Tesla’s solar panels are undeniably innovative, but let’s face it, they are on the expensive side of the market. So, many eco-responsible homeowners are eager to find a valuable Tesla Powerwall alternative.
We understand it’s easy to get lost in a market with dozens of companies promoting themselves as “the best!” Thus, we gathered the top 7 Powerwall alternatives for your home or business. All those batteries offer exceptional performance and impressive capacities. Keep reading this article to determine the best Tesla Powerwall alternative for your case!
What is Tesla Powerwall?
Source: Homeguide
The Tesla Powerwall is a rechargeable battery for households’ energy storage. It’s a great backup power option to keep your appliances running even during outages. Unlike generators, Powerwalls are silent, require no maintenance, and don’t emit fumes.
There are currently three variations of Powerwall in the market: Powerwall 2, Powerwall Plus, and Powerwall 3. Check the comparison table for vital Tesla specs. This information will be crucial for you when comparing Powerwall alternatives.
| Feature | Models | ||
| Powerwall 2 | Powerwall+ | Powerwall 3 | |
| Usable Capacity (kWh) | 13.5 | ||
| Continuous Power (kW) | 5 | 7.6 | 11.5 |
| Peak Power (kW) | 7 | N/A | |
| Efficiency | 97.5% | ||
| Scalability | Up to 10 units | Up to 4 units | Only with Powerwall 3 Units until 40.5 kWh |
| Operating Temperature, F | From -4° to 122° | ||
| Dimensions (W x H x D), inches | 45.3 x 29.6 x 5.75 | 62.8 x 29.6 x 6.3 | 43.25 x 24 x 7.6 |
| Weight, lbs | 251.3 | 343.9 | 287 |
| Warranty | 10 years | ||
The main drawback of these panels is their price. Tesla Powerwall battery cost is approximately $12,000-15,000 before incentives. If you want to place 2 Powerwalls, it may cost you $20,000-30,000 just to purchase them.
Tesla Powerwall installation cost falls in the $5,000-7,000 limit, which might be expensive for some buyers. Thus, those people may start to look for the Tesla Powerwall alternative. Many user reviews express concern about the price of potential investment.
7 Best Powerwall Alternatives
It’s easy to get lost in the modern solar market as every brand claims to offer the best solar solutions. So, finding a Tesla Powerwall alternative alone may become too complicated. To save you time, we’ve compiled seven excellent options that may suit you.
LG Chem RESU Solar Battery
Source: PV Magazine
LG Chem RESU is a lithium-ion battery designed for residential solar energy storage. It’s a great Tesla Powerwall alternative known for its durability, efficiency, and compatibility with a wide range of solar inverters. LG Chem RESU boasts a long lifespan, with at least 80% capacity retention after 10 years.
LG Chem RESU comes in 8 different capacities, ranging from 3.6 kWh to 16 kWh, so you can build a preferable configuration. In the following table, we gather info about RESU batteries with specs similar to those of Powerwalls.
| Parameters | Model | |||
| RESU3.5 | RESU6.5 | RESU10 | RESU13 | |
| Usable Capacity (kWh) | 2.9 | 5.9 | 9.8 | 13.1 |
| Continuous Power (kW) | 3.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 | |
| Peak Power (kW) | 3.3 | 4.6 | 7.0 | 7.0 (11 in Backup Mode) |
| Efficiency | 95% | |||
| Scalability | These batteries are scalable with any other battery from the LG Chem Resu 48V model series. | |||
| Operating Temperature, F | From -4° to 122°, but once the temperature reaches 110°F batteries may start to lose their performance more rapidly | |||
| Dimensions (W x H x D), inches | 17.8 x 15.87 x 4.72 | 17.8 x 25.83 x 4.72 | 17.8 x 19.06 x 8.94 | 17.8 x 24.6 x 8.94 |
| Weight, lbs | 68.3 | 114.7 | 165.3 | 218.3 |
| Warranty | 10 years | |||
LG Chem RESU is compatible with various solar inverters from different manufacturers, giving you more flexibility when designing your solar energy system. However, one drawback of this Tesla Powerwall alternative battery is its warranty only extends to 110ºF ambient temperature. Therefore, if you live in a warm state like Texas or New Mexico, you need to place your batteries in the building.
