Comparing The Size of Tesla Powerwall 3 and Enphase Systems for a 40 kWh Energy Storage Solution
Tesla, Inc. moved to Texas, and we know everything in Texas is bigger, right? That might apply to the massive Cybertruck, but not the new Tesla Powerwall 3 home battery. This is a space-saving design compared to a similarly rated Enphase battery system.
As home energy storage systems become more popular, many homeowners are trying to determine which system best suits their energy needs and space constraints. Two leading options are the Tesla Powerwall 3 system and the Enphase 5P storage system. In this post, we’ll compare these systems, focusing on the physical size of the components needed to achieve a 40 kWh capacity.
Overview of the Systems
- Tesla Powerwall 3 System: To achieve 40 kWh of storage, three Powerwall 3 units are required, along with a Gateway 3.
- Enphase System: The Enphase system requires eight Encharge 5P batteries, a System Controller, and an IQ Combiner for a similar capacity.
Size Comparison of Components
| Component | Tesla Powerwall 3 System | Enphase IQ Battery 5P System |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Storage Units | ||
| Number of Units | 3 | 8 |
| Width per Unit | 24 inches | 21.7 inches |
| Height per Unit | 43.5 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Depth per Unit | 7.6 inches | 7.4 inches |
| Total Width (side by side) | 96 inches (with spacing) | 196.8 inches (side by side with spacing) |
| Units can also be stacked vertically, reducing overall width but increasing height | ||
| Control Components | ||
| Gateway / System Controller | Tesla Gateway 3 | Enphase System Controller |
| Width | 16 inches | 19.7 inches |
| Height | 26 inches | 36 inches |
| Depth | 6 inches | 9.7 inches |
| Combiner | N/A | Enphase IQ Combiner |
| Width | N/A | 14.75 inches |
| Height | N/A | 19.5 inches |
| Depth | N/A | 6.63 inches |
| Total System Width | 118 inches | 239.25 inches (side by side) |
Visual Comparison
The Enphase system will take up substantially more wall space, with 64 square feet in total, compared to just 36 square feet for the Tesla system:
Even if you stack the Enphase batteries, the total wall space required is still substantially more:
Both systems have a shallow depth and work great on the side wall of most garages without protruding much, with the Enphase System Controller being the deepest item at 9.7 inches:
Analyzing the Results
When comparing the Tesla Powerwall 3 system to the Enphase system, it’s clear that the Tesla solution is more compact overall. The Tesla Powerwall 3 system requires:
- Total Width: 118 inches
- Total Height: 43.5 inches for Powerwalls; 26 inches for the Gateway 3
- Total Depth: 7.6 inches for Powerwalls; 6 inches for the Gateway 3
On the other hand, the Enphase system requires significantly more wall space:
- Total Width: Up to 239.25 inches when units are placed side by side. However, if the Encharge 5P units are stacked vertically, the overall width is reduced, but the height increases.
- Total Height: 38.6 inches for Encharge units (or higher if stacked); 36 inches for the System Controller
- Total Depth: 7.4 inches for Encharge units, 9.7 inches for the System Controller, and 6.63 inches for the IQ Combiner
Key Takeaways
- Space Efficiency: The Tesla Powerwall 3 system is more space-efficient, requiring much less wall space compared to the Enphase system. Even with the possibility of vertical stacking for the Encharge units, the Enphase system still requires more overall space.
- Installation Flexibility: The compact nature of the Tesla system allows for more flexible installation options, particularly in homes or businesses with limited wall space.
- Aesthetic and Practical Benefits: With fewer components and a more streamlined setup, the Tesla Powerwall 3 system not only saves space but may also present fewer installation and maintenance challenges.
- Stackability: The Enphase system is stackable, and the batteries can be mounted high up from the ground. The Tesla Powerwall 3 can be mounted a maximum of 45 inches from the ground and cannot be stacked due to electrical code limitations required to reach the switch on the units. This can turn into an advantage for the Enphase system where the batteries can be mounted high up out of the way while month the Gateway and System Controller need to be accessible at lower levels.
Conclusion
For those looking to install a 40 kWh energy storage system, the Tesla Powerwall 3 offers a clear advantage in terms of space efficiency. This compact system not only simplifies installation but also conserves valuable wall space. While the Enphase system offers the flexibility of vertical stacking, it still requires more overall wall space, which could be a deciding factor for those with limited installation options.
