The Tesla Powerwall is a home battery system that has become increasingly popular for homeowners looking to maximize their energy independence. A Tesla Powerwall stores excess energy from your solar panels or the grid for use when you need it most—whether during outages, peak rate hours, or at night. While the investment is significant, understanding the costs involved helps you make an informed decision. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down Tesla Powerwall pricing, explore available incentives that can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, and compare it with other leading solar battery storage solutions on the market today.
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Tesla Powerwall Cost
Based on a secret-shopping quote we acquired on Tesla’s website for a home near Austin, Texas, a single Tesla Powerwall 3 battery costs $16,779. Installation costs vary depending on your installer, but our 2025 survey of 1,000 recent home solar customers revealed that the average price to install a Tesla Powerwall is $7,466. This pricing reflects the responses of 81 Tesla Powerwall customers across the United States.
The price of a Tesla Powerwall varies based on your location. While the $16,779 price is based on a quote our team pulled for an address in Austin, Texas, a quote we requested for a home in Atlanta, Georgia, showed a single-unit price of $11,499. You can learn more about costs in your area by submitting your address on Tesla’s site. You can purchase a Powerwall in combination with a Tesla solar system or Tesla solar roof.
You can buy a maximum of 10 Powerwalls per purchase, and the cost per unit decreases when you purchase more batteries. Most homes need only one or two batteries to meet their basic energy storage needs. If you own a larger home or want to go off-grid, you may need to buy additional Powerwalls.
You can save thousands of dollars on your battery by applying for solar incentives. The federal solar tax credit is one of the most valuable incentives that most homeowners qualify for. If you’re considering a Tesla Powerwall, we recommend requesting a quote and comparing it to the price of other solar batteries.
| Number of Powerwalls | Average Cost* | Cost After 30% Federal Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16,779 | $11,745 |
| 2 | $21,758 | $15,231 |
| 3 | $28,253 | $19,777 |
| 4 | $35,181 | $24,627 |
| 5 | $44,599 | $31,219 |
| 6 | $54,017 | $37,812 |
| 7 | $63,435 | $44,405 |
Pricing From a Local Powerwall Installer
Looking for alternatives to buying directly from Tesla? You can purchase a Powerwall through a local certified installer in your area. This might be the perfect route if you already have solar panels and just want to add battery storage to your existing setup. Keep in mind that pricing can vary significantly between installers. You’re looking at anywhere from $1,000 to $18,000 total, installation included.*
There’s an important trade-off to consider, though. While going through a third-party installer gives you more local support options, you’ll likely face longer wait times for your Powerwall. Tesla typically prioritizes customers who order complete solar systems over those just purchasing batteries. And when you order through a certified installer, there’s an additional delay since they need to receive their inventory from Tesla first before getting to your installation.
*Based on our 2025 survey of 1,000 recent home solar customers.
Pros and Cons of Tesla Powerwall Battery
Pros
- Has above-average efficiency at 90% or higher
- Can be installed on an existing solar system
- Comes with an energy-monitoring app and software updates
Cons
- Must be installed by Tesla or a Tesla-certified company
- Only comes in one size with a battery capacity of 13.5 kWh
- May require long wait times due to high demand
How To Save Money on the Tesla Powerwall
Federal, state, and local solar incentives can help you save thousands of dollars when buying solar products, including batteries. One of the most valuable cost-saving incentives is the federal solar tax credit, which you qualify for if you purchase a Powerwall as a stand-alone unit or with a full Tesla solar system using cash or a solar loan. This provides a federal income tax deduction equal to 30% of your solar panel installation costs.
You also save money when you buy more than one Powerwall. Subsequent battery purchases are discounted per unit.
How Do the Powerwall 2, Powerwall 3, and Powerwall+ Compare?
The Powerwall family, including the Powerwall 2, the newer Powerwall 3, and the Powerwall+, shares many core features, particularly when it comes to battery capacity. However, they differ in crucial ways that might impact your decision, especially regarding power output capabilities and installation flexibility. Below, we’ve put together a comparison of all Powerwall models side by side, so you can easily spot the differences that matter most for your specific energy needs and home setup.
| Category | Tesla Powerwall 2 | Tesla Powerwall 3 | Tesla Powerwall+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $8,400–$13,000 | $13,500 | $8,400–$13,000 |
| Usable battery capacity | 13.5 kWh | 13.5 kWh | 13.5 kWh |
| Price per kWh (estimated) | $622–$962 | $1,000 | $622–$962 |
| Peak power output | 7 kW | 15.4 kW | 9.6 kW |
| Round trip efficiency | 90% | 97.5% | 90% |
| Battery type | Lithium NMC | Lithium NMC | Lithium NMC |
| Depth of discharge (DoD) | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| On-grid power | 5 kW continuous | 11.5 kW continuous | 7.6 kW continuous |
| Temperature tolerance | -4–122 degrees Fahrenheit | -4–122 degrees Fahrenheit | -40–122 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Installation | Floor or wall-mounted, indoor or outdoor | Floor or wall-mounted, indoor or outdoor | Floor or wall-mounted, indoor or outdoor |
| Backup power | 7 kW | 11.5 kW | 9.6 kW |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Weight | 251.3 pounds | 291.2 pounds | 310 pounds |
How Long Will a Tesla Powerwall Last?
Powerwall models come with an industry-standard 10-year warranty. Your Powerwall may last longer than 10 years, but its performance will lessen. Most solar panels last up to 25 years, so you may need to replace your Powerwall to match your system’s lifespan.
