When Does the Solar Rebate End in Victoria | Full Guide 2023

When does the solar rebate end in victoria

Energy experts are confident that the extended solar incentives program launched by the federal government and the state government would accelerate radical departure from gas as it strives to cut carbon emissions in half by the end of the decade. Along with the government rebate, which comes in the form of certificates, there is also a solar rebate in Victoria in place known as the solar homes program for the resident of Victoria.  

The Federal Australian Government solar rebate is set to end by the year 2030. That brings us to the topic, when does the solar rebate end in Victoria? The straight forward answer to this question is, it hasn’t been decided yet. However, the government website does release the rebate amounts allocated for solar, batteries, solar hot water and business every second Wednesday of each month.

Victorian Solar Rebate- What Exactly is Available?

So, under the solar homes program, there are several rebates for different needs of the house that ultimately contributes to lowering your electric bills and decreasing your carbon footprint. Which are-

  • Solar panel (PV) rebate – Current rebate value is a maximum of $1400
  • Solar for rentals rebate – Current rebate value is a maximum of $1400
  • Solar battery rebate – Current rebate value is $2950
  • Solar hot water rebate – Current rebate value is $1000
  • Solar for business rebate- Current rebate value is $3500

NB- the aforementioned amounts are subject to change. To be informed on the subject at all times, please follow the government website or get in touch with us.

solar rebate vic

The Nitty-gritty of The Solar Homes Program- VIC Solar Rebate

The Victorian government is providing with this phenomenal opportunity for your household to take full advantage of solar. Wondering if you can embrace both the federal (STC solar rebate) and the state rebate at the same time to double the benefits? You absolutely can. But keep this mind that you can only grab one incentive from the solar homes program.

Not just the $1400 PV rebate, you can also claim an equal amount in the form of an interest-free loan. This loan shall be paid off in the span of 4 years. That means if your solar system costs around $2800, initially, you will have to pay $0 upfront cost.

You cannot just claim the monetary benefits and the interest-free loan directly from the government. You will have to make a deal with a government-approved installer like us, who will claim the rebate by going through all the official processes on your behalf and adjusting the amount from the cost of installation.

In this context, there can be many situations one could be facing. Those who are homeowners and those who are not; those who already have a rooftop solar system and those who don’t; those who are looking forward to installing a home solar battery, all of these situations require different actions.

Firstly, the ones who do not have a PV system. In this case, the government rebate on solar, the rebate comes in a straightforward manner. Upon meeting all the eligibility criteria, you can claim the solar rebate, which will be calculated on the basis of your system size and cost, amounting to $1400 max. Along with this, you are also free to claim the $1400 interest-free loan. If you already have a PV system, it has to be 5kW or greater to claim one of the incentives from the solar homes program. Under-construction houses are eligible to claim the PV rebate upon meeting the criteria.

That is general business when it comes to installing solar panels.

There are also incentives for installing the solar battery, but when you have already claimed another rebate under the solar homes program, the battery rebate will not be available.

Houses that are connected to the grid can only claim the Vic solar battery rebate, not the off grid houses, unfortunately. Also, the homes which are under construction are also not eligible to claim the battery rebate amounting to $2950 max.

Keep in mind that you will have to apply for pre-approval from the Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) before adding solar batteries, as they will be grid connected to be qualified under the VIC rebate program.

How Does the Process go of Claiming the VIC Solar Rebate – Step by Step

authorised installer

The process is not that complicated. But you must appoint a government-approved retailer and also use all the approved components (solar panel, battery, inverter) to claim the rebate. Here is how the process goes from start to finish-

Step 1: You have to get in touch with an authorised solar retailer and get a quote from them.

Step 2: Upload the received quote in the Solar VIC portal.

Step 3: Check your eligibility to receive the solar rebate.

Step 4: You will receive confirmation from them after a while. Be patient in this step and avoid any monetary deals until you receive the final confirmation from the government.

Step 5: If you are proven to be eligible, you will receive a unique eligibility number and a QR code.

Step 6: Provide the QR and code to the installer to scan, and they can proceed with the installation.

Am I Eligible?

