Are solar batteries worth the cost?
Why more homeowners are investing in batteries for solar systems
For most homeowners, the decision to go solar starts with the bottom line. In fact, 93% cite utility bill savings as their primary motivation, according to Aurora Solar’s 2025 Solar Industry Snapshot.
As rooftop solar becomes more common, many homeowners are thinking about how to get even more out of their systems. Battery storage is emerging as a smart way to extend the value of solar, enabling households to use stored energy when the sun isn’t shining or during power outages.
What appeals to many is the added control batteries provide: over when energy is used, how much dependence there is on the grid, and the shape of monthly electric bills. They also offer reassurance during outages by keeping essential appliances powered.
With 78% of installers reporting increased demand and 69% of homeowners expressing interest in using batteries to cut energy costs, solar-plus-storage is clearly becoming more mainstream.
In this article, we’ll explore how solar batteries work, what affects their price, and how to decide if one fits your home’s energy needs.
In this article:
- What are solar batteries used for?
- Cost of popular solar battery brands
- Factors influencing solar battery costs
- Types of residential solar batteries
- Pros and cons of solar batteries
- Are solar batteries worth it?
- Frequently asked questions
What are solar batteries used for?
Solar batteries store energy generated by a solar system, making it available for use later — at night, during cloudy weather, or when the power goes out. Whether paired with new panels or added to an existing system, batteries offer greater energy independence and a reliable source of backup power when it’s needed most.
In certain utility markets, batteries can also unlock cost savings. For homeowners on time-of-use (TOU) plans or in areas with limited compensation for exporting solar energy, batteries make it possible to shift energy usage and avoid peak pricing. In California, for instance, battery attachment rates surged from 10% to 60% after the rollout of NEM 3.0 — a policy shift that reduced payments for excess solar sent back to the grid.
As policies and incentives continue to evolve across the country, solar batteries are becoming a practical way for more homeowners to save money and strengthen their energy resilience.
Cost of popular solar battery brands
Understanding the cost is the next important step when considering a solar battery. The problem? Finding the most accurate, up-to-date information regarding cost and availability is often tricky. That’s why we’ve compiled the most accurate information for the industry’s leading brands at the time of this publication.
These products represent popular or flagship models from the top six U.S. residential battery brands by market share, based on Wood Mackenzie’s US Distributed Solar-Plus-Storage 2025 Outlook.
| Brand | Model | Usable Capacity | Est. Cost | Est. Cost per kWh | Notes |
| Tesla | Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | ~$14,400 (pre-install) | ~$1,067 | Popular all-in-one system with built-in inverter. Known for reliability, sleek design, and wide installer support. |
| Enphase | IQ Battery 5P | 5 kWh (modular) | ~$4,000 (pre-install) | ~$800 | Smaller size makes it ideal for modular setups. Most homes install two or more units for full backup or higher energy needs. |
| SolarEdge | Home Battery | 9.7 kWh | ~$6,500 (pre-install) | ~$670 | Designed to pair with SolarEdge solar systems. Offers a good balance of capacity and cost for many homeowners. |
| LG | RESU 16H Prime | 16 kWh | ~$9,000 (pre-install) | ~$563 | High capacity at a relatively low price. Still widely supported, though not as frequently promoted by newer installers. |
| Sunpower | SunVault 13 | 13 kWh | ~$16,000 (post-install) | ~$1,231 | Higher-cost option typically bundled with SunPower solar systems. Company underwent restructuring in 2024 – availability may vary by region. |
| FranklinWH | aPower | 13.6 kWh | ~$11,000 (pre-install) | ~$809 | Strong option for whole-home backup. Gaining popularity for its reliable performance during outages. |
Please check the manufacturer’s websites for the latest information. | |||||
Factors influencing solar battery costs
The upfront cost of solar batteries can feel a bit shocking if you’re not aware of the full spectrum of benefits and features they have to offer. Here’s a quick breakdown of the factors that influence the cost of a solar battery.
Battery features
As with most home products, the features included in your battery system impact the overall cost of the product. Different features to evaluate include:
- Battery type: Most home batteries fall into two main categories: lithium-ion and lead-acid. Each has its pros and cons. Lithium-ion batteries, for example, are more common today because they offer a longer lifespan, higher efficiency, and less maintenance, though they often come at a higher upfront cost.
- Technology used: If a battery uses advanced technologies (like smart battery management systems), this may increase the cost. However, the return on investment may be worth it to some, as the battery will last longer.
- Battery capacity: Higher capacity batteries cost more, but may be worth it for those looking to maximize their energy storage.
- Battery size: Your solar power system’s size impacts the unit’s cost and mounting tech needed. More compact designs are typically more expensive, as they require advanced technology and craftsmanship to produce.
- Battery inverter type: Solar batteries are mainly AC-coupled or DC-coupled. AC-coupled systems, though pricier due to a separate inverter, offer easier installation with existing solar setups and are often preferred for whole-home backup.
Brand and manufacturer differences
Different brands and manufacturers have different manufacturing processes. Depending on how they are made and the global availability of materials, these can drive the cost up or down.
Additional brand and manufacturing differences that affect battery prices include individual company margins and rolling sales that companies might offer to remain competitive.
