Australians are known for their sunshine and love of the outdoors. Unsurprisingly, solar energy has become a popular choice for powering homes. But what happens to all that captured sunlight when the sun goes down? This is where solar battery energy storage comes in. By storing excess solar energy during the day, you can utilise it at night, significantly reducing your reliance on the grid and potentially slashing your energy bills.
Embrace the energy efficiency revolution by upgrading your solar systems and adding a battery or solar inverters with Energy Matters.
Understanding solar battery savings
So, how exactly can solar batteries save you money? Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:
- Feed-in tariffs vs. time-of-use billing: Traditionally, electricity providers offered feed-in tariffs, where you received credits for excess solar energy fed back into the grid. However, these tariffs are often decreasing or disappearing altogether. In its place, time-of-use billing is becoming more common. This system charges a higher rate for electricity during peak usage times (typically evenings and weekends) and a lower rate during off-peak hours (usually daytime).
- Self-consumption: With a solar battery, you can store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it to power your home during peak usage. This reduces your reliance on expensive grid electricity, significantly saving costs.
- Reduced reliance on peak grid: By drawing power from your battery during peak hours, you lessen the strain on the electricity grid. This could lead to lower overall electricity prices, benefiting everyone.
The financial benefits of solar battery storage
The financial benefits of solar battery storage can be substantial. Studies by the Australian government show that combining solar panels with an 8.5kWh battery can cut the average household’s energy bills by a staggering 75% to over 100%. This translates to annual savings between $1,322 and $2,252 – a significant chunk of change!
Here’s a breakdown of the cost-saving potential:
- Increased energy independence: With a solar battery, you’ll be less reliant on the grid, providing greater control over your energy source. This is particularly beneficial during power outages and expensive peak periods, as stored solar energy can keep your home powered.
- Feed-in tariff optimisation: Feed-in tariffs, the rates at which electricity retailers compensate you for excess solar power fed back to the grid, are often lower than retail prices. With a battery, you can maximise the self-consumption of your solar energy and avoid selling it back at a lower rate.
- Potential rebates and incentives: The Australian government and various state bodies offer financial incentives to encourage the adoption of solar battery storage. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of a battery system, making them more accessible to homeowners.
Beyond cost savings: Additional benefits of solar batteries
The advantages of solar batteries extend beyond just saving money on your energy bills. Here are some additional benefits to consider:
- Environmental benefits: Using more self-generated solar energy will reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and overall carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner environment.
- Increased home value: Homes equipped with solar panels and battery storage are often viewed as more sustainable and energy-efficient, potentially increasing their market value.
Factors to consider before going solar with battery storage
While solar battery storage offers exciting cost-saving possibilities, it’s essential to consider several factors before taking the plunge:
- Your energy consumption: The size and capacity of the battery you need will depend on your household’s daily energy usage. Analysing your electricity bills will give you a good idea of your consumption patterns and peak usage times.
- Payback period: The time it takes for your battery system to pay for itself through energy savings will vary depending on factors like your initial investment, energy consumption, and electricity prices. Learn more about
- Battery lifespan: Solar batteries typically last 10-15 years. When calculating your long-term savings, factor in potential replacement costs.
- The upfront cost: Solar batteries are a significant investment, but their prices steadily decrease. Consider financing options or government rebates to make them more affordable.
Are you looking to save extra money with your Sungrow, GoodWe, or Tesla Powerwall 2 solar battery installed? Origin and Energy Matters have teamed up to provide customers with an additional way to save and make money!
Join Origin Loop VPP as an Origin electricity customer and earn a $400 bonus! Earn $1/kWh during peak demand by letting them draw on your battery-stored solar energy.
You’ll also enjoy a 13 c/kWh feed-in tariff and full transparency through the Origin app. There are no lock-ins; you can leave anytime, and your yearly energy export is capped at 200kWh. It’s a win-win for you and the grid!
If you already have solar and a battery*, then sign up today! If you don’t, get up to 3 obligation-free quotes by getting in touch with us right away.
*Your battery must be eligible to participate. | ^Feed-in tariff rates are subject to change at any time. All FIT amounts include GST where applicable.
Calculating potential solar battery savings
While the exact savings vary, several online tools can help you estimate the financial benefits of a solar battery system. These tools consider your location, historical energy usage data, and current electricity pricing. Here is to get you started:
Solar quotes solar battery calculator: Use our easy-to-use solar power and battery storage calculator to determine the size of your solar system with storage! Our solar calculator will generate performance information and potential savings.
We can send this information to 3 of our pre-vetted and trusted local installers in your area to receive obligation-free solar quotes.
Getting started with solar battery storage
If you’re interested in harnessing the power of solar battery storage, here are some steps to get you started:
- Research: Gather information about different battery systems, capacities, and costs.
- Compare quotes: Obtain quotes from reputable solar installers specialising in battery storage solutions.
- Government incentives: Research available rebates and incentives offered by the federal government and your state.
Finding the right solar incentives
The specific incentives you qualify for will depend on your location, system size, and property type. To find the most up-to-date information and applicable rebates, check our pages.
- Consult with a solar expert: Discuss your specific energy needs and budget with a qualified solar professional who can recommend your home’s most suitable battery system.
Ready to take control of your energy bills and switch to solar? Contact Energy Matters today, and we’ll connect you with up to 3 FREE solar quotes from trusted local solar installers!
Making an informed decision
Before investing in a solar battery, consider these factors:
- Do your research: Understand your energy consumption patterns, research different battery options and their warranties, and compare quotes from reputable solar installers.
- Consider your budget: Solar batteries represent an investment. Factor in the upfront cost, potential savings, and government incentives to determine the financial viability of your situation.
- Long-term view: Solar batteries last 10-15 years. Consider your long-term energy needs and future electricity price projections.
Energy Matters’ recommended quality solar battery power systems such as (click the logo to learn more):
Solar batteries represent a significant advancement in harnessing solar energy’s power. By storing excess solar energy for later use, you can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid, potentially leading to substantial savings on your energy bills. While upfront costs exist, government incentives and long-term cost savings make solar batteries an increasingly attractive option for Australian households. By carefully considering your energy consumption patterns and researching available options, you can decide whether a solar battery is the right choice for you and your home.
Read more about solar batteries:
Ready to go solar? Get an instant assessment
To find out how much a solar system with storage or even an EV charger will cost, try our easy-to-use solar power and battery storage calculator! It will generate performance data and possible cost savings.
We can forward your information to 3 trusted local installers in your area to obtain free, no-obligation solar quotes.
Find out how much you can expect to pay for solar
Ready to find out more? Get FREE quotes for solar, batteries + more
*Prices quoted are to be used as a guide only and do not factor in state and other rebates and incentives. Includes STC discount.
Our Energy Matters CEO, Roshan Ramnarain, will feature stunning homes installed with the latest solar technology every Saturday at 5:00 p.m. on Open Homes Australia on the 9Life channel. Be sure to watch this show; you won’t want to miss it!
