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Tesla Powerwall Cost: Review & Comparisons

Written by Faith Foushee/

Edited by Jamie Cesanek

Last updated 01/04/2024

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Key Points

  • The Tesla Powerwall costs $8,400 in 2024 before additional fees and taxes.
  • Qualifies for the federal 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit.
  • One of the highest storage capacities among all solar batteries at 13.5 kWh.
  • 10-year warranty with no limit on the number of battery cycles.
  • You can purchase a standalone Tesla Powerwall directly from Tesla.

Ready to go solar? Call 877-307-7668to be connected with a solar expert today!

How much is a Tesla Powerwall?

The Tesla Powerwall price totals $8,400 in 2024. Factors contributing to the total cost include:

  • Powerwall battery: $7,300
  • Gateway fee: $900
  • Accessories: $200 
  • Delivery fee: Varies 
  • Installation fee: Varies by installer
  • Taxes: Vary by location
  • Incentives and rebates: Reduces the price

What is the Tesla Powerwall 3 price?

Tesla plans to release the Powerwall 3 in 2024. While Tesla has not provided a specific date, price, or spec sheet about the Powerwall 3, the model is designed to provide more power from one battery than the previous models.

Tesla Powerwall cost breakdown

The total cost of your solar energy storage system depends on your location, system size, and the number of Powerwalls. Depending on how much energy storage you need, your home may require more than one battery. While you can purchase the Powerwall from Tesla or its certified installers, the Powerwall+ model can only be purchased directly from Tesla. 

The following table displays an example of a Tesla Powerwall price breakdown for a homeowner in Austin, Texas, who installs two Powerwall home batteries. This breakdown is based on a cash purchase. If you choose to finance with a loan, your overall cost will vary based on interest rates and other fees. 

ComponentCost
Two Powerwalls$14,600
Gateway$900
Accessories$200
Tax$1,295
Total cash price$16,995
Price after federal
30% tax credit
$11,897

You can determine the cost of fees and taxes for your home on Tesla’s website. The Powerwall can be used without a solar system to store extra energy from the grid for backup power.

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.

Compare Tesla Powerwall models

When you purchase your Tesla home solar panel system, you’ll be able to choose between two different Powerwall models: the Powerwall 2 and the Powerwall+. The main difference is that the Powerwall+ has a solar inverter built into the model, requiring less individual equipment. You can combine up to 10 Powerwalls for additional solar energy storage, including a mix of the Powerwall and Powerwall+. The Tesla Powerwall 3 model is set for release in 2024, but you can not combine the Powerwall 3 with previous models.

Tesla Powerwall capacity and specs

The following table details technical specifications for the Tesla Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+.

FeatureTesla Powerwall 2Tesla Powerwall+Description
Energy capacity13.5 kWh13.5 kWhThis capacity is above average for a solar battery, so you can store more energy than many of the Powerwall’s competitors.
Powerwall Warranty10-year warranty10-year warrantyTesla promises that your battery will be free from defects and maintain at least 70% of its 13.5 kWh energy capacity. Tesla will repair, replace, or refund your Powerwall if there’s a problem. Read the full warranties for the Powerwall and Powerwall+.
Continuous power output5 kW5 kWThe consistent amount of energy generated and supplied by the battery over time ensures a reliable power supply to your home.
Depth of Discharge (DoD)100%100%The DoD of a solar battery refers to the amount of energy you can draw before impacting its lifespan. In most solar batteries, the DoD is less than 100%. The Powerwall has a 96% DoD, meaning you can use almost the full amount of stored energy without shortening your battery’s lifespan.
Round trip efficiency90%90%The round-trip efficiency of a battery describes how efficiently it runs during one cycle. Round trip efficiency is a percentage that describes how much of the power in the battery you can draw versus how much is needed to run the battery. The average competitor solar battery efficiency is between 70–80%.
AC or DCACDCAlternating current (AC) is what powers your home. Direct current (DC) electricity requires an inverter to turn DC into AC. AC-coupled batteries are typically more efficient because there is less energy loss during power conversion.
Size dimensions45.3” x 29.6” x 5.75”62.8” x 29.7” x 6.3”Length by Width by Depth in inches.
Weight251.3 lbs.310 lbs.This weight is average for a solar battery.
Where to installFloor or wall mount; indoor or outdoorFloor or wall mount; indoor or outdoorMany solar batteries are rated for indoor use only.
Temperature compatibility -4℉ to 122℉-4℉ to 122℉The Tesla Powerwall can be stored outside (based on your area’s temperature compatibility).
Battery typeLithium-ionLithium-ionA lithium-ion battery often has a longer DoD, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance. Other types of solar batteries on the market include lead-acid, lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, deep-cycle, saltwater, and solar gel.

