Top 3 Tesla Powerwall Alternatives
Table of Contents
- The Tesla Powerwall
- Top 3 (Professional Installation) Tesla Powerwall Alternatives
- Are there any cheaper alternatives than these 3 options above?
- 1. BigBattery 48V 12.8kWh Powerwall [TREX]
- 2. Fortress Power eVault 18.5kwh
- 3. All-in-one Solar Generator (Bluetti AC200P, Lion Safari ME, Hysolis MPS 4,500)
- Final Words
Short on Time? Here’s The Article Summary
The article discusses alternatives to the Tesla Powerwall for home solar power storage. It introduces three top alternatives to the Powerwall: LG Chem RESU, Sonnen Eco, and Panasonic EverVolt, highlighting their features, pricing, and suitability for different needs. The LG Chem RESU is noted for its affordability, while the Sonnen Eco offers a fully integrated system with a built-in inverter. The Panasonic EverVolt is praised for its grid-tie capabilities and user-friendly design, although it is more expensive.
Additionally, the article mentions three affordable DIY alternatives: BigBattery KONG Elite, Fortress eVault, and EcoFlow DELTA PRO, each offering various features and price points. The EcoFlow DELTA PRO is highlighted for its portability and expandability, making it a compelling option for those seeking a versatile and affordable home power storage solution.
Introduction
Shopping for alternatives to the Tesla Powerwall? Look no further. We've outlined the top three Tesla Powerwall alternatives PLUS three other level 2 options that can give you the same emergency backup/grid-down power solution you may be looking for.
If you are interested in an off-grid lifestyle, you need a way to generate your own electricity. Or, if you're generating excess power from the solar panels already on your roof, you might be looking for a way to store it. If either of these sounds like you, keep reading.
We believe that every home in America will have its own high-capacity battery built-in at some point in the future. The solar battery bank is one of the most important components of any solar power system, as it allows you to store solar electricity and use it at night and during cloudy periods.
Without a battery bank or storage system, you would only be able to power your electronics as the sunlight hits your solar panels, which in many ways defeats the entire purpose of installing an off-grid power system.
So let's get to it.
The Tesla Powerwall
You have probably heard of Tesla by now. It is one of the most innovative brands on the planet, and the company’s unflinching efforts to transition the world to sustainable energy sources are truly incredible.
One product that has been gaining the most attention lately is its Powerwall home battery system. Essentially, the Tesla Powerwall is a high-efficiency, high-capacity power bank that you can use to supply power to an entire home or business.
As you might suspect from a Tesla product, the Powerwall has a sleek and modern appearance. It also offers plenty of sophisticated features, such as full integration with Tesla’s intuitive smartphone app.
It even has smart technology that can detect power outages and automatically and instantly switch a home over to stored electricity. Whether you use it as a power bank for your solar and wind energy or want to store electricity from the grid during cheaper, off-peak hours so you can cut down the cost of your utility bills, the Tesla Powerwall is an incredible rechargeable power system.
So, What is the Catch?
While all of this sounds great, there is one major problem – Tesla products are notoriously expensive! While there is no doubt that the Tesla Powerwall is a well-built home power bank, there are much less expensive alternatives out there.
This is where we can help. If you are interested in meeting some, or all, of your electricity needs with solar energy, you need a power bank, but you may not want to spend what it takes to get a shiny new Tesla Powerwall. So, we compiled a list of the best Tesla Powerwall alternatives on the market today.
By choosing one of these Tesla Powerwall alternatives, you can reap the rewards of off-grid power without having to blow your budget on your power storage unit.
Pricing Showdown:
- Tesla Powerwall - $7,800 for 13.5kwh
Level 1 (Professional Installation) Options:
- LG Chem RESU - $5,900 for 9.8kwh
- Sonnen Eco - $9,500 for 10kwh
- Panasonic - $1,976 for 2.9kwh
Level 2 (DIY) Options:
- BigBattery - $3,700 - 9.6kwh
- Fortress eVault - $12,300 - 18.5kwh - 2kwh
- All-in-one Solar Generator (Bluetti, Hysolis, Lion) - $2k-$5k - 2kwh-4.5kwh
Top 3 (Professional Installation) Tesla Powerwall Alternatives
1. The LG Chem RESU (Residential Energy Storage Unit)
LG is one of the world’s largest lithium-ion battery manufacturers, so it is no surprise that it has become involved in the home solar power bank market.
