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    Home Battery Backup

    Tesla Powerwall + alternatives.

    Tesla Powerwall 3

    • $10,000-15,000 + install.
    • 13.5 kWh capacity.
    • Power 8-12 hours typical home.
    • Auto-switches when grid down.
    • Pairs with solar.
    • 10-year warranty.
    • Phone app monitors.

    Alternatives

    • Enphase IQ Battery — $4-15K. Modular.
    • LG Chem RESU — competitor.
    • SunPower SunVault — solar-paired.
    • EcoFlow Delta Pro — $3K portable.
    • Generac PWRcell — competitor.
    • $7K-25K range typical install.

    Tax credits

    • 30% federal tax credit (Solar + Battery).
    • Most state credits + utility rebates.
    • Net cost often half advertised.
    • Some utilities offer Virtual Power Plant payments.
    • Selling stored energy back.

    Senior priorities

    • CPAP machine.
    • Oxygen concentrator.
    • Refrigerated medications.
    • Heating/cooling in extreme weather.
    • Lights + phone charging.
    • Critical for medical needs.
    • Set up "essential loads" in app.

    Cheaper portable option

    • EcoFlow Delta 2 — $1K. Powers fridge 6+ hours.
    • Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro — $1,800.
    • Bluetti AC200P — $1,500.
    • Plug appliances directly.
    • No install.
    • Sufficient for many seniors.

    Worth it?

    If: frequent outages, medical equipment users, has solar, longer-term homeowner. Else: portable battery $1K cheaper option. Generators alternative — see /tools/generator-test-routine. Pick based on risk + budget.