Why so many homes are adding batteries

Most solar homes produce more power than they use in the middle of the day, then buy power back in the evening when everyone is home. Retailers pay little for exported solar and charge full price for evening power. A battery closes that gap by storing the midday surplus for the evening.

The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program has also cut the up-front cost of an eligible battery, which is why so many Hills District homes are adding one now.

Adding a battery to existing solar

If you already have panels, you don't need to start again. There are two common approaches, and we'll explain which one your quote uses and why:

AC-coupled battery. The battery has its own inverter and sits alongside your existing solar inverter. It's a good fit when your current inverter is in good condition.
Hybrid inverter. A new hybrid inverter replaces your old one and runs both the panels and the battery. It's often the better choice if your inverter is old, failing or too small.

Choosing the right battery size

Usable capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The right size depends on how much power you use after dark and how much spare solar you have to charge it. Many homes suit something around 10 to 15 kWh. A larger home with high evening use, or one planning for an electric car, may suit more.

Bigger isn't automatically better. A battery that never fills is money spent on capacity you don't use. The federal discount is also highest per kWh for the first 14 kWh, so size affects the rebate too. We check the size on your quote makes sense for your bills.

Backup power in a blackout

Many people assume a battery keeps the lights on in a blackout. Some do and some don't. Backup needs a compatible battery and inverter, and the backed-up circuits have to be wired separately. Most systems back up essentials such as lights, fridges, internet and a few power points rather than the whole house. If backup matters to you, especially on rural properties around Dural and Galston, tell us, and we'll make sure your quote includes it.

Safe battery placement

Home batteries must be installed to the Australian Standard for battery installations (AS/NZS 5139), which sets rules on where they can go, including distances from windows, doors and exits and protection from heat and weather. The installer plans the location during their site visit, and it should be shown on your quote.

The battery discount

An eligible battery earns small-scale technology certificates (STCs) based on its usable capacity, and their value comes off the price at the point of sale. The number of certificates per kWh falls every January and July, and the next drop is on 1 January 2027. See how the battery discount works.

Virtual power plants

Some batteries can join a virtual power plant (VPP), where an energy company draws on the battery briefly at times of high demand in exchange for credits or payments. In NSW, joining a VPP may also qualify your battery for a one-off state incentive through the VPP provider. It's optional, and we can explain the trade-offs.

Home batteries for the Hills District