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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Are Solar Batteries Worth it in 2023?

Are solar batteries worth it in 2023

Back in 2010, Australia saw a surge in solar battery installations all around the country. Since then, about 3 million homes have enjoyed the perks of rooftop solar, including lower electricity bills than those with just a grid connection. 

To paint a clearer picture, it is estimated that in NSW, per kilowatt of energy generated by solar panels saves you about $400 annually. You have a standard 6.6kW solar system on your rooftop, and your savings for the said year will be about $2640, which is $660 in a quarter!  

There is a way in which you could get even more out of your solar panel system; what might that be? Adding a solar battery system is the answer.

However, batteries for solar systems are by no means a small investment, so the question remains: are solar batteries worth it in 2023 as a homeowner? We will find out soon enough. But first, let’s get to know some basics about solar batteries. 

Types of Solar Batteries

Solar batteries, also called solar energy storage systems, play a crucial role in solar power setups by storing surplus energy generated during sunny periods for later use, such as during nights or overcast days.

These batteries come in various types, each with distinct characteristics and advantages.

Lead-acid batteries, including Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA) and Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) options, offer durability and cost-effectiveness, with VRLA batteries like Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel batteries being maintenance-free.

Lithium-ion batteries, such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide (NMC), and Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide (NCA), provide high energy density, extended lifespan, and enhanced safety.

Flow Batteries, represented by Vanadium Flow Batteries, offer a liquid electrolyte and are known for their extended cycle life and scalable capacity.

Saltwater Batteries, specifically Sodium-Ion Batteries, are environmentally friendly and potentially cost-effective. Nickel-iron or Edison batteries are durable but have lower energy density. Hybrid Batteries combine different technologies for optimised performance.

Choosing the correct solar battery involves cost, space, maintenance, and intended application, while ongoing advancements in battery technology may introduce newer options.

Reasons Why You Should Get Solar Batteries

solar battery system

Solar battery prices are not low, but the payback period goes down with the price hike of energy in Australia every day, and due to the current economic environment, I can only see energy prices rise.

According to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the wholesale cost of power in the National Electricity Market (NEM) jumped by 141 per cent in the first three months of 2022 compared to the same quarter last year.

That said, storing the surplus of energy generated by your solar panels sounds like a sound investment, doesn’t it? 

Here are some more reasons- 

End of Net Metering in Australia

Net metering is a system that allows you to send the excess power generated by your solar panels to the grid and get a portion of the exact amount back on demand.

People were utilising the grid practically as a storage facility when the net metering system was still in place, but that luxury is no longer available.

Net metering was available until April 2020 in the Northern Territory; however, the benefit is no longer at one’s disposal for solar systems constructed after that date.

Essentially, with the end of net metering, you no longer have the freedom to get a one-to-one net metering service (a kW received per kW given). 

That doesn’t mean you don’t have other means to store the energy in the grid; you do; however, that is not as beneficial as net metering and not certainly as profitable as having your solar battery. 

Solar panels can generate a different amount of energy all day, as the sun doesn’t shine as bright from sunrise to sunset.

The maximum amount of electricity generated by the solar panels is between 12 and 3 pm. An average Australian household only consumes a little electricity during that time since they are the majority at work.  

Studies have shown that, with the surge of electric prices off the grid, it needs to make more financial sense to store the excess energy in the grid; instead, having your solar battery and using it on demand will be much more profitable in 2023. 

Electricity Prices are Higher at Night

As a storage unit does require significant investment, you decided to export the surplus of electricity to the grid.

But, keeping in mind that an average household requires more energy at night than in the day, you will be paying more to buy back that amount of electricity you exported at night. 

So, it’s evident that storing the surplus in a solar battery makes more sense than repurchasing it at a higher price point.

Grid Outages

There are occasions in which people suffer from grid outages. It can be during a scheduled check-up of the grid, a devastating storm, or just about any other reason. It’s more common than you would think. In those cases, a solar battery can be your resolve. 

We are positive you would prefer to avoid coming home to a fridge full of rotten food. To have an uninterrupted supply of energy that you have all the control over, having a battery storage unit makes perfect sense. 

