How much does a Tesla Powerwall cost?
How much does a Tesla Powerwall cost?
$11,500 cost for one Powerwall (13.5 kWh)
$18,500 cost for 2 Powerwalls (27 kWh)
$25,500 cost for 3 Powerwalls (40.5 kWh)
Tesla Powerwall cost
A Tesla Powerwall costs $11,500 for the first unit and $7,000 for each additional unit installed at the same time. Tesla Powerwall prices are $8,500 after the Federal Tax Credit. The Powerwall is a home battery that provides backup power and works with most solar panel or solar roof systems.
| Powerwall units | Installed cost | Installed cost after tax credits | Average days of whole-home backup* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11,500 | $8,100 | 0.5 – 1.0 |
| 2 | $18,500 | $13,000 | 1.0 – 1.5 |
| 3 | $25,500 | $17,900 | 1.5 – 2.0 |
| 4 | $32,500 | $22,800 | 2.0 – 2.5 |
| 5 | $39,500 | $27,700 | 2.5 – 3.0 |
*To power essential appliances and LED lights for a family of four.
Tesla Powerwall prices to install
Tesla Powerwalls are not available for individual sale through Tesla and can only be purchased with a Tesla Solar Roof or solar panel system. However, some Tesla-certified installers sell Powerwalls without a solar system.
| System type | Total cost to install |
|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall only (first unit) | $11,500 |
| Tesla Powerwall only (each additional unit installed at the same time) | $7,000 |
| Tesla Powerwall and solar panels | $17,100 – $41,000* |
| Tesla Powerwall and Solar Roof | $42,000 – $105,000* |
*After subtracting 30% Federal Tax Credit.
Installing a Powerwall may require upgrading the home's electrical panel. Replacing an electrical panel costs $1,300 to $4,000, depending on the amps.
Tesla Powerwall and solar panels cost
The average cost of Tesla solar panels and Powerwalls is $17,100 to $41,000 after subtracting the Federal Tax Credit, depending on the system size and the number of Powerwalls. Tesla solar panels cost $9,100 to $28,000 after tax credits when installed without a Powerwall.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Solar panels | $13,000 – $40,000 |
| Powerwall batteries | $11,500 – $18,500 |
| Federal tax credit* | ($7,400 – $17,500) |
| Estimated total cost | $17,100 – $41,000 |
*Based on a 30% Federal Tax Credit if installed by December 31, 2032.
Cost of Tesla Solar Roof and Powerwall
A Tesla Solar Roof costs $42,000 to $105,000 on average after subtracting the federal tax credit. A solar roof features photovoltaic shingles designed to look and function like traditional roofing materials while producing electricity. Tesla's Solar Roof pairs with up to ten Powerwalls to store the energy.
| Factor | Average price |
|---|---|
| Solar Roof | $38,200 – $108,100 |
| Old roof tear off | $10,300 – $23,400 |
| Powerwall batteries | $11,500 – $18,500 |
| Federal Tax Credit* | ($18,000 – $45,000) |
| Estimated total cost to install | $42,000 – $105,000 |
*Based on a 30% Federal Tax Credit if installed by December 31, 2032.
Tesla Powerwall monthly cost
Tesla financing is available in twenty-six states for Powerwall, Solar Roof, and solar panel purchases. Tesla offers financing with a 4.49% APR and a 10% down payment due at inspection. Monthly costs range from $200 to $1,250, depending on the system type and size.
| Utility bill | Solar roof + Powerwalls financing (per month)* | Solar panels + Powerwalls financing (per month)* |
|---|---|---|
| $50 | $500 – $900 | $200 – $250 |
| $100 | $530 – $930 | $220 – $300 |
| $150 | $575 – $1,000 | $250 – $400 |
| $200 | $600 – $1,050 | $300 – $450 |
| $250 | $650 – $1,200 | $350 – $600 |
| $300 | $750 – $1,250 | $400 – $650 |
*Based on 120 months at 4.49% APR with a 10% down payment.
