Generac PWRcell whole home batteries are one of the more popular options for people who want a battery backup system for their home.
Pika Energy, a battery manufacturing company, was acquired by Generac in 2019. Since then, they have combined their technology into developing the popular Generac-branded home storage solution, the Generac PWRcell.
While Generac has long been regarded as a leader in the backup power industry, the company is now expanding its product offerings to include clean energy and energy storage. The PWRcell line of batteries is at the forefront of Generac’s new product lineup.
Being a popular product, many people want to know how much does a Generac Power Cell cost? Below you’ll find the details on this popular home battery.
How Much Does A Generac Power Cell Cost?
To give you an idea of the price, Generac PWRcells begin at a base price of $9,999. Keep in mind this is just the cost of the battery itself. It does not include any other costs such as installation.
However, the Generac Power Cell prices may still differ due to different factors. A big one is that the PWR cell is available in a variety of sizes and ranges.
Ranges begin at 9 to 18 kWh and continue to expand in power as the ranges increase in size from 4.5 to 9 kW.
Based on your location and the equipment you choose, a 5-kilowatt (kW) solar energy system might cost anywhere from $9,000 to $15,000 installed.
The other thing to keep in mind here is how many batteries you’ll need. Depending on how much electricity you use and your goals for solar panels/batteries, you may need more than 1 PWRcell. If you do, total costs can reach $20,000 or more.
How Much Will Installation Cost?
Finding out how much it will cost to install a battery is not as straightforward as searching for the list price for a single component, such as your battery. In fact, depending on your electrical layout, the installation cost can vary significantly.
Available Incentives
The costs for a PWRcell may appear to be quite expensive. But they are not the full story.
Right now there are federal tax credits available for those who install solar panels and batteries. The cost of both your battery(ies) and installation are eligible for this tax credit.
There may also be some state and/or local incentives. The availability of these financial incentives for home energy storage installation varies by state.
For example, there is the Self-Generation Incentive Program in California. This program provides a cash rebate that might cover most of the costs of your home battery system (SGIP).
Several other states (including Massachusetts) are currently in the early phases of exploring battery storage performance incentives, and several states already offer cash rebates for battery storage.
Are Generac PWRcell’s Worth the Cost?
Combining a solar panel installation with home batteries like the PWRcells can help homeowners lower their electric bills and keep the lights on if the power grid goes down. This makes it a popular option for many.
However, this technology is not cheap – even with the available incentives. And the batteries are only estimated to last for less than 10 years. So, for many, whole home batteries may not make a lot of financial sense. Generators (which Generac also makes) are far more cost-friendly alternatives – at least upfront.
But, for those in an area that has frequent power outages, the peace of mind of having solar + batteries is definitely worth it. Both Generac and Tesla are leaders in this space and it’s worth looking into both to see which is the best option for your home.
