With the growing emphasis on renewable energy and sustainability, solar panel systems have become increasingly popular among Australian homeowners, particularly in Perth. A component that’s been generating a lot of interest lately is the solar battery. But are solar batteries really worth the investment?
The short answer is: Yes! Solar batteries are worth it for those wanting to maximise their solar energy usage, gain energy independence, and save on electricity costs. With the introduction of the federal and WA battery rebates and battery prices coming down, installing a home battery system has become one of the best long-term energy investments available to Australians.
What is a Solar Battery?
Solar batteries are storage units that store excess energy generated by solar panels for later use. The middle of the day is when your solar panels produce most of their energy, but most of this gets exported back to the grid. This only provides households with a few cents per kilowatt-hour under the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS). A battery captures that surplus and makes it available in the evening when your home’s demand is higher, and grid electricity is most expensive. The stored energy can be used when solar production is low (e.g., cloudy days), at night or during grid blackouts.
Essentially, solar batteries enable you to maximise the use of solar electricity generated by your system, enhancing the efficiency and autonomy of your energy use.
Estimated Payback Period for a Solar Battery in Perth
With 2026 pricing and the current government rebates, most solar battery systems will pay themselves off in 3 to 5 years. Solar battery prices vary depending on the size, brand, model, and installation location. Your annual savings will also vary depending on your energy usage and local tariffs.
| System Size (kWh) | Estimated Installed Cost (After Rebate) | Total Rebate | Estimated Annual Savings | Estimated Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10kWh |
$4,483 |
$4,316 |
$1,152.67 |
3.89 years |
|
15kWh |
$6,158 |
$5,941 |
$1,729.01 |
3.56 years |
|
20kWh |
$7,898 |
$7,501 |
$2,305.34 |
3.43 years |
|
25kWh |
$9,638 |
$9,061 |
$2,881.63 |
3.34 years |
|
30kWh |
$12,198 |
$10,621 |
$3,458.01 |
3.53 years |
These prices are based on supplying and installing an SAJ battery, not a full solar PV system. Estimated savings are based on the home being on the Synergy A1 home tariff and using the kW of a fully charged battery every night.
Remember, this is just a rough estimate. You should consult a qualified solar installer for a more accurate figure.
When a Solar Battery Is Definitely Worth It
Determining whether a solar battery is right for you greatly depends on individual circumstances. Here are a few reasons that contribute to a solar battery being worth it for your household:
- High evening energy consumption: If your bills show a lot of usage after 3pm, you have more to gain. Shifting that demand to stored solar energy magnifies the financial benefits of a battery
- Staying in the home long-term: Batteries make more sense if you plan to stay in the same house for at least 5 -10 years. That gives time for the savings to outweigh the upfront cost and lets you utilise it during the warranty period
- Home with large solar systems: If you have or are planning to install a sizeable solar PV system, a battery is a logical addition to capture more output.
- You want backup power: If you prioritise outage resilience, a battery system that provides blackout protection is a must-have.
- Low solar feed-in tariffs: When your feed-in tariff is low, it makes far more financial sense to store excess solar and use it later rather than sell it back to the grid for a few cents.
- You’re on a time-of-use tariff: If your tariff charges more at specific peak periods, a battery shifts your usage away from those expensive windows and boosts your bill savings.
Other Solar Battery Benefits
More Energy Independence
A battery reduces your reliance on the grid. Instead of being exposed to future electricity price increases, you can rely more on your own stored solar energy. Having control and a predictable energy source is almost as important as the financial return for some households.
Backup Power During Outages
Some solar batteries are designed to provide a backup power supply during power outages. Keeping fridges, lighting, internet and power running is a major comfort for some households. If you want battery backup for your solar system, be sure to let your installer know. They need to make sure your system has the right components and might also need to upgrade your wiring.
Environmental Impact
Every kWh of stored solar used at night reduces the need for electricity from fossil fuels. A well-utilised battery can shift a significant amount of consumption away from carbon-intensive sources over time.
Want to know if a solar battery is right for you?
Solar batteries are a worthwhile investment for many Perth homeowners. It’s always advisable to consult with a professional solar installer like Perth Solar Force to evaluate your circumstances. Our team can offer a detailed analysis and help determine the most financially beneficial solar solution for your home. Contact us today for a personalised solar quote.