Tesla Powerwall specs and features
| Feature | Tesla Powerwall 2 | Tesla Powerwall+ |
|---|---|---|
| Usable energy capacity | 13.5 kWh | 13.5 kWh |
| On-grid power |
|
|
| Backup power |
|
|
| Round-trip efficiency | 90% | 90% |
| Depth of discharge (DoD) | 100% | 100% |
| Warranty | 10 years, 70% capacity retention | 10 years, 70% capacity retention |
| Dimensions | 45.3" x 29.6" x 5.75" | 62.8" x 29.7" x 6.3" |
| Weight | 251.3 lbs. | 343.9 lbs. |
| Integrated inverter | No | Yes |
| Operating temperature | -4° to 122° F | -4° to 122° F |
Tesla battery storage efficiency
A Tesla Powerwall battery's storage efficiency is measured in round-trip efficiency and depth of discharge (DoD):
Round-trip efficiency – The Powerwall has a round-trip efficiency of 90%. Round-trip efficiency is the percentage of energy stored in the battery that may be retrieved later. The Powerwall can output 9 kWh for every 10 kWh of electricity stored.
Depth of discharge – The Powerwall's depth of discharge is 100%. DoD is the percentage of stored energy the battery can discharge relative to its total capacity.
The Powerwall features an NMC lithium-ion battery. NMC batteries are known for their increased safety and high energy density—the ability to store a large amount of energy relative to the physical space they take up.
Tesla Powerwall kWh capacity
The Tesla Powerwall has a 13.5 kWh usable energy capacity. Tesla guarantees the Powerwall's battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity at 10 years after installation.
The average home uses 25 to 30 kWh of energy per day, requiring a minimum of two Powerwalls to provide whole-house power for one day. Homeowners can extend the backup time by using the Tesla app to prioritize essential appliances, like the refrigerator and LED lights.
Continuous vs. peak power rating
The Powerwall provides 5 kW of continuous power and 7 kW of peak power, while the Powerwall+ provides 5.8 kW of continuous power and 7.6 kW of peak power.
Peak power is the amount of power the battery can push out for up to 10 seconds. Peak power covers the initial surge required for major appliances when an outage begins.
Continuous power is the amount of power the battery can steadily output until depleted.
Tesla Powerwall lifespan and warranty
A Tesla Powerwall battery's lifespan is 10 to 20 years on average, depending on usage. The Powerwall is covered by a 10-year limited warranty against defects, failure, and premature battery capacity loss.
Tesla only guarantees Powerwalls purchased directly from them or a certified installer.
Tesla Powerwall operating modes and compatibility
A Tesla Powerwall features several performance modes with unique settings and features that can be configured through the mobile app:
Backup Reserve – reserves a portion of the stored energy for use during a grid outage
Self-Powered – stores solar energy not used during the day to power the home at night
Time-Based Control – maximizes savings by collecting and storing energy during off-peak hours when utility rates are lower
Energy Exports – sends energy back to the grid to earn credits when utility rates are high
Self-Consumption Only – produces only enough energy required to power the home, not releasing energy to the grid until the system receives Permission to Operate (PTO) from the utility company
Preconditioning – turns on and heats the Powerwall to improve operation and charging performance when temperatures are below freezing
Tesla Powerwall tax credits
Tesla Powerwalls are eligible for a 30% Federal Tax Credit for installations before 2033. The credit decreases to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. Many states also offer tax credits or rebates for green equipment. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for local incentives.
Tesla solar battery cost vs. competitors
| ESS System | Installed cost | Capacity | Round-trip efficiency | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall 2 | $11,500 | 13.5 kWh | 90% | 10 years, 70% energy retention |
| Enphase Encharge 10T | $12,500 | 10.5 kWh | 89% | 10 years or 4,000 cycles |
| Fortress Power eVault | $14,500 | 18.5 kWh | 98% | 10 years or 6,000 cycles |
| Generac PWRcell | $17,000 | 13.5 kWh | 96.5% | 10 years or 7.56 MWh of output |
| LGE Energy RESU | $13,600 | 16.0 kWh | 90% | 10 years, 70% energy retention |
| Simpliphi AccESS | $18,000 | 11.4 kWh | 98% | 10 years or 10,000 cycles |
| Sonnen ECO GEN 12.5 | $24,700 | 12.5 kWh | 81.6% | 10 years or 10,000 cycles |
Is a Tesla Powerwall worth it?
