Top 5 Best Solar Batteries (2023 Costs & Reviews)

Tesla is a leader in the industry in terms of technology, and the different Powerwall batteries are a clear reason why. The energy storage systems from Tesla are sleek, perform better than most other options on the market and come with some impressive technology that makes them super convenient to use. The high demand means the waitlist for products is quite long, but we feel they’re still some of the best options available.

We recommend Tesla solar batteries for homeowners who want the best of the best and don’t mind waiting a few months for supply to catch up with demand.

What We Like

There are so many positive things to say about Tesla’s solar batteries. First off, they’re expensive, but the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is well below the industry average at just $851. In fact, they’re some of the most affordable backup batteries when taking capacity into account.

Tesla’s solar batteries have outstanding performance specifications. The capacity is above the industry standard—13.5 on the Powerwall+ as opposed to the typical 5.1 kWh—and they have the highest total capacity we’ve seen.

These are modular batteries, so you can connect 10 Powerwalls in series for a maximum storage capacity of 135 kWh. That means they should keep just about any home powered through a blackout, even if you have an above-average electricity consumption rate.

The batteries have an above-average peak output for high-demand homes. They have some impressive technology included at no cost, and they also come equipped with features like Storm Watch, which automatically recharges your batteries if severe weather is headed your way.

What We Don’t Like

The downside to buying a solar battery from Tesla is the delay you’re likely to experience between ordering and installation. Tesla’s competitors are likely running into the same supply chain issues, but they have a much lower demand for their products, so they can often be installed shortly after ordering.

Tesla has also been in the news in the past few years for social sustainability issues, including claims of racism in its production facilities. These claims haven’t been substantiated yet, but this is a potential negative to consider.

Read our full review of Tesla for more information.

Solar Battery Options

Tesla has two solar batteries in production: the Powerwall and the Powerwall+.

• Tesla Powerwall: The original Powerwall has a capacity of 13.5 kWh. The primary differences between it and the Powerwall Plus are the power output and the inverter. The original Powerwall has a 10 kWh peak output, which is less than half of what the Plus provides. This is also smaller than the other option, at 45 inches tall. It also notably does not include an islanding inverter.

• Tesla Powerwall+: The Powerwall+ has a peak output of 22 kWh when connected to the grid, which is well above the industry average and what the original Powerwall can handle. The Powerwall+ is much taller at nearly 63 inches. The islanding inverter included allows the battery to disconnect from and operate independently from the electric grid.

The table below includes a comparison of the two battery options from Tesla to help you decide which might be best for your home.

Warranty Information

Tesla’s battery warranty is close to the industry standard. The warranty term is 10 years, which is average, and the guaranteed remaining efficiency at the end of the warranty is 70%, which is just a touch below average.

Tesla has a good reputation for responding to warranty claims, so you’re unlikely to run into major issues if you do have a problem with your battery performance. On average, your Tesla battery should last a minimum of 10 years, but many customers find that they last 15 to 20 years.

Installation Options

Tesla Powerwalls cannot be purchased separately for a DIY installation, which is the case for most batteries on the market. Much like it does for its solar panels, the company uses a massive network of third-party installers to distribute and install its batteries, so you should have no problem finding an installer in your area to tackle the installation.

Tesla also recently started allowing battery installations independently of solar panels, so you can now have your Powerwalls installed as backup electric generators even if you don’t have a solar panel system on your roof. The best part is that you can still take solar incentives and rebates that apply.

Click here to find the Tesla battery dealers nearest you.

Panasonic is a major player in the industry, and its batteries are some of the best alternatives to the more well-known Powerwalls from Tesla. The batteries provide outstanding value for the money, with below-average pricing per kWh, some of the highest per-battery capacities in the industry and outstanding performance specifications.

Panasonic has a slightly below-average warranty, but we still think it’s a great option for anyone looking to get the most bang for their buck.

What We Like
Some of the best things about Panasonic’s solar batteries are the high capacity and the above-average performance specs. The Evervolt 2.0 battery has a massive capacity of 17.5 kWh, which is more than double the industry average. The batteries are expensive, but on a per-kWh basis, you’ll pay just $857, which is around 25% lower than most other battery options.

Panasonic’s batteries have an industry-leading continuous power output of 9.6 kWh and a peak output of 12 kWh, so they’re a great option for you if you have high energy demands or multiple people living in your home. They’ll be able to run multiple appliances and electronics — including electric vehicle (EV) chargers — at once without you having to worry about damaging your equipment.

Panasonic’s batteries can also be connected in series for a total storage capacity of 102 kWh, so it’s a great option for keeping excess energy at the ready for long blackouts or offsetting expensive energy consumption at night.

What We Don’t Like

The biggest downside to purchasing a Panasonic battery, in our opinion, is the upfront cost per battery. Even though the Evervolt series has a low per-kWh battery, it also has a high capacity, which means a minimum cost of around $15,000.