The LG Chem RESU is a large-scale DC-coupled home battery system that is available in 48V and 400V configurations. When it comes to powering an entire home, it is relevant to discuss the higher voltage battery options, which means looking at the 400V system.
Reduced Cost for a DC Coupled Battery:
Given that the Chem RESU is a DC-coupled battery, you need to pair it with a compatible inverter.
Whether using solar panels or home wind turbines, you need to convert the electricity they capture from DC power to AC power, which is what your home runs on.
The majority of the electronics we use in our homes require AC power, so it is unfortunate that the LG Chem does not come with an inverter; however, this is part of why it is significantly cheaper than the Tesla Powerwall. In fact, even when purchased with a high-end hybrid inverter or a more powerful multi-mode inverter, the LG Chem RESU is still significantly cheaper than the Tesla Powerwall.
Battery Life and Power Rating:
The Chem RESU batteries use lithium MNC pouch cells similar to those used in the Powerwall, meaning the two batteries have similar performance characteristics and are very close in terms of the expected lifespan.
Overall Impression:
For most homes running a basic off-grid system, the LG Chem RESU is a viable, low-cost option. While the fact that buyers have to purchase a power inverter separately is somewhat of a letdown, it is a worthwhile sacrifice when you consider LG’s significantly lower price tag. You will also need to factor in installation costs as the LG products require professional installation.
2. The Sonnen Eco
Sonnen is one of the biggest names in the energy storage industry. In 2016, Sonnen released its highly anticipated home battery system – the Sonnen Eco.
The Eco is a fully integrated energy storage system that features a built-in inverter and the company’s distinct smart energy management software. The Eco can be used to store excess solar electricity for use at the homeowner’s convenience.
Convenience and Practicality:
Sonnen designed the Eco so it would be a practical size for use with residential solar systems. While some home power storage systems are bulky, the Eco meets all of a typical home’s electricity needs while still maintaining a compact exterior.
In addition to its ability to function as a high-capacity power bank, the Eco also offers various grid-tied functions. These include a time-of-use management system that makes sure electricity sourced from a power grid is stored during off-peak hours, so the homeowner saves money on their electricity bills. It also automatically reserves enough backup power to be used as an emergency power source during extended blackouts.
Overall Impression:
While the Eco is more of an all-in-one package than the LG Chem RESU, it is also more expensive. It is not quite as expensive as a Tesla Powerwall, but it is in the same ballpark.
It comes down to personal preference when choosing between the Sonnen Eco and the Tesla Powerwall. It is still less expensive than the Powerwall, but some buyers might be tempted by the Tesla brand and the Powerwall’s sleek appearance.
With that said, Sonnen products are made in Germany and have a strong reputation for quality and durability. Given that there have been some complaints about Tesla’s customer service and warranty over the years, the Sonnen Eco could be an appealing alternative to the Powerwall for some buyers.
3. The Panasonic EverVolt Home Battery System
Panasonic launched its first residential battery storage system in 2019. The EverVolt is a scalable power storage system that features both AC and DC-coupled configurations.
It can function both as a power bank for a solar system or as a backup energy resource during grid blackouts. It can also save users money by drawing electricity from the grid during off-peak hours, so this cheaper power can be stored and used at the homeowner’s convenience.
Built-in Grid-Tie Capabilities:
Not only can the EverVolt store unused solar power, but it can also even sell the surplus energy back into the grid. For those who live in states with green-energy incentives, this excess energy can generate income. Many utility companies will pay homeowners for their excess electricity or offer them rebates they can use towards their other utility bills.
Impressive Functionality and Intuitive Design:
Panasonic designed the EverVolt to be as user-friendly as possible. It is surprisingly easy to integrate it into your home solar system, and the installation can be completed by a single person and takes less time than you would expect.
Users will also appreciate its full compatibility with Panasonic’s companion app, which lets you control the EverVolt from your smartphone. You can also use the app to view real-time energy usage statistics and monitor the performance of your solar power system.