The Powerwall warranty includes the following clauses:
- 70% end-of-life capacity clause: The Powerwall has an end-of-cycle capacity of 70%, meaning it will provide at least 70% of its original 13.5 kWh capacity. This is higher than the average end-of-warranty capacity of around 60%.
- Four-year workmanship warranty: This warranty covers any replacements or repairs due to poor installation and the shipping of any necessary replacement parts.
- Unlimited charge cycles: A charge cycle is the process of fully charging and draining your battery. This clause includes unlimited charge cycles for the full 10-year coverage length.
How Many Powerwalls Do You Need?
A Tesla Powerwall can power essential appliances in an average home for an average of 24–36 hours, but this is weather-dependent. Here’s a breakdown:
One Powerwall:
- Cloudy/winter days: 1 day
- Sunny/summer days: 2.5 days
Two Powerwalls:
- Cloudy/winter days: 1.5 days
- Sunny/summer days: 7+ days
The battery can provide electricity to most 120-volt appliances and electric outlets. However, high-energy-consumption systems, such as air conditioners, may require additional Powerwalls to meet their energy needs. The number of solar panels you have will also influence the number of solar batteries you’ll need.
The Powerwall can function as a whole-home or partial-backup system based on your needs. Below is an overview of each configuration:
- Whole-house backup: This configuration provides whole-home power during an outage. If you have several high-power appliances, your battery life will drain more quickly. This setup is best for homeowners living in areas with inclement weather that causes blackouts. It’s also a good option for those who want backup power for their home and can afford multiple Powerwalls. Most homes need three or more Powerwalls for adequate whole-house power backup.
- Partial-home backup: With a partial backup option, your Powerwall only supplies power to essential appliances, such as your HVAC system and refrigerator, during an outage. Consider this configuration if you’re keeping your investment to a minimum and only focusing on essential appliances. This setup requires one or two Powerwalls.
How Does the Tesla Powerwall Compare to Other Solar Batteries?
Here’s how the latest Powerwall 3 compares to other energy storage options based on various specs, including features, capacity, and efficiency.
| Measurement | Tesla Powerwall 3 | sonnenCore+ | Enphase IQ 5P | SunPower SunVault |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | 13.5 kWh | 10 kWh–20 kWh | 4.96 kWh | 13 kWh–19.5 kWh |
| Continuous power output | 11.5 kW | 4.8 kW | 3.84 kW | 6.8 kW |
| Depth of discharge (DoD) | 100% | 100% | 98% | 92% |
| Round-trip efficiency | 97.5% | 85.8% | 90% | 86% |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years or 10,000 cycles | 15 years | 10 years |
Is the Tesla Powerwall Worth It?
The Powerwall is often worth it for homeowners with solar systems or anyone looking for reliable backup power. It’s similar to how going solar is worth it. Yes, the upfront cost is higher than some competitors, but the superior efficiency and extended lifespan typically deliver better long-term value.
What really sets the Powerwall apart are its impressive power capacity, intelligent energy-saving modes, and customizable backup options. With a Powerwall installed, you’ll gain significant independence from the grid, protecting your home during outages while potentially cutting your monthly electricity costs substantially.
Every home’s energy needs are unique, though. To understand exactly how a Powerwall might benefit your specific situation and get personalized pricing, we recommend connecting with one of our vetted solar installation partners who can provide a detailed assessment and accurate quote.
FAQs About the Tesla Powerwall
How long can a Tesla Powerwall last?
A Tesla Powerwall is guaranteed under warranty to last 10 years at peak performance. You may be able to get as many as 20 years out of your Powerwall, but performance will decrease over time.
Can I get a free Powerwall?
Tesla is not offering free Powerwalls at this time. Tesla has offered free Powerwalls to customers in the past as part of a referral program, but this offer ended in 2021. If you find someone offering you a free solar battery, you might be dealing with a solar scam.
Is a Tesla Powerwall weatherproof?
Yes, the Tesla Powerwall is weatherproof and can be installed in indoor or outdoor locations. The Powerwall operates in temperatures between -4 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The energy storage device includes an integrated temperature regulation system to provide maximum performance in hot or cold conditions.
How many solar panels do I need to charge a Tesla Powerwall?
There is no specific number of solar panels needed to charge a Tesla Powerwall, but for most use cases, around 20 solar panels will be sufficient.
How We Evaluated Solar Batteries
We aim to provide comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and data to back up our recommendations. Our rating system for solar batteries is on a 100-point scale based on five factors, and we divide the final score by 20 to calculate our 5-star ratings:
- Depth of discharge (20 points): Batteries received higher scores if the company disclosed its depth of discharge (DoD) rating and if the rating met or exceeded the industry standard of 80%. A higher DoD resulted in a higher score.
- Round-trip efficiency (20 points): Higher scores were awarded to batteries with greater round-trip efficiency, particularly those meeting or surpassing the industry standard of 80%. The higher the round-trip efficiency, the more points we awarded.
- Battery chemistry (15 points): We awarded more points to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries than lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries due to their higher efficiency and longer lifespan.
- Power capacity options (15 points): We awarded more points to brands with multiple battery capacity options for better customization rather than only one size.
- End-of-warranty capacity (15 points): Batteries with a higher projected end-of-warranty capacity earned more points, particularly those meeting or exceeding the industry standard of 60%.
- Warranty length (15 points): Longer and more comprehensive warranties resulted in higher scores, with batteries meeting or exceeding the 10-year industry-standard ranking the highest.