What is a Tesla Powerwall solar battery?

The Tesla Powerwall is a battery system that can store your solar energy. Since it became available, the Tesla Powerwall has become one of the best solar batteries with a top solar warranty

Tesla is known for its electric vehicles, but it also creates other renewable energy systems, including monocrystalline solar panels, solar inverters, and solar batteries. The Tesla home battery can help reduce your dependence on the traditional electricity grid and give you coverage for power outages. 

The size of your home and the number of appliances you are running will affect how long the Tesla Powerwall battery can maintain power in your home during a power outage. The Tesla Powerwall can store up to 13.5 kWh of backup power, which is higher than most competitors. 

According to Tesla, “An average home uses approximately 25 kWh of energy per day. A small home may use as little as 10 kWh, and a large home may use 40 kWh or more per day.” Knowing your home’s energy consumption and using the Tesla app to track your power usage can help prolong the Powerwall’s energy output. 

Is the Tesla Powerwall right for you?

Although it is not a prerequisite to owning a home solar panel system, the Tesla battery may be right for you if:

  • You have solar panels. Once your solar panels have generated enough energy to power your home, your solar battery allows you to store any extra electricity. The excess energy is helpful at night or during the winter when the sun is less available, especially in high solar-producing states.
  • Your area experiences frequent power outages. A backup power source is a good solution to keep power flowing to essential appliances in your home, like the refrigerator or medical equipment, during an outage.
  • You pay expensive Time-of-Use (TOU) electricity rates. Using stored energy from the Powerwall during peak times can reduce your energy bill.

Where to buy the Tesla Powerwall

As of March 2023, you can now purchase a standalone Tesla Powerwall through the Powerwall Direct program. If you choose to buy a Powerwall directly from Tesla Solar, you can have it delivered to your home or your chosen installer. Tesla recommends contacting an installer prior to placing an order to ensure your home meets the requirements and to get a quote for installation. 

If you install a solar panel system, your solar company may offer the Tesla Powerwall as a battery storage option. In this case, you might save money on installation fees by installing the Powerwall at the same time as your solar panels.

Tesla Powerwall tax credits and incentives in 2024

Offset the cost of a Tesla Powerwall with incentives like the federal 30% Clean Energy Credit, which applies to solar systems purchased from the beginning of 2022 through 2032. The tax credit will decrease to 26% in 2033, then 22% in 2034, expiring in 2035. 

Homeowners can apply the Clean Energy Credit to the entire home solar system, including solar panels, inverters, and Powerwall batteries. The credit appears on your next filed tax return and could save you $2,610 on the cost of an $8,400 Tesla Powerwall before accounting for installation and other fees, which would increase the cost and the amount of potential savings. 

The tax credit is only applicable if you purchase or finance your system, but not if you lease your solar system or enter a solar power purchase agreement (PPA). Additional state and local incentives may be available in your area. Another benefit to help with the cost of a solar panel system is net metering, which is a process available in some states where you can sell excess energy back to the power grid.

The price of a solar system can vary depending on your energy needs and location. Learn more about tax incentives in your state by visiting your state’s solar page at the bottom of this guide.

