A Tesla Powerwall is a lithium-ion battery used to store energy at home or in a place of business. Its price varies based on geographic location, installation costs, and available solar energy discounts. In this article, we examine the factors that influence the cost of a Tesla Powerwall, along with its benefits and key features and how it compares to other top solar battery brands.
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Tesla Powerwall Overview and Cost
Based on a secret-shopping quote we acquired on Tesla’s website for a home near Chicago, a single Tesla Powerwall 3 battery costs $10,010. Installation costs vary depending on your installer but average between $2,000 and $3,000.
The price of a Tesla Powerwall varies based on your location. While the $10,010 price is based on a quote our team pulled for an address in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Illinois, a quote we requested for a home in Austin, Texas, showed a single-unit price of $9,851. 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 solar roof.
This range of $9,851–$10,010 for one Powerwall battery doesn’t include installation costs or taxes. 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 | $10,010 | $7,007 |
| 2 | $16,500 | $11,550 |
| 3 | $22,990 | $16,093 |
| 4 | $29,480 | $20,636 |
| 5 | $38,500 | $26,950 |
| 6 | $47,520 | $33,264 |
| 7 | $56,540 | $39,578 |
Listed prices are based on a quote acquired in January 2025 for a single-family home in Oak Park, Illinois.
Pricing With Tesla Powerwall Direct
Previously, homeowners could only purchase the Powerwall along with a new Tesla solar system. However, Tesla announced in 2023 that its new Powerwall Direct service allows the purchase of stand-alone units in select U.S. markets.
Our team requested a quote for Austin, Texas. We found that a single Powerwall starts at $9,851 in this area, which breaks down to the following costs:
- $8,651 for the Powerwall 3
- $1,000 for gateway Wi-Fi equipment
- $200 accessory fees
The equipment and accessory fees are flat for multiple stand-alone Powerwalls, which means you’ll only pay for the additional Powerwall unit. Adding two Powerwalls in Texas increased our cost to $16,238 plus $1,200 for the additional equipment, totaling $17,438. We also received an estimate for a maximum of three Powerwalls for $22,624. Our order included a $200 delivery fee.
Your order comes directly to your home, but you must contact a local Tesla Certified Installer to schedule the installation. Our quote included a link to local Tesla installers in the Austin, Texas, area.
| Number of Powerwalls | Price-Unit Cost | Total Cost With Equipment and Fees | Cost After 30% Federal Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8,651 | $9,851 | $6,896 |
| 2 | $16,238 | $17,438 | $12,207 |
| 3 | $22,624 | $23,824 | $16,677 |
Listed prices are based on a quote acquired in January 2025 for a single-family home in Austin, Texas.
Pricing From a Local Powerwall Installer
If you don’t want to purchase directly through Tesla, you can buy a Powerwall through a local certified Powerwall installer. Consider this option if you’re simply looking for a new home battery storage solution to integrate into your existing solar panel system. A Powerwall’s total cost varies per installer and could range from $15,000–$18,000, including installation.
In addition to higher pricing, you’ll have a significantly longer wait time for your new Powerwall. Tesla prioritizes full solar system orders over individual battery orders. Placing an order through a third-party retailer will result in even longer delays since they have to get the products from Tesla first.
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.
Quick Tip
- You may also qualify for additional state and local credits, rebates, and incentives that lower your solar panel and accessory costs. For more information about statewide and local incentives, check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE). Our 2024 survey of 1,000 solar users showed that 75% took advantage of solar incentives to increase their return on investment.
How Do the Powerwall 2, Powerwall 3, and Powerwall+ Compare?
The Powerwall 2, Powerwall 3, and the Powerwall+ models share most features, such as battery capacity, but their power output and installation options differ. We share a side-by-side comparison of the Powerwall models below.
| Category | Tesla Powerwall 2 | Tesla Powerwall 3 | Tesla Powerwall+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| Price | $8,400–$13,000 | $13,500 | $8,400–$13,000 |
| 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 |
Prices in this table were calculated based on EnergySage figures reported in CNET.
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 life span.
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.
Whole-Home vs Partial-Backup Systems
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 kHw | 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 Tesla Powerwall is a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to maximize their solar energy use or ensure reliable backup power. While the Powerwall can be more expensive than other solar batteries, but it’s also more efficient and has a longer life span.
Powerwalls offer a high power capacity, cost-saving operating modes, and customizable backup capabilities. You can benefit from being less dependent on your utility’s power grid, protecting you from power outages and lowering your home’s electricity bills.
If you want to talk to a professional about how the Powerwall battery would benefit you and get a personalized quote, connect with one of our recommended solar panel companies.
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.
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 Companies
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.
