Updated 3 weeks ago
How Much Does a Tesla Powerwall Cost in 2024? And Is It Really Worth It?
Written by Catherine Lane Catherine LaneCatherine has been researching and reporting on the solar industry for five years and is the Written Content Manager at SolarReviews. She leads a dyna...Learn more , Edited by Gianna Cappuccio Gianna CappuccioGianna Cappuccio is an editor at SolarReviews. After obtaining a Bachelor's in English from Montclair State University in 2016, Gianna decided to purs...Learn more
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Key takeaways
A fully installed Tesla Powerwall costs about $16,800, including accessories and installation costs. The price of a Powerwall before installation is $9,300.
Tesla now sells Powerwall 3 expansion units that do not include inverters, making them cheaper and easier to install when you need more storage.
You can lower Tesla Powerwall costs with solar battery incentives like the 30% federal tax credit and local energy storage rebates.
The total cost of a Tesla Powerwall installation depends on how many batteries you install, the installer you choose, and your location.
The Tesla Powerwall 3 earned second place on SolarReviews' list of the best home solar batteries.
The Tesla Powerwall is worth it for homeowners who want a simple backup power source.
How much does the Tesla Powerwall cost in 2024?
According to Tesla’s website, a Tesla Powerwall costs about $16,800 to install before incentives, depending on where you live. This is lower than the cost of most solar battery systems—you’ll be hard-pressed to find lithium-ion home backup storage cheaper than Tesla.
The following table breaks down the estimated cost of a Tesla Powerwall 3 installation, based on quotes we’ve gotten through Tesla’s website:
Tesla Powerwall system equipment | Cost |
---|---|
1 Powerwall battery | $8,200 |
Gateway | $900 |
Accessories | $200 |
Tesla installation | $7,500 |
Estimated Powerwall installation cost | $16,800 |
Exactly how much a Tesla Powerwall system costs depends on several factors, such as the number of batteries you install, the installer you choose, and the incentives you qualify for.
How many Tesla Powerwalls you install
Most homeowners will need between one and two Powerwall batteries to run essential appliances during a power outage. In October 2024, Tesla started selling its Powerwall expansion units, which can be paired with a Powerwall 3 to increase storage capacity.
The Powerwall 3 expansion units are cheaper than the Powerwall 3, costing about $6,000 each. Why are Powerwall 3 expansion units cheaper? Because they don’t include an inverter. They also make it easier to install multiple Powerwalls, reducing installation times by about half, and lowering labor costs.
Up to four Tesla Powerwall 3 units can be installed together, one Powerwall 3 and three expansion modules. If you need more than four batteries, you’ll need to get another Powerwall 3.
All Tesla Powerwall systems need to be installed with a Gateway and the necessary accessories to properly integrate with your home, the grid, and Tesla’s monitoring system. Each Powerwall Gateway costs $900, while Powerwall accessories cost $200.
Tesla Powerwall installation and labor costs
The installation and labor costs for a Tesla Powerwall will vary depending on the installer you choose. We estimate the installation cost is approximately $7,500 for a single Powerwall based on historical and current quotes from Tesla, with slightly higher costs in some markets.
If you choose a local solar company for the Powerwall installation, the cost will be similar, possibly slightly higher, depending on labor rates in your area. It's important to note that Tesla requires Powerwalls to be installed by Certified Tesla installers, so ensure that the company you choose is part of Tesla’s network to avoid voiding the warranty.
Installation costs can also vary with the design of your system. Some homes may require electrical upgrades and the addition of a backup loads sub-panel, which can add $2,000 or so to the total cost of a Powerwall installation.
However, Tesla does have a new piece of equipment called the Backup Switch which eliminates the need for a sub-panel. Tesla claims the Backup Switch can reduce installation time by six hours and cut down on the amount of equipment needed, potentially saving thousands of dollars on a Powerwall installation! The Backup Switch is only approved for use by select utilities in certain states.
Permitting and inspection requirements may also inflate the cost — like labor rates, permitting costs vary widely by location.
