Home solar battery storage is becoming increasingly popular in Australia to reduce reliance on the grid, save money on electricity bills, and protect against power outages. As of 2023, about 180,000 home storage batteries are installed in Australia, expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.
In response to these dynamics, many Australian homeowners are embracing solar battery storage systems to optimise their energy consumption and reduce reliance on the grid. These systems enable households to store excess solar energy generated during the day and utilise it during peak demand hours or at night, thus enhancing energy self-sufficiency and potentially leading to substantial savings on electricity bills.
Moreover, government incentives, coupled with advancements in solar battery technology and decreasing installation costs, have fueled the rapid adoption of these systems. While challenges like the initial investment cost and system efficiency during extended cloudy periods remain, the trajectory of home solar battery storage in Australia points towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
As you explore the advancements in solar technology and the benefits of home solar battery storage, Energy Matters offers a seamless way to take the next step. Get FREE solar quotes now.
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Some of the benefits of home solar battery storage
Reduce energy bills
Solar batteries can help you reduce energy bills by storing excess solar energy at night or during peak demand periods.
Increase self-sufficiency
Solar batteries can help you become more self-sufficient by allowing you to generate and store your own electricity
Provide backup power
Solar batteries can provide backup power during power outages.
Improve grid resilience
Solar batteries can help improve the electricity grid’s resilience by providing backup power during outages.
BESS (battery energy storage system)
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) play an increasingly important role in Australia’s energy mix. BESS can store excess energy generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind, then discharge that energy when needed, helping to balance the grid and provide reliable power.
There are cover 2GWh of large-scale BESS projects under construction in Australia, and the number is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. In addition to large-scale BESS, many thousands of small-scale BESS are installed in Australian homes and businesses.
BESS is helping to make Australia’s energy grid more sustainable and reliable. They also provide new opportunities for businesses and consumers to save money on their energy bills.
The future of BESS in Australia looks very bright. As the cost of batteries continues to fall, BESS are becoming more affordable and accessible. This is leading to a rapid increase in the deployment of BESS across the country. BESS is key in Australia’s transition to a clean and reliable energy future.
Battery specifications
Solar battery storage capacity
Solar battery capacity is the amount of energy a solar battery can store. It is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The solar battery capacity you need will depend on your household’s energy needs, the size of your solar system, and your budget.
In Australia, the average solar battery capacity is between 10kWh and 14kWh. This is enough to store the energy generated by a 6.6kW to 10kW solar system on a sunny day. However, if you have a larger household or want to store energy for several days, you may need a larger solar battery.
Depth of discharge (DoD)
Depth of discharge (DoD) is the percentage of a battery’s capacity that is used before it is recharged. In Australia, the recommended DoD for deep cycle batteries is 50-70%. This means that a 100 amp hour battery should only be discharged to 50-70 amp hours before it is recharged. If a battery is discharged to a lower DoD, it will have a shorter lifespan.
A few factors can affect the DoD that can be used in Australia, such as the type of battery, the climate, and how the battery is used. For example, lead-acid batteries are typically discharged to a lower DoD than lithium-ion batteries. Batteries used in hot climates will also need to be discharged to a lower DoD than those used in cold climates. And batteries used for short bursts of power, such as starting a car, can typically be discharged to a lower DoD than batteries used for a steady stream of power, such as powering a solar panel system.
Power
The battery’s capacity to produce electricity is expressed in kilowatts. The battery’s maximum or peak power is its maximum output at any given time, but this power surge is typically only sustained for brief intervals. Continuous power is the quantity of power delivered when the solar battery is fully charged.
Lifespan (years or cycles)
Cycles or years (typically an estimate based on the projected usual usage of the solar battery) are two ways to rate the solar battery’s expected life (and its guarantee). The projected capacity level at death should also be included in the lifespan. This will typically be between 60 and 80 per cent of the original capacity for lithium batteries.
Efficiency
What the solar battery will actually store and discharge for every kWh of charge applied. Although there will always be some loss, a lithium battery should typically have an efficiency above 90%.
Unleash the potential of solar battery storage! Are you ready to transform the way you power your business or household? Say goodbye to rising electricity costs and unpredictable energy grids. The state-of-the-art solar battery systems empower you to maximise your energy efficiency, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying an uninterrupted power supply.
Let us discuss and choose the best quote that suits your needs and budget, and we can connect you with our trusted local installers, who will provide up to 3 FREE quotes for your business solar and home solar battery system.
Types of solar batteries
- Lead-acid batteries are Australia’s most common type of solar battery. They are relatively inexpensive and have a long lifespan but lower energy density and efficiency than other types of solar batteries.
- Lithium-ion batteries are the most expensive type of solar battery but have the highest energy density and efficiency. They are a good choice for homeowners who want to maximise the amount of energy they can store from their solar panels.