A Tesla Powerwall may be worth it for homeowners with a compatible solar panel or solar roof system or those who live in areas that experience frequent power outages. The Powerwall is competitively priced and boasts a battery capacity of 13.5 kWh.
A Powerwall provides the most value to homeowners who rely on solar power and use more electricity at night than during the day. If the solar system does not generate significant excess energy during the day, the Powerwall may not store enough energy for homeowners to use its full potential.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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How many Powerwalls do I need?
The number of Powerwalls you need depends on the household size, energy consumption, climate, and whether you want backup power for short-term outages or total grid independence. The average home needs 2 or more Powerwalls to supply whole-house backup power for one day.
Homeowners seeking an off-grid solar-powered system need 4 to 8+ Powerwalls to handle essential loads and power appliances like an electric range, washer/dryer, water heater, and central A/C.
How long can a Tesla Powerwall power a home?
A Tesla Powerwall can power a home for 4 to 12 hours, depending on the number of lights and appliances running. An average family of four will require a minimum of two Powerwalls to power LED lights, major appliances, and air conditioning or a heat pump for one day.
Use the Tesla app to prioritize appliances to prolong the Powerwall’s energy output.
How long does it take to get a Tesla Powerwall?
The wait time to get a Tesla Powerwall is 90 days to 1 year, depending on your location, permit requirements, and current demand.
How big is a Tesla Powerwall battery?
The Tesla Powerwall battery has a 13.5 kW energy capacity. The Powerwall’s physical size is 45.3" x 29.6" x 5.75", and the Powerwall+ is 62.8" x 29.7" x 6.3". The touch-safe system can be wall- or floor-mounted indoors or outdoors.
Can you install a Tesla Powerwall without solar panels?
You can install a Tesla Powerwall without solar panels, though combining a Powerwall with solar maximizes its value. A Powerwall installed without solar can charge directly from the grid during off-peak hours to save on utility costs for homeowners with a time-of-use (TOU) billing plan.
Tesla only sells Powerwalls packaged with their solar panels or Solar Roof system, but some certified third-party installers offer Powerwalls without a solar installation.
Can a Tesla Powerwall replace a generator?
A Tesla Powerwall can replace a generator or may be added to a system with a generator for additional backup. The Powerwall detects outages and immediately provides backup power to the home. A Powerwall can't be recharged from a generator and must be charged from solar or grid power instead.
A whole house generator costs $6,000 to $11,000Â with installation and uses natural gas, propane, or diesel fuel.
Tesla Powerwall reviews
Check out these sites for more Tesla Powerwall reviews:
EcoWatch – Tesla Powerwall Review
Green Citizen – Tesla Powerwall Review
Clean Energy Reviews – Tesla Powerwall and Inverter Review
Save on Energy – Tesla Powerwall Review
Energy Sage – Tesla Powerwall home battery complete review
Solar Reviews – Tesla Powerwall: Is it the best solar battery?
Getting estimates from home battery backup (ESS) contractors
Before hiring a solar installer near you, be sure to:
Request a quote via Tesla's energy design calculator or look for a certified third-party installer.
When working with third-party installers, get at least three in-person estimates with comparable equipment and warranties.
Look for contractors who are members of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) or certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a company that is licensed, insured, and bonded.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
Are you a Tesla-certified installer?
What other solar certifications or licenses do you have?
How many Powerwalls have you installed in the past year?
How many Powerwalls do I need to power my home?
Do you recommend the Powerwall 2 or Powerwall+ for my home, and why?
Can I use my Powerwall to go off-grid?
How long will it take the Powerwall to charge?
How soon will you install my Powerwall?
Where do you recommend mounting the Powerwall in my home?
How long will the installation take?
Will the installation require a permit, and if so, will you acquire it?
Will you assist me in claiming any rebates and incentives?
What does the warranty include?
Who should I contact for troubleshooting or repairs?
Do you offer financing?