SonnenCore EVO
Source: Soligent
It’s a fully integrated AC-coupled home battery solution that pairs with any solar system. It has the IP56 weatherproof level, meaning that Sonnencore and Sonenncore+ batteries are protected from protected against dust ingress and average rain. Check the specs of this Tesla Powerwall alternative below:
- Usable Capacity: 10 kWh
- Continuous Power: 5 kWh
- Peak Power: 7 kW
- Efficiency: 94.4%
- Temperature range: from -4°F to 130°F
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 27.95 in x 55.12 in x 16.81 in
- Weight: 360 lbs
A Sonnencore battery has a comprehensive warranty of 10 years and 10,000 cycles. SonnenEVO can work in extreme temperatures such as -4°F and 130°F. However, it works best in mid-range temperatures from 45°F to 90°F.
Although those Powerwall alternatives don’t have a built-in inverter, they are compatible with various inverters from other manufacturers. You can also program the battery to charge and discharge automatically based on your energy usage patterns.
Their continuous output and efficiency are slightly lower than other Powerwall alternatives. Meanwhile, they fall into the same price range as Tesla storage. Consider this information while picking new batteries for your off-grid system. If you are looking for ultra-budget-friendly Powerwall alternatives, they may not suit you.
Sunpower SunVault
Source: Fahrenheit Design
Many reviews directly compare Sunpower Sunvault VS Tesla Powerwall, and there is no wonder. This residential battery storage will be a great alternative to Powerwall. Designed to work seamlessly with SunPower Equinox solar systems, these batteries can provide a convenient one-stop solution with a single warranty and point of contact. It makes them one of the most user-friendly Powerwall alternatives.
There are three currently available batteries: classic SunVault, SunVault13, and SunVault 26. Explore the crucial specs of each SunPower SunVault battery to ease your comparison.
| Parameters | Model | ||
| PowerVault | PowerVault 13 | PoverVault 26 | |
| Usable Capacity (kWh) | 13 | 12 | 24 |
| Continuous Power (kW) | 6.8 | 13.6 | 8 |
| Peak Power (kW) | 10 | 17 | 12 |
| Efficiency | 85% | ||
| Scalability | No | Yes | No |
| Operating Temperature, F | From −4° to 113° | ||
| Dimensions (W x H x D), inches | 26 x 63 x 15 | ||
| Weight, lbs | N/A | 270 lb (122.5 kg) w/inverter; 528 lb (239.5 kg) fully assembled | SV-ENERGY13: 400 lb (181.4 kg) fully assembled |
| Warranty | 10 years | ||
Unlike most Powerwall alternatives, SunVault’s warranty doesn’t include a cycle or throughput clause. There’s no limit to how many times you can cycle (drain and recharge) your battery while it’s covered under warranty. Even if your battery surpasses 10,000 complete charge cycles in 8,5 years, you will still have a warranty.
The main downside of these batteries is their high price, making them an expensive solar investment. Sunpower sunvault cost depends on the model type. Basic SunVault has the same cost as Powerwall. Meanwhile, buying two small Powerwalls may be cheaper than getting the largest SunVault.
Panasonic Evervolt
Source: PV Magazine USA
With an extensive 12-year warranty, this modular battery system is one of the most customizable Powerwall alternatives. The EverVolt system can work with new or existing solar panel systems and can even be installed independently without solar panels (for backup power only). This Tesla Powerwall alternative offers homeowners more flexibility in their setup. Check its settings in the table below.
| Parameters | Model | ||
| EV-X10 | EV-X15 | EV-X20 | |
| Usable Capacity (kWh) | 9 | 13 | 18 |
| Continuous Power (kW) | 5.5 | 7.6 | |
| Peak Power (kW) | 6.19 | 9.19 | |
| Efficiency | 90 | ||
| Scalability | Yes, but only with an EverVolt and up to 3 batteries | ||
| Operating Temperature, F | −4°F to 113°F | ||
| Dimensions (W x H x D), inches | 33.5 x 46.7 x 5.8 | 33.5 x 58.6 x 5.8 | 33.5 x 70.3 x 5.8 |
| Weight, lbs | 121 | ||
| Warranty | 10 years | ||
If installed as an AC-coupled system (connected to your home’s wiring), Panasonic offers two battery sizes: 11.4 and 17.1 kWh. If installed DC-coupled (connected to your solar inverter), the battery system is expandable from 11 to 102 kWh for a huge whole-home backup system.
