Every year, many homeowners choose to pair their solar panels with solar batteries. With technological advancements, solar batteries continually get cheaper as each year passes. The countless power blackouts aren’t improving, informing why many seek practical solutions to reliable electricity.
Tesla’s Powerwall is among the most elite in the market today. Over the years, it has been the preferred solar battery of choice for many homeowners because of its ease of use and brand recognition. Since its maiden release in 2015, the company has worked diligently on improving and refining its energy storage solutions.
Presently, Tesla Powerwall features a 13.5 kWh usable capacity, perhaps one of the reasons it is the most extensively-installed battery backup for many homeowners.
Several months ago, Tesla decided only to sell their Powerwalls with their solar systems, making it challenging to get one.
Fortunately, batteries from other companies exist in the market. So, which are some of the best alternatives to Tesla Powerwall? Here they are:
- Enphase Energy IQ battery
- BYD Battery-Box Premium HV
- SIMPLIPHI Access 15.2kwh Schneider
- LG RESU 16H + SolarEdge Energy Hub 6kW
- Generac 14.4 kWh PWRcell Energy Storage System
- Electric Power – PowerPod 2
- Sonnen 12 kWh EcoLinx Smart Battery Storage System
- Fortress FlexTower 12k All-in-one Energy Storage System
- Panasonic EverVolt 2.0 Battery
Best Tesla Powerwall Alternatives
Enphase Energy IQ Battery
Enphase Energy constitutes the two largest solar inverter manufacturers globally. Therefore, it only makes sense for the company to recently introduce a battery that interfaces with the home via a unique variety of the brand’s popular microinverters.
The Enphase Energy IQ Battery is among the most intelligent systems in the market today.
There is more to this solar battery backup system than just being a battery. It is an all-inclusive smart energy hub for a home solar system.
Although it might lack public brand recognition as Tesla does, Enphase is among the leaders in solar manufacturing, famous for its microinverters.
Since its entrance into the solar battery market in 2019, Enphase has become one of the best Tesla Powerwall alternatives.
One of the advantages of this modular battery system is that it comes in different sizes, available in various increments of 3.5 kW. Furthermore, the easy-to-use intelligent system automatically toggles between the battery, grid, solar, or generator power based on your home’s needs.
As a versatile battery, it allows direct integration of generators for extra off-grid power. It is among the few batteries that can automatically spot a grid power outage and switch the home into off-grid mode, unlike the Tesla Powerwall, which needs a manual switch.
Key Features
- IQ batteries can connect to fossil fuel backup generators from leading companies such as Cummins, Generac, and Kohler
- It uses a safer LFP battery chemistry inside the IQ battery
- IQ battery features an in-built way to connect it to a fossil-fuel-backup generator for off-grid applications
- Extensive warranty promising 70% of capacity after 4,000 cycles or ten years
BYD Battery-Box Premium HV
Like the Tesla Powerwall, the BYD Battery-Box Premium HV entered the market in 2015. BYD (Build Your Dreams), a Chinese solar manufacturer, is the brains behind this Tesla Powerwall alternative.
BYD has grown tremendously among the most reputable stationery battery manufacturers worldwide. They provide an array of lithium energy storage systems for commercial and residential solar projects.
BYD batteries are popular because of their compatibility with a range of hybrid and off-grid solar inverters. Their high-power output is also noticeable.
The modular tower battery is available in different voltage levels and sizes to provide more options for your business or home energy needs. This cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate battery performs incredibly well at high temperatures. Additionally, it boasts a longer cycle life compared to other lithium batteries.
Key Features
- Battery modules are stackable to improve total storage capacity
- BYD batteries boast impressive continuous power ratings
- BYD batteries come with a 10-year warranty and work well for roughly 3,000 complete cycles
- Pocket friendly (ranges from around $2000 – $9,700) depending on size
The only downside with this product is that the BYD website is somewhat challenging to navigate, so it is difficult to obtain precise information about this Tesla Powerwall alternative.
SIMPHLIPHI Access 15.2kwh Schneider
SIMPLIPHI Power is an electricity storage company with ten years of experience in the USA.
The company is committed to fighting energy poverty, giving 1% of its yearly revenue to facilitate energy access by poor communities.
The SIMPLIPHI Access is an all-in-one solution from the combination of lithium batteries and a solar inverter by Schneider (Conext XW Pro).
From your array of solar panels, the SIMPLIPHI Access 15.2 merges all tools to connect directly. Compared to the Tesla Powerwall, the Simpliphi Access offers more power output, a 98% round trip efficiency, and a large storage capacity.
