Before installation, a single Tesla Powerwall 2 costs $11,500 when purchased alongside a Tesla solar panel system. Installation increases your total cost by about $4,000. The more Powerwalls you buy, the lower your cost per Powerwall becomes.
If you're in the market for solar batteries, you've probably heard talk of Tesla's Powerwall 2. Each battery holds 13.5 kWh of solar energy, helping homeowners store backup solar power for use at night and during power outages, providing independence from the utility grid. Its features are appealing, no doubt, but how much does the Tesla Powerwall 2 cost?
In this guide, we'll unpack this battery's cost and features compared to those of other great batteries and provide some money-saving tips if you decide that the Powerwall 2 is right for you.
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Tesla Powerwall 2 Cost Breakdown
Before diving into the Tesla Powerwall 2 cost model, it's important to note that you can't just buy a standalone Powerwall through Tesla and connect it to an existing solar panel system — you have to purchase Tesla solar panels, as well. Solar panels could cost well upwards of $20,000, so keep that in mind as you consider the additional cost of Tesla energy storage.
The Tesla Powerwall 2 follows a tiered pricing structure, meaning the more batteries you buy, the lower your cost per battery. For example, while a single Powerwall costs $11,500, two Powerwalls cost $18,500, saving you $2,250 per battery. See the table below for a breakdown of the Powerwall's pricing structure.
Number of Powerwalls Purchased | Approx. Cost Per Powerwall | Total Cost |
---|---|---|
1 | $11,500 | $11,500 |
2 | $9,250 | $18,500 |
3 | $8,333 | $25,500 |
4 | $8,125 | $32,500 |
5 | $8,100 | $40,500 |
6 | $8,083 | $48,500 |
7 | $8,071 | $56,500 |
8 | $8,063 | $64,500 |
9 | $8,056 | $72,500 |
10 | $8,050 | $80,500 |
Keep in mind that a certified Tesla installer must also install your Powerwall, increasing your total cost by upwards of $4,000.
Features of the Tesla Powerwall 2
The Powerwall 2 includes more than double the storage of the original Powerwall (from 6.4 kWh to 13.5 kWh) and offers a significantly higher power output. It's also compatible with an off-grid setup, whereas the original Powerwall was not. The Powerwall+, Tesla's latest addition to its Powerwall series, is essentially just the Powerwall 2 with an integrated inverter charger.
Powerwall 2 FAQ
How Long Will a Tesla Powerwall 2 Last?
A Tesla Powerwall 2 is warrantied to last 10 years. That said, like any battery, its storage capacity decreases over time. The warranty states that this capacity will not dip below 70% (9.45 kWh) by the end of those 10 years.
Is the Tesla Powerwall Worth It?
The Powerwall is certainly one of the most impressive batteries on the market, but for many homeowners it is too expensive. If you're looking for a battery with high capacity at a low price point, Solartap offers BigBattery's 48V Kong, which comes with a capacity of 15 kWh — nearly half the cost of a Powerwall.
How Long Will the Power in a Powerwall Power My House?
The average home uses about 30 kWh of power per day, and each Powerwall can store 13.5 kWh. Assuming your solar panels aren't working (and you're only pulling electricity from your Powerwall), a fully charged Powerwall can power your house for about half of the day, or 10-12 hours. When supported by solar panels, a Powerwall can provide about a day's worth of electricity in cloudy weather, or about 2.5 days worth of electricity in sunny weather.
Can I Buy a Powerwall on Its Own?
You cannot buy a standalone Powerwall through Tesla — the company requires that you pair it with solar panels. That said, you can buy a Powerwall on its own from a third party, though you need a certified Tesla installer to install it regardless of who you buy it from.
While the Powerwall 2 is an impressive solar battery, its high cost, coupled with Tesla's installation stipulations, makes it an inaccessible option for many solar customers.
If you're looking for an energy storage system that meets you where you're at, explore Solartap's assortment of affordable solar batteries today.