The PWRcell 2 enhances the already customizable design of its predecessor by delivering increased power.
Generac, well-known for its home generators, has also made a name for itself in the home battery market. Now, the company is introducing the PWRcell 2, the second generation of its home battery system, which brings more power while maintaining its customizable and modular design.
The original Generac PWRcell is distinguished by its cabinet-like design that holds multiple smaller battery modules. These modules can be added or removed based on the energy storage capacity you need for your home.
At the RE+ trade show in Anaheim, California, Generac unveiled the PWRcell 2, which keeps the same modular system. With a single cabinet, users can store between 9 to 18 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy, depending on the number of installed modules. It also comes with a notable power upgrade, offering between 5.1 and 10.3 kilowatts (kW) of output based on how many modules are in the cabinet.
Same Modular Design with More Power
Generac’s previous PWRcell battery was recognized as one of the best modular batteries by CNET. The PWRcell 2 sticks to the same structure, offering flexibility with several 3 kWh battery modules that fit inside the cabinet. This modular setup lets homeowners tailor their system’s energy storage capacity to their specific needs. Instead of buying a new, large battery, you can increase capacity by simply adding another module to the cabinet.
Each PWRcell 2 battery cabinet can hold up to six modules, with a total storage capacity ranging from 9 kWh to 18 kWh. If you require even more storage, you can connect up to three additional cabinets, reaching a maximum capacity of 72 kWh. This flexibility allows the system to scale up as your energy needs grow, ensuring you’re never locked into one specific capacity.
Power Boost Battery
Alongside its customizable storage capacity, the PWRcell 2 brings a significant improvement in power output. Its maximum continuous power ranges from 5.1 kW to 10.3 kW, depending on how many modules are installed in the cabinet.
Below is a summary of the PWRcell 2’s power and storage capacity:
| Number of Modules | Energy Storage Capacity | Maximum Continuous Power |
| 3 | 9 kWh | 5.1 kW |
| 4 | 12 kWh | 6.9 kW |
| 5 | 15 kWh | 8.6 kW |
| 6 | 18 kWh | 10.3 kW |
In addition to the PWRcell 2, Generac has announced another model called PWRcell MAX. While details are scarce, it is expected to deliver a higher continuous power output of 11.5 kW, putting it on par with Tesla’s Powerwall 3. With more power, you can send backup energy to additional appliances and more areas of your home during an outage.
Efficiency and Smart Features
The PWRcell 2 offers an 88% round-trip efficiency, meaning 88% of the energy you store in the battery is available for use, which is close to the industry standard for lithium-ion batteries. It also comes with a 10-year warranty, providing peace of mind for long-term use.
This system can also be integrated with Generac’s gas-powered generators, making it a great hybrid option for those who want both battery and traditional backup power. The PWRcell 2 is designed to work with Ecobee smart thermostats, allowing for seamless energy management and optimization within the home.
Generac expects to have the PWRcell 2 available by the end of 2024, with the PWRcell MAX launching in 2025.
Advantages of Home Batteries
One of the biggest benefits of home battery systems is the reliability they provide during power outages. These batteries store electricity, which can be drawn from the grid or generated by solar panels, and deliver it to critical areas of your home when the power goes out. They serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to gas-powered generators, which rely on fossil fuels and can produce harmful emissions.
Home batteries can also help you avoid time-of-use rates, where utility companies charge higher electricity rates during peak demand times—typically early in the morning and in the evening. By storing energy when rates are low and using it during high-demand periods, you can reduce your overall electricity costs.
For those with solar panels, home batteries ensure that no excess solar energy goes to waste. Instead of sending unused solar power back to the grid at lower net metering rates, you can store that energy in your battery for later use. This is especially useful in areas where utilities pay less for solar energy fed back into the grid, maximizing your system’s value.
Final takeaway
The Generac PWRcell 2 builds on the strengths of the original, offering increased power and the same modular flexibility that made it popular. With its customizable design, improved power output, and the option to expand storage capacity, it caters to both current and future energy needs. Whether you’re seeking backup power during outages or want to manage your home’s energy use more efficiently, the PWRcell 2 is a powerful and versatile solution.
