Tesla Powerwall 3 and Enphase IQ batteries are two of the most popular home batteries in Australia, and we install both. They are very different products, so the right choice depends on your home. Here is how they compare.
Quick comparison
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | Enphase IQ Battery 5P | |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | 13.5 kWh per unit | 5 kWh per unit |
| Power output | Up to about 11 kW continuous | 3.84 kW continuous, 7.68 kW peak per unit |
| Solar inverter | Built in | Works with Enphase microinverters |
| Expansion | Up to 3 expansion units | Add units in 5 kWh steps |
| Chemistry | Lithium iron phosphate | Lithium iron phosphate |
| Warranty | 10 years | 15 years |
| Backup | Whole home with backup gateway | With Enphase system controller |
Tesla Powerwall 3: lots of storage and power in one box
The Powerwall 3 packs 13.5 kWh of storage and a built-in solar inverter into one unit. It can run big loads like ducted air conditioning, ovens and pool pumps, and it can back up a whole home when installed with Tesla’s backup gateway.
Best for: new solar and battery installs, larger homes, high evening use, and people who want whole-home backup.
Keep in mind: 13.5 kWh is the smallest size, so it may be more than a small home needs. The warranty is 10 years.
Enphase IQ Battery 5P: modular and long warranty
Enphase batteries come in 5 kWh units, so you can start small and add more later. Each unit has its own built-in microinverters, and the system pairs naturally with Enphase microinverters on the roof. The 15-year warranty is one of the longest on the market.
Best for: homes with Enphase microinverters, shaded or complex roofs, smaller homes that only need 5 to 10 kWh, and people who want a long warranty.
Keep in mind: per kWh, Enphase usually costs more than Powerwall 3, and each unit has a lower power output, so big loads may need two or more units.
What about the federal discount?
Both batteries are eligible for the Cheaper Home Batteries discount when installed by an accredited installer. From May to December 2026, a Powerwall 3 earns about 91 STCs and one Enphase 5P earns about 34 STCs. That is roughly $3,200 to $3,600 off a Powerwall 3 and $1,200 to $1,350 off each Enphase unit at recent STC prices. Read our battery rebate guide.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Powerwall 3 if you want the most storage for your money, need high power for big appliances, or want simple whole-home backup.
- Choose Enphase if you already have Enphase microinverters, need less than 10 kWh, want to start small and grow, or value a 15-year warranty.
There are other good options too, such as BYD batteries with a Fronius GEN24 hybrid inverter. We will recommend what suits your home, not just one brand. Not sure how much storage you need? Read what size solar battery do I need?
Get advice from installers who fit both
Erg Energy is a Tesla Certified Installer and installs Enphase systems across the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston and Bayside. See our solar battery installation page or call 1300 374 786.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a Powerwall 3 to my existing solar?
Yes. It can connect to an existing solar system, and its built-in inverter can also take new panels.
Can I mix Enphase batteries with a different inverter?
Enphase batteries are AC coupled, so they can be added to many systems, but they work best with Enphase microinverters.
Which battery is better in a blackout?
Both can provide backup with the right equipment. Powerwall 3 has higher power, so it is better at running big loads during an outage.
