Science Energy The 6 Best Home Battery Storage Systems Our top pick is Generac PWRcell. By Arricca SanSone Arricca SanSone Hiram College Georgia Southern University Arricca SanSone is a health and lifestyle writer, specializing in home, kitchen, and gardening. She has written for Dotdash Meredith since 2019. Learn about our editorial process Updated October 19, 2022 Science Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Treehugger / Chloe Jeong Home battery storage systems have skyrocketed in popularity during the past few years for many different reasons. Besides the obvious fact that they provide clean power, more and more people are recognizing that the grid isn’t always reliable. “Energy independence is one of the biggest reasons people install home battery storage systems,” says Gerbrand Ceder, professor at UC Berkeley and faculty staff scientist at Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory. “It’s seamless, so you don’t even notice when power switches from the grid to your battery backup system.” These systems can be charged by either electricity from your utility or solar power. Grid charging will provide backup power for 10 to 20 hours, depending on usage and the size of the unit. Although you’ll have a finite amount of power, it may be adequate if your outages typically are brief and spotty. However, when coupled with a solar panel system, the battery can recharge for as long as you need it until the grid kicks back on. Ceder says one important thing to remember is that if you have a solar panel system without a battery storage system, you won’t have power if there’s an outage. That’s because most solar panels will shut down during outages, so power isn’t sent onto lines while utility workers are trying to repair them. Recent events and climate change have spurred demand even further for these systems. In places like California, where utilities have instituted public safety shutoffs, planned outages have become more frequent during fire season. With the increasing interest in clean energy, many consumers report having to wait months for delivery. Ahead are our top picks for the best home battery storage systems. The Rundown Best Overall: Generac PWRcell at Generac.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Integrated Solar System: Tesla Powerwall at Tesla.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best System for Installation Flexibility: Panasonic EverVolt Home Battery Storage at Panasonic.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Compact Installation: LG Energy Solution Home Battery at Lgessbattery.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget Solar Generator: Jackery Solar Generator 1500 at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Portable Solar Generator: Goal Zero 6000X Portable Power Station at REI ($3,750) Jump to Review Best Overall Generac PWRcell Generac Power Systems View On Generac.com Key Specs Power: 9 to 18 kWh | Dimensions: Cabinet: 68 x 22 x 10 inches | Battery: 17.3 x 17.7 x 3.3 inches | Warranty: 10-year limited This DC-coupled storage system is scalable so that you can provide 9 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of capacity up to 18 kilowatt-hours per battery cabinet for flexible installation options. You also can connect two cabinets for a max of 36 kilowatt-hours. The system works with new solar installations and is rated for both indoor or outdoor installation. The app allows you to view real-time energy usage, daily consumption, and detailed bill tracking and history. The PWRgenerator is a feature exclusively to Generac. When solar power is unavailable or insufficient, this DC-coupled generator recharges the PWRcell Battery to keep your home powered long-term during outages. So, during the day, the home runs on solar, charges the battery and sells extra power to the grid. At night, the home runs on battery power. During an outage, you'll run on battery power, recharge daily with solar and top off the battery with the generator when necessary. It’s currently the most powerful of any residential battery storage system on the market, and one battery can provide enough power for starting energy hogs such as large air conditioners or well pumps. Best Integrated Solar System Tesla Powerwall Tesla View On Tesla.com Key Specs Power: 13 kWh (estimate of how much energy can be stored) | Dimensions: 62.8 x 29.7 x 6.3 inches | Warranty: 10-year limited for Powerwall+, 25-year for solar panels or solar roof The name is instantly recognizable, and its sleek aesthetic means this storage system fits into any design, indoors or out. The AC-coupled battery backup is included when you purchase solar tiles (which sit on the roof) or solar roof tiles (solar tiles that replace your existing roof). The solar roof is made of glass solar tiles, which produce energy, and steel roofing tiles, which provide longevity and corrosion resistance to your roof. Both are engineered for all-weather protection and come with a 25-year warranty. Solar panels are low-profile with integrated hardware with a concealed edge and no gaps, so they're not unattractive and garish. They also have a 25-year warranty. With either material, you’ll be able to provide whole home or partial home backup depending on how many Powerwalls you install. For example, one panel typically is able to power lights, outlets, and small appliances but no large appliances. Two panels generally can accommodate a range, some central air conditioning units, and electric vehicle charging. The units can be wall or floor-mounted, and you can stack up to 10 Powerwalls for whole home backup. The app allows you to manage and monitor the system. Best System for Installation Flexibility Panasonic EverVolt Home Battery Storage Panasonic View On Panasonic.com Key Specs Power: 11 to 17 kWh | AC coupled dimensions: 33.7 x 18 x 6 inches | DC coupled dimensions: 39 x 17.6 x 5.9 inches | Battery (both systems): 29x 47x 18 inches | Warranty: 10-year limited This system works with existing or new solar installations. Choosing the AC versus DC coupled system depends on whether you’re connecting to existing solar (AC) or installing new (DC). Both systems have a modular design with storage from 11 to 102 kilowatt hours, so you can build the system you need to provide backup power to your entire home. It’s compatible with most residential solar systems. But it also works with or without solar, so you can install the batteries first, then add solar panels when you're ready. You can monitor details such as battery usage and battery consumption of the system through the remote controller or online application. It’s rated for indoor installation only, but it can be integrated with an existing external generator or installed by itself without solar (your battery will charge from the grid and won’t recharge until the grid is restored). An average household can run basic appliances for 6-9 hours with a single EverVolt system. If larger appliances such as A/C units, are needed during a blackout, you'll need a minimum of two