Here are some general eligibility criteria to receive the VIC solar rebate-

  • Your combined taxable household income shall not surpass $180,000 per annum
  • The property on which the system will be installed must not be valued at more than 3 million AUD
  • No rebates/incentives were received prior to this one under the solar homes program
  • Only those who have installed solar before 1st November 2009 can apply for VIC solar rebate to install or expand the existing system
  • Required documents – proof of income, proof of property ownership, council rates notice etc.

You can be eligible for both the federal and state rebate at the same time. There are several online STC certificate calculator online to get a rough idea too. However, if you want to know specifics we can help.   

In conclusion, the entire process of claiming the VIC solar rebate might look challenging; however, with the help of experts in the industry, you can rest easy. Go solar and grab this amazing opportunity that our government is rewarding us with before it’s too late.

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Other Benefits of Solar

Other Benefits of Solar

What are other Solar Benefits?

Anytime you can make your own electricity, that’s energy that you don’t have to purchase from your local utility your winning!
As electricity costs continue to increase, especially with longer and hotter summers predicted as our climate continues to warm, making the switch to solar is the best way to lock in decades of predictable energy savings. Go even further and add a battery for extra security when the grid goes down.
off grid solar
If you’re considering solar for your home or business, don’t just stop with the monetary savings as your main source of motivation. It’s also important to consider the following four eco-friendly advantages:

Going solar will reduce greenhouse gas and CO2emissions

Going solar will reduce greenhouse gas and CO2emissions
The average Australian home consumes on average 19 kWh of electricity per day. Even a modestly-sized solar energy system can easily reduce that number by 80% while many can even approach 100%. Even at these levels, the environmental impact of solar is substantial.

Add an electric vehicle (EV)

EV charger
It’s pretty obvious that driving an electric car means fewer if any, visits to the petrol station. Opting for an EV also means offsetting 100% of a traditional car’s harmful C02 emissions. But what many people don’t realize is that if you charge that EV from a non-solar home, all you’re doing is moving the energy cost from the petrol station to your monthly energy bill. A properly designed solar energy system will power your home AND your car while!

Solar reduces water pollution

Solar reduces water pollution
This one is a little less obvious, but certainly one of the biggest environmental advantages of solar. While all manufacturing processes require some water, including those used to make solar panels, the total amount of water needed to generate solar electricity is dramatically less than more traditional electricity sources. Older technologies such as nuclear, natural gas, coal, and hydroelectric facilities, all require massive amounts of water.
With solar energy, there’s almost no risk to local water resources, nor does their operation strain local supplies by competing with agriculture, drinking systems, and other vital water needs.

Solar reduces strain on nonrenewable resources

Solar reduces strain on nonrenewable resources
The global population will continue to grow, but our Earth only has a nonrenewable amount of oil, coal, and natural gas to give up. The sun is Earth’s most abundant energy source, producing a staggering 173,000 terawatts of solar energy every second! That’s more than 10,000 times the world’s total combined energy use and it’s available again and again. In contrast, fossil fuels are dirty and totally non-renewable. At some point, they will simply be gone. Going solar is the best way to hedge against the reality of dwindling resources.

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When Does the Government Solar Rebate End | Update 2022

When Does the Government Solar Rebate End
Under the federal government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET), there are separate schemes to facilitate the solar rebate in order to encourage  consumers into getting a solar panel system. There are federal as well as state incentives in place to encourage the green energy source usage in people’s lives. This way, Australia can transition into becoming one of the leading countries to emit less and less Green House Gases (GHG) in the upcoming years. The government does not plan on continuing the scheme forever. So, when does the government solar rebate end? All the schemes under the RET will be put to an end by the year 2030. So, as time passes, your chances of claiming the rebate reduce bit by bit.
government solar rebate
There are many aspects of the rebate and adjacent facts about it. Under the RET, there are mainly two schemes that provide small-scale solar owners and large-scale solar owners with a financial incentive that helps keep the prices down.
Keep on reading to know more about the government rebate.

Renewable Energy Target

Australia’s federal government established the Renewable Energy Target (RET) in 2008. Two programs under the RET make it easier for owners of small- and large-scale systems to get Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) and Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), respectively.
These certificates each represent a megawatt-hour of power that was conserved via the use of renewable energy sources. Prices for LGCs and STCs are determined by supply and demand for the certificates rather than by any one body.