Cost comparison shows that SIMPLIPHI Access is a little more expensive than the Tesla Powerwall but has the lowest LCOS with a more durable battery.
Key Features
- High efficiency: 98% round trip proficiency from solar to AC output.
- Inverter: continuous power output of 6.8kW
- Solar charger: solar power up to 4.8kW
- LFP battery storage: 10,000 cycles/15.2kWh, plus ten years warranty.
- Cost: 25,600 USD plus installation, with an LCOS of 10,000 cycles (0.19 USD/kWh).
LG RESU 16H + SolarEdge Energy Hub 6kW
RESU 16H is manufactured by LG Chem, a manufacturer that specializes in LFP technology.
By coupling with SolarEdge Energy Hub solar inverter, the LG RESU 16H is an excellent alternative to Tesla Powerwall.
When combined with the Solar Edge 6kW inverter, the LG RESU 16H is a complete solution for your plug-and-play solar energy store. You will not need extra tools to connect to the solar panel compared to the Tesla Powerwall.
Besides being a little more expensive than the Tesla Powerwall, LG RESU 16H has a lower LCOS and larger storage capacity. Additionally, it comes with a high-quality inverter that has 12 years warranty.
Key Features
- 16kWh battery storage
- Up to 12 kW solar panel power
- 12 years warranty on the inverter and ten years warranty on the battery
- Outdoor and indoor installation
- 6kW pure sine-wave inverter (solar Edge Energy Hub) power output
- Costs 17,000 USD plus installation and LCOS of 0.29USD/ kWh for 10 years.
Generac 14.4 kWh PWRcell Energy Storage System
Since 1959, Generac has grown to become one of the most popular and trusted USA brands for generators that use fuel.
Their generator production ranges from industrial purposes mobile type generators to home electrical backup systems.
Their new PWRcell is an all-in-one solution to your domestic energy storage, which competes with the Tesla Powerwall 2.
The efficiency comparison between the PWRcell and the Tesla Powerwall shows that the former is more efficient in storing solar electricity. How?
The parcel has an inbuilt MPPT solar charger. Unlike the Tesla Powerwall 2, which only allows AC charging and requires an extra conversion from AC to DC, the PWRcell enables you to connect directly to your solar system.
The parcel allows you to easily upgrade your module design to that with a capacity of up to 6 batteries (18kWh max) module design.
The parcel is a little expensive compared to Tesla Powerwall. However, as much as the warranty and specifications are similar, you will not need to purchase micro-inverters for your PWRcell solar panels.
Key Features
- 10kW solar panel power
- 7.6kW pure sine-wave inverter for power output
- 24/7 cloud connection monitoring plus LCD control panel
- Outdoor and indoor installation
- 37.8 MWh or ten years warranty
- 14.4kWh (12kWh usable) NMC battery storage customizable to 36kWh with additional modules
- Cost 20,000 USD plus installation fee with an LCOS of USD 0.53/kWh (37.8MWh)
Electric Power – PowerPod 2
Based in the USA, Electriq Power is a company that specializes in and offers solutions for smart home battery storage.
They have high-quality products and the latest features on their products, such as cloud monitoring.
The power pod is more efficient than the Tesla Powerwall as it comes with an inbuilt solar charger. Additionally, it presents a plug-and-play solution as you can connect your solar panels directly.
The power pod is cheaper than the Tesla Powerwall and with a larger storage capacity.
In some states in the USA, an LCOS of 0.18 USD/kWh is competitive with electricity prices.
Key Features
- 15kWh LFP battery storage
- Up to 11.4kW solar panel power plus four inbuilt MPPT solar chargers
- 24/7 cloud connection monitoring
- Outdoor and indoor installation
- 6000 cycles, ten years warranty
- 7.6 kW continuous 120v AC output power
- Costs 14,179 USD plus installation fee with an LCOS of USD 0.18/kWh or 6000 cycles
Sonnen 12kWh EcoLinx Smart Battery Storage System
Based in Germany, Sonnen is a company that has been experienced in the domestic energy market for more than ten years.
In addition to winning multiple awards for their high-quality products, they have installed more than 90,000 units across the globe.
Like the Tesla Powerwall specifications, the Sonnen EcoLinx is an AC- merged battery.
Sonnen includes the latest innovation, and as a smart storage solution, it can forecast the weather. It can automatically increase battery energy storage on detecting harsh weather conditions.
