Home Battery Cost in 2026 (After the 30% Tax Credit Ended)
The federal 25D credit ended for systems placed in service after 2025. What a Powerwall, Enphase or FranklinWH system costs now, and who still pays rebates.
Updated October 27, 2026 · By the OutageWatt team · How we calculate
In short
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What the credit change means
Until the end of 2025, any home battery of 3 kWh or more could take 30% off through the residential clean energy credit (25D). The 2025 budget law ended it: the IRS now states the credit “is not available for any property placed in service after December 31, 2025.” If a quote or an article in 2026 still subtracts 30%, it is wrong for a homeowner-owned system. (Leased or third-party-owned batteries can fall under different, commercial rules; ask the provider in writing.)
Price by battery
| Battery | Usable | Installed (one unit) | Per usable kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall 3EnergySage 2026 marketplace average for Powerwall 3 (about $998/kWh), before any local rebate | 13.5 kWh | $13,473 | $998 |
| Enphase IQ Battery 5PEnergySage 2026 market average of $1,159/kWh × 5 kWh, our arithmetic, not a quoted price | 5 kWh | $5,795 | $1,159 |
| FranklinWH aPower 2EnergySage 2026 market average of $1,159/kWh × 15 kWh, our arithmetic, not a quoted price | 15 kWh | $17,385 | $1,159 |
Market data read from EnergySage search excerpts (October 28, 2026); flagged until confirmed on the full report. Not quotes.
What pushes the price up
- Panel upgrades: older 100 A panels often need work; third-party estimates run $500 to $3,000.
- Whole-home vs partial backup: backing up everything needs more units for power, not just energy.
- Permits and inspections vary by city.
The cheaper alternative
A 120/240 V power station feeding selected circuits through a transfer switch covers the same essentials for a few thousand dollars, and goes with you if you move. Compare them on our power station page, then check your own list in the planner.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a home battery cost in 2026?
EnergySage's 2026 marketplace data puts the average installed home battery at about $15,647, or $1,159 per kWh, and a Tesla Powerwall 3 at about $13,473 installed, before any local rebate.
Can I still get the 30% federal tax credit on a battery?
No, for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. The IRS says the residential clean energy credit is not available for any property placed in service after that date. Unused credit from earlier years can still be carried forward.
Are there still any incentives?
Some state and utility programs remain, mostly on the coasts: California's SGIP has low-income and equity tiers, several utilities run battery-rewards or virtual power plant programs that pay per kW of grid support. Amounts change often; confirm with your utility.
Free tool
Compare the three main batteries
Specs, units needed and runtime for real load profiles.
OutageWatt is independent and not affiliated with any brand named here. Specs come from makers' spec sheets and are dated; anything wired into your home needs a licensed electrician and a transfer switch or interlock. Never backfeed through an outlet.