- Flow batteries are a relatively new type of solar battery that is gaining popularity in Australia. They have a high energy density and efficiency and are also very scalable. This makes them a good choice for large-scale solar power projects.
- Sodium-nickel chloride batteries are a newer type of solar battery still under development. They have the potential to be more affordable than lithium-ion batteries while also having similar energy density and efficiency.
The best type of solar battery for you depends on your budget, needs, and location. A lead-acid battery may be a good choice if you are looking for an affordable and reliable option. A lithium-ion battery may be a better choice if you are looking for the most efficient and lightweight option. And if you are looking for a long-lasting and cost-effective option, a flow battery may be the best choice.
It is important to consult with a solar battery installer to determine which type of solar battery is right for you. They can help you assess your needs and budget and recommend the best solar battery for your home or business. Learn more: Best Solar Battery Australia 2023.
Advantages of lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries power all sorts of devices – power tools, notebook computers, tablets, cell phones and electric cars. They have distinct advantages over wet-cell lead acid batteries, such as in your car.
- Lighter
- Higher energy density
- Lower self-discharge
- Lower maintenance
- No “memory effect”
- Increased cycle life
Home energy storage comes of age
Lithium-ion based residential energy storage, including solar and battery systems, has been around for a couple of years. There are also open concepts that work with most solar battery technologies and any existing grid connect inverter, such as:
However, the home battery system that sparked the current storage revolution is the Tesla Powerwall; now available via Energy Matters .
Other quality solar battery power systems at reasonable prices are also available – such as GoodWe, Enphase AC Battery and from Germany’s Sonnen (sonnenBatterie Eco).
How home solar battery energy storage systems work
At its most basic, new generation home energy storage, including solar and battery systems, is quite a simple concept but involves some very high-tech equipment.
Using the Tesla Powerwall battery system as an example, here’s how residential solar battery storage works.
- Solar panels convert sunlight to DC (Direct Current) electricity.
- Any surplus DC electricity charges the Tesla Powerwall.
- The inverter converts the DC electricity to AC (Alternating Current) for use in the home.
- The inverter can also convert AC to DC to charge the Powerwall using cheap off-peak mains power.
The Powerwall 2 model for daily use is
- single and three-phase compatible;
- has a 14kWh capacity (13.2kWh usable) and 7kW peak / 5kW continuous output capacity.
- wall or floor mounted,
- a liquid thermal controlled unit weighing around 122kg – which is pretty impressive when compared to much heavier traditional deep cycle batteries.
With the Tesla Powerwall, multiple batteries may be installed together, stacked using a special mount. That capacity would provide the average Australian household with more than a couple of days of power supply purely from solar battery storage.
For most households however, outlaying for the cost of such a big storage system isn’t necessary considering grid power will still be available. For example, it will be there to act as a backup to a solar panel system in an extended heavy cloud event. Blackouts of more than a few hours are also becoming an increasingly rare event in Australia.
HOME SOLAR BATTERY STORAGE COMPARISON TABLE
| Manufacturer | Product Logo | Product Image | Model | Type | Use | Battery Chemistry | Total Capacity | Usable Capacity | Power Output | Surge/Peak power | Warranty | Compatible inverters | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enphase |  |  | IQ Battery 10 | AC coupled battery system | Back-up solar storage | Lithium LFP (LiFePO4) | 10.5kWh modular | 95% | 3.8kW per module | 5.7kW per module | 10years 80% EOL capacity | – | |
| FIMER |  |  | PowerX FIM-BATT | DC coupled battery system 180V-360V | Back-up solar storage | Lithium LFP (LiFePO4) | 9.6kWh 12.8kWh 16.0kWh | 90% | 3.8kWh 5.1kWh 6.4kWh | 3.8kWh 5.1kWh 6.4kWh | 10years | FIMER inverters only | |
| GoodWe |  |  | Lynx Home U series | DC coupled battery system 48V | Back-up solar storage | Lithium LFP (LiFePO4) | 5.4kWh modules up to 34.2kWh | 90% | 2.5kW per module | 2.88kW per module | 10years 70% EOL capacity | GoodWe inverters only | |
| sonnen |  |  | sonnen EVO | AC coupled battery system | Back-up solar storage | Lithium LFP (LiFePO4) | 11kWh | 90% | 5.0kW | 5.0kW | 10years 80% EOL capacity | ||
| Sungrow |  |  | ES-SGR-SBR | DC coupled battery system 192-512V | Back-up solar storage | Lithium LFP (LiFePO4) | 9.6kWh 3modules up to 25.6kWh | 100% | 1.92kW per module | 2.2kW per module | 10years 60% EOL capacity | Sungrow inverters only | |
| Sungrow |  |  | SBP4K8 | DC coupled battery system 48V | Back-up solar storage | Lithium NMC | 4.8kWh | 90% | 3.0kW per module | 4.0kW per module | 10years 70% EOL capacity | Sungrow inverters only | |
| SunPower |  |  | SunVault | AC coupled battery system | Back-up solar storage | Lithium LFP (LiFePO4) | 13kWh 19.5kWh* 26kWh* 39kWh* | 90% | 6.8kWh 13.6kWh* | 8.5kW (10SEC) 17.0W (10SEC)* | 10years 80% EOL capacity | ||
| Tesla |  |  | Powerwall2 | AC coupled battery system | Back-up solar storage | Lithium NMC | 13.5kWh | 90% | 5.0kW | 7.0kW | 10years 70% EOL capacity | ||
| *Warranty – At the battery’s end of life (EOF), typically after 10 years, there must be a minimum retained capacity | |||||||||||||
State rebates for solar batteries work
State rebates for solar batteries can make installing a solar battery more affordable for homeowners and businesses. The rebate amount varies depending on the state and the type of solar battery system installed.
