Should I install a solar battery? Six factors to consider
A battery can maximise your solar investment by storing daytime energy for later, but whether it's worthwhile depends on a few key factors.
Adding battery storage to your solar system can help you get the most from your investment. A battery stores the excess solar you don't use during the day so you can draw on it later, at night, on cloudy days, during peak-price periods, or in a blackout, helping you save more on your bills.
Whether a battery is worthwhile for you, though, comes down to a few factors. Here are six to weigh up.
1. Your daily energy use, and when it happens
A battery makes most sense if you use a lot of power at night or during expensive peak hours. The average Australian home uses around 16kWh a day, with roughly 70% of that from late afternoon into the evening. Depending on your habits, a battery in the 10–14kWh range may suit, though as more appliances electrify, a larger or scalable battery can be worth considering.
2. The size of your solar system
Batteries pair best with larger solar systems that produce more than you use during the day. If your system is too small, there's little excess to store. A 5kW system is generally the minimum needed to at least partially charge a battery, but a larger system lets you store more and rely on the grid less.
3. Blackouts and extreme weather
If you live somewhere prone to outages, some batteries can keep essential circuits, like your kitchen, running during a blackout. Choosing a battery with backup capability matters here.
4. Long-term savings vs. cost
Be clear on your budget and compare your current electricity costs against expected long-term savings, factoring in installation and maintenance. We're happy to help you work through the numbers.
5. Your future energy needs
Think ahead. A scalable battery is a smart choice if you expect your usage to grow. Consider whether you'll:
- grow your family,
- buy an electric vehicle,
- add high-consumption appliances like a pool or air conditioner,
- switch from gas to electric, or
- upgrade to a smart-electric water heater such as Solahart PowerStore, which stores excess solar as hot water.
6. Reducing your carbon footprint
Using more of your own solar means fewer fossil fuels burned on your behalf, a simple, direct way to cut your emissions.
With so many batteries on the market, choosing the right one takes a little expertise. We'll advise whether a battery suits your situation and which option fits your needs. Get in touch to organise a free in-home assessment, and if you'd like a refresher on the units, read What's the difference between kW and kWh?