How Much Does the Tesla Powerwall Cost?
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The Tesla Powerwall comes with a premium price tag, starting at $8,700 per battery. Tesla Energy’s cutting edge technology has turned it into one of the top-rated solar energy companies. Among its most popular offerings is the Tesla Powerwall, a solar battery that stores excess energy for use at night, during power outages, and on low sunlight days. This guide breaks down the Powerwall’s cost and features to help you determine if it’s worth the investment.
Compare Tesla Powerwall to Other Solar Batteries
The Tesla Powerwall is a go-to solar battery within the solar industry, but you should consider a few other reputable and replicable options. Learn more about other solar batteries in the table below.
| Star Rating | Location Presence | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrun | | 19 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Blue Raven Solar | | 19 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Palmetto Solar |  | 19 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Momentum Solar |  | 12 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Tesla Solar |  | 50 States | A+ | Get Quote |
| Blue Raven Solar | |
|---|---|
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| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 19 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Palmetto Solar | |
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| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 19 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Momentum Solar | |
|---|---|
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| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 12 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Tesla Solar | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 50 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
Cost of the Tesla Powerwall
The cost of a Tesla Powerwall depends on how you purchase the battery. We’ve detailed all of your purchase options below.
Tesla Solar System Pricing
If you’re installing a new solar panel system, you can bundle your panels with up to 10 Tesla Powerwalls. Tesla’s website lets you pick the amount of batteries you want and your desired system size to get an estimated price. The website has a tool to project your needed system size based on your home’s address and average monthly electricity bill, or you can create a custom system.
We’ve gathered quotes for various Tesla solar panel system sizes with Powerwalls in the table below. We input average solar system sizes and got quotes for each system with various Tesla Powerwall amounts. The quotes include discounts that Tesla provides for bundling multiple batteries, as well as the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which all homeowners who own their solar systems qualify for. The prices do not include the cost of labor for installation; see more details about installation fees in the “local installer pricing” section below.
| System Size (in kW) | Powerwall Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 1 | $16,660 |
| 6 | 2 | $20,860 |
| 7.2 | 2 | $22,792 |
| 7.2 | 3 | $27,342 |
| 8 | 3 | $28,630 |
| 8 | 4 | $33,040 |
| 9.2 | 4 | $34,972 |
| 9.2 | 5 | $40,222 |
Tesla Powerwall Direct Pricing
If you already own a solar panel system or are installing a system from a different brand and want to add the Powerwall 2, you can purchase Powerwalls independently. Though Tesla allows you to purchase up to 10 Powerwalls with a new system, the website limits you to selecting three batteries when buying stand-alone options.
We gathered quotes for stand-alone Tesla batteries in the table below. These prices include discounts for purchasing multiple Powerwalls. They do not include solar incentives or installation fees.
| Powerwall Amount | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $8,700 |
| 2 | $16,200 |
| 3 | $23,700 |
Local Installer Pricing
Tesla doesn’t include professional installation costs in its quotes. The company requires you to use a Tesla-certified, third-party installer, which means that installation costs may vary according to which installer you use. When researching solar panel installation costs, we found that labor and permitting fees average around 25% of the cost of the solar panel system itself. For example, if you purchase a 6-kW solar panel system for $20,000, most solar installers will likely charge around $25,000 for the system and the installation combined.
How Many Powerwalls Do I Need?
The number of Powerwalls you need depends on several factors, including your household’s average energy consumption, the amount of stored power required, and what electric appliances you own. One Tesla Powerwall can back up an average 2,000-square-foot home consuming around 2,200 kWh of electricity monthly. You would need at least two Powerwalls to power your entire home during power grid outages. We recommend contacting Tesla to discuss how many Powerwalls you need to back up your home.
Tesla Powerwall: Key Features and Specs
The Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+ share several features but differ in power output, system compatibility, and more. Here’s how the models compare on key attributes.
Battery Capacity and Chemistry
The Tesla Powerwall is a lithium-ion battery that uses lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) technology. NMC batteries are the most common solar battery, lasting up to 12 years. They have a large internal battery storage capacity but a compact exterior.