Expert insights! Solar installers voted the Tesla Powerwall as the easiest battery system to install in our 2024 Solar Industry Survey. A simple installation process could mean less time and fewer crew members, which lowers overall labor costs!
Tesla Powerwall long-term maintenance and replacement costs
Solar batteries like the Tesla Powerwall require minimal maintenance, resulting in low upkeep costs. If any issues arise with your battery system, any Powerwall repair and replacement costs will likely be covered by warranty. But, fully replacing a Tesla Powerwall battery will cost about $10,000, just about the same price as the initial installation.
Tesla Powerwall financing options
It seems that Tesla is no longer offering its own solar financing options if you get just a Powerwall. In the markets we checked, it seems that Tesla is deploying Powerwalls through Certified Installer Partners, not directly through Tesla, which may be why it ceased battery financing.
However, Tesla does have financing for solar and Solar Roof installations that are paired with Powerwalls.
You can also utilize personal loans or loans from solar-specific financing companies to get a Powerwall installed. However, if you’re using a third-party financing company, consider the term lengths of the loan. You don’t want to take out a loan with a term that is longer than the 10-year warrantied life of the Tesla Powerwall.
Are there incentives or rebates to lower Tesla Powerwall costs?
Yes, several solar battery storage rebates and incentives are available that can reduce the price of a Tesla Powerwall installation.
The biggest incentive is the 30% federal solar tax credit, which can save thousands of dollars on energy storage systems like the Tesla Powerwall. A $16,800 Powerwall system would earn a $5,040 tax credit!
The following table outlines estimates how much different-sized Tesla Powerwall installations would cost after the federal tax credit:
Number of Powerwalls | Powerwall system cost | Powerwall system cost after tax credit |
---|---|---|
1 | $16,800 | $11,760 |
2 | $22,700 | $15,890 |
3 | $28,600 | $20.020 |
4 | $34,500 | $24,150 |
There are also a variety of local and state rebates that can help reduce battery costs. One thing to keep an eye out for is virtual power plant (VPP) programs, which allow utilities to pay for access to homeowners’ batteries to reduce stress on the grid. Tesla is eligible for several VPP programs, and some of them earn Powerwall owners hundreds of dollars a month!
Tesla Powerwall discounts! Tesla offers a discount on Powerwall installations when batteries are bundled with the direct purchase of Tesla solar panels or Tesla Solar Roof. Solar & Powerwall discount starts at $4,000, but can increase with the number of batteries you install.
How to order the Tesla Powerwall
There are two ways to purchase a Tesla Powerwall:
Order a Powerwall from Tesla’s website: You can put a request to be contacted by a Tesla Certified Installer on Tesla’s website.
Purchasing a Powerwall from a local Certified Installer: You can do your own research to find Powerwall installers in your area instead of going through Tesla. SolarReviews can help you find qualified contractors in your area.
Tesla Powerwalls have had significant wait times in the past, and some markets do experience delays. These issues are not nearly as significant today.
However, you will have to wait for design plans and permitting to be finalized, which may take a few weeks. From when you order your Powerwall to when it can be used, it might take anywhere from one to six months.
Can the Tesla Powerwall be installed with different solar panel brands?
Yes, a Tesla Powerwall can pair with non-Tesla branded solar panels. If you order Tesla solar panels on the company website, the Powerwall will be your only battery option.
Tesla Powerwall pros and cons
Pros
Excellent value
Easy-to-use operating modes can help save money and maximize energy independence
Virtual power plant capabilities
Access to backup power source during blackouts
Cons
Powerwall 3 is difficult to pair with existing solar systems
Limited sizing options vs. modular competitors
Tesla has a poor customer service reputation
Tesla Powerwall 3 specs and features
The Tesla Powerwall is a lithium-ion home storage battery that can be installed on its own or alongside solar panels to store energy for later use. It provides backup power during blackouts and can potentially save money on electricity bills. There are three models of the Powerwall: the Tesla Powerwall 3, the Tesla Powerwall 2, and the Tesla Powerwall+.
