ENERGY IMPACT
Are solar batteries
really worth the
investment?
As more and more households are looking for alternatives to traditional power sources, solar battery storage has emerged as a leading solution, with experts hailing it as the future of renewable electricity. And with Australia having one of the highest penetrations of rooftop solar panels in the world, it's no wonder that homeowners are considering this technology as a way to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
But while solar batteries may seem like an attractive solution for households looking to reduce their energy bills, many wonder whether they're worth the investment. Can solar batteries actually achieve of energy independence and cost savings in today's energy environment?
We dive into the world of solar battery storage technology, exploring its benefits, drawbacks, and costs. We'll examine the different types of batteries available, their capabilities, and how they work with solar panels.
Whether you're a homeowner considering solar battery storage for the first time or a seasoned renewable energy enthusiast looking to upgrade your existing setup, this article will provide the information you need to make an informed decision.
So, is solar battery storage really worth it? Let's find out.
How do solar batteries work?
With a typical solar setup, energy can only be generated and used within daylight hours or when the sun is shining on the panels. Then, depending on the home energy plan, any excess is fed back to the grid as solar rebates, deducted from your energy bill.
Solar batteries are essentially storage units for extra solar power generated by solar panels. With a solar battery, the excess energy is stored for use later instead of returning energy to the grid. So the premise of a solar battery is to simply extend the use of power generated from your solar panels.
You can install a solar battery with your solar panel system or add it later. You might need a solar inverter to make it work. If you have a hybrid solar inverter, you may be able to incorporate a battery straight into your existing system.
How much does a solar battery cost?
The cost of solar batteries varies based on the storage capacity and quality of the products chosen. In addition, there may be installation costs and the need to invest in solar panels should your home not yet have them installed.
Under the Sustainable Household Scheme in the ACT, eligible homeowners may borrow up to $15,000 as an interest-free loan which can be put towards solar panels and household battery storage. The Solarhub & ActewAGL Smart Energy Hub also provides bundled offers and loans for eligible ACT customers.
How long do solar batteries last?
Good quality solar battery manufacturers provide at least a 10-year warranty, with many claiming that batteries will last more than 15 years before needing replacing.
How to get the most out of a solar battery.
To get the most savings from your solar battery, it's important to adjust your energy habits to suit your battery and panel system – which could mean looking into flexible electricity tariffs, such as time of use tariffs.
With a time of use tariff, electricity is usually cheapest during working hours and late at night, while it's more expensive during peak demand times. Households on this type of tariff can use their stored solar power to cover peak period energy usage rather than relying on the grid and paying higher peak rates. Some solar storage systems can be set to kick in automatically between these hours, while others have apps that let you control when your stored solar power is used.
While these tariffs are great for maximising savings, customers on a single-rate tariff can still benefit from a solar battery. They may minimise their reliance on the grid, join a Virtual Power Plant network, and earn credits for sharing their solar energy during peak demand times.
Is solar battery storage worth it?
The common question about batteries is whether a battery is worth it. While they can significantly reduce your energy bill, the upfront investment needs to be considered to determine the payback period – before the battery life expires.
Unfortunately, there isn't an easy answer as it depends on your household's personal energy usage habits - including how much energy the household uses, their electricity plan, available solar feed-in tariffs, rebates, and incentives and whether the investment in energy-efficient appliances may be an alternative investment.
If you choose to invest in a solar battery, those who get the best returns will put the most into ensuring they are optimised and effectively managed. A solar battery works best when it's used to combat the typical constraints of the grid, such as higher demand in the evenings or more expensive power prices during peak times.
Energy consultants at the Solarhub & ActewAGL Smart Energy Hub can consider all these factors and advise you on the best options for your circumstances.
Summary
- Solar battery storage is becoming a popular alternative to traditional power sources for many Australian households looking to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
- Solar batteries store extra power generated by solar panels for use of an evening or when the weather isn't suitable for solar power.
- The cost of solar batteries varies based on the storage capacity and quality of the products chosen.
- Whether or not solar battery storage is worth it depends on your household's personal energy usage habits, including how much energy the household uses, their electricity plan, available solar feed-in tariffs, rebates, and incentives. The best returns come from optimising and effectively managing your solar battery with the help of energy consultants like the Solarhub & ActewAGL Smart Energy Hub team.
ActewAGL's energy saving tips are designed to help you take control of your energy use, while reducing your bills and environmental impact. Save with great value energy plans backed by our sustainability promise, supported by 100% local, award-winning service.
For more information about how you can transition to an energy-efficient home visit the Solarhub & ActewAGL Smart Energy Hub today.
Sources
https://solarhub.net.au/smart-energy-hub/
https://solarhub.net.au/battery-storage/
Disclaimer: These Energy Savings tips and articles are for information purposes only. Please ensure you are aware of any safety precautions before operating appliances or products.
