Victoria Shifts Battery Support Strategy: Introduces Interest-Free Loans to Drive Renewable Energy Transition

Victoria’s state budget for 2023-2024 made waves as it unveiled a billion-dollar initiative to revive the State Electricity Commission and propel the state towards renewable energy. While this announcement captured the spotlight, a more discreet yet significant development was unveiled regarding Solar Victoria’s assistance for home batteries. 

State Budget Prioritizes Renewable Energy Transition

In a groundbreaking move that captured widespread attention, Victoria’s 2023-2024 state budget unveiled a billion-dollar initiative to reinstate the State Electricity Commission and propel the state’s transition to renewable energy sources. However, amidst the excitement, a lesser-known yet significant development emerged in Solar Victoria’s support for home batteries.

Battery Rebate Program Update: Transitioning Towards Sustainable Financing

In a recent industry update distributed on May 24 revealed its plans to discontinue the acceptance of new applications for the $2,950 battery rebate program after June 30, 2023. Instead, the state will introduce a more innovative approach, offering interest-free loans of up to $8,800 to support the adoption of home batteries.

The industry update stated, “The battery rebate program will continue to accelerate the renewable energy transition, shifting away from traditional rebates and embracing the delivery of 4,500 interest-free loans, each valued at up to $8,800. These loans will be funded through the esteemed Solar Homes Program, with an allocated budget of $16 million for the successful implementation of the interest-free loan program in 2023-24.”

Seamless Transition and Program Design in Progress

Acknowledging the importance of a smooth transition, Solar Victoria is diligently working on the program design to ensure a seamless shift from the existing incentive structure to the new interest-free loan offering. While applications for battery rebates will no longer be accepted after June 30, the launch of the loan program is scheduled for July 1, 2023, following the completion of the program’s design phase.

Solar Victoria’s update emphasized, “Program design is already underway, and we are committed to delivering a streamlined and efficient process for interested applicants.”

Solar for Business Program Conclusion

It is worth noting that the Solar for Business program will also come to a close on June 30, prompting businesses to take advantage of the remaining time to benefit from available incentives and support.

However, the positive news for solar panel and hot water system users is that the rebates for these technologies will continue to be available beyond June 30.

Solar Panel and Hot Water System Rebates

The government has allocated 53,000 solar panel rebates for the upcoming fiscal year, valued at $1,400 each. Additionally, an interest-free loan option of $1,400 will be accessible to further facilitate the adoption of solar panels.

Furthermore, the government has set aside 4,500 hot water rebates of $1,000 each for the 2023-2024 period.

Please note that the battery rebate amount was initially set at $3,500 but was revised to the current $2,950 as of July 1, 2022, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the program.

With these exciting developments in Victoria’s renewable energy landscape, residents and businesses have ample opportunities to embrace sustainable practices and benefit from the state’s commitment to a greener future.

Solar Emporium’s Solar Solution

Renewable energy can provide significant cost-saving options compared to non-renewable. It enables businesses to reduce emissions, improve their sustainability credentials, and reduce future energy prices.  

Solar energy is Australia’s most popular renewable energy source. Solar Emporium’s solar system support makes it significantly more accessible for everyone to opt for a better sustainable future.  

With cost-effective solar packages, solar batteries, and EV chargers, our renewable experts can support every aspect of your renewable journey. So let’s end Australia’s energy dilemma with an affordable solution.

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101 Guide To Solar Batteries| How to Get Started?

101 Guide To Solar Batteries How to Get Started

According to a 2022 Roy Morgan research, over 3.2 million Australian households own a solar energy system. It is almost 32.3% of all households in Australia. And more recently, it is believed that nearly 70% of homes will own solar energy.  

Inevitably, as solar homes are increasing, the need for solar batteries also increases. So keeping that in mind, this is our 101 guide to solar batteries. This blog will provide Australians with all the details on how to get started with solar batteries.  

Solar battery storage systems aid in the resolution of a variety of solar energy issues. Connecting a battery to a grid-tied solar energy system allows the system to continue powering even when the grid is down. It will help with power access rather than disconnecting to generate electricity. 

Solar batteries can also help commercial customers reduce peak demand charges and become more resilient in power outages. Many state and local governments are restricting the usage of carbon and fuel-powered generators. 

As the popularity of solar storage systems grows, conditions continue to support solar adoption. And Solar Emporium is ready to support as many people as possible so that they can make their community a better place. 

Battery storage for solar applications helps to relieve strain on our electrical grid by replacing unstable grid energy with clean-green electricity. It allows heavy cycling and periodic full-capacity recharging.  

Several types of batteries are available to meet these specific needs. The cost of a solar battery, installation process, lifespan, and maintenance are all factors to consider when selecting a battery. But first, we need to understand the basics of solar batteries.  

101 guide to solar battery

Understanding Solar Batteries

Owning a solar battery has a three-part process. First, you need to understand the basics of solar batteries. Then you need to know what factors to consider before purchasing a solar battery. Lastly, you have to know about the maintenance process.  

What Are The Best Solar Batteries?

Solar batteries for home energy storage typically comprise one of three chemical compositions: lead-acid, lithium-ion, or flow batteries. In most cases, lithium-ion batteries are the most cost-effective option for a solar panel system. However, other battery types may be available.

How To Evaluate Solar Storage Options

Considering solar energy storage system options, you’ll encounter many complicated product specifications. It may create more questions about the best equipment to match your solar battery.  

To evaluate your solar battery options, you should first understand its capacity to store energy and power ratings. Then it would be best to compare the depth of discharge (DoD), efficiency, and warranty. 

