Eric Audras/ONOKY/Getty images
Why trust SaveOnEnergy?
Learn MoreAt SaveOnEnergy, we work to offer accurate information with editorial integrity.Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read more about how we make money.
How much does the LG RESU Prime battery cost?
LG Chem, a South Korea-based LG Corporation subsidiary, introduced the LG RESU Prime battery models in 2021. The RESU Prime battery comes in two different capacity sizes: RESU10H Prime has a 9.6-kilowatt-hour (kWh) optimal capacity, and RESU 16H Prime has a 16-kWh capacity. Professional battery installation will require additional spending on top of the equipment price. Here is the cost breakdown in 2023.
| RESU 10H Prime | |
| Battery Price | $5,000—$6,000 |
| Total Cost with Installation | $7,000—$9,000 |
| RESU 16H Prime | |
| Battery Price | $8,842—$11,000 |
| Total Cost with Installation | $10,000—$13,000 |
The total price includes the solar battery, inverter, other ancillary components, and installation. The battery is not a cheap investment. But the good news is that solar battery incentives can help you cut the upfront costs. The LG RESU prime battery models work only with solar systems, so they are eligible for the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (formerly known as the Investment Tax Credit). The Residential Clean Energy Credit allows you to deduct 30% your federal income tax if you buy or finance a solar system, including batteries, in 2032 . You can retroactively use the 30% credit to systems purchased at the beginning of 2023. The tax credit falls to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2024 and expire in 2035.
There are also state and utility-based solar battery incentives. Find out more about tax incentives in your state by visiting your state’s solar page at the bottom of this guide. It is also worth checking with your local utility about any available battery incentives.
Ready to go solar? Call 877-307-7668to be connected with a solar expert today!
Interested in solar batteries?
SaveOnEnergy partners with Haven Energy to bring you options for solar batteries. Adding storage to your solar system can protect you from power outages or periods of lower production. We’ll work with you to determine how many batteries are best for your home.
About the LG RESU Prime home battery
LG Chem manufactures LG RESU Prime as a residential battery system designed to store power from solar panels. While having a solar battery is not a requirement for owning solar panels, it can be worth the investment. For example, if your state or utility eliminates or reduces incentives, such as net metering, or if your area has frequent blackouts, it makes sense to have a battery backup.
When your solar panels generate more power than you can consume, your battery can collect it for later use instead of putting the excess power into the grid. Combining the RESU Prime battery model with a solar energy system provides a continuous electricity supply during the day and night without buying energy from the grid. RESU Prime is a reliable backup during a power outage.
Depending on the storage size, one RESU Prime battery can store between 10 and 16 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, which may be enough to cover your household’s daily energy use. You will need more than one RESU battery to live off the power grid.
LG provides RESU Monitor tracking software, which allows you to check your battery’s condition in real-time. It also automatically alerts your installer about any troubles.
Key specs and features of the 2023 LG RESU Prime battery models
The LG RESU Prime battery models are lighter and more compact than other battery brands. The battery’s distinguishing feature is it is easy and quick to install. In addition, it does not limit installation to a company with exclusive rights to install LG RESU Prime battery.
The following are important battery features:
- Battery capacity. LG RESU 10H Prime comes with a 9.6-kW capacity, and RESU 16H Prime with a 16-kWh capacity, which is highly competitive with other brands. While RESU 10H has a smaller capacity (9.6kWh) than Tesla Powerwall (13.5kWh), it still accommodates most solar owners’ power but at a lower cost than Tesla Powerwall.
- Warranty. Solar battery manufacturers offer a warranty that ensure their performance for many years. LG Chem provides a 10-year warranty for its RESU Prime battery models. During that period, LG Chem guarantees that the battery maintains at least 60% of its original capacity and will operate with no defects. LG Chem will either fix, replace, or refund the cost of the battery if its capacity degrades faster than the warranty standard.
- Depth of discharge (DoD). The DoD of a solar battery means the amount of energy that goes into and out of the battery before adversely impacting its durability. The DoD of a solar battery is typically less than 100%. 95% of the RESU Prime battery can be discharged and charged daily without impacting its lifetime.
- Round trip efficiency. The percentage of power stored in a battery you can retrieve later means round trip efficiency. A high roundtrip efficiency means less energy is wasted during storage. RESU 10H and RESU 16H have a roundtrip efficiency of 90%, higher than the average solar battery efficiency of 70–80%.
- Battery type. As a lithium-ion battery, the RESU battery is superior to other solar battery types, such as lithium-polymer, lead-acid, deep-cycle, solar gel, and saltwater. Lithium-ion batteries have better DOD, charge faster, weigh less, and last longer.
- Power rating. RESU 10H has a 5.0 kW power rating and RESU 16H – 7kW, which means that these batteries can power high-surge appliances like air-conditioners and pumps.
- Compatibility. The RESU battery models are compatible with the most common solar inverter types, including SolarEdge, SMA, Energy Hub, and General Electric.
Should you buy the LG RESU Prime in 2023?
LG RESU Prime batteries are some of the most popular home energy storage systems. They have several advantages over other solar batteries. But they also have drawbacks you should be aware of.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compatibility with most off-grid and grid-tied solar systems | Numerous product recalls due to faulty battery cells |
| Superior discharge rate at 95% | Price is higher per watt than Tesla Powerwall |
| Available from many solar companies | Return on investment can take a long time |
If you consider investing in the LG RESU Prime battery, it is worth weighing different factors in deciding if it is the right choice.
- Net metering. If you have net metering benefits, buying a battery makes less financial sense. Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows a solar system owner to receive credits each month for the excess power you send to the grid. With net metering, the power grid serves as a battery.
- Frequent power outages. If you have frequent power outages, it may be worth having a battery that can provide a continuous power supply.
- Time-of-Use rates. If your utility offers Time-of-Use (TOU) rates for electricity, having a solar battery makes sense. The Time-of-Use pricing encourages customers to use energy at non-peak hours since electricity rates tend to be more expensive during peak hours (mornings and evenings). You can save money by using stored energy during hours when electricity is expensive.
- Going off-grid. Solar batteries may be considered an essential component of a solar system if you intend to live off the grid and maintain a reliable power supply.
- Solar battery incentives. As mentioned above, some states provide solar battery incentives in addition to the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit. These benefits could significantly lower the upfront cost of your solar batteries.