In this regard, the EverVolt is similar to the Tesla Powerwall. While both apps have their advantages and disadvantages, the ability to keep an eye on your home battery system from anywhere with internet access is really helpful.
Overall Impression:
Much like the Sonnen Eco, the Panasonic EverVolt is much more expensive than the LG Chem RESU. Again, this is because the EverVolt is a more complete system and offers users more features. However, it does mean that there is less of a price difference between it and the Tesla Powerwall.
Where the Panasonic EverVolt stands out is with Panasonic’s industry-leading 10-year full product and performance warranty. If dependability is important to you, choosing a product that has such a strong backing from the manufacturer is usually a smart decision.
The Top 3 Affordable DIY Tesla Powerwall Alternatives
For those that would prefer a less complicated and more affordable alternative to the Tesla Powerwall, we offer the following options:
1. BigBattery 48V 15kWh KONG Elite
The 48V 15kWh KONG Elite is made an American-made Tesla Powerwall alternative. It uses state-of-the-art LiFePO4 battery cells, which can deliver up to 300Ah of continuous power. It also has an impressive 7,500W continuous discharge and a peak discharge rate of 350A for six seconds, making it a powerful and affordable power storage option for residential solar power systems, RVs, and fully off-grid homes.
With 15,000Wh of storage capacity, the KONG Elite offers an efficient, reliable, and safe power source for all of your electrical needs. It also has a built-in battery management system, so it packs all of the impressive safety features we have come to expect from BigBattery.
If the grid fails or an emergency situation presents itself, the KONG Elite can keep your electronic devices and appliances running. Not only does the KONG Elite’s 15kWh outperform the Tesla Powerwall’s 13.5kWh storage capacity, it is much easier to install and it is available at a much more affordable price! For added peace of mind, it even comes backed with a 10-year warranty!
BigBattery 48V 15kWh Powerwall [KONG Elite] Features:
- LED Display
- Made in the USA
- 10-Year Warranty
- Compact Modular Design
- High Temp Operating Range
- Best Power Density/Pack Size
- Best Aluminum MOSFET Design
- 3000 A Short Circuit Protection
- High Cold-Cranking Amps (400A)
- Connects via Anderson Quick-Connect SB175 Cables.
BigBattery 48V 15kWh Powerwall [KONG Elite] Specs:
- Chemistry: LiFePo4 (New)
- Configuration: 16S 1P
- Voltage: 48V
- Ah Capacity: 233Ah
- kWh Capacity: 15kWh
- Wh Capacity: 15,000Wh
2. Fortress Power eVault 18.5kwh
The Fortress eVault 18.5kWh lithium battery uses the safest and most environmentally-friendly Prismatic Lithium Iron Phosphate battery cells available! It can be expanded from 18.5 kWh to a mind-blowing 222kWh! For perspective, the Tesla Powerwall only offers 13.5kWh worth of storage capacity. When you consider the fact that it is more affordable than the Tesla Powerwall, the decision really becomes a bit of a no-brainer.
The Fortress eVault’s massive storage capacity means that it is a practical power storage option for both residential and commercial applications. It is also incredibly easy to install and can be completed by those with very little experience. Like the BigBattery KONG Elite, it is also backed by an impressive10-year, or 6,000+ cycles warranty!
Not only is the Fortress eVault’s 18.5 kWh battery safe, long-lasting, and affordable, it is also equipped with a full-color LCD screen that displays voltage, state of charge (SOC), power output, and operating information.
Fortress eVault 18.5kWh Lithium Battery Features:
- Total Energy (kWh) 18.5
- Capacity [Ah] 360
- Nominal Voltage [V] 51.2 (48)
- Voltage Range [V] 45-58.4
- Recommended Charge Current [A] 100
- Max. Charge Current (Continuous) [A] 170
- Max. Discharge Current (Continuous) [A] 180
- Max. Pulse Current (for 10 sec) [A] 200
- Charging Temperature [F] 32 to 113
- Discharging Temperature [F] 32 to 113
- Recommended Storage Temperature [F] 50 to 95
Fortress eVault 18.5kWh Lithium Battery Specs:
- Dimension [H x W x D, inch]: 38.8 x 19.2 x 21.3
- Weight [LBS]: 476
- Enclosure Protection Rating IP21
- Mounting options: Floor standing
- Certificates: UL 1624
- Warranty: 5/10 Years
- Scalability: Maximum 12 in Parallel (222 kWh)
- Communication: CAN/RS485
- High Current Circuit Breaker: 250A
- Efficiency: >98%
3. EcoFlow DELTA PRO 3,600Wh Complete Solar Power Station
The EcoFlow DELTA PRO is one of the most powerful solar generators ever produced, which explains why it was also one of the most highly anticipated units ever released. This solar generator was designed to be a complete home battery system that could offer users an incredible degree of versatility.