Calculating the Size of Your Solar Battery System

Properly sizing your battery is critical. But consumers and solar installers may frequently overlook it. Batteries in PV systems are often undersized due to cost or underestimation of system loads.  

Understanding the customer’s energy requirements and correctly designing a plan that best meets their objectives is very important. Solar battery manufacturers’ online system sizing calculators can help simplify determining battery capacity for load requirements. 

How long will a solar battery last?

The lifespan of a solar battery varies from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type. Lithium batteries have a lifespan of up to ten years. Lead-acid batteries have a lifespan of 3–5 years. 

How Many Hours Of Energy Can A Solar Battery Provide?

Several factors determine this. These factors will help determine how long you can power your home. 

 The most significant factors to consider are:  

  • Number of appliances running in your house 
  • Your battery’s total capacity 

Considerations When Purchasing Solar Batteries

solar plus storage

Various factors should be considered when calculating the total cost of installing a solar battery to your solar energy system.  

Price: A solar battery with a low upfront cost may sacrifice quality and battery life; you may offer a lower upfront cost for a significantly higher future cost. But the need for frequent battery replacements may increase the cost over time.  

That is why, when deciding, it is critical to consider all factors other than price. 

Capacity: Battery capacity is significant because it represents the energy the battery can store. 

Voltage: The voltage of the solar battery bank should be considered to ensure that it meets the requirements of the solar system. Your solar energy system will include a solar inverter. Depending on the voltage of your solar battery bank, you may need to purchase a different inverter.  

The inverter specifications determine the voltage of the solar battery. Ideally, it should be installed on a system that converts DC-to-AC energy so that the voltage of loads in a DC energy system.  

Cycles: The cycles of a solar battery are the most crucial factor to consider. The battery cycle indicates how many discharge/charge cycles it can provide before capacity drops to a specified rated capacity percentage.  

Solar batteries with the same power, energy content, and weight may exist. However, the battery’s design, material, and quality will influence how many times it will cycle appropriately over its lifetime.  

Maintaining Solar Batteries

Let’s assume the installation process is done. But your work isn’t done yet. You still need to maintain a few things to have a properly running battery to power your house. Here are a few things you can keep on checking:  
  • If it’s kept in a protected space or not  
  • How is the backup process 
  • How much backup is the battery providing for your appliances  
  • Is the monitoring app or device working well or not  
  • Is the battery providing enough off-peak power  
  • Are the transformers working correctly or not  

Choose Solar Emporium for Solar Solution

The most expensive component of a solar power system is a battery. However, battery technology is spreading due to electric vehicles and the push toward renewables such as solar and wind. 

Companies pour millions of dollars into research and development to build cheaper, better batteries. This is excellent news for us. Battery prices have been declining over the last decade. Hopefully, this trend will continue with more advancement in the space.  

You now understand solar better than an average person. However, don’t stop there! Call Solar Emporium today or get a free quote for your desired solar solutions.  

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

What Type of Batteries To Use With Solar Panels

What Type Of Batteries To Use With Solar Panels

Solar energy systems typically comprise solar batteries and panels, mounting tools, and an overall performance monitoring system. Solar energy systems 

Most houses are connected to the grid. These systems are more commonly used for backup among homeowners. Many people, however, are looking for a replacement for their utility supply. One common reason people switch to solar is to avoid high energy costs. 

So what type of batteries to use with solar panels to avoid high energy bills?  

Various type of solar batteries are used as a backup for critical loads when the grid fails. You can choose from multiple types of solar batteries to use for your system. These solar batteries are designed to provide auxiliary power to the grid. 

As we all know, four different types of solar batteries exist in the solar industry.  

  • Lead Acid Batteries  
  • Lithium-ion Batteries  
  • Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries 
  • Flow Batteries 

Lithium-ion and lead acid batteries are the most used of these four batteries. For a detailed review of all these batteries, check out our last blog about 4 different types of solar batteries. 

Lead Acid Batteries

For many years, lead-acid batteries have been a reliable energy supply for off-grid areas. They are typically deep-cycle and low-cost. Lead-acid batteries are known for their high power and discharge current but low energy density. They can take up to 14 hours to charge fully. 

Because of their highly toxic nature, these batteries should be thrown away properly. Otherwise, it can threaten the environment. 

The flooded lead battery is dependable but must be watered and ventilated to function correctly. The VRLA comes in two varieties: gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM), which have valves for off-gassing regulation. These are appropriate for cold and warm temperatures. Although VRLA batteries provide enough installation flexibility, their temperature sensitivity may pose a challenge to people looking for a permanent alternative to their grid supply. 

Li-on batteries for bet efficiency

Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are becoming a more popular choice for solar systems worldwide. The development of this type of battery is heavily influenced by its application in the electric vehicle industry. Its prism shape allows ventilation which is beneficial in solar systems. 

Lithium-ion batteries have a distinct voltage range and charging response. A voltage regulator charge controller is used to charge them. Despite low self-discharge, lithium-ion batteries do not benefit from long-term charging. 

This type of solar battery requires little to no maintenance and has a high energy capacity and a long lifespan. Lithium batteries are evidently more expensive than lead-acid batteries. They may also need a protection circuit to regulate the current and voltage. 

Lithium-ion batteries can provide more cycles than lead-acid batteries. It makes them ideal for providing additional services to the grid. Lithium-ion batteries’ high charge and discharge efficiencies make them an excellent choice for solar systems.  

These batteries also lose less capacity when unused. That is very beneficial in solar installations where energy is only used occasionally. 

