Batteries
Store your excess solar energy and power your home through the night
Household batteries are units that store electrical energy for later use. Typically paired with solar panels, they allow homeowners to store excess solar energy during the day and use it when the sun isn’t shining, ensuring a constant energy supply.
Household battery
Batteries contribute to cost savings by reducing the need to purchase energy from the grid. They also promote a reduction in emissions by allowing households to utilise a greater proportion of clean solar energy.
A battery system stores solar energy that isn't used during the day, making it available for use at night or on days with limited sunlight. The trend of including batteries in solar installations is gaining momentum. For many, the appeal lies not only in the economic benefits but also in the environmental impact. Additionally, for some individuals, it's a way to express their desire for independence from traditional energy providers.
It is worth noting the financial impact of batteries. Batteries will allow you to use more clean solar energy, but they are still reasonably expensive. This means the payback period can be very long. However, prices are continuing to fall, and government rebates and incentives may be available to offset the initial cost.
How much do they cost?
Costs vary significantly for solar batteries, but generally, the higher the battery capacity, the more expensive they are.
Typical battery costs in Australia for the common sizes (including installation):
5kWh: $7000–$9000
10kWh: $11,000–$14,000
15kWh: $15,000–$18,000
Are batteries a good investment?
For many homes, investing in a battery may not be economically viable yet. Batteries are still pricey, and their payback period often exceeds their typical 10-year warranty.
As the electricity market changes over the next few years, and (hopefully) battery prices improve, it may mean that in future it will make clear economic sense to always include a storage battery with a new solar PV system.
Households with high energy usage who efficiently use their solar-generated and stored power can achieve a return on their battery investment much faster. Participating in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program or Amber Batteries can also enhance financial returns.
However, the decision to invest in home battery storage isn't purely based on financial factors for many people. Reasons such as blackout protection, maximising solar panel efficiency, or a fondness for innovative technology are all valid motivations to opt for a battery. Alternatively, ensuring that your solar PV system is compatible with future battery installation is a wise consideration.
Community Batteries
Community-scale batteries have also been gaining popularity recently, and 3068 is acutally home to Australia’s first inner-urban community battery!
Fitzroy North Community Battery!
A community battery is a mid-scale energy storage unit which is embedded in the electricity network and allows for shared energy storage.
Essentially, community batteries act as a ‘solar sponge‘ – storing excess clean, cheap solar energy which is generated by rooftop solar arrays within the community. It stores this energy for later use in the day when demand is higher and the sun no longer shining. This time-shifting of energy allows local residents to use more of the renewable electricity they generate during the day, at the times when it is most needed.
You can learn more about them here.