The 6 Best Home Battery Storage Systems (2024)

Updated October 19, 2022

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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