In Comparison, Which Battery Is Better?

Capacity

The capacity of a solar battery simply describes its ability to store electrical power. Because of their heavier weight, lithium batteries have a higher degree than all other types of lead-acid batteries.  

To power a 5.1kW, you’ll need about 8 lead-acid batteries, whereas two lithium-ion solar batteries will suffice.  

Because lithium batteries have a higher energy density. They can be installed in difficult places because they can also fit more capacity into less space. Both nickel-cadmium and sodium nickel chloride have a broad capacity range.  

DoD (Depth Of Discharge)

The DoD of a solar battery is the usable portion of its capacity, and a DoD of at least 40% is recommended for optimal battery usage. Lead batteries have a DoD of 50%, whereas nickel-cadmium batteries have a DoD of 15%. 

Exceeding this limit before recharging reduces battery life. In contrast, lithium-ion and sodium nickel chloride solar batteries have an 80% DoD, implying a higher usable capacity. 

Warranty Of Solar Batteries

When deciding which solar battery to use in your system, consider its battery life as the best indicator of its ability to retain capacity. One charge cycle is the chargeback up from a discharge and is the primary determinant of battery lifespan.  

In addition, the number of cycles your solar battery will go through will be determined by the frequency with which it is used. This characteristic varies even for the same type of solar battery and is influenced by the battery’s depth of discharge.  

A warranty is always a good indicator of dependability in any brand or product, including solar batteries. 

Effectiveness

The round-up efficiency is the difference between the available energy and the amount of energy used to charge a solar battery.  

The higher a battery’s round-trip efficiency with the DoD, the better. Regarding 95% efficiency, lithium-ion solar batteries win because they have the most conversion rate from solar power.  

This means that depending on the configuration of your system, you may need to install fewer solar panels and batteries. 

Charge Rate

Another factor to consider when purchasing a solar battery is the charge rate. It indicates how quickly a battery will be recharged when connected to a charger. It is expressed in fractions like C/4 function capacity.  

With a charge rate of C/5, lead-acid solar batteries can take up to twice as long to charge as lithium-ion solar batteries, especially during peak hours.  

Lithium-ion batteries and flooded lead-acid are ideal for full-time, off-grid power at various levels of use. If you need a battery for a vacation home or somewhere you won’t spend much time during the year, a sealed lead-acid battery is your best bet. 

It has a low self-discharge rate and requires no maintenance. 

You must consider power outages when purchasing a battery solely for backup purposes. It will help determine how frequently you’ll need your grid supply throughout the year.  

A low-maintenance battery, such as a sealed lead-acid solar battery, will be more beneficial if only used a few times.  

However, after examining other comparisons, lithium-ion batteries are the correct choice. These batteries have better capacity, DoD, warranty, and charge rate.   

Considering these parameters, you can accurately plan and install your solar system. You can choose which type of solar battery is best for you based on your intended system use.  

What Is A Solar Charge Controller?

The solar charge controller is a device that connects your solar panels and batteries. The controller ensures that your batteries are not “overcharged.” Overcharging your batteries causes them to overheat and catch fire. 

A controller also determines how to properly charge your batteries by varying the flow of amps and voltage rate based on the battery manufacturer’s recommended specifications. 

The market is flooded with low-cost solar charge controllers. There are better places to cut corners. Spend a little more money on a high-quality solar charge controller. 

All batteries are replaced at some point. Therefore, you need to decide wisely on the storage system. You’ll need to spend more time researching if you buy expensive batteries. It will help manage them more to get the most out of them.  

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

What Are The 4 Different Types Of Solar Batteries?

What Are The 4 Different Types Of Solar Batteries

Before getting a solar battery, you need to know the different types of solar batteries and their specifications. There are 4 different types of solar batteries available for you.  

Let’s get a background of solar batteries first!  

In summary, solar batteries store excess energy produced by solar panels. When energy output is low, you may use the excess energy to power your home. For example, you can use the sun’s energy on cloudy and rainy days or even after sunset.  

Using solar plus storage depends on various reasons like climate and topography to culture and way of life. Most people in Australia work during the day. Therefore, automatically they consume less energy during the daytime.  

But that’s when solar panels collect most sunlight to convert it to electricity. And that’s what demands the development of storage technology.  

Differences Between Solar Batteries and Regular Batteries

Solar batteries are specifically built to store and release renewable energy on demand. They are made with different materials than ordinary batteries to handle the slower charge/discharge rates associated with dependable solar energy sources. 

Traditional batteries have limited energy stored in a single cell, making speedy charging difficult. Solar batteries, on the other hand, have two or more cells and may provide electricity for a much longer period. 

Solar batteries can also be lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or lithium-ion. Instead of a standard battery, a solar system will provide more energy over time and not leak heavy metals into the environment after completing its life cycle. 

Solar Battery Types

different types of solar batteries

Four primary types of batteries are used to store electricity from solar power systems. The following section summarizes commercially available technologies and information on each type. 

Lithium-ion Batteries

Maintenance of Lithium-ion batteries is relatively easy. These batteries have higher energy density than other batteries. That’s how they can store more energy in a smaller space. Li-ion batteries also have a longer life cycle. Most of the batteries are guaranteed at least ten years.  

However, one of the most significant downsides of lithium-ion batteries is their higher cost than other energy storage technologies.  

Furthermore, because of their chemistry, lithium-ion storage systems are more likely to catch fire due to a phenomenon known as thermal runaway.  

Although, if properly fitted, the chances of your battery catching fire are almost zero.  