EverVolt systems. The 7 Best Solar Power Banks Best Compact Installation LG Energy Solution Home Battery LG View On Lgessbattery.com Key Specs Power: 9.8 kWh | Dimensions: 29.3 x 35.7 x 8.1 inches | Warranty: 10-year limited Paired with solar, this AC or DC-coupled system has a 9.8 kilowatt-hour capacity and can be installed with the grid, an existing solar system, or a new solar system. It can be wall-mounted or floor-standing for installation both indoors and out. It’s designed to work both with LG panels and most other common solar panel brands. Its main selling point is that it’s a sleek, petite package where other brands may take up too much space. It also allows you to store energy so that when your panels aren't producing sufficient electricity, you can use the electricity store in your battery instead of having to buy it from your utility company. This allows you to manage your bill through Time-of-Use rate smart scheduling. Best Budget Solar Generator Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Jackery View On Amazon View On Jackery.com Key Specs Power: 1534 Wh | Explorer 1500 dimensions: 14 x 10.4 x 12.7 inches | SolarSaga 100 dimensions: 48 x 21 x 0.2 inches | Warranty: 2 years This mini generator uses solar panels (sold packaged with the unit) to capture and store energy so you can run critical items during a brief power outage, such as recharging your phone or running a CPAP machine. It charges on solar from 0 to 80% in four hours. With a beefy 1534Wh capacity and 1800W running wattage, you can power the most important appliances and devices in your home. It's also an excellent tool if you need to supply electric for outdoor power tools if you're working on an outdoor project. You'll also find it handy for powering items during camping trips or tailgating parties. Review: SunJack 14W Solar Charger & Waterproof LightStick Best Portable Solar Generator Goal Zero 6000X Portable Power Station Backcountry View On REI $3,750 View On Walmart $2,999 View On Amazon $2,999 Key Specs Power: 6071 Wh | Dimensions: 15.3 x 10.1 x 17 inches | Warranty: 2 years If you’d like backup power for infrequent outages but can’t make the investment in a whole house system, this portable unit could be the solution. Recharge the generator with solar panels (sold separately) or a wall outlet, so you can back up critical items during power outages. For example, a fully charged unit will run a full-sized refrigerator for 110 hours. In a pinch, you can top off the unit’s charge using a car outlet. The generator has seven ports, including a fast-charging USB-C, USB-A, 12 Volt, and two 120 Volt AC ports. Wheels make it easy to move around to where it’s needed. It’s a more manageable investment if you need backup power but still want to rely on clean energy. Final Verdict Because every home is different, there’s no one-size-fits-all system. However, our top pick is the Generac PWRcell for its flexible installation options and power capacity. Our budget pick is the portable Goal Zero Yeti 6000X Solar Generator for backing up critical items while using clean energy, and it doesn't require special installation. What to Look for in Home Battery Storage Systems Stackability A single battery may not be able to power your whole home, so you’ll need to prioritize what’s essential, such as lights, outlets, air conditioning, the sump pump, and so on. But if you want to run everything in your house, some systems allow you to stack or piggyback more than one unit to achieve the level of backup you need. AC vs. DC Coupled Systems Batteries and solar panels store energy as direct current or DC. Connecting DC-coupled systems to solar results in less power loss. The grid and your home run on alternating current, or AC power. AC systems are slightly less efficient but more flexible and easier to install, especially if you already have solar. Typically, the manufacturer can guide you through what will work best in your home, but DC typically is used for new solar installations and AC for use with existing solar systems. Load Start Capability Some appliances, such as central air conditioning or sump pumps, require more power to start up than once they are running. Make sure the system can accommodate your home’s specific appliance needs. Frequently Asked Questions Are lithium ion or lead-acid batteries better for home storage? Lead batteries have been around since the 19th century, but they’re not super-powerful, and they take up a lot of space. “Lithium ion packs more energy in a small space,” says Ceder. “They’re much less expensive than when they were introduced, and most of the major players now use lithium ion in their home battery storage systems.” How do I calculate how much battery storage my home needs? Most manufacturers and installation experts have tools to help you figure out your specific needs. Otherwise, if you have plenty of time (and patience), you can find the wattage of each individual appliance you want to power, then follow the Department of Energy’s steps for correctly sizing your battery storage system. Also, remember that a system paired with solar panels can power your home indefinitely if properly sized. Do battery storage systems pay off in the long run? Depending on the complexity of your system and size of your home, upfront costs typically start around $6000, plus installation fees. There’s also the cost of adding solar at the same time if you don’t already have it. However, you can use the energy you’ve generated from solar during the day at night—thus saving money because you’re operating off-grid.If your utility charges time of use rates (TOU), which cost you more for electricity at peak power usage times, you can use the energy stored in your battery instead of pulling from the grid when electricity is priciest. In addition, some utility companies offer net metering, meaning you sell your unused energy back to your utility company to earn credits toward your bill. You’ll have to weigh the upfront costs with potential savings in the long run, but some manufacturers say you can reduce energy costs by up to 80% due to utility cost savings. Who should install my home battery system? Unless you opt for a smaller portable battery unit, installing a home storage system is not a DIY job. A licensed electrician who is up-to-date on local electrical and building codes must install the system, and most manufacturers have links on their websites to certified or preferred installers who may receive additional training. Why Trust Treehugger? Treehugger is dedicated to educating readers about the benefits of clean power, and helping provide tools to transition away from fossil fuels. Arricca SanSone specializes in writing about home, shelter, and gardening. To make our recommendations, she researched the market to find the top-rated battery systems, including pricing out different home energy storage systems for her own home. She also spoke with Professor Gerbrand Ceder, an expert in energy storage, about home battery systems. The 7 Best Solar-Powered Generators