Homeowners and businesses must typically meet certain eligibility criteria to be eligible for a state rebate. For example, they may need to have a solar PV system already installed, or they may need to be located in a certain area. It is important to check with the relevant state government for more information on eligibility criteria and application processes.
State rebates can be a great way to save money on the cost of installing a solar battery system. They can also help to make solar batteries more accessible to homeowners and businesses that may not otherwise be able to afford them. If you are considering installing a solar battery, be sure to check with your state government to see if you are eligible for a rebate. Learn more about Solar Battery System Rebates, Subsidies, & Incentives.
Home solar battery systems and feed in tariffs
Whether the installation of a home energy storage system will affect your feed-in tariff payments will depend on the state you are located in. For many solar battery system owners, the issue of feed-in tariffs becomes a less important consideration considering they’ll be storing surplus energy.
Read more about feed-in-tariffs
Solar battery Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of solar batteries centrally managed by software to provide energy to the grid during peak demand. VPPs allow renewable energy to be harnessed quickly, keeping the network stable and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Australia is a leading country in the development of VPPs. The South Australian government has partnered with Tesla to create the world’s largest VPP, with over 50,000 solar batteries. Other Australian states are also developing VPPs, and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has set a target of 100,000 VPPs by 2025.
As the cost of solar and batteries continues to fall, VPPs are becoming more affordable and accessible. This is good news for Australia, as it means we can continue moving towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Here are some additional benefits of Solar Battery Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in Australia:
- They can help reduce the electricity cost for households and businesses.
- They can provide backup power during blackouts.
- They can help to improve the reliability of the electricity grid.
- They can reduce emissions and fight climate change.
- They can create jobs in the clean energy sector.
VPPs are a promising technology that has the potential to make a major difference in Australia’s energy future. Energy Matters encourage you to learn more about VPPs and how you can get involved. Learn more: How a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Works and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Offers in Australia.
Still can’t afford to switch to solar power? Are you considering getting solar panels but are currently short on funds? You can still invest wisely, and Energy Matters can help you.
Powow and Energy Matters have teamed up to provide consumers with an alternative to switching to solar power and solar battery storage.
The biggest obstacle to installing solar and battery storage is typically finance. With Powow’s PPA and VPP, our customers will have a $0 upfront option and financial stability in the uncertain energy market.
Get up to 3 obligation-free quotes by getting in touch with us right away. Find out what payment plan options suit your needs and budget!
You could reduce your grid electricity consumption by 80% with a solar + battery system, which includes the solar battery price. That is based on standard system installation in Sydney.
Your home will require an assessment and any savings will depend on your actual individual circumstances (which may vary over time).
If you’re curious about getting a rough idea as to how much you could reduce your reliance on electricity companies through implementing a solar + storage solution, try our new online calculator.
It’s very easy to use. Just enter your latest bill cost or average daily consumption, input your town or suburb and choose from a wide range of systems to base the calculations on.
The best battery for solar in Australia depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Some factors to consider include the size of your solar system, budget, and climate.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of solar battery in Australia. They are efficient, have a long lifespan, and can be discharged deeply. However, they are also the most expensive type of battery.
Lead-acid batteries are less expensive than lithium-ion batteries but have a shorter lifespan and cannot be discharged as deeply. They are a good option for budget-minded homeowners who do not need a lot of backup power.
Flow batteries are a newer type of solar battery that is not yet as widely available in Australia. They have a longer lifespan and can be discharged more deeply than lithium-ion batteries but are also more expensive.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a battery for solar in Australia is to consult with a solar installer. They can help you assess your needs and recommend the best battery for your home.
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing a solar battery storage in Australia:
- The climate: If you live in a hot climate, you will need a battery that can withstand high temperatures.
- The backup power needs: How much power do you need during a power outage?
- The lifespan: How long do you want the battery to last?
