So, you’ve installed solar panels and an inverter or are thinking of doing so, and are considering whether to add a battery to your solar system? A solar battery storage unit can store the excess electricity your solar panels generate during the day, allowing your household to use that electricity at another time.
But solar battery installation can be quite complex, and it pays to have your battery properly installed. Read on to find out what householders need to know before deciding whether, and how, to install a solar battery.
On this page, you’ll find:
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The benefits of adding a battery to a solar system
The benefits of adding a solar battery to your solar panel system include increased energy independence, the likelihood of lower power bills and a reduced demand for fossil-fuelled electricity.
Solar batteries allow you to manage your electricity consumption more effectively because instead of being restricted to using your solar electricity as it’s generated – that is, during sunny, daylight hours – you can charge your battery with that electricity, to be used at night, during overcast days when your panels generate less electricity and when your home energy demand exceed the amount of power generated by your panels. Being able to use your solar-generated electricity during a wider range of hours should mean you’re less reliant on grid electricity and so receive lower electricity bills.
Most solar systems, and their batteries, are connected to the electricity grid. Another potential bonus is that when your battery is fully charged, any further excess electricity generated by your solar panels could be sent back to the grid, for which you may receive a feed-in tariff.
Installing a solar battery: Dos and don’ts
Before you commit to adding a battery to your solar system, however, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
Do choose a safe, optimal location
Location plays a crucial role in a solar battery’s performance, lifespan and safe maintenance. Choose a well-ventilated location because solar batteries generate heat during charging and discharging which needs to dissipate to avoid damage to the battery and its surroundings.
Being located in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other heat sources will also improve your battery’s performance and extend its lifespan. Batteries can be placed inside or outside your home – the garage is a common location – as long as the battery is easily accessible, with sufficient room for maintenance and repairs to be undertaken safely.
Don’t install the battery yourself
Installing a solar battery system may look like an easy DIY project but it’s not recommended that you do so. Solar batteries are complex electrical devices that require expertise to install safely. Improper installation can lead to safety hazards, poorer performance – and even damage to the battery or your home electrical system. In short, it’s wise to leave it to the experts!
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) offers levels of accreditation for installers and electricians who want to design and install solar battery storage systems that are connected to the electricity grid. It’s also important to be aware of the terms of your battery’s warranty, which may have specific guidelines on the installation of the battery for the warranty to be honoured.
Do consider the battery capacity and compatibility
It’s important to consider whether the solar battery you have your eye on has sufficient capacity and is compatible with the solar panels you already have or are considering installing. The battery capacity refers to the amount of electricity it can store and supply to your home during power outages or peak demand periods.
While a larger battery capacity means increased hours of back-up electricity, it also comes with a higher price tag. As such, it may not make good financial sense to buy a battery with much greater capacity than your electricity usage patterns require. You should also ensure that the battery is compatible with your solar panel system; not all batteries work with all panels and incompatible systems can lead to decreased battery performance and safety risks.
Don’t neglect the battery’s maintenance and safety guidelines
Although solar batteries require little maintenance compared to other home appliances, they still need periodic check-ups and upkeep to ensure their longevity and safe operation. Some key maintenance tasks carried out by licensed installers include checking the battery charge level and inspecting the battery and its connections for any damages or abnormalities.
Make sure you follow the safety guidelines provided by the battery manufacturer to minimise the risks of fire, explosion and electrocution. Some common safety measures include using proper protective gear, avoiding overloading the battery and keeping children and pets away from the battery location. Your battery installer should be able to advise you on minimum maintenance requirements to ensure your warranty remains valid and your battery remains in good condition.
Do monitor and optimise your solar battery system
After installing your solar battery system, you should monitor and optimise its performance regularly to make the most of its benefits. This can be done by using special monitoring software or apps that allow you to track your energy consumption and production, battery charge level and other metrics.
You can use this information to adjust your energy usage patterns, estimate your savings and identify any potential issues that may affect your solar battery system. Moreover, you can optimise your system by scheduling the battery charge and discharge cycles to align with your energy needs and the weather forecast.
Compare solar electricity plans in your state
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
What to expect when getting a solar battery installed
If you’re considering getting a solar battery installed in your home, you might be wondering if you need to prepare your property beforehand. The good news is that in most cases your battery installer will take care of the necessary preparations. They’ll assess your home’s current or, if you’re buying a battery as part of a solar system, future solar system, check the system’s compatibility with the solar battery and ensure that the full system meets any relevant safety standards.
However, it’s always a good idea to check with your installer beforehand so that you can make necessary arrangements if needed. For example, some solar installation companies may ask you to keep your garage accessible and clear from any obstructions.
Do I need to prepare my home for solar battery installation?
Your preferred installation company will typically fill you in on the process and next steps for installing your solar battery, and potentially your full solar system. Depending on the battery type, if you have an existing solar system and the layout of your house, the installer should advise you on the best place to install the solar battery. Another common request from solar battery installers is for homeowners to secure their pets and keep an eye on their children while installation is taking place. But that’s usually all that is expected.
Should I add a battery to my solar system?
Adding a battery to your solar system is an investment that may come with big benefits. But a battery can be a significant investment – from a few thousand dollars to as much as $16,000 or more – so it’s essential that you calculate what savings you may make on your grid electricity costs through using battery storage and over what period this saving will recoup the outlay on a battery purchase. Considerations that will impact this calculation include the length of time you intend to spend at your current residence, your household’s electricity use patterns and the size of your solar panel system and compatible battery.
It’s important too to do your sums on whether storing electricity for your own use will result in a bigger cost saving than sending all of your excess electricity back to the grid in return for an F This includes considering the rate you pay for electricity and the FiT you receive on your electricity plan; for a rough idea of the trade-off, it helps to know the rate paid for electricity on average and the current minimum and maximum FiTs.
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