Lithium-ion batteries are ideal for residential solar installations because they can store more energy in a smaller space and allow you to utilise more of the stored energy. 

Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries

Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries are less popular than lead acid or lithium-ion batteries.   

These batteries first came into the market in the late 1800s. After the remodelling in the 1980s, they considerably boosted the energy they could store. Ni-Cd batteries are the most popular in the aircraft industry.  

The fundamental advantage of Ni-Cd batteries is their long life. They are also capable of operating at high temperatures. Furthermore, they are almost maintenance-free and do not require complex battery management systems. 

But Ni-Cd batteries are exceedingly poisonous because of cadmium. Consequently, cadmium use is prohibited in various countries. They are also vulnerable to the memory effect, which reduces their ability to keep a charge.  

But because of their endurance, Ni-Cd batteries are useful for large-scale applications such as utility solar energy storage.  

Flow Batteries

Flow batteries are a new technology in the energy storage industry. They contain a water-based electrolyte liquid between the battery’s two chambers or tanks.  

When charged, chemical reactions occur, allowing the energy to be stored. These batteries are becoming increasingly popular. 

Because of their larger size, they are more expensive than other batteries. The cost and size make it difficult for household use. 

One of the best features of flow batteries is their 100% depth of discharge. This means you can use all the energy in the battery without damaging its mechanism.  

Unfortunately, these are far more expensive than other types of batteries. They also have an insufficient storage capacity compared to other battery systems.  

Flow batteries serve better in large-scale systems. Because of how they work, they must be huge enough to hold any significant quantity of energy.  

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries are the most tested and reliable technology in the solar battery industry. These deep-cycle batteries date back to the 1800s. And they’ve been able to stay because of their dependability.  

These batteries have been classified as flooded batteries and sealed batteries. Lead acid batteries are the least expensive energy storage, making them the most cost-effective. They are also trustworthy because of the long industry journey.  

To function correctly, flooded lead acid batteries require ventilation and maintenance. That increases the likelihood of the battery leaking. Also, their low depth of discharge (DoD) results in more frequent charging.  

They have a lifespan between 5 and 10 years because of their modest depth of discharge. Lead-acid batteries are ideal for off-grid solar systems and backup storage for a power outage. 

How to Choose the Best Solar Battery Type for You

The two main distinctions are the battery’s chemistry and whether it is AC or DC-coupled. Which battery is best depends on when you plan to install it, how frequently you plan to use it, and how much space you have. 

A lithium-ion battery is usually the best option for a residential solar installation. They can store more energy in less space, discharge most stored energy, and have high efficiency.  

Furthermore, because these are the most popular, many solar businesses can precisely and safely install a Li-ion solar battery.  

If you are on a tight budget, lead-acid batteries may be the ideal alternative. They have been used for decades and are cheap. 

Call Solar Emporium as your trusted solar contractor to determine which solar battery best matches your needs. Get a Free Quote Today!  

Costs of Solar Batteries

solar battery for excess energy

The type and size of the battery selected determine the cost of a solar battery or battery system. Lead-acid batteries have a lower initial price to the consumer than lithium-ion batteries.  

However, investing in a lithium-ion battery may save money in the long run, depending on how the batteries are used.  

Check out Solar Emporium’s lucrative solar storage packages! 

Depending on size and power, a single lead-acid battery can cost between $200 and $800. Although to keep a household fully powered, it may require multiple lead-acid batteries.  

On the other hand, a household lithium-ion solar battery system with installation costs between $7,000 and $14,000. 

Nickel-cadmium and flow battery prices vary depending on the size and scale of the installation. Because of the expense, durability, size, and stability in extreme temperatures, they are sometimes utilised in residential houses. But these are better suited for commercial and industrial environments. 

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

Number Of Solar Panels And Batteries Needed For Aussie Homes

Number Of Solar Panels And Batteries Needed For Aussie Homes

When it comes to solar, there is no one solution. It is exactly like shopping for other necessary products that you need. Every person has different solar needs depending on many factors.  

So what is the number of solar panels and batteries needed for Aussie homes? To understand everything go through this Aussie batteries and solar review. 

For example, a 5kW solar system typically comes with 15-20 solar panels. It is usually sufficient for an average Australian home. Still, putting as many solar panels on your roof never hurts.  

However, the size of your solar system is determined by electricity usage, how much (unshaded) roof space you have, your budget, and a few other objectives. 

Getting solar panels is only worthwhile if you install enough to cover your electricity requirement. Similarly, you want to save money on a manageable solar system. 

How do you determine the number of solar panels and batteries you’ll need to power your home? 

How Much Power Do You Consume?

The goal is to match your household’s electricity consumption with solar energy. If not, then it may exceed a bit. Ideally, your solar system should produce enough electricity to meet your needs.  

Thinking ahead is critical. Ask yourself the hard questions. Will your family grow in the coming years? Are you considering purchasing an electric vehicle?  

How Much Roof Space Do You Have?

We can only fit as many solar panels as possible in the space on your roof. Solar panels are typically 1.7m × 1m in size. 

It is critical to consider shading when calculating the size of your roof. Tree or power lines can cast shade on a portion of your roof. In that case, we’ll need to adjust your solar system or avoid these areas entirely.

How Much Money Do You Want To Spend?

The larger the solar system, the higher the cost. As a result, the size of your solar system will be determined by your budget.  

Like any other product, budget solar panels are less expensive than tier 1 panels. However, it is never worth sacrificing quality for lower-cost solar panels.  

A solar system is a 25-year or more long-term investment. Purchasing quality solar panels that will last for a long time should not be negotiable. 