- The warranty: What is the warranty on the battery?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your energy usage habits, the size of your solar system, and the cost of the battery. Solar batteries can be a good way to store excess solar energy and use it later, which can help you reduce your reliance on the grid and save money on your electricity bills. However, they are also a significant upfront investment.
Solar batteries are more likely to be worth it for households with high electricity bills and a large solar system. They are also a good option for households concerned about blackouts or wanting to reduce their carbon emissions.
If you are considering installing a solar battery, it is important to research and compare different options. You should also factor in the battery cost, the installation cost, and the expected savings over time.
The size of battery you need for a 6.6 kW solar system in Australia will depend on many factors, including your average daily electricity consumption, the amount of solar energy you generate, and your desired level of self-consumption.
As a general rule of thumb, a solar battery with a storage capacity of 10 kWh can be a good starting point for a 6.6 kW solar system. This would allow you to store enough energy to power your home for around 12 hours on a cloudy day.
If you have a high daily electricity consumption or want to store more energy for backup purposes, you may need a larger battery. Conversely, if you have a low daily electricity consumption or are happy to rely on the grid for backup power, you may get away with a smaller battery.
It is important to consult with a solar installer to determine the best-sized battery for your needs. They will be able to assess your individual circumstances and recommend a system that is right for you.
The average cost of a 6kW battery in Australia is around $7,500, including GST. However, the exact cost can vary depending on a number of factors, including the battery type, brand, manufacturer, installer, and other factors. Solar batteries generally cost around $1,000 to $2,000 per kilowatt hour (kWh) of storage capacity in Australia. For example, for a 4kWh battery, you’ll spend between $4,000 to $8,000.
The cost of a 6kW battery can also be affected by the availability of government rebates and incentives. In Australia, the federal government offers a solar rebate of up to $4,000 to purchase and install a solar battery. Some states and territories also offer their own rebates or incentives.
If you are considering installing a solar battery, getting quotes from several different installers is important to get the best possible price. You should also factor in the cost of installation when comparing prices.
Here are some of the factors that can affect the cost of a 6kW battery in Australia:
- Battery type: The type of battery, such as lithium-ion or lead-acid, will affect the cost. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive but also have a longer lifespan.
- Brand: The brand of the battery can also affect the cost. Some brands are more expensive than others.
- Manufacturer: The manufacturer of the battery can also affect the cost. Some manufacturers are more expensive than others.
- Installer: The installer will charge a fee for installing the battery. The cost of installation can vary depending on the installer.
- Other factors: Other factors that can affect the cost of a 6kW battery include the size of the battery, the warranty, and the availability of government rebates and incentives.
You could reduce your grid electricity consumption by 80% with a solar + battery system, which includes the solar battery price. That is based on standard system installation in Sydney.
Your home will require an assessment and any savings will depend on your actual individual circumstances (which may vary over time).
If you’re curious about getting a rough idea as to how much you could reduce your reliance on electricity companies through implementing a solar + storage solution, try our new online calculator.
It’s very easy to use. Just enter your latest bill cost or average daily consumption, input your town or suburb and choose from a wide range of systems to base the calculations on.
Energy Matters recommends cost-effective home battery storage systems such as:
View our full range here. Or contact our friendly solar battery experts for advice on the best solution for you and the latest prices.
If you’re considering going solar but buying home solar battery storage in the future, acquiring a battery-ready or upgradeable system is important; one that includes an energy monitor – chat with our storage experts in solar installer Brisbane about your needs by calling 1800 EMATTERS (1800 362 883).
Thinking solar? Think ahead
Learn more about battery ready solar power systems.
It’s important to think ahead when buying solar. Install a solar battery-ready solar panel system of suitable size if your ultimate goal is to add energy storage. Not all solar system will be easily upgradeable.
A battery compatible solar power system is more than just about components – it’s also about positioning and wiring. Few solar installers have this knowledge currently, but the Energy Matters team does.
Go solar now – Or wait?
There is a very important potential benefit of going solar now with a battery-upgradeable system related to subsidies.
The subsidisation of solar power systems is based on renewable energy certificates (known as Small scale Technology Certificates these days – STCs and Large-Scale Generation Certificates-LGCs). The value of these certificates fluctuates with market conditions. Currently, their value is quite high. However, as we’ve seen in the past, the price can plummet, leading to a significant decrease in the amount of subsidisation of a system!
Regardless of market value, current subsidy levels will be reduced in the not-too-distant future.
The other major advantages of installing solar now instead of waiting are you’ll start saving on electricity bills sooner, improve energy efficiency, and be well on the way to creating a smart home.
Save today and store tomorrow!
Are you looking to go solar? Solar energy is the perfect solution! Energy Matters can help you get up to 3 FREE quotes from pre-qualified and vetted solar firms in your area.
With Energy Matters, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible deal on solar energy. We only work with reputable solar firms with a proven track record of delivering high-quality solar systems.
