As more Australian households and businesses turn to solar power, a common question arises: “Should I get a solar battery at the same time as installing solar panels?” The short answer: Not always, but it’s often worth it.
This article explains the benefits and trade-offs of pairing a solar battery with your solar panels. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to slash electricity bills or a business aiming for better energy security, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What Does a Solar Battery Actually Do?
Solar batteries store excess energy generated by your solar panels during the day. Instead of sending that unused electricity back to the grid (often for a low feed-in tariff), the battery saves it for later use, such as at night or during blackouts.
This means you can:
- Use your own energy even when the sun isn’t shining
- Rely less on grid power
- Lower your power bills
- Enjoy greater energy independence
Think of it as your solar safety net, catching extra power when you don’t need it, and giving it back when you do.
Why You Might Not Need a Battery (Yet)
While batteries offer plenty of benefits, they’re not always essential at the beginning of your solar journey.
Here are some reasons you might wait before adding one:
- Upfront cost: A battery can add $5,000–$15,000 to your total installation cost.
- Feed-in tariff (FiT): If you’re happy earning a small credit for your exported power, you might not mind sending energy to the grid.
- Time-of-use tariffs don’t affect you: If you’re on a flat-rate plan, shifting your energy usage may not save much more.
- You’re rarely home during the day or night: Low consumption means longer ROI on battery investment.
That said, delaying the battery now doesn’t mean you’re locked out later. Many systems are battery-ready, so you can install panels now and add a battery in a few years when your budget or lifestyle changes.
Why More Australians Are Choosing Solar Batteries
Despite the optional nature of batteries, uptake in Australia is accelerating. Why?
- Feed-in tariffs are shrinking: In 2012, you might have earned 50c/kWh from exported power. Now it’s often <10c. Using your own power is more valuable.
- Electricity prices are rising: The more you avoid buying grid power, the better.
- Blackouts are more frequent: Bushfires, storms, and network strain can lead to outages, batteries keep the lights on.
- Incentives are growing: Programs like the SRES, Cheaper Home Batteries Program, and state schemes (VPPs, rebates) lower battery costs.
- Electric vehicles (EVs) are rising: A battery can support home EV charging with solar energy.
Comparing Solar-Only vs. Solar + Battery
| Feature | Solar Panels Only | Solar + Battery |
| Initial cost | Lower | Higher |
| Grid reliance | High | Lower |
| Energy savings | Moderate | High (if optimised) |
| Backup power | No | Yes |
| ROI timeline | Shorter | Medium (depends on usage) |
| Eligible for battery rebates | No | Yes |
Verdict: If your priority is lowest cost upfront, solar-only might suit you. If your goal is long-term savings, backup power, and greater control, pairing with a battery pays off.
Ideal Scenarios for Buying a Battery with Panels
You should strongly consider installing a battery at the same time as your panels if:
- You live in areas with frequent blackouts (e.g. parts of SA, QLD, or Western Sydney)
- Your electricity usage is higher in the evening
- Your home has time-of-use tariffs (peak/off-peak pricing)
- You plan to buy an electric vehicle
- You want to join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) for extra income
- You qualify for battery rebates or government incentives
What Happens If You Buy Panels Now and Battery Later?
It’s entirely possible to install solar panels today and add a battery in 1–2 years. But consider the following:
- Inverter compatibility: Choose a hybrid inverter or battery-ready system now to avoid replacement costs later.
- Electrical rewiring: Some systems may need rewiring during battery install — a good installer can plan for this early.
- Loss of energy savings: Without a battery, any excess energy is exported, and you may lose value if tariffs are low.
Tip: Talk to your solar provider about “battery-ready” solutions that make future upgrades easier and cheaper.
Featured Solar Battery Products from Solar Rains
If you’re ready to explore a battery system, consider these top-performing models available from Solar Rains:
Swatten Stackable Battery – 9.6kWh or 12.8kWh
- Flexible modular design
- Scalable for growing energy needs
- Ideal for medium-sized homes
Deye 6.14kWh Battery
- Wall-mounted
- High efficiency
- Compatible with hybrid inverters
Sofar PowerAll All-in-One ESS
- Modular storage up to 30.72kWh
- <10ms backup switchover
- 97.8% inverter efficiency
- LCD + App control
For custom quotes or guidance, contact our experts at solarrains.com.au.
Final Thoughts
So, do you need a solar battery when you buy panels?
Not necessarily, but more often than not, it’s a smart long-term investment.
A solar battery gives you more control over your energy, protects against outages, reduces bills, and increases your home’s value. If you’re in the right location, usage pattern, or rebate program, getting both at the same time might be your best move.
FAQs
Yes, but it’s best to make your solar system “battery-ready” by choosing a compatible inverter and layout. This reduces future upgrade costs.
Yes, especially if you use most of your energy at night, or if your electricity provider uses time-of-use tariffs. Over time, batteries can reduce your reliance on expensive grid power.
Most lithium-ion batteries last 10–15 years and come with warranties of around 10 years. Performance can degrade slightly over time but remains effective.
Yes. The federal SRES, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, and some state-level incentives can reduce battery costs by up to 30%. Check your eligibility here.
This depends on your daily energy use. For a typical 4-person household, a 10–15kWh battery is usually enough. It’s best to consult with an energy expert based on your usage patterns.
