Generac Pwrcell Review: An Incredibly Modular Solar Battery (2024)

Generac Pwrcell Review: An Incredibly Modular Solar Battery (1) Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

  • Home

The Generac Pwrcell allows you to customize just how much battery capacity you need.

Generac Pwrcell Review: An Incredibly Modular Solar Battery (2)
Generac Pwrcell Review: An Incredibly Modular Solar Battery (3)

Sarah Drolet Associate Writer

Sarah Drolet is an associate writer at CNET covering home energy, residential solar power and emerging energy technology. She previously wrote about home and moving-related topics for MYMOVE. Sarah graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a bachelor's degree in communications.

See full bio

Sarah Drolet

7 min read

Generac Pwrcell Review: An Incredibly Modular Solar Battery (4)

6.9

Generac Pwrcell

Like

  • Extremely flexible capacity sizing
  • Easy capacity upgrades
  • Good performance and efficiency

Don't like

  • Can't install a third-party inverter
  • Bad customer product and support reviews

Solar panels are gaining popularity for many reasons, but they won't help you in a blackout. You'll need a home battery system for that. Just like solar panels, that battery will need to meet the particular needs of your home -- they aren't one size fits all.

The Generac Pwrcell was released in 2019 and has since become one of the most recognizable batteries in the solar industry. This solar battery was designed to make it easy for homeowners to get the exact battery capacity that they need for their home's energy needs.

"The thinking behind the battery and surrounding energy storage was that not all homes are created equal," Rex Liu, Generac's vice president of product management, told CNET. "The needs of every homeowner could be very different, so having a modular battery was something that could bring a lot of value to the market overall. An installer can optimize the solution for their particular homeowner customer."

Solar batteries are big, bulky, expensive and part of a holistic home energy system. That makes them difficult to put through hands-on testing. This review is based on specs and information provided by Generac online and an interview with Liu to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Here's what you should know about the Generac Pwrcell.

Best Solar Companies of 2023 See at Cnet

What do I get with the Generac Pwrcell?

The Generac Pwrcell is one of the most modular batteries we've seen. In our review of the best solar batteries, the Pwrcell stood out in its modularity, capacity sizes, efficiency and performance. Here's a quick look at the Generac Pwrcell's specs.

Generac Pwrcell specs

Category Detail
Usable capacity 9 kWh - 18 kWh (Installed in increments of 3 kWh)
How many can I stack? Up to two battery cabinets (36 kWh)
Round-trip efficiency 96.50%
Depth of discharge 84%
Peak power output (on-grid) 4.5 kW - 9 kW
Continuous power output (on-grid) 3.4 kW - 7.6 kW
Battery type Lithium-ion
AC- or DC-coupled? DC-coupled system
Price $10,000 - $20,000

System components

The Generac Pwrcell is more than just a battery box that sits in your garage or hangs on the wall. It's an intricate, DC-coupled system with quite a few components. Here's a quick breakdown of the Pwrcell system:

Battery cabinet: The Pwrcell stores energy a bit differently compared with other solar batteries. Instead of a battery box, the Pwrcell system has a battery cabinet, which houses several lithium-ion battery modules. The battery cabinet houses three to six battery modules. The number of battery modules in the cabinet reflects the storage capacity available. A second battery cabinet can be installed for additional capacity.

Capacity breakdown

Number of modules installed Capacity available
3 9 kWh
4 12 kWh
5 15 kWh
6 18 kWh

Inverter: The main function of the inverter is to convert DC energy from the solar panels and battery into AC energy to power your home. Since the Pwrcell is a DC-coupled system, you'll have to use the Generac inverter that is provided with the Pwrcell.

Automatic transfer switch:The ATS provides an automatic transition to back up battery power in a power outage.

PV link: This helps optimize how power is generated by your solar panels and stored in the battery. It also works with a rapid shutdown device connected to the solar panels.

Capacity and modularity

The capacity and modularity categories are where the Pwrcell shines the brightest, scoring as the most modular battery on our rankings of the best solar batteries. The Pwrcell stores energy in individual battery modules contained within a battery cabinet. One battery cabinet holds between 9 kWh and 18 kWh of energy, with capacity expandable in increments of 3 kWh. This design allows homeowners easier access to the capacity size that is "just right" for their home's energy needs.