Number of solar batteries installed
The number of batteries required is typically determined by the battery’s storage capacity and your energy needs and preferences. For example, a home with extra amenities that require power (such as a pool pump or an electric vehicle charger) may want more capacity than a small, single-bedroom apartment. Likewise, a home looking to take advantage of time-of-use rates and variable export rates may want a larger battery.
Once you know the number of batteries you need, you can more accurately determine the cost — and it’s typically directly proportional to the number of batteries used to cover a specific property.
Geographical location
The scarcity of products and high demand for resources always affect end costs — and the solar industry is no exception. If you live in an area where skilled solar technicians are in short demand or in a rural area that requires extra shipping to send items to, you can expect this to impact your bottom-line cost.
Inverter
Your inverter is responsible for converting direct current (DC) from your solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity for your home or space. There are many different types, qualities, and capacities when it comes to inverters — and all of these factors affect the end price of your inverter (and your solar battery unit).
Incentives and rebates
There can be a lot of hidden costs in the solar battery process. The good news? There can be plenty of ways to save as well, including battery incentives and rebates. If you’re unsure where to start, research available federal tax credit programs, state-level incentives, and any programs available through your local utility companies. You may also want to investigate available subsidies if there are any that you’d qualify for.
Types of residential solar batteries
Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the most widely used option for home energy storage. They’re compact, efficient, and low maintenance. Most models last over 10 years and can handle 3,000 to 10,000 charge cycles, depending on the chemistry. Costs typically range from $10,000 to $15,000 (pre-installation), with premium models offering smart features or integrated backup support.
A common subtype of lithium-ion is lithium iron phosphate (LFP). LFP batteries are known for their longer lifespan, enhanced thermal safety, and durability, making them a great fit for whole-home backup or systems with frequent cycling.
Lead-acid batteries
Lead-acid batteries have been used in energy storage for decades. While more affordable upfront, they usually come with a shorter lifespan, lower efficiency, and require more hands-on maintenance. Because of these drawbacks, they’re less common in modern residential setups and are mostly found in off-grid or backup-only systems where budget is a top priority.
Pros and cons of solar batteries
Before you decide if solar batteries are right for you, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons that come with their installation and use.
Pros of solar batteries
Here are some of the reasons solar batteries can be a great investment:
- Backup power source: When the power goes out, you won’t have to worry about accessing your favorite powered appliances (if configured as a backup battery).
- Energy independence: While it’s rare for a solar-plus-storage system to allow you to go totally off the grid, a home battery can be used to power your home when the Sun isn’t shining — when it’s overcast or at night — decreasing your reliance on the grid.
- Decrease your carbon footprint: Going green gets easier when you can harness the power of clean energy.
- Save money on electrical bills: Despite initial installation costs, homeowners can walk away with significant savings from slashed energy bills and installation incentive programs. Savings depend on utility rate structures and net metering policies, and are more likely with time-of-use (TOU) rates.
- Increase property value: While the research shows that homes with solar panels sell for a premium, the specific value of solar batteries is less defined. However, the benefits of energy savings and resilience can be used as selling points to potential buyers.
Cons of solar batteries
While there are plenty of pros to solar batteries, there are also cons to consider, such as:
- High upfront costs: While most solar systems offer the potential for savings on electricity bills, the initial cost of a solar-plus-storage system can feel like a large investment.
- Space consumption: Solar batteries take up extra space, which may not be ideal for some homeowners.
- Slow return on investment (ROI): The decision to invest in solar batteries should come down to your ability to invest and wait for a return. Solar investments offer ROI over time, but can have a high up-front cost. It’s ultimately up to you to determine if the initial cost and time to ROI make sense for your financial situation.
Are solar batteries worth it?
Solar batteries are a convenient method of power storage — they’re sustainable, resilient, and scalable to your budget. The type and capacity of solar battery you need depends on your energy-use patterns and expectations.
Whether a solar battery is worth it depends on your home’s energy system. If you’re on a time-of-use rate plan, a solar battery can be a great way to save the energy harnessed from solar panels to use at peak times, helping you avoid paying high electricity rates. In some states, selling excess power produced by solar panels to the utility during times with high export rates can make battery storage even more appealing.
Wondering what’s best for your situation? Speaking with a solar specialist is the first step. Aurora Solar makes it easy to collect and compare quotes from multiple vetted installers, all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
How long do solar batteries last?
Solar batteries can last 10-15 years, on average. However, their lifespan typically comes down to the battery’s composition and the house’s use patterns.
What is the average cost of a solar battery?
Ultimately, solar battery costs come down to battery composition, size, output, technology, and inverter type, and may further vary depending on the availability of core materials at any given time. So, it’s difficult to give the “average” cost. Most batteries can range anywhere between $10,000-$22,000+, falling either below, in, or past this range. This comes out to $1,000-$1,500 per kWh.
Can you install a home battery without solar panels?
Yes, you can install a home battery without solar panels. This is known as a standalone battery storage system. Homeowners who choose not to install solar panels on their homes may treat them as a “backup” independent power supply.
How long can a solar battery run my appliances?
The answer to this question depends on two key areas: how many appliances are drawing power at a given time (such as your air conditioner or your hair dryer) and how big your battery is. Consider connecting with a local specialist for an accurate estimation as you leverage solar power for your home.