The least amount of money you can spend on a Panasonic battery is around 300% of what you might spend on smaller batteries. As such, we feel this battery provides outstanding value for the money, but it’s not ideal if you only want emergency backup power.

Read our full review of Panasonic for more information.

Solar Battery Options

Panasonic manufactures two main solar batteries: the EverVolt and the EverVolt 2.0.

• Panasonic EverVolt: The original EverVolt has a storage capacity of 11 kWh, which is much smaller than the EverVolt 2.0 but still better than the industry average. It has a continuous output of 4.6 kWh and a peak output of 5.0 kWh, both of which are slightly above the industry average. The original EverVolt is also only water-resistant, so it can only be installed indoors.

• Panasonic EverVolt 2.0: The EverVolt 2.0 has an IP55 rating, so it can be installed indoors or outdoors. It has a higher per-battery capacity of 17.5 kWh and far better power output ratings than its predecessor. The continuous power output is 10 kWh, and the peak output is 17 kWh.

The table below includes some key information about these two options in case you can’t decide if the original EverVolt or the 2.0 is right for your home.

Warranty Information

The warranty Panasonic offers for its batteries is one of the areas where the company falls a bit short. The warranty term is 10 years, which is right in line with the industry standard. However, the guaranteed efficiency remaining at the end of the term is just 60%, whereas most competitors guarantee 70% or higher.

Installation Options

Much like Tesla, Panasonic uses third-party installers to handle its installations. Although not as many solar companies carry Panasonic batteries as Tesla Powerwalls, you still shouldn’t have any problems finding an installer near you that does carry them.

Click here to find the Panasonic dealers nearest you.

SunPower is one of the biggest and most trustworthy names for solar panels in the entire industry, and it somewhat recently started offering its SunVault storage system to complement its panels. Since SunPower has a nationwide presence and installation partners in all 50 states, the SunVault remains one of the most widely available solar batteries for homes.

SunPower’s SunVault is quite expensive on a per-battery basis, but we still feel that the quality is worth the investment. We’d recommend this battery for solar customers who want high performance and great availability from the trusted SunPower brand name.

What We Like

There are plenty of things to love about the SunPower battery. To start, the batteries come in large capacities, ranging from 13 kWh up to a massive 52 kWh. That means you have the option for higher-than-average storage capacity, all in a single battery encasement.

We also love the performance specs from the SunVault system, including the above-average continuous power and peak power tolerances of 6.8 kWh and 10 kWh, respectively. These batteries should be able to handle energy demands for just about any home, even if you have multiple people in your house using electricity constantly.

SunPower is also a viable option for just about every U.S. resident. The company has one of the largest networks of certified installers in the country, so no matter where you live, you should have access to it. The SunVault can also be installed exclusive of panels, so it’s an option for off-grid power even if you haven’t invested in a full solar system.

What We Don’t Like

There are two primary things that could be better with the SunPower battery. Most importantly, the round-trip efficiency is below average, and there’s no depth of discharge (DoD) rating made public. The low round-trip efficiency of 85% means some of the renewable energy your panels generate will be lost in the transition to storage, so this battery isn’t ideal in areas where panel efficiency needs to be optimized.

The lack of DoD information isn’t a huge deal, but it does mean the amount of energy available of the stated capacity you can use to power your home is unknown. Ultimately, your available storage could be below the stated 13 to 52 kWh.

Read our full review of SunPower for more information.

Solar Battery Options

SunPower currently only offers one home battery option: the SunVault. Much like SunPower’s panels, the battery has above-average performance specifications, including a 52 kWh maximum capacity per battery and continuous and peak power outputs of 6.8 kWh and 10 kWh, respectively. That means it’s a good option for homes that use a lot of energy.

The table below can be used to compare SunPower’s solar battery with others on our list.

Warranty Information

SunPower offers a 10-year warranty for its storage systems, which is in line with the industry average. After the warranty term, your SunVault system is guaranteed to have retained 70% of its starting efficiency, which is also average.

Installation Options

The installation options available are really where SunPower shines. Since it’s a leading manufacturer of solar panels in the U.S., it has an enormous nationwide network of installers that can offer its products. SunPower’s batteries are some of the most widely available in the country.

SunPower storage solutions aren’t available for DIY installation, but you can have them installed independently of solar panels if you just want a capable electric generator.

Click here to find the SunPower dealers nearest you.

Unlike our top two solar battery manufacturers, Generac doesn’t manufacture solar panels and instead focuses entirely on battery banks and off-grid generators. The Generac PWRCell is a widely-known product, most notable for its high storage capacity and add-on options, like the PWRGenerator and the PWRManager.

We recommend Generac solar batteries for anyone who’s looking for a one-stop shop for off-grid power, especially if you want a high-capacity battery with an outstanding efficiency rating.

What We Like

As mentioned above, Generac stands out because of its efficiency rating and its expandability with add-on products.