At the same time, Panasonic has a slightly worse warranty than other listed batteries. Consider this if the warranty is crucial for your potential Powerwall alternatives. Most devices from this review guarantee 80% output after 10 years, while Panasonic can provide only 60% output after this period. Many homeowners consider this as a downside of this Tesla Powerwall alternative.
Franklin Home Battery
Source: NRG Clean Power
These highly capacious solar batteries suit those looking for a battery that can power a whole house. Tech reviews call it “one the most capacious Powerwall alternatives.”. And they are right!
You can install up to 15 power battery units for a total energy storage capacity of 204 kWh, which will be enough to meet the power needs of a three-house street or small business. So, if you are looking for extra capacious batteries, they are winners in the Franklin Battery VS Tesla Powerwall competition.
Use the FranklinWH app to manage your system right from your phone. Since the Franklin Home Battery has Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and even 4G, you can launch remote diagnosis wherever possible. You can also control the system in real-time and use historical data to understand your consumption patterns better.
The most crucial specs of one of the potentially most capacious
- Usable Capacity: 13.6 kWh
- Continuous Power: 5 kWh
- Peak Power: 10 kW
- Efficiency: 89%
- Scalability: up to 15 units in a single system
- Dimensions (W x H x D): aGate (controller) – 31.5 × 21.7 × 6.3, aPower (battery) – 45.3 × 29.5 × 11.4 in
- Weight: aGate: 50 lb, power: 408 lb (185 Kg)
- Warranty: 12 years
One Franklin Home Power battery unit has a peak power output of 10 kW and a continuous power rating of 5 kW, an advantageous feature of the Tesla Powerwall alternative.
The battery’s peak output is powerful, meaning it can start up large appliances like your AC after a blackout. However, its continuous rating is weaker than that of other Powerwall alternatives.
Generac PWRCell
Source: CNET
Generac is known as one of the top companies for home generators, so it’s natural that they have added home batteries to their lineup. Their panels are popular Tesla Powerwall alternatives.
Currently, Generac batteries are known as one of the most customizable Powerwall alternatives on the market. While purchasing the M3 module, you can stack to 3 panels in the cabinet.
The M4 system can stack up to 4 batteries, while the M5 can gather 5 panels into the same cabinet. This scalability makes this system a great Tesla Powerwall alternative. The M6 system could be one of the capacious systems in this review since it can gather up to 6 powerful M6 batteries. If you need Powerwall alternatives that can power a small business, M6 can be an excellent choice.
| Parameters | Model | |||
| M3 | M4 | M5 | M6 | |
| Usable Capacity (kWh) | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 |
| Continuous Power (kW) | 3.4 | 4.5 | 5.6 | 6.7 |
| Peak Power (kW) | 4.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 9 |
| Efficiency | 96.5% | |||
| Scalability | Yes, with similar batteries. You can combine M3 only with M3, M4 only with M4, etc. | |||
| Operating Temperature, F | 14° to 122° | |||
| Dimensions (W x H x D), inches | 22 x 10 x 68 | |||
| Weight, lbs | 280 | 335 | 390 | 445 |
| Warranty | 10 years | |||
This Tesla Powerwall alternative suits those who want to build their off-grid living. The energy stored in Generac batteries will be enough to power a house and multiple electric cars for a few days.
Generac’s PWRcell cost depends on the model. The M3 option is slightly cheaper than the Powerwall option since its price starts at $9,000. At the same time, a single M6 battery may be worth up to $18,000. Consider it while choosing a Tesla Powerwall alternative.