Find more information about the payback period for a solar system here. 

What is Your Primary Goal in Installing Solar Panels?

Solar energy abstract concept vector illustration.

Some people purchase solar panels primarily to save money. Others are motivated by the wish to become more energy independent or by environmental concerns.  

Your motivation for going solar may influence the number of panels you require. For example, invest in a more extensive solar system to be self-sufficient. And you’ll also need a battery to use solar power all day and night.

Compare Panel Efficiency and Types

Solar PV is classified into monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. Each has a different efficiency rating as well as a different price point. You need to consider which solar panel system has high efficiency. 

Monocrystalline cells are the most efficient because they are made from large silicon crystals. They are also more expensive. 

Polycrystalline cells are made using silicone moulds. Therefore, it is less expensive. But also slightly less effective than monocrystalline cells.  

Thin film panels are inexpensive but much less efficient than other types. 

Before purchasing a solar power system, inquire with your installer about the solar panels’ life cycle and efficiency. Check the warranty to ensure a plan that will last many years. 

Understand Your Battery Storage Options

technician workers near solar panels station engineers checking alternative energy and using sunlight for producing electric

Solar PV systems generate the most amount of energy during the day. Consider solar battery storage if you spend most of your day at work. Solar batteries enable you to store energy generated during the day when the sun isn’t shining. 

The battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). If 60% of your energy consumption occurs at night, you may want a battery to store that amount. 

However, solar battery storage can be costly, so consider a feed-in tariff system to get the money back.  

Lifestyle changes can help reduce your nighttime energy usage. For inspiration, check out our guide on how to get the most out of solar. 

How Many Batteries Will You Require?

This is an interesting question. Solar batteries for homes actually depend on your goals for your solar batteries. Most people set out to reduce their grid electricity imports to zero.  

As you’ll see, most households have big energy storage goals with more expenses. But how many solar panels run a house? “What size solar battery do I need” is a natural question you ask yourself.  

Let’s go over how much energy storage an average Australian household will require. 

The average Australian home consumes approximately 16kWh of electricity per day. Please read this if you need clarification on the difference between a kW and a kWh – it is critical). 

Most Australians work 9 to 5 jobs and are not at home during the day. They will probably only use about 30% of their electricity when the sun shines.  

That means they must buy the remaining 70% from the grid. How many solar batteries will be required to cover that 70%? 

Solar Battery System Sizing

Regarding system sizing, battery sizes are measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. 

As mentioned before, an average home consumes 16kWh of energy. And 30% of the energy is consumed in the daytime and 70% at night. That mounts up to approximately 5kWh consumed during the day and 11kWh consumed at night. 

Based on simple maths, the average Australian would require approximately 11kWh of solar battery storage to offset all their night usage. 

As of February 2023, the Tesla Powerwall 2 has a capacity of 13.5kWh, costing around $16,600 fully installed.  

Remember that you do not need batteries to offset your nighttime electricity consumption. If you run the numbers, the first kWh of energy storage has the best payback because it works the hardest. As of the next kWh, the payback becomes longer.  

However, the most important consideration when sizing and comparing solar batteries is that it is only possible when you thoroughly understand your energy usage profile. First, you’ll need a good energy monitor in your home with accurate data. 

Then, a good installer will use their software to show you the optimal number of batteries and solar panels for your situation and the payback period. After that, instead of leaping into the unknown, you’ll go into your solar battery investment with your eyes wide open. 

Get Free Quotes and Professional Advice

At Solar Emporium, we take each client through a one-on-one energy consultation to design the best solar system for their specific needs. Therefore, we’ll handle everything about your solar panel installation process. 

Our experienced specialists will guide you every step of the way. They will work with you to design the perfect solar system for your family, considering your electricity consumption, roof layout, goals, and budget. 

Are you ready to begin your solar panels and battery journey with us? Contact us today for a free quote. To learn more, call us at 1300 063 350. 

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

How Long do Lithium Solar Batteries Last

how long do lithium solar batteries last
Solar batteries are the most valuable and rewarding addition to your solar setup. Among many kinds of solar batteries available in the market, like lead-acid and flow batteries, Lithium-ion batteries are considered to be the superior choice. The return on investment in Li-ion batteries is promising, which is why many solar battery companies and EV companies are gravitating towards it.
Now the question is, how long do lithium solar batteries last? Generally, Li-ion batteries are capable of providing you with sufficient backup for 5 to 15 years, depending on the brand, build, and how you have been treating the battery. So, it’s safe to assume once you invest in high-quality solar batteries, you can expect them to be by your side for a minimum of 10 to 12 years on average.
If you are wondering about battery backup in case of a power outage or a blackout of several days, then there are many attributes to take into account in this instance. How big the battery is and what you plan to run using the battery is what will shape the figure in hours of battery backup.

