Solar battery storage has only become available for residential use in the last five years. So how do we know if it is worth getting a solar battery for our homes?
Since 2016 a growing number of Australians are beginning to explore the possibilities and benefits that solar batteries can provide to the home. This is for a number of different reasons:
- To live a more sustainable lifestyle
- To reduce your electricity bills
- To store your unused solar electricity for yourself, rather than sending it back to the grid
- To ensure you don’t experience power outages
HOW DO SOLAR BATTERIES WORK?
Often throughout the day, solar panels will produce excess electricity which can be sent back to the battery for storage. This stored electricity can then be used at night time, which is generally when we use the most electricity.
It can also be utilised during periods of low sun when the solar panels are unable to generate enough electricity. Specific types of solar batteries are even capable of storing enough electricity to keep your house running in the event of a power outage. It is clear that solar batteries can provide some great advantages to your home and current solar system, but the question is, are they really worth the money in 2021?
ADVANTAGE: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SUBSIDIES FOR SOLAR BATTERY STORAGE
Battery storage is subsidised by the government as an incentive to persuade more people to start using sustainable energy for their homes.
The renewable energy target scheme is a scheme designed by the Australian government which is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emictions in the electricity sector.
The scheme aims to provide at least 33,000 GWh of electricity to Australia through renewable energy sources by the end of 2021. In order to achieve this, the government is providing subsidies and rebates to homeowners who are installing solar systems in Bayside. Find out if you are eligible for government subsidies for solar batteries.
ADVANTAGE: PROTECT YOUR HOME AND FAMILY
Utilising battery storage can help to protect your home in the case of a power outage if you purchase a hybrid system. A hybrid system isolates the installation from the main grid in order to use electricity from your battery storage.
However, you will need to purchase a separate system in order to protect against black outs. For example, a Sonnen battery storage system will require an additional Sonnen protect system, and a Fronius solar battery will require the Fronius Symo Hybrid.
ADVANTAGE: REDUCE YOUR DOWNTIME
Purchasing these add on systems can be extremely useful if you live in an area that is prone to power outages, or if you have essential devices in the home that must stay running at all times.
ADVANTAGE: DO YOUR PART FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Solar batteries are also a very sustainable choice when it comes to energy production. Energy created by the sun is often not being produced at the times when it is most needed, such as at night. Solar battery storage allows this energy to be utilised when it is needed most, rather than relying on electricity from the grid which is created by burning fossil fuels.
With more people making the switch to solar batteries, there is hope that we can begin to create a society that runs on clean and renewable energy sources.
SO, WHAT IS THE COST?
Solar batteries can be rather expensive to purchase and install, even in 2021 with all the technological advancements in the field. The batteries themselves range from around $5,000 – $20,000. Once purchased, it must also be professionally installed by a renewable energy electrician, which can contribute to additional costs overall.
Although the outlay seems expensive, if you can take advantage of the current rebates, your solar battery would pay for itself in 5 to 15 years.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
With recent media coverage on battery storage systems, it is a common misconception that solar is not worth the money unless you have battery storage.
The truth is, batteries are not a necessity when installing a new solar system, contrary to what people might believe.
Many people will often say that they are waiting more affordable solar batteries to arrive on the market, yet they could have already been saving money if they had installed the solar first and purchased a battery later on.
Whilst the cost of battery storage is expected to decline over the coming years, it is still advisable to install your solar panels now in order to start saving money. Without solar, you lose money to high power bills each month which could be better invested in saving up for battery storage at a later date.
THE FINAL SAY: ARE SOLAR BATTERIES WORTH IT FOR YOUR BAYSIDE HOME?
It is clear to see that solar battery storage can provide some great benefits for your home and lifestyle. If you commonly experience power outages, or want to be energy independent, a solar battery is a MUST.
If you qualify for the government rebate for a solar battery, financially it is a good choice.
Should you not qualify for the rebate at this point, it is best to still install high quality solar panels and save up for a battery at a later stage. Any professional solar installer is able to add a battery to your solar setup at any time, and you want to ensure you are saving power as soon as possible via solar panels.
For some, the benefits of solar batteries far outweigh the costs. For others, it may be a good financial choice to install solar panels now, and purchase the battery once they are already saving on power.
If you are tired of paying high electricity bills, consider solar installation to start reducing your costs. Contact our team of renewable energy electricians and we can advise whether it is worth getting a solar battery or panels in your home.
We are a dedicated group of Bayside solar installers who can help you to set up an effective solar system and start saving money on your electricity bills now. Don’t wait, contact the professionals and overcome your energy bill prices today.
