Power outages and grid failures are forecasted to become more frequent in the coming years, and recent heat waves have proven that a new energy storage solution is necessary to keep homeowners safe and comfortable.
Homeowners are now looking further into a solar battery pack for home that assures energy security when the lights go out. But with all of the options on the market, which is best for home use?
At NeoVolta, we’ve designed a solar battery that ensures the safety of your family while keeping critical appliances always-on, not to mention saving you from net metering fees and peak demand charges. With its lithium-iron chemistry, which poses virtually no fire risk, our NV14 solar battery pack for home use is the optimal option for residents looking to make the most of their solar setup.
However, there are plenty of other options available that can be found in homes across the country, from Tesla’s Powerwall 2 to SunPower’s SunVault. Find out which option is best for your home before scheduling your installation.
Choosing the Right Solar Battery Pack for Home Backup
NeoVolta: NV14
NeoVolta’s NV14 solar battery pack is built for safety and durability, capable of lasting up to 6,000 cycles or 16.5 years on average. It’s composed of lithium-iron phosphate rather than lithium-ion, meaning it has no thermal runaway and won’t catch fire like many lithium-ion units, and takes under a day to install.
The NV14 also has a certain advantage over its competitors in that it can couple with both AC and DC power sources. Homeowners can expand their power capacity as well by coupling the NV14 with the NV24, a battery add-on, increasing capacity from 14.4 kWh to 24 kWh. Thanks to its long-lasting nature and safety-centric chemical composition, the NV14 is a favorite amongst solar homeowners looking for energy security and lower peak demand rates.
Price: $17,000 (before incentives)
Pros
- Connectivity with any solar panel system, new or existing
- Fire-safe lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry
- Lasts 50% longer than competitors on average
- High power capacity of 14.4 kWh
- Capable of coupling with both AC and DC
Cons
- Slightly higher costs for quality and safety
| Metric | NV14 |
| Power Capacity | 14.4 kWh |
| Round-Trip Efficiency | 97% |
| Continuous Power Output | 7.6 kW |
| Depth of Discharge | 90% |
| Weight | 560 lbs |
| AC/DC Coupled? | Both |
| Chemistry | Lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) |
| Warranty | 70% at 10 years or 6,000 cycles |
Tesla Powerwall 2
Tesla is both a renowned consumer brand and a stark leader in the renewable energy space, from affordable EVs to home energy storage. Their Tesla Powerwall is one of the first solar batteries that many people caught wind of, however, its lithium-ion chemistry poses certain fire risks which have fueled more safety-centric solutions from smaller competitors.
The newest model, the Powerwall 2, is designed to pair with two or three other batteries to meet home needs. It features a built-in inverter and easy pairing with the Tesla app, allowing users to monitor energy usage and storage in real time, however, the price for a full setup runs a bit higher than other options. At a $7,000 price point, plus the necessary $1,800 for a gateway device, homeowners will be paying nearly $17,000 for a complete solar battery pack that keeps them comfortable during dark times.
Price: $7,000 per Powerwall + $1,800 for Gateway Device
Pros
- Unlimited cycle warranty
- Works with or without solar panels
- Costs slightly less than most competitors
Cons
- Difficult capacity upgrades
- Reportedly poor customer service
- Unrefined energy management app
| Metric | Powerwall 2 |
| Power Capacity | 13.5 kWh |
| Round-Trip Efficiency | 90% |
| Continuous Power Output | 5.8 kWh |
| Depth of Discharge | 100% |
| Weight | 251.3 lbs |
| AC/DC Coupled? | AC-coupled |
| Chemistry | Lithium-ion |
| Warranty | 70% at 10 years |
Sunpower: SunVault
SunPower is renowned for its solar panels, but its SunVault solar battery pack has cemented its place in the energy storage landscape. Their 13 kWh unit is strong and offers enough power to keep most household lights and appliances running when the grid goes down.
The SunVault, a popular Tesla Powerwall alternative, pairs nicely with SunPower’s Equinox panels and includes a backup inverter, which instantaneously switches to backup power when an outage strikes. Like most of the options here, the SunVault offers a 10-year warranty, though the price is also a bit steep when held up against market averages.
Price: $16,000 – $20,000 depending on single or double unit
Pros
- Unlimited cycle warranty
- High capacity options
- Stellar power output
- Backing of a reputable solar company
Cons
- Difficult capacity upgrades
- Less efficient than competing batteries
- More expensive than most other options
| Metric | SunVault |
| Power Capacity | 13 kWh |
| Round-Trip Efficiency | 86% |
| Continuous Power Output | 6.8 kWh |
| Depth of Discharge | 92% |
| Weight | 400 lbs |
| AC/DC Coupled? | AC-coupled |
| Chemistry | Lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) |
| Warranty | 70% at 10 years or 4,000 cycles |
Enphase: Encharge 10.5 kWh
Enphase’s Encharge battery is also well-known in the solar storage space, offering both modular 3.36 kWh and larger 10.5 kWh versions depending on homeowner needs. Similarly to the SunVault and NeoVolta’s NV14 solar battery pack, the IQ is powered by lithium-iron phosphate, which poses no thermal runaway in contrast to lithium-ion competitors. On the other hand, its low continuous power output of 3.84 kWh renders it less cost-competitive than the rest of this group.
The IQ Battery 10 integrates with the Enphase app to provide insights into home energy usage, similar to the Tesla app. However, this solar battery pack is only compatible with Enphase inverters, making it a less flexible option for homeowners. Still, its lithium-iron phosphate chemistry is a core safety benefit and makes the Encharge an attractive Tesla Powerwall alternative.
Price: $10,000
Pros
- Extended warranty option
- Even more affordable than the Tesla Powerwall
- Fire-averse lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry
Cons
- Only compatible with Enphase inverters
- Smaller storage capacity when compared to competitors
| Metric | Encharge 10.5 kWh |
| Power Capacity | 10.5 kWh |
| Round-Trip Efficiency | 96% |
| Continuous Power Output | 3.84 kWh |
| Depth of Discharge | 98% |
| Weight | 341 lbs |
| AC/DC Coupled? | AC-coupled |
| Chemistry | Lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) |
| Warranty | 10 years or 7,300 cycles |
NeoVolta’s NV14: The Premier Solar Battery Pack for Home Use
After looking over these pros, cons, and specifications, which solar battery pack for home use best suits your needs? As a homeowner, your priorities are likely safety, capacity, and compatibility. Our NV14 solar battery pack for home use stands out in these realms with its high 14.4 kWh capacity, safe lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry, and unique ability to link to any solar panel. Plus, the NV14 is capable of both AC and DC power connectivity.
If you’re a solar homeowner, visit the NeoVolta website for more details on our NV14 battery and find installers near you. You can also access video reviews of the NV14 battery here.