The main disadvantage of Generac’s PWRCell batteries is that they are impossible to retrofit with an existing solar system. If you’re considering new batteries for your solar setup, redoing it to meet Generac requirements can become too expensive.
Q.CELLS Q.SAVE
Source: QCells
The Q.HOME core system, which includes the Q.VOLT inverter and Q.SAVE battery, is designed to be compatible with both new and existing solar panel systems. That feature makes it a great Tesla Powerwall alternative. QСells offers a 100% depth of discharge for its battery, so you can utilize the entire capacity of the stored energy, maximizing your battery’s potential.
Once everything is running, you can use the Q Home Q.ommand app to analyze real-time data from the inverter, panels, and batteries. It makes the Q Home one of the most technologically advantageous Powerwall alternatives.
| Parameters | Model | ||
| Q.SAVE D10.0SX | Q.SAVE D15.0SX | Q.SAVE D20.0SX | |
| Usable Capacity (kWh) | 9 | 13.5 | 18 |
| Peak Power (kW) | 5.5 | 8.3 | 11.1 |
| Efficiency | 95% | ||
| Operating Temperature, F | 4° to 122° | ||
| Dimensions (W x H x D), inches | 33.5 × 23.6 × 5.8 | 33.5 × 35.4 × 5.8 | 33.5 × 47.2 × 5.8 |
| Weight, lbs | 238 | 357 | 476 |
| Warranty | 12 years standard, extendable to 15 years | ||
Those Powerwall alternatives are cheaper than Tesla’s, so they may fit people looking for a budget-friendly solution. For instance, a powerful Q.SAVE D15.0SX option is worth approximately $9,500 — cheaper than a basic Tesla option.
However, like Panasonic batteries, Q.Cells guarantees only 60% of the original output after 10 years. Consider this when choosing a Tesla Powerwall alternative.
Picking The Best Tesla Alternatives
There isn’t a single clear-cut winner here, as the best option depends on your needs.
- Consider battery capacity in your Powerwall alternatives, as it should be bigger than your current demands.
- Ensure that the chosen system will meet your needs for the next 5-10 years.
- Check whether the Tesla Powerwall alternative is compatible with your existing or planned solar panel system.
If your energy needs may increase, consider a scalable system. Look for a Tesla alternative with high round-trip efficiency to minimize energy loss during charging and discharging. That way, you can be sure you get the maximum possible from a chosen system.
Ensure that the Tesla Powerwall alternative has a great warranty. It will provide peace of mind and guarantee coverage for potential repairs or replacements. It would be great if they guaranteed 80% of the original capacity after ten years.
Here’s what to expect from different solar manufacturers:
- LG Chem RESU will be great for homeowners with existing high-quality solar panel systems looking for batteries with good depth of discharge.
- Sonnen Batterie EVO is a great Tesla Powerwall alternative for homeowners seeking a durable and efficient battery with excellent backup power capabilities.
- SunPower SunVault is suitable for homeowners with existing SunPower solar systems who value an integrated solution. If you have Tesla panels, those Powerwall alternatives may not suit you.
- Panasonic EverVolt is suitable for homeowners looking for a scalable and powerful battery system with a modular design.
- Franklin battery is a great Tesla Powerwall alternative for people who want to build an extra-capacity system for their home or small business.
- Generac PWCell suits people looking for a highly customizable yet compact battery system.
- Qcells Q.HOME is a decent Tesla Powerwall alternative for homeowners seeking a compatible and versatile battery storage solution for new or existing solar systems.
Still unsure which Powerwall alternatives best suit your situation? Get a quote from your local solar company. They can help you find the best batteries for your case.
We at SolarPowerSystems gladly help you find the best installer team to install powerwall alternatives to any household or commercial system. Save your time and get a personalized solar quote!
Andy is a Founder, Chief Content Officer, regular contributor, and idea generator behind Solar Power Systems. He is well-versed in various aspects of solar energy, including photovoltaic systems, solar policy trends, and green technology innovations.
