Household Solar Batteries: How to Store and Maximise Your Solar Power

The scorching Australian sun has a lot of energy to provide, but storing that energy for later use can be a headache. Let’s have a look at some reasons why you may benefit from installing a household solar battery alongside your solar array system. 

Household Solar Battery – Advantages 

Solar energy storage or a solar battery is a device that can store energy for later use. Many use them to store more affordable, nighttime electricity for day use, but you can save even more when you couple one with a solar panel system. This way, you can get more benefits such as: 

• An even lower energy price during the day – When paired with solar panels, solar batteries allow you to consume your own generated electricity instead of relying on the grid. This reduces your reliance on expensive daytime electricity rates.
• The ability to store your own solar energy and use it during the night – Any excess power generated during the day is stored for evening use, ensuring your household remains powered without tapping into grid electricity.
• The ability to have access to full power even when the power is out –  Unlike standard solar systems, which shut down during power outages for safety reasons, a solar battery can keep your lights on, your refrigerator running, and your devices charged.
• More energy independence – A solar battery system lets you generate, store, and use your own power, making you less dependent on the grid and volatile energy prices.
• The ability to use cheap nighttime electricity for your morning routine – If your solar battery is not fully charged by solar alone, you can top it up with low-cost off-peak electricity, which is perfect for early morning use.

Household Solar Battery – Disadvantages 

The only disadvantages there are to installing a solar battery are: 

• They cost money, although prices have fallen dramatically in the past decade, 
• They take up space, although newer models are wall-mounted and can hold significantly more energy in less space that older models, 
• They need more equipment to be able to provide energy during blackouts. 

How Much Power Can Solar Batteries Hold? 

This being said, for as long as you have a little space in your garage or on the back exterior wall of your home, you can install a solar battery. The additional cost is only a portion of the cost of installing the entire solar system, but the added benefits and an even lower energy price make financial sense. 

Volteam’s available solar batteries can store anywhere between 9.6 and 13.5 kWh of energy. That is between 50% and 75% of an average Australian household daily energy use. With a good solar array, you can recharge these batteries in several hours of sunshine and keep using your solar energy during the evening and deep in the night. 

Solar Battery Model	TESLA Power Wall 2	TESLA Power Wall 3	Sungrow SBR
Capacity	13.5kWh	13.5kWh	9.6kWh
Dimensions	1150 x 753 x 147mm	1,099 x 609 x 193mm	625 x 545 x 330 mm
Efficiency (Round-Trip)	90%	90%	N/A
Peak Power Continuous	5kW	5.8kW	5kW
Peak Output	7kW	7.6kW	5.5kWh
Warranty	10 years	10 years	10 years

Can I Retrofit a Solar Battery? 

If your household already has a solar array, you can retrofit a solar battery, but you will also need to switch your solar inverter for a hybrid solar inverter. These inverters already have a solar charger in them and can recharge your battery using the surplus energy coming from the solar panels. 

Why do I Need Energy Storage? 

Needless to say, most Australians spend the sunniest part of their day at work, meaning much of their solar electricity goes unused when it could be powering their homes.. Of course, your washer, dryer, and dishwasher all have a ‘delayed start’ function, but this is not always enough to but that’s not always enough to maximise your solar energy use.. With a solar battery, you can store excess energy for later, and avoid often uneconomical feed-in tariffs offered by energy providers. 

Maximising your Solar Potential 

Moreover, a good solar battery will enable you to store your own energy and: 

• Bring down the cost of energy even further down, and 
• Reduce your carbon footprint even more. 

That said, it is clear that solar batteries are a great solution for any household. They are scalable, quick to install and offer you more energy independence and flexibility than relying on the grid. 

Household Solar Battery: Final Considerations

A household solar battery is a great investment, and it is the one that keeps paying for itself. It is the best way to further utilise your existing solar array and ensure that you have power even during blackouts. At Volteam, we can retrofit a solar battery to an existing solar system, install a brand-new setup, and provide ongoing maintenance and inspections. Contact us for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to install a solar battery?
Installation typically takes 2–4 hours, depending on your setup.

Can I use a solar battery during cloudy days?
Yes, although the battery may charge slower.

How long do solar batteries last?
Most solar batteries have a lifespan of 10–15 years.

Is maintenance required for solar batteries?
Very minimal maintenance is required, mostly just periodic checks.

What happens if the battery is full and my solar panels are still producing energy?
Excess energy is sent back to the grid or can be redirected to additional storage.

Are there government rebates or incentives for installing solar batteries?
Yes, many regions offer rebates and incentives to lower upfront costs.

How do I know which size solar battery is right for my home?
It depends on your energy usage and the size of your solar array.

Can I add more batteries to my system later?
Yes, most systems are scalable for future expansion.

Will a solar battery increase my property value?
Studies suggest that properties with solar energy solutions often see increased value.

Can I go completely off-grid with a solar battery?
With sufficient capacity and solar generation, it’s possible, but careful planning is needed.