Upgrading the Pwrcell's capacity is easy. Instead of buying a whole new battery, you'll just purchase a new battery module. You'll have to hire an installer to insert the new battery module. Once you hit the maximum capacity (18 kWh), you'll need to install an additional battery cabinet. You can have up to two battery cabinets, for a maximum capacity of 36 kWh.

Performance and efficiency

The Pwrcell has a higher-than-average round-trip efficiency of 96.5%. This means only 3.5% of your electricity gets lost on its way to battery storage. Of the lithium-ion batteries we looked at, the average efficiency was about 90%. However, the Generac Pwrcell's depth of discharge is one of the lowest we've seen for lithium-ion solar batteries, at 84%. A battery's depth of discharge is a limitation set by the manufacturer on the percentage amount of energy that can be drained all at once without damaging the battery. The average depth of discharge for a lithium-ion solar battery is about 95%.

The Pwrcell also performs well in the power output category, with an on-grid peak power output range of 4.5 kW - 9 kW and an on-grid continuous power output range of 3.4 kW - 7.6 kW. A battery's peak power output rating is the maximum amount of power it can output all at once, and is normally used when large appliances or power loads kick on. A battery's continuous power output is the amount of power the battery can output all the time.

The exact amount of power output from the Pwrcell depends on the installed capacity. In other words, the higher the battery capacity, the higher the power output.

Warranty

How's the Pwrcell's warranty? It's pretty much the industry average, which isn't a bad thing. Here's what it includes:

  • 10 years (includes battery cabinet, inverter and each individual battery module)
  • 7.56 MWh throughput per battery module
  • 70% end-of-warranty capacity guarantee

Ten-year warranties are pretty standard with solar batteries, but it's nice to know the entire Pwrcell system is covered. However, each Pwrcell battery module does come with a throughput clause. This is essentially the manufacturer's estimate on the total amount of energy it expects the battery to deliver during its lifetime. In this case, Generac expects each battery module to deliver 7.56 MWh of energy during its lifespan. Be aware that once a battery module hits its throughput (7.56 MWh), it is no longer covered under warranty.

The Pwrcell also comes with an end-of-warranty capacity guarantee of 70%. This is Generac's guarantee that each battery module will be able to hold at least 70% of its maximum energy capacity by the time your warranty expires. It's also worth noting that the automatic transfer switch and PV links are warranted for 25 years.

Customer support

As a company, Generac doesn't have the best product or customer service reviews. Many customers have left complaints on Generac's Better Business Bureau page about products breaking after a couple years of use, with some customers even referring to Generac as "Junkerac." These complaints are mainly focused on their Pwrcell systems and generators. Many customers have also had bad experiences with Generac's customer support surrounding warranties, with Trust Pilot reviewers saying Generac was not honoring the warranty.

Generac PWRview app

The Generac Pwrcell is compatible with Generac's well-rated energy management app – PWRview. The PWRview app monitors your solar production, shows your battery's state of charge and tells you when you're drawing power from the grid and when you're feeding power to the grid. The app also keeps track of your historical energy data to help calculate estimated savings.

How much does the Generac Pwrcell cost?

The Generac Pwrcell is estimated to cost between $10,000 and $20,000 before installation. Cost is reflective of how many battery modules you have installed: The higher your battery capacity, the higher the price tag. Other factors affecting price are location, the installer and the amount of solar on your roof. As a rule of thumb regarding battery pricing, you can usually expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per kWh of energy storage.

For the most accurate pricing, you'll need to speak with a Generac Pwrcell-certified installer in your area. We recommend gathering a few quotes from national and local installers to see who will give you the best price possible.

Is the Generac Pwrcell my best choice?

It depends on what you're looking for in a battery and what your energy storage goals are. In terms of its technical specs, the Pwrcell is a decent battery, excelling in modularity, capacity and efficiency. But don't limit your options to just the Pwrcell. Explore multiple battery storage options on your own or with an installer. Most installers are certified to install multiple brands of batteries, so don't feel like you only have one option.

How we evaluated the best solar batteries

Not every battery is the right fit for every home. Without an on-site inspection, it's difficult to determine which solar battery is the "best" battery for home and energy needs. Due to the complexity of solar panel systems, we're unable to do any hands-on testing of these solar batteries. However, there are ways to objectively evaluate and compare these batteries. Here's how we evaluate solar batteries.

