifespan of the battery.

Buyers interested in purchasing a Powerwall must now choose the Powerwall 3.

Tesla Powerwall 2 alternatives

After eight years and two generations, the Powerwall 2 was one of the best battery storage options on the market.

In that time, brand sentiment towards Tesla has shifted dramatically (and continues to do so), and we’ve seen an influx of newer and cheaper options enter the market. So, for buyers that may be considering a Powerwall, what are the other options? We’ve compiled three of the most popular alternatives to the Powerwall 2 below with specs and pricing information.

Details LG Energy RESU16H sonnenBatterie Evo (10) BYD Battery
Storage Capacity 16 kWh 11 kWh  13.8 kWh
Power Output (Continuous / Peak) 16 kWh 10 kWh 13.8 kWh
Battery Type Lithium-ion (NMC)​ Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)​ Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)​
Compatibility with Solar DC-coupled AC-coupled (has built-in inverter)​ DC-coupled
Backup Power Yes – when paired with a hybrid inverter Yes – built-in backup Yes – via hybrid inverter
Warranty 10 Year 10 Year 10 Year
Approx. Price (AUD) $12,650 $9,500 $10,800

Wrapping up the Tesla Powerwall 2

The Powerwall 2 was available in Australia for almost eight years. During this time, the market was flooded with a whole host of new, cheaper alternatives from new and existing manufacturers. Despite increased competition, the Powerwall 2 continued to be a popular choice for those looking for a home battery.

For Tesla devotees, there are not many differences between Powerwall 2 vs 3, but the Powerwall 3’s integrated inverter and higher power output at a similar price point will likely appeal to homeowners.

Buyers interested in the now discontinued Powerwall 2, should shift their focus to the new and improved Powerwall 3. Tesla will continue to honour the 10-year warranty of the Powerwall 2 which guarantees 70% of its usable capacity at the end of the warranty period.

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