Powerwall model | Tesla Powerwall 3 | Tesla Powerwall 2 | Tesla Powerwall+ |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | 13.5 kWh | 13.5 kWh | 13.5 kWh |
Power output | 11.5 kW | 5 kW | 7.6 kW |
Weight | 287 lbs | 251 lbs | 343.9 lbs |
Warranty | 70% capacity after 10 years | 70% capacity after 10 years | 70% capacity after 10 years |
Solar inverter | Included | Not included | Included |
Solar inputs | 6 | x | 4 |
Scalable | Up to 4 units | Up to 10 units | Up to 4 units |
Powerwall 3 is the newest Tesla home battery for sale. The built-in hybrid solar inverter is the most significant difference between the Powerwall 3 and its predecessors. The Powerwall 3 unit has six solar inputs, allowing it to pair with large solar systems up to 20 kilowatts (kW) in size. It also has an impressive continuous power output of 11.5 kW to run even the most power-hungry appliances.
The Powerwall 3 is best for homeowners installing new solar panel systems, especially if that system is large. Because of its high power output, it’s also a great battery storage option for homeowners who want to run power-hungry appliances like an air conditioner or sump pump.
Here are some of the new features of the Powerwall 3 that homeowners should know.
Cost
The Tesla Powerwall 3 is slightly more expensive than the Powerwall 2 because it includes the cost of a solar inverter. However, the Powerwall 3 expansion units help lower the total price of larger Powerwall battery installations.
Built-in solar inverter
The Tesla Powerwall 3 has a hybrid inverter integrated into the battery system, which allows the Powerwall 3 to pair with larger solar systems than its predecessor. It also makes it more powerful. It is ideal for installing along side new solar installations.
Higher power output
The Tesla Powerwall 3 has a continuous output rating of 11.5 kW, compared to the Powerwall 2's 5.8 kW output. That's almost double the amount of output! With a higher power output, you can run more appliances.
Lithium iron phosphate chemistry
The new Powerwall 3 uses lithium iron phosphate battery cells, which are safer and less toxic than those used in the Powerwall 2.
Limited stacking
You can install up to four Tesla Powerwall 3s together for a total capacity of 54 kWh. A Powerwall 2 system can have up to 10 batteries for a whopping 135 kWh of capacity.
Most homeowners don't need a system of that size, but if you need a lot of storage, a Powerwall 2 might be better for you.
Important note: Tesla is no longer manufacturing the Powerwall 2. If you have an existing Powerwall 2 system and want to add more storage, don't wait! The Powerwall 3 cannot be combined with Powerwall 2 units.
Tesla Powerwall warranty
The Tesla Powerwall comes with a 10-year warranty that guarantees the battery will maintain at least 70% capacity at the end of the warranty period. The unlimited cycle warranty applies only if the battery is used for solar self-consumption, time-based control, and backup reserve. The warranty is based on a 100% depth of discharge (DoD), meaning the battery can be fully discharged without damage.
If the Powerwall is used with any other application or combination of applications, the battery is only guaranteed to operate at 70% after the earlier ten years or 37.8 MWh of throughput. It’s unclear if this means using Powerwall modes such as energy exports or altering advanced settings will shorten the warrantied lifespan.
Tesla’s home battery warranty is pretty standard for battery storage, and the backing by a large company makes us confident that Tesla should be around to honor any warranty claims made in its warranty life.
How many Tesla Powerwalls do I need?
The number of Tesla Powerwalls you need depends on a few factors, but most homeowners only need one or two Powerwalls to keep their essential appliances running off-grid during an outage.
The following table describes the backup duration of different-sized Powerwall systems with and without solar for an average home:
Number of Powerwalls | Backup duration with solar | Backup duration without solar |
---|---|---|
1 | 7 - 14 hours | 9 - 12 hours |
2 | 14 - 24 hours | 17 - 24 hours |
3 | 21 hours - 2 days | 1 - 1.5 days |
4 | 1 - 2.5 days | 1.5 - 2 days |
5 | 1.5 - 3 days | 2 - 2.5 days |
6 | 2 - 3.5 days | 2 - 3 days |
If you’re looking for whole-home backup, you’ll need to install six or more Powerwalls. But, if you’re fine with keeping your fridge, lights, and TV on for a few hours, one or two Powerwalls are more than enough.
