The sun shines down on Australia like no other place on Earth, making it one of the best places for solar panels. Consequently, it also makes our country one of the most ideal places to store solar energy and invest in solar batteries.
They come with numerous benefits, too, such as making sure that you have power whenever you need it. However, they’re also expensive. So, it’s only natural to wonder: are solar batteries worth it?
The short answer is yes, they’re going to be well worth your money. They’re not for everyone, though.
For example, if the upfront cost of installing a solar battery just isn’t practical for you, then it’s probably best not to push it.
That being said, there are still so many things about this topic that we need to unpack. So, let’s discuss them. Here’s a list of the topics I’m covering. Feel free to tap on any of the bullets to jump sections.
- The cost of installing solar batteries
- Are solar batteries worth it despite the high upfront cost?
- Benefits of solar batteries (why they’re worth it)
- Do you even need to add a solar battery to your system?
How much do solar batteries cost?
The cost of solar batteries in Australia can vary, but generally, you’re looking at battery prices of anywhere from 1000 AUD to 2000 AUD per kWh.
- If you’re installing a battery alongside a new solar system, you might be on the lower end of the scale.
- If you’re adding a battery to an existing solar system, your costs could edge toward the 2000 AUD mark.
Why the difference? Well, it often comes down to installation and setup.
Installing a battery with a new solar system is a more streamlined process, so there are opportunities for cost savings.
In contrast, adding a battery to an existing system involves more complex integration processes which often translate to higher costs. But, remember, these are just rough estimates and numerous other factors can influence the cost of your solar battery.
Get 3 Solar Quotes From Quality Local Installers.
Given the high cost of installation, is it still worth adding a solar battery to my system?
Let’s face it: the cost to install solar panels and batteries isn’t exactly cheap. In fact, including a solar battery in your solar system installation could roughly double the price.
For example, a 6 kW solar system might cost you around 6000 AUD. If you also plan on getting an 8 kWh solar battery alongside that, you’re adding another 8000 AUD to that total, bringing your entire installation costs to about 14,000 AUD.
So, given these figures, is it still worth adding a solar battery to your system?
Yes, it is. Despite the high upfront cost, solar batteries come with a multitude of money-saving benefits that could significantly offset the initial investment over time.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into that.
7 reasons why solar batteries are worth it
1. It maximizes your savings
One of, if not the most significant benefit of solar battery and solar storage systems is the potential for maximized savings.
When your solar panels produce more electricity than you use during the day, that excess energy can be stored in your solar battery. So, later, when the sun isn’t shining, you can use the stored renewable energy instead of drawing from the grid, effectively keeping more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
Recommended: How much money can you save if you had solar panels?
2. It reduces your dependence on grid electricity
Speaking of drawing less energy from the grid, solar batteries can make you less reliant on the grid for the same reason I stated above: It allows you to use the excess solar energy that you otherwise would have lost.
This means rising energy costs won’t affect you as much (yes, they’re rising) nor will you be affected by the dwindling value of feed-in tariffs (more on this later).
Plus, relying less on grid electricity means you’re a step closer to energy independence.
3. It lowers your electricity bills
Do you know what energy independence gets you? Lower electricity bills.
Also, on a side note, notice how all of these benefits are connected.
Anyhow, drawing less power from the grid means, well… you’re not buying energy from them. This means your electricity bill will inevitably be lower from the moment you install a solar system – with or without a solar battery.
That being said, having a battery system for your excess solar power does reduce your power bill even more. Over time, this leads to substantial savings that can offset the cost of your own solar battery system.
Related: How long does it take to pay off solar panels?
4. It boosts the value of your property
Here’s the thing: solar panels increase the value of your home. Not only that, they sell quite a bit faster, too.
So, when you add solar battery storage to that system, it only stands to reason that it gives your property the value and allure of luxury.
“Why?”, you ask.
A study from the *NREL states 3 reasons: altruism, financial advantages, and personal satisfaction. So, if you plan on selling your home in the near future, adding a solar battery (and solar panels) to your property can net you more money.
Get 3 Solar Quotes From Quality Local Installers.
5. Your home will have energy during power outages
Any power outage is both inconvenient and disruptive. With a solar panel system and battery, though, your home can remain powered even when the grid goes down.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your lights will stay on, your food will stay fresh, and your devices will stay charged – all because you have solar battery storage alongside your solar panels.
6. Solar batteries help reduce your impact on the environment
By relying more on solar energy and less on the grid, you’re reducing carbon emissions and your home’s impact on the environment.
Solar power is renewable, and clean, and contributes significantly less to greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional sources of electricity.
Not only will you be saving money, you’ll be doing your part in preserving the world, too.
Recommended: The powerful environmental benefits of using solar energy
7. The value of feed-in tariffs has been steadily declining
A feed-in tariff is a payment you receive for any surplus solar energy you export back to the grid.
Years back, the value of this tariff was high enough that you can use the grid as a “virtual” battery system.
As the years went by, though, feed-in tariffs have gone lower and lower so it doesn’t make sense to use them anymore. You truly get more from your money if you maximize your solar energy usage. And, more often than not, that involves adding solar batteries to your system.
Okay, they’re worth it. But do I need them?
Good question. Solar batteries being worth it and needing them are two different things. Despite the numerous benefits, solar batteries aren’t for everyone.
For one, they come with a hefty price tag. For some homeowners, the upfront costs might not fit into their budget. If you’re in a position where you can’t justify the initial investment, it might be better to not buy solar batteries now.
The decision also depends on your energy usage patterns. If most of your electricity consumption happens during the day when your solar panels are generating power, you might not need a solar battery as much as a household that uses more electricity at night.
Furthermore, if you live in an area with reliable grid power and infrequent blackouts, the backup power advantage of a solar battery might not be as appealing to you.
Conclusion
From an economic standpoint, solar batteries can provide substantial savings over time, make you less dependent on the grid, and potentially increase your property value. They can also act as a lifeline during power outages and help reduce your carbon footprint.
So, yes, solar batteries are worth it. Whether or not it’s practical for your home, however, depends on several other factors, including your budget and energy usage patterns.
Now, if you’ve already made your decision regardless if it’s just solar panels or getting solar batteries alongside them, we can help. We have a network of CEC-accredited installers that ready to get you 3 FREE quotes right away.
Resources:
- https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy07osti/38304-01.pdf