First, we created categories to evaluate the battery's efficiency, performance, capacity and value. We also gave each category its own weight. A category's weight reflects the importance we felt was relevant to the average consumer. Here are the categories we considered and their weights:

  • Battery modularity (stackability) - 20%
  • Warranty - 20%
  • Round-trip efficiency - 15%
  • Depth of discharge - 10%
  • Power output - 10%
  • Price - 10%
  • Customer reviews - 10%
  • Battery capacity - 5%

We looked at over 15 of the most common batteries on the market and collected the data for each category to compare the numbers. Each category (for every battery) was given a tier-style rating (from 1 to 5) to see which metrics of each battery were above average (among those on our list), average or below average.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go off-grid with the Generac Pwrcell?

You could, but it's not what the Pwrcell was designed for. The Pwrcell's intended use is for grid-tied solar power systems. If you decided to live off-grid with the Pwrcell, you'd likely need multiple battery cabinets.

Is the Generac Pwrcell eligible for the federal solar tax credit?

Yes, the Pwrcell is eligible for the federal solar tax credit. Solar batteries that qualify for the federal solar tax credit can hold at least three kilowatt-hours (3 kWh) of energy and are installed in 2023 or later.

How do I install the Generac Pwrcell?

Generac does not do direct installations. Instead, Generac will find a Pwrcell-certified installer in your area to get you a free quote and set up a home consultation with an installer. You can also contact installers in your area on your own to see who carries the Pwrcell.

What is the energy storage capacity of the Generac Pwrcell?

The Generac Pwrcell can hold between 9 kWh and18 kWh of energy capacity. The modular design of the battery allows for expandability in increments of 3 kWh. Once you've hit the maximum capacity of 18 kWh, a second battery can be installed. Combined, this can add up to 36 kWh of energy capacity.

Generac Pwrcell Review: An Incredibly Modular Solar Battery (2024)

FAQs

How long will a Generac PWRcell battery last? ›

How long will a Generac PWRcell last? The Generac PWRcell will last around 10 years depending on how frequently you use it. The warranty of the battery is valid for either 10 years or the amount of time it takes to cycle 17.3 MWh of energy through the battery.

How long will a Generac power cell run your house? ›

Since your PWRcell is solar charged, it has the capability to recharge and run your entire home indefinitely, though it is currently only designed for on-grid homes.

What kind of battery is the Generac PWRcell? ›

The Generac power cell—true name, Generac PWRcell—is a residential battery electric storage and management system. When coupled with photovoltaic solar panels, Generac PWRcell can capture, store and distribute solar-created energy throughout a house and can even be used to charge up electric vehicles (EVs).

How many batteries does a Generac power cell take? ›

The PWRcell can also be configured to meet any budget or lifestyle so you don't pay for more than you need: with as few as 3 battery modules for up to 9kWh of capacity and 4.5kW output, all the way up to our 6-module configuration providing up to 18kWh of capacity and 9kW output.

How many solar batteries are needed to power a house? ›

A 400 amp-hour 6 volt battery can provide around 2.4 kilowatt hours of power. A three-day battery bank planned to provide 90 kilowatt-hours of electricity to an average American household. The previous example battery can provide2,4 kilowatt hours, while 38 batteries would be needed.

How many solar panels and batteries does it take to power a house? ›

How many solar panels power a house? Key takeaways. An average home needs between 17 and 21 solar panels to fully offset utility bills with solar. The number of solar panels you need depends on a few key factors, including your geographic location and individual panel specifications.

How long can a house run on solar power alone? ›

How long can a solar battery power a house? Without running AC or electric heat, a 10 kWh battery alone can power the basic operations of a house for at least 24 hours, and longer with careful budgeting.

How long does a fully charged solar battery last? ›

Like all batteries, solar batteries do need to be re-charged from time to time. An average fully-charged solar battery can last anywhere from one to five days, while Tesla batteries can last as long as seven days without a charge. Solar batteries have a very long life, lasting on average nearly 20 years.