The number of Powerwalls you need also depends on the appliances you’re looking to run. Electrical loads like air conditioners and clothing dryers are power intensive and will quickly drain your batteries’ capacity, meaning you would need more batteries to run these loads for prolonged periods.
Tesla Powerwall vs. competitors
The Powerwall is a top solar battery, but there are plenty of Tesla Powerwall alternatives that may be a better choice for you. The following table outlines some other solar batteries on the market compared to the Tesla Powerall 3:
Model | Tesla Powerwall 3 | Enphase IQ 5P | Panasonic EverVolt Home Battery | sonnenCore+ 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Est. price per kWh | $866 | $1,600 | $1,185 | $1,300 |
Battery capacity | 13.5 kWh | 5 kWh | 13.5 kWh | 10 kWh |
Power output | 11.5 kW | 3.84 kW | 7.6 kW | 4.8 kW |
Warranty | 70% capacity after 10 years | 60% capacity after 15 years | 70% capacity after 12 years | 70% capacity after 10 years |
Round trip efficiency | 89% | 90% | 89% | 86% |
Expandability | Yes, double size only | Yes, 5 kWh increments | Yes, 4.5 kWh increments | Yes, double size only |
The Tesla Powerwall 3 costs $866 per kWh of storage capacity, making it one of the best home batteries in value. At 13.5 kWh, the Powerwall offers enough energy capacity for most homeowners. Tesla has been in the battery game since 2015, so the Powerwall has a proven track record of great performance.
However, Tesla’s warranty terms are falling behind those of some of its competitors. Top brands like Panasonic and Enphase have been offering warranty protection on their battery products for over ten years.
Also, Tesla batteries aren’t as flexible regarding system design and sizing. The Panasonic EverVolt battery is modular so you can get just the right amount of storage for your energy consumption needs. With the Powerwall, you need to double the size of your battery if you need more than 13.5 kWh.
If you’re looking for a relatively simple energy storage solution for a low price, then a Tesla Powerwall is a great option. However, if you need more customization in the design of your system, there are better options.
Tesla Powerwall return on investment
An average solar panel system paired with one Tesla Powerwall battery can pay for itself in about 14 years when the tax credit is considered. Tesla Powerwalls are among the most cost-effective home batteries on the market, and they are likely to provide you with the best return on your investment.
However, the amount of savings a Powerwall can provide depends heavily on how your utility bills are calculated and local incentives. In most cases, a Tesla Powerwall won’t pay for itself and might not even offer you any financial benefits. Here are a few different ways installing a Tesla battery would impact your energy bill:
If you don’t have solar but are on a time of use rate schedule, a Powerwall battery could save you a small amount of money on your monthly electricity bills by charging it during off-peak hours and discharge during peak-hours. These savings would be minimal, and unless there were about a $0.30 difference between peak and off-peak rates, the savings would never pay off the cost of the battery.
If you have solar panels and full retail net metering, a Powerwall battery will not save you any additional money. The solar energy you produce already offsets the full cost of electricity, so the Powerwall could not add savings.
If you have a solar power system and don’t have full retail net metering or are on a time of use rate, a Powerwall can save you additional money, but not much. However, the combined savings from the battery and solar could still result in a payback period of 14 years, which means you would have a decade of free energy!
Even though the Powerwall is one of the most cost-effective battery solutions, the financial benefits won’t pan out for most homeowners. In places like California, where new Net Billing rules have substantially changed how solar energy is valued, a Powerwall can offer homeowners more savings and actually result in a lower solar payback period. To determine if a battery is the best financial investment for you, it's best to speak to a local solar company.
Is the Tesla Powerwall worth the cost?
The Tesla Powerwall is worth considering if you’re interested in a battery storage system because of its low price and impressive power output. If you need backup power, are installing a brand new solar system, and want to run large appliances, you can’t get much better than the Powerwall 3.
