Great batteries that… aren't the Tesla Powerwall

Many solar professionals praise the Tesla Powerwall 3, and for good reason: It's sleek, powerful, and affordable. But it’s not the only top-tier home battery on the market, which is important right now given Tesla supply shortages…and controversies. 

We've heard from installers that there's a three to six-month wait for the Powerwall 3—that's not exactly ideal if you're looking for energy savings and independence sooner rather than later. Tesla's founder, Elon Musk, has also been at the center of politics recently, turning off some homeowners with differing views. 

Luckily, whether you're actively choosing not to buy a Tesla Powerwall or you just can't get your hands on one, we put together a list of several similar options to consider. The two closest Tesla Powerwall alternatives are the EG4 PowerPro and the FranklinWH aPower 2, while the Villara VillaGrid+ ranks highest overall.

*By brand. Prices may vary by model.

The EG4 PowerPro solar battery from EG4 Electronics is the strongest alternative to the Tesla Powerwall. It has a similar capacity, meaning it'll last a similar amount of time, and a slightly lower power output, which means it won't be able to power quite as many devices at the same time. And, based on quotes through EnergySage, EG4 batteries tend to be a bit more affordable compared to Tesla. 

If you plan to power your battery with solar, the EG4 PowerPro can be paired with a hybrid EG4 inverter that also works for your solar panels—this will make your battery even more efficient than the Powerwall 3 at 99% roundtrip efficiency.

While the EG4 is the best alternative for the Tesla Powerwall 3, it’s not the best option if you already have a solar panel system because it's difficult to retrofit to existing systems. For that, check out our next option.

If you’re looking for a near-copy of the Tesla Powerwall, FranklinWH's newest battery, the aPower 2, has been touted as one of its biggest competitors. The aPower 2 beats Tesla for usable capacity by 1.5 kWh. It can also easily retrofit to an existing solar panel system, though that does compromise its roundtrip efficiency a bit. These two batteries even look similar, if the aesthetics of the Powerwall are important to you.

Tesla has FranklinWH slightly beat in terms of power output. And, ​​based on quotes in the EnergySage Marketplace, FranklinWH also has a higher average price tag of $1,176/kWh.

The Villara VillaGrid+ stands out as the best battery on the market, scoring highest in EnergySage's rigorous Equipment Rating System. That said, it’s not necessarily the best Tesla Powerwall alternative, as it's a very different (and much pricier) battery. It has a smaller capacity (11.5 kWh compared to 13.5 kWh) so if you only have one battery, it won't last quite as long during an extended power outage. That said, you can add more Powerwalls or VillaGrids to beef up your battery capacity. 

So, what makes the VillaGrid+ great? It’s the only battery on this list with lithium titanium-oxide (LTO) battery chemistry—the cream of the crop in the home battery world—as opposed to Lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Unlike more traditional lithium-ion batteries, LTO has better recharge capabilities (longer life cycles) and doesn't contain any carbon, which makes it extra safe. The only downside is you'll definitely shell out more money upfront for the VillaGrid+, though its exact cost is not readily available at this time.

Depending on what other technology you’re eyeing for your solar panel system, you might consider these batteries for easier system integration.

If you have Enphase microinverters: The Enphase Energy IQ

• Usable capacity: 10.08 kWh

• Continuous power output: 3.84 kW

• Roundtrip efficiency: 89%

• Average price: $1,506/kWh

• AC-coupled

Enphase is a popular name in the solar space thanks to its industry-leading microinverters. If you have (or want) them, you may consider adding an Enphase Energy IQ battery for easy integration. This battery stands out for its 15-year warranty; its other specs are just… fine. 

If you have SolarEdge optimized inverters: SolarEdge Home Battery

• Usable capacity: 9.7 kWh

• Continuous power output: 5 kW

• Roundtrip efficiency: 94.5%

• Average price: $1,058/kWh

• DC-coupled

SolarEdge Technologies is another popular name on the market, offering a solid option with its 9.7 kWh battery. With SolarEdge inverters, adding a SolarEdge battery makes sense and is far more readily available compared to the Powerwall 3. Similar to Enphase, SolarEdge's battery is pretty middle-of-the-road in terms of specs, but it’s a solid option if your home doesn’t need a huge amount of energy during outages.

Your EnergySage Energy Advisor and solar installer will be able to help you decide what battery is right for you—but if your heart is already set on a particular battery, let your installer know so they can include it in your quote.