What is STC?

STCs are available to households and small enterprises who have or need solar panel systems with a capacity of 100KW or less. Additionally, the yearly electrical products cannot be no more than 250kW. Within a year of installation, certificates must be generated.
Keep in mind that STCs may only be produced by installers who have been certified by the Clean Energy Council (CEC). Additionally, all three components—panels, inverter, and battery—must be included on the CEC list of permitted parts. They won’t be qualified for the program if they don’t.
solar rebate
With this plan in place, the Australian government is attempting to shift some of the burdens away from non-renewable energy sources, which is the main culprit behind increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Deeming Period

In the year 2030, the government intends to abolish the initiative. The financial incentives or the STCs formation permit rate gradually but certainly decrease with each passing year. The deeming period denotes this timeline.
Essentially, it’s the number that tells you how many years are left before the government rebates end, and it’s used to calculate the number of certificates (STCs) to be generated by the approved installers. Simply put, on that premise, a preliminary estimate of STC is produced.
The first calculation of the number of certificates that may be produced is done by adding the estimated amount of MWh of energy that can be obtained from renewable sources up until the year 2030.
But this figure is impacted by the diminishing deeming period, so the earlier one installs an energy-saving technology, the greater the financial incentives one may receive, and vice versa.
small scale technology certificate

State Solar Rebate

Apart from the federal solar incentives, there are also state solar rebates for specific states that make the transition to the greener source even smoother.
The Victorian government is offering up to a $1400 rebate for PV installation to its residents. With that, there is also an option to claim an interest-free loan of the same amount if the residents are proven to be eligible for such a scheme. A set number of rebates are allocated with each release, and currently, there are 9705 numbers of rebates waiting to be claimed by Victorian residents.
Know more about the Victorian state solar rebate here.
There is also a state rebate scheme going on for the residents of NSW. This initiative offers free 3kWh solar energy systems to low-income homes in a few NSW areas. If you reside in one of the Central Coast, North Coast, South Sydney, Shoalhaven Illawarra, or South Coast low-income household rebate regions, you may be eligible for a free solar system from the NSW government.
However, keep in mind that in order to use the scheme, people must own their property and be content enough to give up their low-income household rebate for 10 years.
Know more about the NSW state solar rebate here.

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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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Power Generator VS Solar Battery Storage | Which is Right for You?

Power Generator VS Solar Battery Storage
If you live in an area that faces frequent power outages having a backup power source always can give you peace of mind. To keep running your power outlets, you need backup options in the form of power generators, solar batteries, etc.; however, there always remains confusion about whether you should go for a diesel-powered generator or solar battery storage unit.
There are some advantages as well as disadvantages of both options. Depending on your household and expectations from your backup power, you must make the call on which one is right for you. In order to make the decision, you need all the right information, and here is a brief discussion on the topic-
But first, let’s get to know how power generators and solar batteries work.

Power Generators

A diesel/power generator, usually referred to as a Genset, is a piece of machinery made up of an electric generator/alternator and a diesel engine. Together, these two components transform diesel fuel into electrical energy. Most standby diesel generators provide reinforcements. If your power system fails during a storm or the busiest time of the day, they are designed to turn on and supply you with electricity.
Two types of generators are available, one is permanent, and the other is portable. The core difference between the two is mainly their capacity. Also, their maintenance and price point are contrasting for obvious reasons.
power generator
There are also other non-renewable fuel-run generators in the market, such as propane, natural gas, gasoline, etc. As these power generators run on fossil fuels, they will work if there is fuel to power them. However, they also have their limitations and only can serve you so many hours as your specific model of the generator can push too. Overuse of such machines can be dangerous for you and the machine itself.