Both Powerwalls boast an internal storage capacity of 13.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh). They can provide an average of two days of power, depending on your panels’ sun exposure. The Powerwall can provide one day of backup power during winter or on cloudy days. Its capacity extends to 2.5 days during summer. With two Powerwalls, your backup power can reach 1.5 days on cloudy days and more than seven days with full sun exposure.
Most homes need one or two batteries, but you can add up to 10.
Depth of Discharge
Solar batteries lose their efficiency as they’re charged and discharged over time. To preserve life span, many manufacturers limit how much of the battery you can recharge without damaging it, known as Depth of Discharge (DoD).
The industry standard DoD is between 80% and 100%. The Powerwall models have a DoD of 100%. This means that both batteries can be recharged to their full capacity without impacting their life spans.
Installation Options
The Powerwall 2 was designed to work on existing solar systems with third-party solar inverters. The inverter converts direct current (DC) power from the sun into alternating current (AC) power for your home. The Powerwall 2 works with several top-quality inverters, including SMA, SolarEdge, and Enphase. The Powerwall+ includes an integrated inverter, making it best for new system installations.
Power Output
Weather conditions affect both Powerwall models’ power output, with sunny and cloudy days yielding different results. Here’s an overview of each model’s power output capabilities:
| Model | Weather Condition | Continuous Power | Peak Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerwall 2 | Cloudy | 5.8 kW | 10 kW |
| Powerwall 2 | Full sun | 5.8 kW | 10 kW |
| Powerwall+ | Cloudy | 5.8 kW | 10 kW |
| Powerwall+ | Full sun | 7.6 kW | 22 kW |
The Powerwall 2 provides 5.8 kilowatts (kW) of continuous power and 10 kW of peak power in any weather condition. The Powerwall+, however, is boosted by full sun conditions, topping out at 7.6 kW continuous power and 22 kW peak power.
Continuous power represents the energy a battery can expend for an extended period. This power releases at a lower level for continuous power output. Peak power measures how much energy can be expelled in a short time frame. These bursts drain the battery faster.
Round-trip Efficiency
Solar batteries use some of their stored energy to charge and discharge, or go through a power cycle. This process reduces the available energy for use. Round-trip efficiency represents the percentage of the battery capacity available in each cycle.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 80% round-trip efficiency is standard for most solar batteries. Both Tesla Powerwall models have a 90% round-trip efficiency, 10% higher than average.
Parts of the Powerwall
The Tesla Powerwall system consists of several components, outlined below.
Powerwalls come with a user-friendly digital control interface. The interface is accessible through a smartphone application or web portal and allows you to monitor real-time energy consumption, track energy flows, and customize charging and discharging schedules. These digital controls help you optimize your energy usage.
Powerwalls use a cutting-edge lithium-ion battery pack to create a reservoir for electrical energy. This compact and robust component handles the charging and discharging cycles. The lithium-ion chemistry delivers high energy density, allowing it to store significant amounts of electricity.
The Powerwall’s power electronics are an integral part of its infrastructure, which transfers electrical energy between the battery and connected devices. This sophisticated system includes advanced inverters, converters, and control modules that manage the flow of electricity. The Powerwall seamlessly converts the battery’s direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC) power compatible with your home’s electrical systems.
The Powerwall’s built-in safety features include overcurrent protection, short circuit protection, and integrated fuses. All these features prevent damage to the battery and the connected electrical systems. Tesla’s monitoring technology also continuously assesses your system’s operational status, ensuring early detection of potential risks.
Efficient temperature regulation is crucial for any battery system’s long-term performance and safety. The Powerwall’s thermal management system employs state-of-the-art cooling and heating mechanisms to maintain an optimal operating temperature range for the battery pack. By actively managing thermal conditions, this system enhances the Powerwall’s efficiency, extends its life span, and safeguards against potential hazards.
Tesla Powerwall Incentives
There are several incentives and rebates related to the Tesla Powerwall, including some directly from the company. Learn more about how to save on a Tesla Powerwall below.
