Introduction to the Generac PWRcell

You might think you know what equipment you need to build a solar power system: panels, an inverter, a racking system, and some wiring—and perhaps some batteries, if you’re building an off-grid or hybrid system. While it’s true this list covers the basic components, the choices you have to make are actually a lot more complex. You have numerous different products to choose from in each of these categories, and understanding them all can be overwhelming. This article will help you take another step towards understanding your options. Keep reading to learn more about the Generac PWRcell and how it compares to other options.

What Is the PWRcell

The Generac PWRcell is a solar energy storage system, but it’s so much more than just a battery bank. It’s an advanced, prebuilt system that allows you to seamlessly connect your storage system to your solar power system without any complex wiring or concerns about properly connecting each individual battery. This comprehensive system includes not only solar battery storage, but an inverter and all the associated hardware for a simple plug-and-play solution to your energy storage needs.

Key Features

The PWRcell is notable for its modular design, which allows you to expand your storage capacity quickly and easily if needed. Scalability ranges from a basic 9 kWh of energy storage, all the way up to an incredible 36 kWh, so whether you’re looking for an emergency backup power solution or a complete secondary power source to use every night, the PWRcell has the ability to meet those needs. It’s also worth mentioning that the PWRcell has a round-trip efficiency of over 90%, ensuring minimal energy loss during charging and discharging.

How Does It Compare?

There aren’t a whole lot of comprehensive energy storage systems on the market like the PWRcell. However, there are a handful of competitors worth noting. One of its primary competitors is the Tesla Powerwall. While the name “Tesla” gives this system a lot of clout, the PWRcell’s modularity and higher capacity (the Powerwall only offers 13.5 kWh per unit) makes it a better option for most users. Another top contender is the LG Chem RESU battery, which offers capacities from 3.3 kWh to 16 kWh. While it offers compact, efficient batteries, it lacks the same level of easy integration that the PWRcell provides.

What Does It Cost?

Now it’s time to talk about the Generac PWRcell pricing. This can vary significantly depending on the configuration and installation requirements, but a base model of the system will start around $10,000 with installation costs. A fully expanded system can cost upwards of $30,000. Over time, however, the ability to rely entirely (if not, then almost entirely) on solar power can allow the system to pay for itself.