The Tesla Powerwall 3 is a powerful energy storage system, but like any major investment, it’s important to understand its lifespan, warranty coverage, and care requirements.
In short: can this solar battery go the distance? How long will it last?
At Penrith Solar Centre, we install the Tesla Powerwall 3 every day. We know a few things about the longevity of Powerwall. In this article, you’ll learn how long you can expect Powerwall 3 to last, what the warranty covers, and how to maintain your battery for optimal performance.
- What is the Lifespan of Tesla Powerwall 3?
- Tesla Powerwall 3 Warranty Overview
- Care and Maintenance Tips for Powerwall 3
Whether you’re considering purchasing a Powerwall or already have one installed, this guide will help you make the most out of your system.
What is the Lifespan of Tesla Powerwall 3?
The warranty for the Tesla Powerwall 3 is 10 years. It must be connected to the internet. We do this with every installation.
To secure the full 10-year warranty, internet connectivity allows for remote firmware updates from Tesla. If the battery is not connected or is interrupted for an extended period, and Tesla is unable to contact you, the warranty may be limited to 4 years.
We estimate that you’ll be able to get a few years beyond that warranted period depending on how you use your Powerwall. In some cases, a Powerwall 3 might last 15 years or longer.
LFP cells, which are in the Powerwall, are known to have a longer lifespan than other batteries out there. We’re not definitely saying that this will last 15 years, but it will have a few years beyond the warranted period of use at a lesser capacity. This estimate is based on regular use and the environment in which it was installed.
Tesla designs its batteries to handle thousands of charge and discharge cycles. How often this happens affects the lifespan. But there are other factors. Let’s look at them.
What Affects the Lifespan of Powerwall 3?
There are a few things that will impact how long your Powerwall will last.
Environmental Conditions: Extreme heat and cold will reduce the Powerwall’s performance and longevity. Tesla recommends installing the battery in a cool, dry place where the temperature will remain around 20°C – 25°C. It’s rated to work in extreme temperatures between -20°C and 50°C.
Please keep in mind that operating Powerwall near these temperature extremes will cause wear. Extreme heat and cold causes chemical reactions in the battery that will cause it to degrade fast.
Degradation Over Time: When it comes to solar batteries, the elephant in the room is how much a battery will naturally degrade over time. It’s a normal part of the lifespan of a battery. They degrade slightly every year.
Tesla guarantees that the battery will retain at least 70% of its capacity after 10 years of normal use. “Normal use” in this instance is the daily charge and discharge cycling of your battery.
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.
Tesla Powerwall 3 Warranty Overview
As we mentioned, Tesla offers a 10-year warranty for the Powerwall 3. This warranty covers the product and battery performance.
Coverage:
- Performance: 70% of its original capacity by the end of 10 years, provided it’s used and maintained according to Tesla guidelines.
- Product: it covers defects in materials, so if your Powerwall fails because of manufacturing issues, Tesla will repair or replace it.
Performance Guarantee:
- Tesla guarantees that the Powerwall can handle unlimited cycles during the warranty period. The warranty applies whether you’re a daily user or just an occasional user.
What’s Not Covered?
The warranty does not cover damage caused by poor installation, misuse, or environmental factors like flooding or exposure to extremes. Because normal wear and tear leads to gradual degradation of the battery, it’s not eligible for warranty claims unless it falls below 70% within 10 years.
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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Care and Maintenance Tips for Powerwall 3
Proper care and maintenance can extend the lifespan of Powerwall 3. There’s no rule that says the battery needs to be replaced every 10 years. The following tips will help you get quality performance for 10 to possibly 15 years or longer.
Choose the Right Installation Location:
Powerwall 3 is best to be installed out of direct sunlight, like a garage or a shady patio. If you live in an environment with extreme weather (like the summer heat of Penrith), you need to take that into consideration before installing the battery.
Monitor Your Energy Usage:
Apps like the one Tesla offers are great for programming and tracking your energy use. Using the Tesla App regularly and properly will help extend the lifespan of your battery. Program it to charge and discharge within a healthy range, like leaving 20% in reserve at all times.
Regular Inspections:
The Powerwall 3 doesn’t really require much maintenance. It’s a great idea to occasionally inspect it for damage. If you notice anything unusual, you should contact your installer or Tesla customer support. Please remember to check the grate at the bottom of the unit for debris or anything that obstructs ventilation airflow.
Update Firmware Regularly:
This is where the internet connection comes in handy. Tesla frequently releases updates to improve performance. Make sure your Powerwall is connected to your home Wi-Fi so it can receive updates as they’re rolled out.
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.
Wire Not Invest in Powerwall 3?
The Tesla Powerwall 3 is a great solar battery that’s warranted for 10 years. While it’s relatively low maintenance, following Tesla’s care guidelines can help you extend the life of your Powerwall 3.
At Penrith Solar Centre, we understand that Powerwall 3 is a strong investment. We wouldn’t be installing it otherwise. By understanding its lifespan, warranty, and maintenance needs, you can make the most of this cutting-edge solar technology.
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?