Brief Discussion on How Li-ion Batteries Work

For your ease of understanding, let us discuss the battery on a cellular level in its simplest form. So, in its simplest form, Li-ion battery, the anode (negative side) is made out of graphite, and the cathode (positive side) is made of lithium metal oxide, which is the essence of this battery. Both the anode and cathode are submerged in an electrolyte which in this case is lithium salt. Also, there is a separator in between, which helps in the exchange of electrons.
how long do solar batteries last
While the entire system is up and running, positive ions of lithium flow through the electrolyte to the negative side of the system to the anode to form a bond with the carbon of that side. While this is happening, an electron gets released in the cathode side as a reaction to what’s happening as a whole. So, the lithium metal oxide is now a lithium-ion, metal oxide, and a stray electron. This is what happens at the cellular level when you are charging the lithium cell.
Now let’s see what happens when you discharge electricity from it, AKA using the battery. At this stage, the electron flows in the opposite direction, which is basically what electricity is. A load is connected at this point of discharge, and the flow of electrons keeps the battery working.
Li-ion batteries are generally considered better despite being a tad more expensive than others because they are-
  • Smaller in size
  • Easy to maintain
  • Has a greater DOD (Depth of Discharge)
  • Offers more generic cycles to go through
  • Has a longer lifespan
  • Capable of fast charging

How Long Do Lithium Battery Last in a Blackout – Solar Battery Backup

On average, every Australian household that opts for a solar battery goes for no less than a 10kW battery backup option, which can provide your family with sufficient electricity for an entire day during a power outage. Here is a breakdown of the exact kilowatt-hour usage of a lithium solar battery if used strategically throughout a 24 hours span. Click here.
But if you opt for a battery even bigger, you can go for longer without a grid connection. Off grid homes are the epitome of an example of how a battery backup, along with solar panels, works in synchronization to run a household without any utility grid connection. The battery is charging as you use it or not to form a seamless flow of electricity in such cases.

Factors that Influence Solar Battery Lifespan – Dod

solar battery lifespan
Every battery on the market has a Dod (Depth of Discharge) percentage that the manufacturer advises. Dod is the maximum amount of solar battery that can be used before it has to be recharged. The more Dod, the longer you can go without charging the battery. If your 10kW solar battery, for instance, has a 95% Dod, you may consume around 9.5kW of the electricity before plugging it back in.
You can use the entire battery at once, but you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep it in excellent condition and extend its lifespan. Otherwise, this costly investment won’t provide the greatest results possible.
More and more individuals are converting to home batteries as technology improves because they are capable of storing excess energy that is produced by fully green sources like solar panels, hydropower, and wind. Being self-sufficient with a home battery is the best approach to eliminating your carbon footprint and becoming totally energy-independent.
By selecting the get help tab down below, you can schedule a free consultation appointment with one of our solar professionals to learn more about your energy usage pattern and how you can also become energy independent.

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How Long will a 10kw Battery Last – Household Energy Basics

How long will a 10kw battery last
Imagine going a day or two without using any power sources; even an hour without electricity feels like a lifetime! That is dreadful! Well to be honest with the rising power prices and increasing political tension between the multiple nations it’s a risky take to not opt for a 10kW battery backup as soon as you can. Likewise, with the availability of government refunds it is simpler now, but there is no assurance for it to be accessible tomorrow! On that subject, how big a battery should you opt for? How long will a 10kW battery last? These are all legitimate questions, therefore we attempted to summarize them for you in this article.

How Many Hours of Backup Can I Get During Power Outage?

An average household uses up to 750W to a 1000W of electricity during a blackout or power outage situation; assuming they are only using what is necessary to keep things up and going. In that case a 10kW AKA 10,000W battery has the ability to back you up for 10 to 12 hours at a stretch. If you don’t draw power constantly then count an hour or two extra in that time crunch.
However, there is something extremely crucial to understand in this conversation. You will be spending a good amount of money purchasing a 10kW battery, so I assume you would expect that to last at least the max guarantee years. To achieve so, you are going to have to abide by some the manufacturers guidelines to keep your battery alive and well for a long time.
how long will 10kw battery last
All the batteries in the market come with a Dod (Depth of Discharge) percentage which is recommended by the manufacturer. Dod refers to what percentage of the solar battery you can use up before recharging it again. The greater the Dod the more of the battery you can use before recharging. For example, if your 10kW solar battery has 95% Dod, that means you can use about 9.5kW of the power before plugging it back in.
You can use up the whole battery at a go, but in order to keep it in good shape and increased longevity you have to abide by the manufacturer’s rules. Otherwise, this expensive of an investment will not be delivering the best it can. Remember, frequently charging and discharging the solar battery will significantly shorten its lifespan.

A Realistic Example – A Days Consumption

For instance, you are experiencing a blackout. You have a 10kW battery with 95% Dod, that means the optimum kW of energy for you to use now is 9.5kW. In this case, let us look at an example of how and where you can use this power.
  • Medium radiator (heating source) uses 1200W and hour meaning 1200*4=4800W 4hrs a day
  • Three 11W LED lights is 33W an hour and 33*12= 396W for the night time
  • A 400L refrigerator uses 68W an hour which is 68*24= 1632W a day
  • A large flat screen TV uses 100W and hour which is 100*3= 300W for a movie and more
  • A vacuum cleaner uses 1200W an hour and I guess that suffices
  • A warm wash cycle in the washing machine uses about 900W of electricity
  • Miscellaneous use let’s say its 500W for power points to charge your phone
In total that comes to 9728W or 9.7kW approximately watts day being very generous in terms of electricity use. Pretty sure vacuuming during a power shortage situation will probably not be your top priority but we still included that in the calculation to paint a realistic day in most of ours lives.
So, How long will a 10kW battery last? You can see a 10kW battery is more than enough to run your household smoothly for a day if you fully charge it once.

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How Long Do Solar Batteries Last | Solar Battery Lifespan

How Long Do Solar Batteries Last
Due to the advancements of recent government rebates and many energy-saving projects, adapting to the renewable energy lifestyle is becoming the new normal. In that train of thought comes the idea of getting solar batteries. Solar batteries are the single most awesome addition to your rooftop solar that can double the benefits of having solar overnight!
Now that I have made it clear that getting solar batteries is something you should be considering, there are other attributes of a battery that you should know. Not all solar batteries will serve you equally, and even getting solar batteries now will not make sense for every household. So, before making the commitment getting to know about them should be your no.1 priority.