Solar Batteries

Solar batteries are energy storage systems that are designed to store the surplus amount of energy that is generated by your solar panel system. Your rooftop solar continuously generates power as long as the sun is shining. You consume solar-generated electricity as the day passes by to do stuff around the house all day, but a quality solar system can generate more electricity than you can use in a day. Where does that excess energy go, then? It either gets exported back to the utility grid, or you can store it in a solar battery.
Solar batteries are smart pieces of technology that not only understand when and how much to store after your household needs are met but also, in the case of an off the grid solar system, can sense when to trigger the power generator to work in case of sunlight unavailability. Furthermore, solar batteries also remain in constant communication with the solar inverter to understand when to store energy. The entire process of running and using solar batteries is seamless and hassle-free. And the best part is, you don’t have to interfere; it does everything necessary by itself, unlike power generators.
As the batteries rely on non-renewable sources like solar, there is essentially no cost of running for them. You don’t need anything else but a plentiful supply of sunshine for the batteries to be full, of course, using solar panels.

Difference Between a Solar Battery and Power Generator

Here are some core differences between both-

Reliability- power supply and quality

Generators often provide lower-quality energy that is vulnerable to power surges and other problems that can harm electronic devices like computers. They frequently require manual startup, indicating that their power source is not continuous (unless you have an automatic switch installed on a permanent generator.) Home batteries can be configured to offer a smooth backup power source that starts up in milliseconds after an electrical loss. Also, less vulnerable to surges and disruptions are home batteries.

Labour and maintenance

Solar batteries can charge themselves; on the other hand, you must refuel your generator once or twice, even thrice a day, if needed. Additionally, households using generators must store conditioning chemicals, all of which must be maintained outside and might be hazardous.

Backup hours – runtime

If your generator has fuel, it will run itself. However, the possibility of the machine getting overworked and turning useless is also high. Solar batteries, on the other hand, can run without you worrying about them breaking down, but if your solar panels fail to yield enough energy to charge the batteries, that can be troublesome. Although, it is a rare case, especially for quality solar panel system designed by the experts.

Carbon emission

As the generator solely relies on non-renewables like gas, diesel, propane, etc., it’s inevitable for the generators to not emit harmful GHG gases. In contrast, solar batteries run on renewables which means zero carbon emissions.
solar power outlet

Cost of running

In the case of solar batteries, there is only an upfront and a one-time cost of purchasing and installing the unit. After that, you can expect to sit back, relax and enjoy the amazing perks of solar batteries. There might be occasional maintenance expenses which are rare when the unit reaches old age. Batteries run on free energy generated by the panels, and the source is our mighty sun.
The scenario is completely different for power generators. With the ongoing political tension and issues between major nations, prices of fossil fuels have skyrocketed. After you pay to purchase the generator, there will always be a recurring expense of buying fuel. So, it’s safe to assume generators cost more to run. Learn more about the price hike here.
In conclusion, if you are looking forward to an investment from which you can reap benefits for years to come and be carbon neutral, solar batteries are the way to go. Although purchasing generators is cheaper, the hassle that comes with them, not to mention the cost of running them, does not seem appealing to most.

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Do Solar Batteries Work in A Blackout

Do solar batteries work in a blackout
Solar panels are an amazing addition to any household in becoming energy independent.
Adding a home solar battery to your system can potentially make you invincible when it comes to blackouts.
Do solar batteries work in a blackout? Yes!
However, your solar batteries won’t function unless you have blackout protection. And there are other attributes that may or may not allow your solar system to function during such an event.
This might sound a bit complicated, so let me explain your options to stay connected to a power source even during a blackout.

How Do Solar Batteries Work?

Solar batteries are storage units of backup power on which you can rely in the event of a power outage or at night when the solar panels can’t produce electricity. Whether it is a grid-connected system or an off grid system, you can have solar batteries added to both of them. However, when offered a high Feed-in-tariff (pretty rare nowadays), solar owners tend to gravitate towards exporting power to the grid instead of storing it in the battery, losing power autonomy in the process.
solar batteries
A typical solar storage system usually stores the surplus of energy generated by the solar panels. The surplus being whatever energy is left after your average household needs are met. Solar panels can generate more than what you need if the system works at its peak potential, you have an oversized system, or simply because you are a light energy consumer and for many other reasons.
The point of having solar batteries is to keep you connected at all times. There are several types of solar batteries available in the market for you to choose from. For instance, there are 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 susceptible to damage if not treated properly. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are also growing in popularity lately.

