With the rise of renewable energy and sustainability, solar panels have become increasingly popular among homeowners across South West WA. A component that’s been generating a lot of interest lately is the solar battery. But are solar batteries really worth the investment?
The short answer is: Yes! Investing in solar batteries is worth it for those wanting to make the most of their solar energy usage, gain energy independence, and lower electricity bills. With falling battery prices and the introduction of new federal and WA battery rebates, installing a home battery system has become one of the best long-term energy investments available to Australians.
What is a Solar Battery?
Solar batteries are storage units that store excess energy generated by solar panels for later use. During the day, your solar panels produce enough power to offset your daytime energy usage. Any excess power is usually exported back to the grid. This only provides households with a few cents per kilowatt-hour under the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS). A battery captures that surplus and makes it available at nighttime when the sun is down, your panels aren’t producing any power, and your home energy demand is higher. The stored energy can be used when solar production is low (e.g., cloudy days), at night or during grid blackouts.
Essentially, solar batteries enable you to maximise the use of solar electricity generated by your system, ideally powering 100 per cent of your energy usage.
When a Solar Battery Is Definitely Worth It
Determining whether a solar battery is right for you greatly depends on individual circumstances. Here are a few reasons that contribute to a solar battery being worth it for your household:
- Low solar feed-in tariffs: When your feed-in tariff is low, it makes far more financial sense to store excess solar and use it later rather than sell it back to the grid for a few cents.
- High evening energy consumption: If your bills show a lot of usage after 3 pm, you have more to gain. Shifting that demand to stored solar energy magnifies the financial benefits of a battery
- Staying in the home long-term: Batteries make more sense if you plan to stay in the same house for at least 5 -10 years. That gives time for the savings to outweigh the upfront cost and lets you utilise it during the warranty period
- Home with large solar systems: If you have or are planning to install a high-output system, a battery ensures none of that energy goes to waste.
- You want backup power: If you get a lot of blackouts in your area, batteries provide better power security.
- You’re on a time-of-use tariff: If your tariff charges more at specific peak periods, a battery shifts your usage away from those expensive windows and boosts your bill savings.
Other Solar Battery Benefits
More Energy Independence
Installing a battery reduces your dependence on the grid. Rather than being vulnerable to future rising electricity prices, you can rely more on your own stored solar energy. For many households, having a secure and predictable energy source is just as valuable as the financial savings.
Backup Power During Outages
Some solar batteries are designed to provide a backup power supply during power outages. Keeping fridges, lights, internet and power running is a major comfort for some households. If battery backup is a priority, be sure to let your installer know early. They will need to make sure your system has the right components and might also need to perform a minor wiring upgrade.
Environmental Impact
Every kWh of stored solar used at night reduces the need for electricity from fossil fuels. A well-utilised battery can shift a significant amount of consumption away from carbon-intensive sources over time.
Want to know if a solar battery is right for you?
Solar batteries are a worthwhile investment for many South West WA homeowners. It’s always advisable to consult with a professional solar installer like South West Solar Force to evaluate your circumstances. Our team can offer a detailed analysis and help determine the most financially beneficial solar solution for your home. Contact us today for a personalised solar quote.