How Solar Batteries Work

When the sunlight hits the silicone-made solar panels, they start making electricity from direct sunlight and pass that through a solar inverter to transform the generated electricity into a usable form. Strictly technically speaking, there is no true end or pause of the electricity generation of PV panels until they hit their expiry date, which is like 25 years and 30 for some brands.
solar battery australia
Without solar batteries, the additional electricity generated by the panels will be exported to the grid, against which you will get Feed-in-tariff. Fit rates are generally not very charming. In that case, solar batteries are added to the solar system. They store that surplus of power for you to use when the peak demand hours charge a lot to import power from the grid. Saves you a lot of money in comparison to what you will make through Fit.
Getting batteries also aligns with the government’s recently developed Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS), to be inaugurated on 1st November. PDRS focuses on reducing energy usage at the peak hours of the day by incentivizing the installation of efficient gadgets and more. You can do your part by using energy-efficient gadgets and relying on battery units as opposed to the utility grid for a change. This change saves you money and saves mother nature in the long run, too; it’s a win-win situation for everyone.

How Long Do Solar Batteries Last

After purchase, a high-quality solar battery system should provide you with support for the next 15 years. However, there are batteries on the market that have an 8-to-10-year lifespan but are less expensive. To be honest, there is no reason to settle if you are considering investing in solar batteries in the first place. Because it is an investment, if you combine it with a high-quality solar system, clearly, it can give you free energy for as long as it lasts.
There are also many types of solar batteries which serve you at different capacities and run for a different number of years. The most popular types of solar batteries are lithium-ion batteries and led acid batteries.

Lithium-Ion Battery

lithium-ion battery technology is preferred by battery companies because of its greater DoD (Depth of Discharge), dependability, capacity to store more energy for a longer period of time, and smaller size. However, lithium-ion batteries are more costly than lead-acid batteries owing to their advantages.

Lead-Acid Battery

Since they have been available for so long, lead-acid batteries—which employ the same technology as the majority of automobile batteries—have been extensively used as in-home energy storage units for off the grid power choices. Although they are still available on the market at reasonable costs, their popularity is dwindling because of their poor DoD and short lifetime.

Solar Battery Cost- Would This Break My Bank?

Each kWh of solar battery storage used to cost between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, without including installation fees. For each kWh of solar battery storage, you may currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400. Prices have dropped by almost 52%, and things can only get better from here.
Does this mean solar batteries are now affordable? Not really, but the benefits of having a battery backup system more than outweigh the expense.
However, just like any other category, there are also luxury brands of solar batteries. But in this aspect, these brands tend to provide and outdo the competitors in many cases which come, you guessed it, at a price. For example, Tesla batteries. Tesla’s solar battery cost can easily defeat others in the category in terms of being expensive.
Additionally, there are several key factors to consider to make when purchasing solar batteries, including the battery’s kind, compatibility with your solar panel system, brand, and installation company.
Most of them will have an impact on the price range.

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Can I Add a Battery to My Solar System

Can I Add a Battery to My Solar System
With a vast majority of the population opting to go solar to retaliate against the increasing power bills and grabbing the opportunity of declining solar battery prices, it’s safe to say we are heading in the right direction. Many of us already have rooftop solar, and in an attempt to get the most out of the solar system, adding a solar battery should be on top of our priority list. Kudos to you, as you are already thinking about it, judging from the fact you are here in the first place.
So, the topic of discussion is, can I add a battery to my solar system if I wish to? The short and simple answer to that is yes, yes, you can. However, there are some things that you need to double-check before you think about it. Although solar battery prices are indeed falling, they can’t just be labeled as something cheap, not yet.
Before we jump to that, it’s essential to know the basics of how solar battery works.
adding solar battery with panels

How Solar Battery Works?

There are two types of solar battery storage systems to consider when on the topic. One is AC coupled, and the other is DC coupled solar battery.
In an AC-coupled system, solar panels produce DC power, which is then converted into AC electricity via a solar inverter. Your house appliances may then get this AC power, or it may go to another inverter, which will convert it back to DC so that it may be stored in a battery system. Any power that is stored in a battery system for AC-coupled systems must be reversed three times before it can be used back in the house.
On the other hand-
A DC-coupled system means that there is no inversion of solar power from DC to AC and back before the electricity is stored in the battery. Instead, DC solar electricity flows from solar panels to a charge controller that immediately feeds into a battery system. Any solar-generated electricity will only undergo one inversion (from DC to AC), either when it travels from batteries to your home’s electrical system or out to the power grid. With a DC-coupled system, your house is inevitably dependent on the battery for its primary source of energy if not connected to the grid.
Besides that, built-wise, there once again are several types of batteries available in the market. For instance, nickel-cadmium batteries, flow batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lead-acid batteries. Because of their low cost, lead acid batteries are by far the most common option among all of these battery kinds. However, they need regular maintenance and are vulnerable to damage if not handled carefully. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are also growing in popularity lately.
Now that you are familiar with the basics of solar batteries, here is a list of things to check before you can add a battery to your solar system-

