“How much does it cost to install a solar power system?” — This is one of the most common questions from homeowners and businesses. The storage battery often plays the largest role in the final cost. This guide explains market prices for solar storage batteries in 2025, what drives those costs, and where prices may be headed.
The price of a solar battery system comes from several components:
The market is dominated by lithium batteries. LiFePO₄ (LFP) is preferred for residential use due to safety and long life (10+ years or ~6,000 cycles). NMC batteries offer higher energy density but are generally more costly and slightly less safe.
Capacity | Price | Typical Cycle Life | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
5 kWh | Estimated US $840–1,800 (retail) | ~6,000–8,000+ cycles | Wall-mounted / portable modules. Good for small homes, campers, backup. |
10 kWh | Estimated US $1310–2100; retail | 10+ years (≥6,000 cycles typical) | Modular stacks; better 10/kWh than 5 kWh units; widely used for whole-house backup. |
15 kWh | Estimated US $2,200–8,000 (retail) | ≥6,000 cycles common | Less frequently sold as a single unit; often assembled from 5/10 kWh modules. |
16 kWh | Estimated US $2,500–12,000 (retail) | Varies by cell brand; >=6,000 cycles common | Popular for DIY large-capacity builds; requires proper BMS and cooling. |
20 kWh | Estimated US $2,800–15,000 (retail) | LiFePO₄ generally 10–15 years (several thousand cycles) | Whole-home backup, off-grid systems; higher installation complexity. |
Battery Type | Price per kWh (USD) | Typical 5kWh System Price | Typical 10kWh System Price | Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
LiFePO₄ (LFP) | $960 – $1,650 | $4,800 – $8,200 | $9,600 – $16,500 | Safe, long lifespan, good value |
NMC Battery | $1,100 – $2,060 | $5,500 – $10,300 | $11,000 – $20,600 | Compact size, slightly better cold performance |
Note: These are typical 2024 price bands; actual figures vary by brand and configuration.
Industry reports show a steady long-term decline in battery pack prices. For example, average lithium-ion pack prices have dropped from over $1,000/kWh in 2010 to about $150/kWh in 2025. Analysts expect further declines driven by scale, technology, and competition.
In 2025, home battery costs per kWh may fall another 10%–25%, depending on market conditions.
As of 2025, installing a 10kWh home solar battery system with a mainstream LiFePO₄ battery — including installation — typically costs $9,600 to $20,600 USD. Although the initial investment is significant, prices are trending down while safety and cycle life improve. For households seeking energy independence, outage protection, or savings from time-of-use rates, now is a competitive moment to invest.