It has 15,000 cycles and 15 years warranty on the battery, making it the most durable option for Tesla Powerwall.
Sonnen is more expensive compared to Tesla Powerwall. However, it has a low LCOS plus a high storage solution, and over time, you will realize that the investment was worth it.
Key Features
- 12kWh LFP battery storage
- 24/7 cloud connection monitoring
- Indoor installation only
- 8Kw continuous output power
- Up to 8 kW solar panel power (need micro inverters and coupled AC)
- 15,000 cycles or 15 years warranty for life duration
- Costs 35,000 USD including installation fee plus an LCOS of 0.24 USD/kWh (15,000 cycles)
Fortress FlexTower 12k All-In-One Energy Storage System
Based in the USA, Fortress Power specializes in manufacturing and solving domestic energy storage based on LFP batteries.
Their commitment is focused on delivering high-quality products in addition to long life duration and high storage capacity.
The Energy Storage Solution is a combination of the sol-Ark 12k (12kW) inverter plus three eFlex 5.4 batteries (16.2 kWh)
The large storage capacity provides anatomy for your home. The Fortress Flex Tower has a 12kW paired inverter that is more powerful than the 5kW Powerwall for limitless electricity use.
In addition to coming with an inverter that allows you to connect directly to other larger solar panels, it has a low LCOS. However, it is a little more expensive than the Tesla Powerwall, but over time, you will realize the worth of the investment.
Key Features
- 16.2kWh LFP battery storage that can be customized to 81kWh with additional modules
- 12Kw pure sine-wave inverter (SolArk 12k) output power
- UP TO 17Kw plus three inbuilt MPPT solar charger
- 24/7 cloud connection monitoring
- Outdoor and outdoor installation (waterproof and dustproof IP65)
- 8000 cycles at 80% DoD and ten years warranty
- Costs 21,618 USD, including installation fee, in addition to an LCOS of 0.19USD/kWh (8000 cycles)
Panasonic EVERVOLT 2.0
Aside from making batteries for Powerwall and Tesla’s EVs, electric vehicles depend on Panasonic as their most prominent supplier of lithium-ion batteries.
The Overvolt 2.0 presents a plug-and-play solution with its built-in solar charger, a game changer for your solar panels. Unlike Powerwall, you will not need extra equipment.
The large capacity of Evervolt 2.0 makes it easy for you to have additional battery modules to reach 52.2kWh.
With an LCOS of 0.21USD/kWh, the Overvolt 2.0 presents competition to Powerwall and the current retail electricity prices in the USA.
Key Features
- 17.5kWh customizable to 52kWh with additional modules, LFP battery storage
- 7.6 pure sine-wave inverter output power.
- 24/7 cloud connection monitoring.
- Outdoor and indoor installation.
- Up to 12kW with four controllers for MPPT solar charge.
- 6000 cycles (80% DoD) or ten years warranty for life duration.
- Costs an estimate of 20,000 USD plus installation fee with an LCOS of 6000 cycles (0.21 USD/kWh.)
How To Select The Best Solar Battery System
When it comes to comparing different options for your home solar battery system, you need to consider several key data points, chief among them including;
- Warranty terms
- Size
Warranty Terms
A battery’s energy capacity guarantees that a particular percentage of its original energy capacity remains after a certain period. On top of that, some batteries feature two other warranty types – a cycle warranty and a throughput warranty.
The former is measured in megawatt-hours (MWh), while the latter is measured in discharge/complete charge cycles.
Throughput warranties typically add a limit to the amount of energy you can cycle via your battery in the warranty period while at the same time remaining eligible for a guaranteed energy capacity warranty.
On the other hand, cycle warranties also measure time bounds on warranty periods. These warranties specify the number of times users can discharge and charge a battery before the warrantied capacity isn’t longer applicable.
Size
Regarding size, two things come into play – power and usable capacity. Power, measured in kilowatts or kW, determines the maximum electricity that could be output at a single time. On the other hand, usage capacity measured in kWh or kilowatt-hours is a measure of the total amount of electricity stored in a fully-charged battery.
A battery with a higher power rating can deliver more electricity but spins through its energy capacity faster and vice versa.
The power of a battery determines what appliances you can run simultaneously, while usable capacity determines the period the appliances can run on the battery.
Batteries with higher power ratings can run more energy-hungry appliances or many appliances simultaneously. Batteries featuring higher usable capacity can store total energy, meaning they can keep appliances running for extended periods without recharge.