Solar batteries have been in the Australian market for decades, and reality is battery storage has never been as affordable, safe and accessible as it is today. What was originally only thought of by people living off-grid in remote communities is now a reality for thousands of suburban households across the country.

Truly, the solar battery storage revolution has begun, albeit slowly. Adding batteries to your solar setup makes sense, especially in Australia, since we pay some of the highest rates to buy electricity from the grid. Simply put, any power you use at home that comes from your solar and not from the grid will provide savings in your energy bills – and a battery will allow you to extend the benefits of your solar, storing the energy generated throughout the day so you can use at times like at night.

 

 

The benefits of solar + battery vs. solar only

A rooftop PV installation allows you to generate free electricity from the sun. As long as the sun is out, and if your solar was correctly designed for your energy needs, you will be able to power your appliances, turn on your lights and run your home as if you were only connected to the grid, with the significant difference that you will be paying much less to your electricity retailer – because you can use free solar energy instead of having to purchase it!

In addition, solar households can export the excess energy they produce to the grid, and receive a payment called a feed-in tariff (or FiT). As you could expect from large electricity retailers, FiTs are never as high as the rates you pay when you consume electricity from the grid (especially at peak times like at night). While this helps somewhat reduce your bills, most households still use a significant amount of power at night, when their solar PV is no longer producing,

Solar batteries are the latest advancement in the solar industry and have rapidly improved in recent years. If you’re considering investing in a solar battery or are just interested in learning more then read on below to learn why you would get one and how they can save you extra money.

 

What a solar battery can do for you (and your wallet)

As we mentioned before, there are times when your rooftop PV installation won’t be producing energy and saving you money– like at night. It is at those times that you can still incur in high charges from grid consumption.

 

 

A solar battery can help you:

• Store excess solar generation instead of sending it straight to the grid. Once the battery is charged, you will still get a feed-in tariff.
• Use your own solar power at night, reducing your reliance on the grid. You’re better off utilising this power rather than selling it for a standard feed-in tariff and then having to pay your electricity retailer a much higher rate to power your home at night.
• Keep your home powered even when the grid fails, if you choose a model that offers blackout protection. Since this is not a part of a standard installation, we recommend you talking to our solar superheroes about blackout protection at the time of quoting. If you already have a battery that supports blackout protection that hasn’t been wired, we can help you organise for an installer to come and enable it.

It is important to mention these benefits will be maximised when you choose the right-sized battery for your energy needs.

To learn more about how you could save with a solar battery and discussing the best option for you, call our solar superheroes at Solar Battery Group on 1300 223 224.

 

 

The evolution of solar battery technology

Australia has paid some of the highest electricity prices in the world for the last decade. As more and more renewables integrate with the grid, wholesale prices are forecasted to start falling in most places. However, retail prices and the rising cost of living, as well as a demand for a cleaner energy future, is prompting Australians to turn to solar battery technology.

Government incentives, coupled with huge improvements in the technology behind solar batteries, has made solar storage more accessible than ever. But how did it all start? And more importantly, where are we headed towards? Read on for a brief history on solar batteries.

 

The beginning of solar storage technology

1980 marks a pivotal point for solar batteries today. The invention of Lithium-ion batteries revolutionised rechargeable battery technology, and it made possible for the brand Sony to produce the first commercial rechargeable battery to hit the market in 1991.

Safer, smaller and more effective than its predecessors, Lithium-ion battery technology opened up a myriad of possibilities – mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles and the first solar batteries were introduced to the public.

 

As research and development continued, Li-ion solar batteries gained better power outputs, higher depths of discharge, longer warranties, more competitive pricing and lower maintenance needs. It comes as no surprise that Lithium-ion technology has cemented itself dominantly in the Australian domestic battery market today.

 

 

The new era of solar batteries

The first Tesla Powerwall was launched to the market in 2015. In less than a year, the Powerwall 2 shook the market again by doubling the storage capacity at the same price point!

Other manufacturers were quick to follow in Tesla’s footsteps. Solar battery storage went from being an off-grid dream for the few to the reality for thousands of Australians wanting independence from the grid, big savings in their bills, and a need to transition to renewable sources of energy.

Solar battery homeowners store excess solar energy and lower their consumption from the grid, but the market today keeps advancing. There are many different solar battery models to choose from, and as scientists work tirelessly to uncover new and efficient ways to store solar energy, solar batteries evolve fast.

 

What the future holds

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), responsible for the management of Australia’s electricity and gas systems and markets – like the electricity spot prices and decisions that have an impact on the grid prices we pay, has recently announced a new goal for itself to be capable of handling 100% renewable energy penetration on the grid by 2025. This clearly indicates a trend towards more renewable sources of energy, out of which solar and batteries play an important role.

Another hot topic of late has been the so-called ‘solar tax’. The draft determination has been finalised now by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) – the rule-maker for Australia’s energy markets. Essentially, the changes force networks to support feed-ins and renewable energies no matter where you are in the country, as some areas are currently solar export-limited or banned.

 

Although there will be paid solar export options, to be introduced no earlier than July 2025, network operators must also offer a free service option by then. This move should encourage solar homeowners to store energy when prices are low and send it to the grid when rates are higher. A solar battery and other options like solar EVs are perfect for the changes that lie ahead!

 

We can also taste some of what is coming in terms of merging Distributed Energy Resources with the grid, thanks to Virtual Power Plants and community-based battery storage projects announced all over our states and territories.

The more solar batteries are installed in our homes and businesses, the more different ways will take us by surprise as to how we can maximise their usage and provide benefits for all of us.

Rapidly advancing Innovations promise a bright future for the landscape of solar batteries.

As experts in solar storage, Solar Battery Group is committed to stay ahead of the game when it comes to solar news and technology. We only supply the best and latest products in the market, at the best price points.

Have a conversation with our solar superheroes, find out which solar battery is right for you and start living in the future today.