Blackout Protection Mode- Home Solar Batteries

In order for solar batteries to continue working and provide you with energy, you have to have blackout protection mode. No, not every solar battery comes with a blackout protection mode; there are specific batteries that either have it or they don’t. For this, you have to have a chat with your solar battery installers.
Let’s imagine ourselves in one of these situations to get to understand the concept a tad better.
Suppose you are connected to the grid, and suddenly your area experiences a blackout. The first thing that will happen is your solar panels will stop working, meaning the solar panels will stop feeding energy to the solar inverter, thus having no power in the outlets. This is true if you have a grid-connected system without solar batteries or batteries without blackout protection mode.
blackout backup with batteries
It happens for the sake of the safety of the people working to fix the issue that caused the blackout in the first place. If the grid-connected solar panels keep on generating energy, then the possibility remains that the surplus will be exported back to the grid, being fatal for the workers.
In such a scenario, your solar batteries will get the signal of the blackout within seconds. Depending on the type of battery and how it works, the time delay may vary. As mentioned before, to trigger the blackout mode, your batteries need to have a blackout protection mode. Only then the stored energy will flow back to the house.

For How Long Can You Depend on Solar Batteries During a Blackout?

There are two things that can happen in a situation like this.
First, your solar batteries will only be usable till the point they run dry. This is simple; whatever much energy is left in the batteries, you will get only that much to work through. As the panels have already stopped working for safety purposes, there is no more energy to store for later. Point to be noted; this also depends on the blackout protection mode provided with your batteries. Depending on the battery manufacturer, your blackout protection mode will be able to handle a different amount of load. Some can handle up to 7kW, while other batteries can go only to 2.5kW.
In a different scenario, you can go for days with a quality solar system paired with a top-notch battery in case there is a blackout. For this to happen, your batteries need to have the functionality to let the solar panels keep working in such events. Of course, without exporting any energy back to the grid.
It goes without saying that with an off the grid system, a blackout has no effect on your life. As going off the grid means being energy independent and self-sufficient. It’s the ultimate protection from power outages, blackouts, and outrageous electricity bills at the end of the quarter.

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Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System

should i get a solar battery storage system
Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, low feed-in-tariff, and high electric bills, can you relate to these frustrating issues? If yes, then without a doubt, a solar battery storage system is the solution to your problems. Besides, if you have an outstanding solar panel system yielding a ton of energy, the surplus of which you are exporting to the grid in exchange for a low FiT, you can surely go for a solar battery.
In short, to answer your question, should I get a solar battery storage system the answer is yes, for the most part. However, in certain circumstances, it’s also not necessary to go for a battery; all of those, along with the pros and cons of solar batteries, are discussed below.

What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?

To tell you the truth, you are missing out on the best bit of having solar panels. Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind makes us feel empowered with their ability to exterminate our carbon footprint, not to mention the low electricity bill. Along with those good things, we also have the opportunity to sustain on our own, at least for power which is a massive deal. But without batteries, it’s next to impossible to become energy independent.
solar battery storage system
Without a Battery storage system, you are missing out on-

Free Power Backup on Demand

Solar batteries store the excess amount of energy generated by your solar panels to be used at a later time. But in case of irregular cases like your solar panels struggling to generate enough energy, you can use the battery at will. Also, when you conserve excess solar energy, you can use it at night when the electricity prices are higher because of high demand.

Being Self Dependent

You have gone through the trouble of installing solar panels on your rooftop. The goal is to generate as much energy as possible through this source to not stay dependent on the grid. When your panels are able to satisfy your needs and do more, it gives you the perfect opportunity to ditch the grid for good. Making you self-sustained and worry-free.

What Size Battery Do I Need?

I believe you recognize by now how solar batteries can be amazing at serving us with more power independency. So, that brings us to the question of how big of a battery would suffice your needs. The answer to this question solely depends on you and your family’s needs. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.
Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system. I repeat, this is just an estimation with no knowledge of your power needs; selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.
With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of what appliances you use the most and what requires the most power will help you. I would suggest leaving that to the professionals as the chances of getting the wrong numbers are high with a do-it-yourself approach, and solar batteries are just too expensive to make an error.
solar battery price

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage. Currently, you may anticipate paying between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.
Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.
Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to counter in many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner. These will influence the price range for the most part. Learn more about the cost of solar batteries here.

