Solar batteries are an excellent advancement for Australians who have tapped into solar energy to reduce primary grid reliance and electricity bills. By storing surplus solar power, these innovative devices function as a backup energy source when outages occur and on cloudy days. As solar batteries become more progressive and affordable, they are reshaping the future of renewable energy usage.
Emergency Backup Source
During power outages caused by storms, accidents or technical issues, a solar battery connected to a solar power system provides a backup power plant at home. With sufficient storage capacity, these batteries can deliver emergency electricity for lights, fridges, medical devices and other essentials for days when the main grid fails, giving families much-needed peace of mind knowing their home will have power even when the neighbourhood goes dark.
Save Big On Energy Expenses
Installing a solar battery alongside their solar system allows homeowners to maximise their investment. On clear days, a solar panel system generates more power than a home needs, and solar batteries allow the surplus kilowatt-hours to be retained. This stored solar power can be utilised overnight or in the evening when electricity rates hit peak pricing. Thus, having a solar battery reduces the need for traditional power sources and can cut down energy bills by up to 60%.
Recent Improvements in Technology
In recent years, technology has taken great leaps forward with capacity, lifespan and performance improvements of these energy storage devices. Where early solar panel batteries were lead-acid models with limitations, lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) batteries have now become a top choice for their exceptional stability, safety and efficiency.
LFP solar batteries offer key advantages:
• Longer lifespans of 10 years or more
• Faster recharging and discharging
• Improved resilience to weather extremes
• Lower risk of overheating
• Up to 10,000 cycles
Reputable brands now come with 10-year warranties as standard. With a decade of optimal performance assured, LFP solar batteries deliver outstanding reliability, return on investment and environmental sustainability.
How to Choose a Solar Battery
When trying to select the suitable model for your household needs, here are the key factors to consider when wanting to upgrade your solar system:
Storage Capacity
The battery’s storage capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), determines how much solar energy it can hold. Aim for adequate capacity to fully recharge from excess solar power daily to maximise potential savings. Popular sizes for Australian households are between 10-14kWh.
Power Rating
The power rating, specified in kilowatts (kW), indicates the instantaneous discharge rate – how much electricity the battery can supply. If you have appliances with high demand, for instance, water heaters or large freezers, choose a battery rating that meets your energy needs.
Battery Chemistry
Lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) solar batteries are the top choice due to their exceptional performance, extended lifespan and safety.
Warranty
When comparing batteries, look for models with at least a 10-year warranty from the manufacturer to indicate a long-lasting and reliable product. Leading brands offer warranties up to 10 years/10,000 cycles.
Monitoring
A key feature of many modern solar batteries is the ability to monitor and control the system through user-friendly apps remotely. Synced to the smartphone or computer, the app allows homeowners to track the battery’s performance, charging status, and efficiency for optimised usage.
Installation
Have an accredited solar company like Solar Path NSW install your battery correctly to meet all safety standards and activate the warranty.
Ongoing Maintenance
Regular servicing by a professional solar installation company ensures your battery performs optimally for its entire lifespan.
Australia’s Solar Battery Price Outlook
A significant drawback of these sophisticated solar batteries has been their high costs, which made them unaffordable for many homes initially. However, due to manufacturing efficiencies and engineering enhancements, prices have dropped substantially recently, making this technology far more accessible.
In 2019, the average solar battery price for a 10kWh system was around $16,000, including installation. By 2022, the typical price range has dropped to $8,000 – $10,500. Further price drops are forecast over the next 5 years, with some experts predicting a fall to around $5,500 by 2027 as production volumes increase.
There are also solar battery rebates and incentives offered by state and federal governments to help reduce the upfront cost, aiming to encourage more homeowners to invest in sustainable energy storage.
Investing in a Greener Future
By storing and maximising solar power usage, solar batteries allow households to take control of their energy production and expenses. As grid supply issues and electricity prices continue rising, solar batteries provide energy security and savings through self-sufficiency.
For Australian families seeking energy independence along with backup power during outages, solar batteries combined with a solar panel system are an innovative solution for households wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and support the renewable energy transition.
If you want to contribute to a greener, more resilient lifestyle and find navigating the world of solar systems and batteries a daunting task, you don’t have to accomplish it alone.
Contact the experts at Solar Path NSW on 1300 474 451 to find out how solar batteries can benefit your home and lifestyle. Our team can advise you on the most suitable solar battery options, rebates available, estimated savings and the installation process to maximise your solar system’s performance and savings over time. Invest in your household’s future and see how solar batteries can change the way you produce and consume electricity for the better.
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