Solar Batteries: Tesla Powerwall vs Enphase vs Franklin vs Others

Adding a solar battery to your system lets you store excess solar power for use at night, during outages, or when electricity rates are high. But with so many options—Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ 5P, Franklin WH, LG Chem—which one is right for you?

Here’s a detailed comparison of the top solar batteries in 2026, including capacity, pricing, backup power, and which pairs best with solar panels.

Why Add a Solar Battery?

| Benefit | Why It Matters | |---------|---------------| | Backup Power | Keep lights, fridge, and essentials running during outages. | | Time-of-Use Savings | Store solar power when rates are low, use it when rates are high. | | Energy Independence | Rely less on the grid and more on your own clean energy. | | Incentives | State/utility rebates (e.g., Energy Trust of Oregon, WA utility programs). The 30% federal credit expired for purchases in 2025, but is still available via solar lease/PPA arrangements through 2027. |

Top Solar Batteries Compared (2026)

| Battery | Usable Capacity | Continuous Power | Peak Power | Warranty | Price (Before Incentives) | Best For | |---------|-----------------|------------------|------------|----------|---------------------------|----------| | Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | 11.5 kW | 185 LRA | 10 years | $10,000–$12,000 | Whole-home backup, high power | | Enphase IQ 5P | 5 kWh | 3.84 kW | 7.68 kW | 10 years | $4,000–$5,000 | Modular, easy expansion | | Franklin WH | 13.6 kWh | 10 kW | 15 kW | 12 years | $9,000–$11,000 | High efficiency, long warranty | | LG Chem RESU Prime | 16 kWh | 7 kW | 11 kW | 10 years | $12,000–$14,000 | Large capacity, reliable |

Deep Dive: Tesla Powerwall 3 vs Enphase IQ 5P vs Franklin WH

Tesla Powerwall 3

Best for: Whole-home backup, high power needs Pros:

• 11.5 kW continuous power—enough for AC, fridge, lights, and more simultaneously.
• Integrated solar inverter—simplifies installation and reduces costs.
• Scalable: Add up to 3 expansion units (54 kWh total).
• Storm Watch: Automatically charges before extreme weather.
• Tesla app: Easy monitoring and control.

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost than some competitors.
• No mixing with older Powerwall models.

Price: $10,000–$12,000 (before incentives)

Enphase IQ 5P

Best for: Modular systems, easy expansion Pros:

• Modular design: Start with one 5 kWh battery, add more as needed.
• AC-coupled: Works with any solar system (no need for a hybrid inverter).
• High efficiency: 96% round-trip efficiency.
• Enphase app: Detailed energy monitoring.

Cons:

• Lower power output (3.84 kW continuous)—not ideal for whole-home backup.
• More expensive per kWh than Tesla.

Price: $4,000–$5,000 per 5 kWh unit (before incentives)

Franklin WH

Best for: High efficiency, long warranty Pros:

• 12-year warranty (longer than most competitors).
• 10 kW continuous power—great for most homes.
• 98% round-trip efficiency (best in class).
• Works with or without solar.

Cons:

• Newer to market—less long-term data than Tesla or Enphase.
• No integrated inverter (requires separate inverter).

Price: $9,000–$11,000 (before incentives)

Which Battery Pairs Best with Solar?

| Solar System Type | Best Battery Match | Why? | |-------------------|--------------------|------| | New solar + battery | Tesla Powerwall 3 | Integrated inverter, high power, scalable | | Existing solar system | Enphase IQ 5P | AC-coupled, works with any inverter | | High-efficiency needs | Franklin WH | 98% efficiency, 12-year warranty | | Large homes (5,000+ sq ft) | LG Chem RESU Prime | 16 kWh capacity, reliable |

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost in 2026?

| Battery | Cost (Before Incentives) | Cost w/ Lease/PPA Credit | Cost per kWh (w/ Credit) | |---------|--------------------------|--------------------|--------------------------| | Tesla Powerwall 3 | $11,000 | $7,700 | $570/kWh | | Enphase IQ 5P (1 unit) | $4,500 | $3,150 | $630/kWh | | Franklin WH | $10,000 | $7,000 | $515/kWh | | LG Chem RESU Prime | $13,000 | $9,100 | $569/kWh |

Note: Prices vary by installer and region. OR/WA incentives can reduce costs further (e.g., $200–$750/kWh rebates).

Real-World Example: Tesla Powerwall 3 in Seattle

System: 7 kW solar + 1 Powerwall 3 Cost: $25,000 Incentives:

• Federal ITC: expired for purchases (available via lease/PPA through 2027)
• WA sales tax exemption: $1,625
• PSE battery rebate: $4,000 Net cost: $11,875 Annual savings: $1,800 (electricity + backup power value) Payback period: 6.6 years

Which Solar Battery is Right for You?

Choose Tesla Powerwall 3 if:

You want whole-home backup power. You’re installing new solar + battery. You need high power output (11.5 kW).

Choose Enphase IQ 5P if:

You have an existing solar system. You want modular, expandable storage. You prefer AC-coupled flexibility.

Choose Franklin WH if:

You want the highest efficiency (98%). You value a 12-year warranty. You need 10 kW continuous power.

Choose LG Chem RESU Prime if:

You need the largest capacity (16 kWh). You want a proven, reliable brand.

Bottom Line

• Tesla Powerwall 3 is the best all-around battery for most homeowners—high power, integrated inverter, and scalability.
• Enphase IQ 5P is ideal for existing solar systems and modular expansion.
• Franklin WH offers the best efficiency and warranty.
• LG Chem RESU Prime is best for large homes needing big capacity.
• Incentives can cut costs by 50% or more—check for federal, state, and utility rebates before buying.

Ready to add battery storage? Get a free quote and find the best solar battery for your home!