What are 3 drawbacks to storing solar energy in batteries? ›

Disadvantages of A Solar Battery
  • Energy Storage is Expensive. The cost of energy storage is quite high and can quite easily increase the cost of your solar PV system substantially. ...
  • Increased Complexity of Your Solar System. ...
  • Increased Maintenance For Your Solar. ...
  • Lifespan of Home Battery.
May 3, 2018

Does a Generac charge its own battery? ›

Most portable generators do not charge their batteries when running. Two Generac GP models, the 15,000 and the 17,500 and all electric start XP models charge their batteries while operating. Generac electric start generators, except those two GP models come with an external charger.

How much does home battery cost? ›

Whole home battery backup systems typically cost between $3000 and $15,000 before installation. The prices vary widely depending on power output and storage capacity, home size, average electricity usage, and other factors.

What temperature should a Generac PWRcell battery be? ›

With an optimal ambient operating temperature of 41 to 104 °F (5 to 40 °C), the PWRcell Battery Module is designed for indoor and temperate outdoor applications.

Why does my Generac battery keep dying? ›

While the engine is running, the voltage regulator sends the proper amount of voltage from the alternator to the battery to keep the battery charged. If the voltage regulator is defective, the battery won't receive enough voltage, causing the battery to drain quickly.

How many batteries and solar do I need to go off grid? ›

If you want to save the most money possible, you'll need enough battery storage to cover your energy usage when your solar panels aren't producing – somewhere around 2-3 batteries. If you want to keep the power on when the grid is down, you'll usually just need one solar battery.

How many batteries do I need for a 10kW off grid solar system? ›

In conclusion, a 10kW solar system typically requires a battery bank with a capacity of 20-30kWh, which can require between 100-150 batteries with a capacity of 200Ah each.

What is the best battery type for a solar system? ›

Batteries used in home energy storage typically are made with one of three chemical compositions: lead acid, lithium ion, and saltwater. In most cases, lithium ion batteries are the best option for a solar panel system, though other battery types can be more affordable.

How many solar panels do I need for a 2000 square foot house? ›

Thankfully, we've got the answer for you! A 2000 square foot house will need 28- 34 solar panels, which comes out to an average cost of \$3.50 per watt. Not only will installing solar panels save homeowners money on their electric bill, but they can also increase the value of their home.

How many solar panels do I need for a 1500 sq ft home? ›

A 1500-square-foot home, on average, will need between 14 and 17 solar panels to power the home. This is based on an average energy consumption of 967 Kilowatt hours per month.

How many solar panels do I need for a 4 000 sq ft home? ›

How many solar panels do I need based on the square footage of my house?
Square FootageTypical System Size# of panels (315W)
4,00010.64 kW34
4,25011.30 kW36
4,50011.97 kW38
4,75012.63 kW41
16 more rows
Nov 26, 2019

Can a house run 100% on solar? ›

With a modern solar energy system, including power storage, you can definitely run a whole house completely on solar power. Today's high-efficiency solar panels and solar batteries make it cheaper than ever before to power an entire home exclusively using solar energy.

How many solar panels does it take to run a clothes dryer? ›

The Big-Ticket Items
ApplianceCapacityPanels
Washing Machine2,500 - 3,000 W2
Dryer2,500 - 3,000 W1
Ceiling Fan31 W1
Vacuum650 - 800 W<1
4 more rows

Will solar run my house during power outage? ›

If you have solar panels installed on your roof or property they will continue to generate electricity during power outages, as they do every day because the panels still absorb sunlight and solar energy.

Where does solar go when batteries are full? ›

When your solar batteries are fully charged, your excess energy is then sent back to the grid. You will only ever draw electricity from the National Grid when your battery is completely empty. The higher your battery's capacity, the more solar energy it can store. Resulting in more savings.

What happens to a solar system when the battery is full? ›

What Happens When Solar Power Batteries Are Full? Solar power systems use batteries to store solar energy. However, if the power generated exceeds the solar battery's capacity, it can overcharge the system. An overcharged solar system can severely damage a battery's life.

Will my solar battery charge during a power outage? ›

As soon as an outage occurs, the battery detects it and turns on within milliseconds. The transition is so seamless that you likely won't even notice it happening. The battery will start delivering the power it has already stored, and if it's connected to solar panels or a generator it can continue to receive a charge.

Is it better to have more solar panels or more batteries? ›

More panels means greater square footage of solar cells exposed to the sun, resulting in higher efficiency and longer runs times into the earlier morning and later evening when very little sun is available. If you're needing just an hour or two of longer run time, try adding another line of panels.