The Pros and Cons of Solar Battery at a Glance

I won’t blame you if you feel a little overwhelmed about making a decision because I understand it’s a tough one. So, here is a list of pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process-

Pros

  • Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining
  • You don’t have to care about power outages anymore
  • In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source
  • Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak
  • During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy as solar generates energy from the sun.
  • Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.

Cons

  • Batteries can be expensive, and that is the only weakness I can point out. Nonetheless, any investment comes at a price, and it depends on you whether or not that investment makes sense for you.
In conclusion, if you should get a solar battery storage system depends on your energy usage pattern, your living condition, your area etc. But as a general query, getting solar batteries to tie with your solar panel system is the best approach in your energy independence journey.

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How Much are Solar Batteries | Cost of Battery

how much are solar batteries
Adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, etc., as the primary energy feeder for a household is the best possible way to become carbon-free. However, if you want to completely eliminate your dependency on the grid and receive zero electric bills at the month’s end, solar batteries are the way to go.
Solar batteries are amazing; there is no room for doubt. Although, the pros of having a battery attached to your solar system is a clear win. Still, the question remains, how much are solar batteries? Here’s a brief discussion.

Price Range of Solar Batteries

Prices of solar batteries have dropped down recently due to significant improvements in technology and the availability of resources. Of course, that doesn’t mean they are cheap now, but the drop is astounding. Previously for each kWh of solar battery storage, you would have to pay somewhere around $3000 to $3600 for battery only plus the installation cost. Now, you can expect to pay about $1200 to $1400 for each kWh storage of solar battery. That’s almost a 52% price drop, and it will only get better from here onwards.
solar battery price
To make more sense out of those numbers, imagine a typical family of four. With no extraordinary power usage on average, they would require about 38kW to 40kW to live comfortably. Assuming they are not connected to the grid and have solar as their sole energy source, the majority of that power need will be satisfied with direct solar power. They will only require extra when the sun doesn’t shine, and that can be compensated with solar batteries. That power need can be assumed to be around 12kWh to 15kWh. Note that I am being generous with numbers here; you might not even need this much for a family of four.
Assuming that the family is in need of a 12kWh battery depending on power, that will cost them around 12kWh*$1200= $14,400 to have solar batteries tied with the solar system. Yes, by no means is that a small number, but you have to consider its advantages. Also, don’t forget it is an investment to yield benefits for the upcoming ten years at a minimum with zero electric bills. Now that sounds like a fantastic deal, doesn’t it?

What Influences Solar Battery Cost?

Type of Battery
Many types of solar batteries are available for grabs in the Australian market as we speak. Different battery types come with different pros and cons. However, there are two most popular types used for solar energy storage, which are-
  • Lead-acid battery
  • Lithium-ion battery
Lead acid batteries are cheaper in comparison and are the most popular type of solar battery at the moment. However, they are not the most efficient option out there, as they require regular maintenance. On the other hand, Li-ion batteries are seemingly better alternatives to lead-acid ones as they require little to no maintenance, charge faster, offers a greater DOD (Depth of Discharge), and so much more. But it’s to be noted that li-ion batteries cost more than lead acid batteries.
Installation
Cost is also dependent on installation as that is also a factor that adds more to the initial number. A certified and insured solar installer should oversee the installation of solar batteries, which is non-negotiable in order to achieve power independency. Making modifications to your current solar power system yourself can jeopardize the battery, and the system, so a do-it-yourself approach is discouraged by solar emporium unless you are an approved installer yourself, of course.
With the installation process comes labor cost, and this is also a factor that varies from person to person, depending on the installation site and the work time.
solar battery cost
Size
Of course, the size of the battery hugely impacts the cost. If you want more hours of battery backup, the battery will be more expensive, and vice versa.
Brand
Certain brands are expected to cost more because of the superior quality offered by them, along with the faith that comes with those brand names. For example, a Tesla powerwall will definitely cost you more than any other battery brand for its brand value, and outstanding quality claimed by the company. Other renowned brands also follow the same agenda.
Inverter Type
If you already have a solar system installed on your rooftop, you definitely also have an inverter. Depending on the type of inverter, the cost of the battery may increase as a whole. If you do not have a battery-ready hybrid inverter, your cost of having a battery will significantly go up as you are going to have to get a brand-new inverter with the system.
But that is not the only way around, you may get away with additional wiring and small changes around the solar system, but that is strongly subjective to your inverter type.
So, those are the factors that influence the cost of the battery. Please note that along with these factors, the numbers may fluctuate depending on your needs and your house. To be precise in this journey, and save money in the long run, it’s easier and best to consult with an expert in the field. Also, if you want to claim government rebates, all of your components and installation partners need to be CEC (Clean Energy Council) approved.