But the Tesla Powerwall isn’t the best battery for everyone. The new Powerwall 3 isn’t suited to pair with already installed solar panels and can’t pair with microinverters. So, if your solar system is complex or might experience shading, a different battery could be better for you. However, the six solar inputs of the Powerall 3 likely mean this won’t be an issue for most homeowners.
Also, the Tesla Powerwall might not provide everyone with financial benefits. While it can still give a good payback period when paired with solar panels, installing the Powerwall on its own in hopes of lowering your electricity bills won’t be worth it. This is probably why installers in our 2024 Solar Industry Survey found most consumers wanted to get storage for the backup power benefits, not financial ones.
While the low prices of Tesla's solar panels and batteries are attractive, Tesla doesn’t have the best customer service reputation, which you need to consider when making a 10+ year investment in storage. But, you might avoid some of these frustrations if you get your Powerwall through a local Tesla Certified Installer, as they can be a little more hands-on during the entire process.
Tesla Powerwall FAQ
What appliances can a Tesla Powerwall run?
A single Powerwall 3 can run essential electrical loads like lights, wall outlets, refrigerators, and larger appliances like air conditioners and electric vehicle chargers. How long the Powerwall can run these loads depends on how many you use at once and how often.
How many Tesla Powerwall batteries do I need?
Most homeowners can install between one and two Powerwalls to meet their energy needs. However, the actual number of batteries you need depends on the energy usage of the appliances you want to run and for how long. Homeowners looking to run their home completely off-grid will need at least three Powerwall units, while someone who just wants to keep their lights on during a grid outage can get by with one.
How does the Tesla Powerwall work?
The Tesla Powerwall is an energy storage solution designed to charge using solar power or energy from the grid. Solar energy will first be sent to your home to run your appliances. Excess energy not used by your home will charge the battery. Then, when your panels aren’t generating electricity at night, you can use the stored energy in your Powerwall instead of the utility grid.
What type of battery is the Tesla Powerwall?
The Tesla Powerwall is a lithium-ion home solar battery. According to our research, the Tesla Powerwall 3 uses lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, which are safer and last longer than alternative chemistries. The Tesla Powerwall 2 uses nickel-manganese cobalt chemistry.
Is the Tesla Powerwall eligible for the 30% solar tax credit?
Yes, the Tesla Powerwall is eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit. Based on the average Powerwall cost of $15,000, you could earn a $4,500 tax credit!
How can I save money on the cost of a Tesla Powerwall?
Tesla typically offers discounts when you buy more than one Tesla Powerwall, which lowers the overall price per unit. You can also save money on a Tesla Powerwall installation with local incentives and rebates. There are a number of regional battery rebate programs, and the federal tax credit is available nationwide!
Can I install a Tesla Powerwall myself to save money?
You cannot install a Tesla Powerwall system on your own. While a DIY Powerwall installation could save money on labor costs, it would void your warranty. It’s best to have a Powerwall installed by a Tesla-certified partner.
Can a Powerwall save money on my electricity bills?
Depending on where you live, a Powerwall battery does have the potential to save money on your energy bills. Homeowners who don’t have access to net metering or those who are billed with time-of-use rates have the best chance of saving money with a battery system.
Will a Tesla Powerwall pay for itself?
A Tesla Powerwall may pay for itself, depending on where you live. A Tesla Powerwall won’t save you any extra money on your electricity bill if you live somewhere with full retail solar net metering. But, if you don’t have access to true net metering, a Powerwall may give you extra savings. In California, for example, a solar system with a Powerwall will have about the same payback period as a system without a battery.
Do I need a Tesla Powerwall?
In most cases, homeowners don’t need battery storage at all! If you aren’t experiencing regular power outages and your utility offers full retail net metering for solar customers, a Powerwall won’t provide too much benefit to you other than maximizing the amount of renewable energy you use.
Catherine has been researching and reporting on the solar industry for five years and is the Written Content Manager at SolarReviews. She leads a dynamic team in producing informative and engaging content on residential solar to help homeowners make informed decisions about investing in solar panels. Catherine’s expertise has garnered attention from leading industry publications, with her work being featured in Solar Today Magazine and Solar ...
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