Tesla Powerwall alternatives

The Tesla Powerwall is not the only option on the market. Learn more about Tesla Powerwall alternatives, like the Generac PWRcell, Sonnen Eco, and other solar batteries. 

BatteryCostDescription
Generac PWRcell$10,000A lithium-ion battery with storage capacity from 9 kWh – 18 kWh. You can combine two batteries for a total of 36 kWh of storage.
Sonnen Eco $6,100+A lithium-iron phosphate battery with capacity between 10 – 20 kWh.
LG 16H Prime$8,000+The LG 16H Prime has a power capacity of 16 kWh. There is no flexibility in the size of this battery, so if you need more than 16 kWh, you would have a total of 32 kWh.
SunPower SunVault$16,000+SunPower has a strong reputation for its products. The battery has a large capacity ranging from 13 kWh to 39 kWh. Depending on the model, you can combine up to three batteries.

Is the Tesla Powerwall worth the cost?

Yes, the Tesla Powerwall is worth the cost if you want a durable solar battery that can withstand indoor and outdoor conditions. The Powerwall is water-resistant and dust-proof, keeping it safe from rain and other elements. This battery can operate in up to 100% humidity and temperatures ranging from -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 122 degrees. 

For example, customers were shocked at how well their Powerwall systems functioned during Hurricane Ian. The hurricane brought 155 mph winds and 10 feet of water to some areas in Florida. After being underwater for hours, the Powerwall continued to function as expected.

The Tesla mobile app creates a unique advantage over Tesla Powerwall alternatives, like the Generac PWRcell and Sonnen Eco, for system monitoring and communication. You can use the mobile app to receive real-time usage and power flow updates. The app also provides helpful control functions to customize settings and plan storage or usage. 

Should you buy the Tesla Powerwall in 2024?

The Tesla Powerwall is one of the top solar batteries on the market, and it’s easy to see why. It has plenty of advantages over the average solar battery. But despite its advantages, the Powerwall also has some downsides. Let’s review Tesla’s solar battery pros and cons.

ProsCons
Long lifespan with a 10-year Powerwall warrantyMore expensive than other solar batteries
High efficiency (90%) and DoD (100%)May not be compatible with existing solar panel system
Can add up to 10 Powerwalls for additional energy storageInstallation requires a certified professional and may result in additional fees if completed separately from installing solar panels

When you’re deciding whether the Tesla Powerwall is right for you, there’s a lot to consider. The Tesla Powerwall can help you maintain power in your home regardless of power outages or winter weather. Other solar batteries, like the Delta BX6.3, may be available for less, but with any battery, it is important to check that it’s compatible with your solar system.

Due to testing limitations, our team does not have firsthand experience with Tesla solar panels and batteries. However, the facts and reviews explained on SaveOnEnergy.com come from proprietary data, solar pricing from Berkeley Lab, and extensive research by our in-house team. We are confident in our product reviews and guidelines for our valued readers through analysis from these sources.

Frequently asked questions

  • A Tesla-certified installer should complete the Powerwall installation. Whether you order from Powerwall Direct or through Tesla’s network, you will pay for the Powerwall itself and installation labor. 

  • The Tesla Powerwall costs $8,400 in 2024. The price includes the Powerwall battery, gateway fee, and accessories. The additional delivery, installation, and taxes costs vary by location and installer. Solar incentives and the Tesla Powerwall rebate reduce the total price. The Tesla Powerwall 3 price information has yet to be released. 

  • Yes. You can have an off-grid solar panel system with the Tesla Powerwall. In the Tesla app, you can choose the Go Off-Grid feature to disconnect your home from the electrical grid and only use energy from your solar panels. You may need to install more than one Powerwall to power your entire home to go off-grid.

  • The Powerwall stores excess energy from your solar panel system or the electricity grid. The stored energy is useful during times of high demand or a power outage. Owners can manage the Powerwall through the Tesla mobile app. 

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