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How Long Do Home Batteries Last

How long do home batteries last
Home solar batteries are the only way for anyone to become completely energy independent. In a circumstance where you are connected to the grid, you don’t have the authority to dictate your power usage and may lose access to it due to issues that are out of your control. A solar battery grants you complete control of your power usage, making you self-reliant.
And, of course, home solar batteries are an absolute necessity for an off the grid household.
With that comes the question, how long do home batteries last? Do solar batteries last as long as solar panels? Let’s find out.

Home Solar Battery Lifespan

On average solar batteries have a lifespan of 5 to 20 years. Although that depends on many external factors like the type of battery, full cycle usage, dependability, warranty and more. But you can expect your home solar battery if installed correctly and in good condition to serve you for at least 5 to 20 years.
home solar batteries
Within the lifespan of the battery, there are two stages of that in which the battery backup capacity is divided. Which are-
Useful Life of Battery- A solar battery has a limited number of uses before reaching the end of its “useful life.” When a battery falls short of meeting around 60% of its nominal storage capacity, it is generally considered to have reached the end of its usable life. At lower percentages, the battery could still be able to work, but it probably won’t supply enough charge to fulfil your needs.
Warranty Period for the Battery- Your solar battery’s warranty specifies how long it will be operating properly under typical circumstances. The warranty length can range from 10 to 20 years, depending on the brand and model of solar battery you buy, with the majority being set at 10 years from the date of installation. A solar battery’s warranty typically ends when it fulfills one of three criteria.
  • Expiration of the warranty
  • Reached capacity (throughput)
  • Number of allocated cycles reached

Factors that Effect Solar Battery Lifespan

Battery type- There are many battery types available for solar energy storage. For example, Lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries etc. Among all these battery types, lead acid batteries are by far the most popular choice because of their economical price point; however, they require regular maintenance and are prone to damage if not handled with care. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries are also becoming popular recently.
Because Li-ion batteries 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
Despite the performance difference, lead acid batteries are still the most popular choice at the moment. But in future, the scenario might be in favor of the Li-ion batteries as there are many car manufacturing companies adopting to this change for the better. And the solar industry is also gravitating toward the shift because of the increased benefits.
Maintenance- It’s important to check up on your home solar batteries once in a while to make sure they are operating at their peak performance. Some type of batteries requires less assistance than others.
Full cycle number– When your home solar battery is fully charged once and drained entirely is considered one entire cycle. How many times one has repeated this cycle is a determining factor of how long will the battery last. Depending on whether you live on or off the grid, the number of cycles a day will drastically change.
Heavy usage Vs light usage- How many cycles you get from your battery will depend on your usage, and that can affect the battery life, as previously mentioned. So, if you decide to run a few appliances and light up your house using the battery, you expect to run through fewer full cycles per day. On the other hand, if you are a heavy user and run power-hungry appliances on the battery, you will run through more cycles, and your battery lifespan may decrease.
home battery lifespan
Home batteries are getting adapted by more and more people as the days go by. As they are capable of storing the surplus of energy generated by the completely green source, e.g., solar arrays, hydropower and wind. In order to become completely energy independent and to remove your carbon footprint, becoming self-sufficient with a home battery is the way to go.
Learn more about your energy pattern and how you also can become energy independent with one of our solar experts and claim a free consultation session today by clicking the get help button down below.

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