The PWRCell from Generac has an industry-leading round-trip efficiency of 96.5%. That means it will help you make the most of the solar energy you collect with your panels and can provide maximum power for your home in blackout or low-sun conditions. This makes it ideal for areas without net metering and solar customers who see low-sun conditions often.

Generac also makes a handful of solar battery add-on products to manage power more efficiently and maximize your off-grid power. It has specialized in generators for years before entering the solar industry, so its gas generators make great add-ons to your battery options. The PWRManager also lets you maintain total control over your off-grid system to conserve power for where you need it most.

What We Don’t Like

The biggest downside to the Generac PWRCell, in our opinion, is that the maximum capacity with batteries in series is just 36 kWh. That means you won’t be able to last too long off-grid, even if you max out the capacity.

The other downside to the PWRCell is the DoD, sitting at just 84%. This is below the industry average of 90%, which means you’re paying for capacity you ultimately can’t use to power your home.

Read our full review of Generac for more information.

Solar Battery Options

Generac has just one option available right now, which is the PWRCell. The company’s sole battery has an above-average capacity of up to 18 kWh if you opt for the larger battery. It also comes in a smaller size of just 9 kWh. The performance specs, including the continuous output of 8 kWh, make it a great option for homes with a high energy demand.

We’ll include some information on this battery in the table below for easy comparison to other brands on this list.

Warranty Information

Generac’s warranty is right around average for the solar battery industry. It protects the product and battery efficiency for 10 years and guarantees a remaining efficiency of 70% at the end of the warranty term.

Installation Options

Generac partners with a huge number of certified installers to keep its products widely available across the country. Most solar customers in the U.S. should have no problem finding a local installer that carries Generac products. However, it is less prevalent in the industry than some other top options, including the Powerwall and SunPower’s battery, which we’ll discuss next.

Click here to find the Generac dealers nearest you.

LG has been developing solar batteries for years, and since it exited the solar panel manufacturing industry, it’s now an even more trusted name for batteries. LG batteries come in a wide range of sizes, meaning it’s easy to customize your solar storage solution based on your energy needs and expectations in blackout conditions.

We recommend the LG battery for anyone who just wants emergency backup power and doesn’t need to maximize their storage capacity.

What We Like

LG offers three lines of solar batteries in different sizes and power outputs, allowing solar customers to customize their storage systems based on their individual needs.

The performance specifications of the LG batteries are quite good, and most are above average. That includes a high round-trip efficiency rating of 94.5% and power output ratings of 5 kWh and 7 kWh (continuous and peak, respectively).

The LG batteries don’t do well set up in series, so they’re not a great option for solar customers who want high capacities for total peace of mind through power outages. However, the price per kWh is low, and the minimum battery size is well below average for those looking for emergency power only.

What We Don’t Like

The biggest drawback to the LG batteries, in our opinion, is the efficiency loss you’ll experience over time. The warranty coverage is for the standard 10 years, but only 60% of your original battery capacity is guaranteed to remain at that time, so these batteries lose efficiency more rapidly than most other options.

Additionally, the maximum capacity you can have in series is only 19.6 kWh. That may not be enough for some homes to remain off-grid for long, even with an islanding inverter that allows your panels to recharge your batteries.

Read our full review of LG for more information.

Solar Battery Options

One upside of going with LG for your battery storage system is that it has a few different options available, depending on your capacity and output needs.

• LG Chem RESU: The original RESU battery has a low voltage of 48V, so it comes with the lowest power output of the three. The continuous and peak outputs can be as low as 3 kWh and 3.3 kWh, respectively. That means they’re best for emergency backup only. These also come in three capacities, ranging from 6.5 kWh up to 13 kWh. As such, they provide the most customization within the LG lineup.

• LG Chem RESU-H: The RESU-H series has a higher voltage, which results in higher outputs. The 5.0 kWh continuous power output and 7.0 peak output mean this battery is suitable for powering your entire home, even if you have above-average rates of consumption. These batteries aren’t compatible with as many inverter brands as the base RESU model, so it might be harder to retrofit into an existing solar array.

• LG Chem RESU Prime: The RESU Prime is the most capable of the three, with a continuous power output of 7 kWh and a peak output of 11 kWh. This is the best option from LG if you’re looking to maintain full power in a blackout and have an above-average rate of consumption. This battery performs slightly better in the cold, as well, so it might be a better option for colder climates. Finally, the capacity is the largest of the three, reaching up to 16 kWh.

The table below provides a quick side-by-side view of the three battery options from LG.

Warranty Information

LG’s battery warranty lasts for 10 years, which is average. Unfortunately, it only guarantees that your batteries will retain 60% of their original efficiency, which is below the industry standard of 73%.

Installation Options

LG is another manufacturer that patterns with a wide range of installers. Its network isn’t as large as what you’ll find from Tesla or SunPower, but most residents should be able to find a provider that carries LG products and is certified to install them.

Additionally, LG RESU batteries can be installed even if you don’t have solar modules on your roof, so these batteries can be used like traditional electric generators.

Click here to find the LG dealers nearest you.