What drains solar battery? ›

Whenever a load is connected to the battery, it draws current from the battery, resulting in battery discharge. Battery discharge could be understood to be a phenomenon in which the battery gets depleted of its charge. Greater the current drawn by the load, faster the battery discharges.

What reduces solar battery life? ›

Temperature. A battery attains higher chemical activity when kept under high temperatures. This makes the solar batteries less efficient in colder climates. However, the cyclic life of a battery decreases with the increase in temperature.

Does Generac warranty cover the battery? ›

Starting batteries, fuses, light bulbs, engine fluids, and overnight freight cost for replacement part(s). THIS WARRANTY IS IN PLACE OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, SPECIFICALLY, GENERAC MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES AS TO THE MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

How does a Generac run without electricity? ›

A Generac home backup generator senses a power outage, turns on automatically, and delivers backup power to your home. It will run until utility power returns - whether that's two hours or two weeks.

How does the Generac battery stay charged? ›

Generac home standby generator have a built in battery charger that is typically powered by a protected circuit in the ATS. While on either utility of generator power, it provides 120vac to the charger for it to maintain it's battery.

How much will solar batteries cost in 2023? ›

Solar Batteries Costs in 2023

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in residential grid-tied solar panels, cost between $7,000 and $15,000. Smaller capacity lead-acid batteries, suitable for emergency backup power in recreational vehicles, can cost as little as $200.

Which company home battery is best? ›

List of 10 Best Inverter Battery Brands
  • Exide.
  • Microtek.
  • Luminous.
  • Genus.
  • Okaya.
  • Livguard.
  • SF.
  • Amaron.
Jan 17, 2023

Which battery is best for home? ›

Summary of Inverter Battery Price
RankingBrandItem Name
1ExideExide Technologies 150mAh Inva Master Jumbo IMST1500
2LuminousLuminous Red Charge RC 18000 150 Ah
3AmaronAmaron Inverter 150Ah Tall Tubular Battery
4LuminousLuminous Red Charge RC 25000 200 Ah
3 more rows

Can Generac PWRcell be installed outside? ›

The PWRcell inverter and battery cabinet can be installed either inside of a garage or on the exterior of a home.

What temperature is too cold for batteries? ›

Unfortunately, any temperature lower than 32°F can cause appreciable damage to the batteries. The chemical reactions when charging lithium batteries below freezing point will slow down to a point where hardly any useful energy is produced.

What temperature is too high for a battery? ›

In general, lithium-ion batteries can be charged in an environment up to 113°F and discharged in temperatures as high as 140°F.

How often should a Generac battery be replaced? ›

How often should a Generac battery be replaced? Battery replacement every 3 years, non-negotiable. The battery is the most critical point in the system. If the battery is dead, you have nothing to start generator when the power goes out.

How long will a fully charged powerwall last? ›

If you are operating 3250 watts home appliances with a 13.5 battery, the charge will last for 4 hours. If you are asking about the lifespan of a Tesla Powerwall, it will long last an average of 24 years. Life span depends on how you are charging and discharging the battery.

How long can Powerwall run AC? ›

It can run an air conditioner or heater while also providing power for other appliances. The built-in rechargeable battery offers up to 10 hours of backup power before requiring its next charge.

How many powerwalls do I need to go off grid? ›

Using Tesla Powerwall batteries with 95% depth-of-discharge, that means you'll need a storage system with a total capacity of about 111 kWh, which comes out to a little less than 8 individual Tesla Powerwall batteries.

Are Powerwalls worth it? ›

If you're already planning to invest in solar panels or a solar roof from Tesla, Powerwall battery units could be a great investment. They allow you to get more out of your solar system—storing power for usage at night, on days without sun and during power outages.

Why does my battery keep dying but the battery is good? ›

If you know your battery's good and there's no obvious reason it's dying, the alternator and charging system could be at fault. When alternators fail and need replacement, the battery won't stay charged for long.

How long does Generac last when the power goes out? ›

A Generac home backup generator senses a power outage, turns on automatically, and delivers backup power to your home. It will run until utility power returns - whether that's two hours or two weeks.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Catherine Tremblay

Last Updated:

Views: 6053

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Catherine Tremblay

Birthday: 1999-09-23

Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379

Phone: +2678139151039

Job: International Administration Supervisor

Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.