Existing Solar Inverter Compatibility

As discussed above, there are two types of solar battery storage systems which work in two different ways. Just like the batteries, there are different types of inverters that do the energy conversion of solar-generated DC electricity differently.
Your existing solar inverter can be a hybrid inverter or a standard inverter. In case you have a standard inverter, you are going to have to go through a bit more trouble. I will explain everything; bear with me.
DC VS AC coupled solar battery
You see, a standard inverter is only capable of converting DC to AC for the house to use. So, when you have a standard inverter, there are about two ways you can go by. The first option is to get rid of this system and add a charge controller, which can regulate the solar energy into going to the battery first, and tie it with a battery inverter that will supply electricity to your house. Needless to say, this is quite the expensive route to take as charge controllers that are able to take such a huge load are not cheap.
The second route to take, in case you have a standard inverter, is to opt for an AC-coupled system. This way, your system remains the same; it just gets an addition of a hybrid inverter with batteries. In this scenario, when the grid is down, the hybrid inverter steps up to keep the entire thing up and going. Without the hybrid inverter, your solar system will shut down if the grid goes down, but with the addition of the hybrid inverter, the sine waves produced by it trigger the standard inverter to keep on generating electricity, which then gets stored in the battery bank. Also used in the house.
Then comes the situation where you have a hybrid inverter. In this case, adding the battery bank will be a breeze as this one is equipped to convert both ways. Thus, saving you the hassle of getting to figure out the whole thing once again.
However, there still remains the question of how much load the inverter is able to handle and so many other things. For all these calculations and figuring out, I believe it’s best to just leave things to the professionals.

Budget

With a minimum value, you can get yourself a working battery or an amazing one. You have to figure out what your needs are and take into consideration your area, your future demands, etc.; with the calculation of everything, you have to map out a budget for the solar battery. There are many companies, including us, who can sort you out a financial plan; also, there are government rebates to help you become energy independent.

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Should I Get Solar Battery for My Solar Panel?

should i get solar batteries for my solar panel
One out of four households in Australia has rooftop solar panels in today’s date. Can you guess why people accepted this change with open arms? To get away from the rising electric bills, of course. Also, with the prevalence of solar rebates at the federal and state level altogether, it made perfect sense for you and I to go solar. Because who wouldn’t like the opportunity to save money while saving nature at the same time, right?
Apart from all those good things, do you know what can make this investment even more fruitful? Adding a solar battery storage system to the whole deal. “But aren’t solar batteries expensive?” this is exactly what you might be thinking to yourself. Well, that is not incorrect, but aren’t cars expensive? What about a house? But we still invest in those assets, don’t we? Just like that, getting a solar battery is also an investment that goes a long way if you make the right calls at the right time.
It sounds a bit confusing with just that much information so let me help you out by answering your question, ‘should I get solar battery for my solar panel’ a bit elaborately.

Your Household Electricity Needs

The first step to figuring out if you should go for a solar battery is to know how much electricity you use on a regular day. Calculating that is simple; all you have to do is take a look at your electric bill copy. There you can find a breakdown of your average use in Kilowatts.
solar battery
For an average household of two people, the total consumption of electricity quarterly can be around 950kWh to 1000kWh, with 10kWh to 15kWh daily peak usage. This comes down significantly with the addition of solar panels on the roof and totally disappears with the addition of solar batteries. Since the batteries store electricity for you to use at your convenience, you will be using what you generate through the panels, scratching the grid altogether, and paying zero electric bills.
There is so much more to figure out in this scenario, but with the right assessment and experts working on your property, it’s totally plausible.

How Much Electricity Do My Panels Generate?

Assuming you already have rooftop solar panels, how much electricity they generate is a huge factor to consider. With a smaller solar system that barely fulfills your needs during the day, adding a battery will not be the brightest idea. A battery should be added to such PV systems that are capable of yielding a significant amount of energy.
However, there is an exception to the scenario.
If your area is prone to blackouts, or you get charged a stupidly high rate for energy bills, getting solar batteries in such cases is the optimum thing to do.
Also, if there is room for expansion of your solar array in case you have a smaller system, it’s a smart move if you do so. Because in the end, solar panels are the best way to generate electricity rather than depending on the grid.

When Do I Need Electricity the Most?

Let’s say you do have a smaller solar panel system. As we know, solar panels are able to generate the most electricity during peak hours, which are around 10 am to 3 pm. If you are not around the house at that time, which most people usually aren’t because of work or school, the entire amount of energy generated by even that small system of yours will be exported to the grid. Earning you Feed-it-tariff credits in the process, if applicable, but the credit you get in return is quite insignificant judging today’s market.
What can you do in this case? Get solar batteries so you can store the electricity produced by your panels in the peak solar hours. This way, you will have electricity stored in the batteries to use when the price of grid energy is high. Essentially using free energy when grid users are paying high prices.
solar battery cost

Price of Solar Battery

Recent decreases in solar battery prices are the result of major technological advancements and the availability of resources. Naturally, that doesn’t imply they are suddenly inexpensive, but the decrease is astonishing. A kWh of solar battery storage used to cost anywhere between $3000 and $3600 only for the battery, without including installation. For each kWh of solar battery storage, you can now anticipate paying between $1200 and $1400. It will only get better from here on out—and that’s a price reduction of about 52%.

How Long Do Solar Batteries Last?

A quality solar battery system should back you up for the upcoming 15 years to come after purchasing. But there are also batteries available in the market which last 8 to 10 years, but they cost lesser in comparison. To tell you the truth, if you are planning to invest in solar batteries, there is no need to settle for less; as I already told you, it’s an investment. An investment that can provide you with free energy for as long as it last, obviously, if you pair it up with a quality solar system.
Additionally, by switching to green energy, you not only save a ton of money but also drastically lower your carbon footprint and inspire others to do the same. It’s a crucial measure to protect the next generation from the dramatic and catastrophic effects of global warming.

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