SolarToolsTesla Powerwall 3 vs LG RESU Prime
Tesla's all-in-one vs LG's high-efficiency battery — which is right for your home?
The LG RESU Prime is the highest-efficiency residential battery on the market at 95% round-trip efficiency, compared to Tesla Powerwall 3's 90%. That 5% difference matters over 10 years of daily cycling. But efficiency isn't everything — capacity, price, and backup capability all factor into the decision.
At a glance
Tesla Powerwall 3
- Usable capacity
- 13.5 kWh
- Round-trip efficiency
- 90%
- Continuous power
- 11.5 kW
- Chemistry
- LFP
- Warranty
- 10 years / 80%
- Installed cost
- $851/kWh
LG RESU Prime 16H
- Usable capacity
- 16.0 kWh
- Round-trip efficiency
- 95%
- Continuous power
- 10.0 kW
- Chemistry
- LFP
- Warranty
- 10 years / 80%
- Installed cost
- $656/kWh
Full specification comparison
| Spec | Tesla Powerwall 3 | LG RESU Prime 16H |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | 13.5 kWh | 16.0 kWh |
| Round-trip efficiency | 90% | 95% |
| Continuous power | 11.5 kW | 10.0 kW |
| Chemistry | LFP | LFP |
| Warranty | 10 years / 80% | 10 years / 80% |
| Installed cost | $851/kWh | $656/kWh |
Pros and cons
Tesla Powerwall 3
Pros
- Lower cost per kWh
- Higher continuous power (11.5 kW)
- Whole-home backup included
- Largest installer network
Cons
- Lower efficiency (90% vs 95%)
- Ecosystem lock-in for full features
LG RESU Prime 16H
Pros
- Highest round-trip efficiency (95%) — saves $75+/year in lost energy
- Larger capacity (16 kWh vs 13.5)
- Excellent reliability record
- Compatible with multiple inverter brands
Cons
- Lower continuous power (10 kW vs 11.5 kW)
- Smaller installer network
- Requires separate inverter (not all-in-one)
LG RESU Prime wins on efficiency and capacity per dollar, but Tesla Powerwall 3 wins on simplicity and power output. Choose LG if you have a compatible inverter already and prioritize long-term efficiency. Choose Tesla if you want a turnkey system with whole-home backup.
Efficiency math
LG's 95% efficiency vs Tesla's 90%: over 10 years of daily cycling on a 13.5 kWh battery, that's 2,460 kWh of saved energy — at $0.30/kWh that's $738. Not huge, but meaningful.
The inverter question
LG RESU Prime requires a separate hybrid inverter (SolarEdge, SMA, etc.). Tesla Powerwall has its inverter integrated. If you're installing solar fresh, either works. If you have existing solar, check inverter compatibility before choosing LG.
Run the numbers for your situation
Use the matching calculator with your actual usage and rates.
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