Whether you are looking for full backup power security for your home, or you want a highly portable off-grid solar power generator, the DELTA PRO is up to the task. Whiles its 3,600Wh deep-cycle battery may seem small compared to the previous two options, as well as the Tesla Powerwall, it is important to remember that the DELTA PRO was designed for affordability, portability, and to be an all-in-one unit.
If you are looking for something that can compete with the Tesla Powerwall in terms of storage capacity, you will be excited to learn that the DELTA PRO is expandable, which means you can seamlessly connect it to multiple 3,600Wh expansion batteries to achieve a mind-boggling total battery capacity of 25kWh, which is almost double the Tesla Powerwall!
The convenience factor is where the DELTA PRO truly shines. Since it has a built-in inverter and charge controller, you can easily plug your electronic devices and appliances directly into it. It also has a retractable, suitcase-style handle and rugged wheels, so you can easily transport it to where you need power the most. Given that the DELTA is significantly less expensive than the Tesla Powerwall and it offers so many unique and convenient features, it is a really appealing alternative!
EcoFlow DELTA PRO 3,600wH Solar Generator Features:
- LCD Display Screen
- Ability to Achieve 240V Output Using the Double Voltage Hub
- X-Stream Enabled for Faster Charging
- MultiCharge Enabled (Simultaneous AC & Solar Charging)
- Wi-Fi Enabled and Smart App Compatible
- Built-in Wheels & Carrying Handles
- Expandable Battery
EcoFlow DELTA PRO 3,600wH Solar Generator Specs:
- Capacity: 3,600wH
- Extra Battery: Delta Pro support up to 2 DELTA Pro Smart Extra Batteries / Smart Generators
- AC Output Ports: 5 x AC Outlet, 3600W total (Surge 7200W)
- Max Device(s) Power Supported by X-Boost: 4500W
- DC Output: 2x USB-A 12W / 2x USB-A Fast Charge 18 W /
2x USB-C 100W / Car Power 126W /
2x DC5521 38W - Anderson Port: 12.6V 30A
- AC Charging: 1800W Max, 120V-15A,
3000W Max, 240V-12.5A - Solar Charging: 1600W Max, 11-150V,13A
- Car Charging: Support 12V / 24V Battery
- Battery Chemistry: LiFePO4
- Cycle Life: 6,500 Cycles to 50% Capacity
3,500 Cycles to 80% Capacity - Connection: Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / Wired
- Dimension: 25 x 11.2 x 16.4 in / 63.5 x 28.5 x 41.6cm
- Net Weight: Approx. 99 lbs / 45 kg
- Warranty: 3 years (KS only)
Final Words
As with any big purchase, the decision is ultimately up to you. While there is nothing wrong with the Tesla Powerwall, it can be a little bit too expensive for some budgets.
If you fall into this category or have not bought into the Tesla hype, the three home power storage options we reviewed above are all viable alternatives. If you are looking for a complete unit, you may want to look more closely at the Sonnen Eco and Panasonic EverVolt; however, if you're looking for the simplest option, the LG Chem RESU would be best.
If price is your main concern and you're looking for an easy, simple, and affordable way to provide some backup power to your own, we would recommend considering one of the all-in-one solar generators like the EcoFlow DELTA PRO.
Whichever you choose, you will be able to reduce your utility bills and take your solar power system to the next level once you have paired it with a reliable, high-capacity home power storage system.
If you have any other questions or concerns, give us a call at 877-242-2792 and we'd be happy to help further!
The Top 3 DIY Powerwall Solutions
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