How much does a solar battery cost? (2026)
A home battery runs about $1,000–$1,300 per usable kWh installed, so most systems land in the $5,000–$39,000 range — the price is driven mostly by capacity (kWh). Capacity (kWh) is how much energy a battery holds; power (kW) is how fast it can deliver that energy. The table below shows typical installed cost and rough backup runtime by size. These are national-average modeled figures; for your state see solar incentives or run your numbers in the savings calculator.
Average solar battery cost by capacity
Based on a modeled US-average installed price of about $1,100 per usable kWh (typical range $1,000–$1,300). Backup runtime assumes ~90% usable capacity, ~8 kWh/day for essential loads, and an average home using ~30 kWh/day. Actual cost varies by brand, installer, and whether the battery is AC- or DC-coupled.
| Capacity (kWh) | Typical installed cost | Essential-loads backup | Whole-home backup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kWh | $5,000–$6,500 | 14 hrs | 4 hrs |
| 10 kWh | $10,000–$13,000 | 27 hrs | 7 hrs |
| 13.5 kWh — the size of a Tesla Powerwall | $13,500–$17,550 | 37 hrs (~1.5 days) | 10 hrs |
| 20 kWh | $20,000–$26,000 | 54 hrs (~2.3 days) | 14 hrs |
| 30 kWh | $30,000–$39,000 | 81 hrs (~3.4 days) | 22 hrs |
National-average modeled estimates, June 2026. Not a quote — see methodology. Prices vary widely by brand and installer.
The federal tax credit on batteries in 2026
The 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit used to cover standalone home batteries of at least 3 kWh, but it ended for purchases placed in service after December 31, 2025 — the same cutoff that applied to solar panels. So a 2026 cash or loan purchase of a battery no longer subtracts a federal credit. A lease or PPA can still capture a roughly 30% credit: the third-party owner claims a commercial credit and passes the benefit on through lower payments. We don't claim a purchase credit exists in 2026. State and utility storage rebates vary widely and didn't change with the federal law — see solar incentives by state and our guide on whether batteries are worth it.
Pairing a battery with solar panels
A battery is usually added to a solar system rather than bought on its own. Panels generate the energy; the battery stores midday production for the evening or for outages. If you're still pricing the panels, start with solar panel cost by state and our how many solar panels you need guide, then size storage for the loads you want to back up. To model the panel side for your bill and state, use the savings calculator.
Compare real solar quotes
See actual prices from vetted local installers — including lease and PPA options that still capture the 30% credit in 2026. Free, no obligation.