Incentives
The Tesla Powerwall qualifies for the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit that lets you claim up to 30% of the total cost of your solar energy system on your owed federal income taxes. It doesn’t reduce your taxable income, but rather the money you owe in taxes. Your solar power system, including a solar battery, must be installed during the tax year and generate electricity for a home in the United States. There is no maximum amount that you can claim.
You may also qualify for local solar tax incentives when purchasing a Powerwall. For example, California homeowners qualify for certain California solar tax incentives, such as the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), which provides up to $200 per kWh for solar battery installations. We recommend working with a local solar installer to learn what solar incentives you qualify for.
Life Span and Warranty Options
The Tesla Powerwall has a 10-year warranty and an expected life span of 20 years. It can withstand 4,000 charge cycles. However, factors such as environmental conditions, maintenance cycles, and usage patterns can increase or decrease the projected life span.
Tesla is proactive in improving its operating firmware to extend battery life. It also includes a four-year workmanship warranty that covers any replacements or repairs due to poor installation.
Buying the Tesla Powerwall
You can’t purchase either Powerwall model as a stand-alone product from Tesla’s website. You must buy the Tesla solar panel system, solar roof, or solar shingles before adding a Powerwall. However, you can purchase the Powerwall separately from a third-party solar company.
If buying directly from Tesla, you should consider installation costs and potential delays. The company is known for extensive wait times for solar panel installations. Some customers have reported waiting several months.
Visit the Tesla website for a free quote. The quote will include details about your expected solar panel costs, installation fees, and a list of third-party providers in your area. If you already own a solar system, you can look for certified Tesla installers and solar companies that carry the Tesla Powerwall 2.
Our Recommendation
The Tesla Powerwall provides energy independence and added protection during blackouts. The Powerwall 2 is an excellent upgrade to your current solar system, while the Powerwall+ will complement a new solar installation. The Powerwall+ has better power output but must be included with a Tesla solar system. Since Tesla’s service area varies by ZIP code, we recommend using the tool below to find certified installers in your area.
Tesla Powerwall Cost FAQ
What is the difference between the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+?
The difference between the Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+ is that the Powerwall 2 is designed for existing solar installations. This model works with third-party inverters, including Enphase and SMA. The Powerwall+ has an integrated inverter, making it best for a new solar installation.
What are the differences between a Tesla Powerwall and a solar panel?
The difference between a Tesla Powerwall and a solar panel is that Powerwall is a solar battery that stores the energy produced by a solar panel. The Powerwall can also store energy directly from the power grid, bypassing the need for solar panels. Solar panels cannot store the energy they absorb.
What is the Powerwall 2’s energy capacity?
The Powerwall 2 provides 5.8 kilowatts (kW) of continuous power and 10 kW of peak power in any weather condition. The Powerwall+ provides 5.8 kW of continuous power and 10 kW of peak power in cloudy conditions; it provides 7.6 kW of continuous power and 22 kW of peak power in sunny conditions.
Are Tesla Powerwalls worth it?
A Tesla Powerwall is worth it because it saves you money long term. Though expensive up-front, the Powerwall has minimal maintenance costs, allowing you to recoup your initial investment by offsetting your monthly energy bills. The Powerwall also guarantees a steady power supply in your home during outages from natural disasters, ensuring you’re prepared for emergencies.
How We Chose the Top Solar Batteries
We reviewed dozens of solar batteries and their manufacturers. We then formulated a rating system based on several factors. We evaluated cycle efficiency, usable capacity, warranty length, depth of discharge, and end-of-warranty performance. We assessed each manufacturer’s product catalog for size, variety, and stackability. We also compared each battery’s performance metrics to ensure they matched or exceeded industry standards.
We researched each company’s reputation, solar industry knowledge, and business experience. We also spoke directly to representatives to better understand the buying process. Finally, we learned about each manufacturer’s installation process, whether offered directly through the company or a third-party installer.
Read more: Our Methodology