Yes, of course, you could opt for a backup generator, but they are noisy, and it defeats the purpose of having installed solar on your rooftop in the first place. It runs on diesel, a non-renewable energy source contributing to carbon emissions.  

Are Solar Batteries Worth It?

home battery storage

It makes sense for a large energy user to opt for solar batteries. They are worth the price, and here is why- 

Solar battery cost is significantly coming down as we speak. For instance, back in 2020, a 6kw solar battery cost about $10,000, which now is about $7,700

It is the only way to go for those who live off the grid 

Without the benefit of Fit, having one’s storage system saves on power bills even more 

Complete control over your energy consumption 

Power backup for days in the event of a power outage, and with the addition of solar panels, you can forget the grid.  

Solar Battery Storage Price in Australia: How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

It’s tough to figure out solar battery prices because it depends on many variables. For example, it will depend on your power needs, whether you have any power-hungry appliances, household size, geographic location, etc.

Depending on these variables, you can determine how much of a storage unit you require. Thus, That’s how the cost of solar batteries is estimated. 

But to give you a rough idea, the price of a kWh of residential solar battery storage can hover over the $1000 mark.

These include the cost of installation and GST. Remember that the battery brand and all the other factors mentioned matter in the end, and prices vary depending on those factors. 

10kw Solar Battery Price

As of October 2023 in Sydney, NSW, the current cost of a 10kW solar battery paired with a 6.6kW solar panel system is $12,888. This price includes two 5.1 kWh modules integrated with a 6.6 kW solar system. The potential payback time for this system can be less than 4 years.

The Tesla Powerwall, which has a storage capacity of 13.5 kWh, costs approximately $1,150 per kilowatt-hour.

When considering the broader market, solar batteries without the solar component typically fall from $900 to $1,200 per kilowatt-hour. The specific pricing varies based on the brand and model.

6kw Solar Battery Cost

The solar battery storage cost is how much you pay for each unit of electricity it can store, and it’s usually measured in dollars per kilowatt hour ($/kWh).

Typically, these batteries cost between $900 and $2,000 per kilowatt-hour. If you want a solar setup with a 10.2-kilowatt-hour battery and a 6.64-kilowatt solar system, it might cost you around $12,888.

If you just want the battery alone, without the solar system, a solar battery alone can cost $990 per kilowatt-hour. It includes a particular device called a hybrid inverter that connects the battery to the solar system.

For a specific type of battery called the Tesla Powerwall, which has a 13.5 kilowatt-hour capacity and comes with its inverter, the price is $1200 per kilowatt-hour.

Another type of battery, the Sungrow 9.6 kilowatt-hour solar battery, is priced at $1227 per kilowatt-hour. This cost includes a 5-kilowatt hybrid inverter.

If you’re looking at a solar panel system with a 6-kilowatt capacity, and it includes a battery with a capacity of 16.6 kilowatt-hours, the total cost for installing this combined system can range from about $19,935 to an average of $25,235.

The exact price depends on the type and quality of your chosen system. For more details, check out how much a 6kW solar battery costs in Australia.

Solar battery ROI

The return on investment (ROI) for solar batteries in Australia is influenced by various factors, such as the system’s initial cost, local electricity rates, solar generation capacity, and available government incentives or rebates.

Key considerations include the upfront expenses encompassing the battery, inverters, installation, and related components.

The cost of grid electricity in your area is pivotal, with higher rates potentially leading to faster returns, as stored solar energy use during peak periods saves on electricity bills.

Solar panel efficiency, battery performance, and lifespan also impact long-term returns. Government incentives, rebates, and electricity consumption patterns, especially during high-demand periods, contribute to overall ROI.

Monitoring technological advancements is crucial for assessing the economic viability of solar battery systems over time.

Seeking professional analysis and staying informed about industry trends and policy changes are advisable for making well-informed investment decisions in Australia.

How To Choose Solar Batteries?

To choose solar batteries in Australia, consider your energy needs, capacity and performance, compatibility with your solar system, warranty, and cost. Assess the battery’s kilowatt-hours (kWh) storage capacity to match your daily usage.

Look for reliable brands and models with proven performance and longer lifespans. Ensure compatibility with your existing solar system, and check for government incentives or rebates. Compare the cost per kilowatt-hour and warranty terms.

Consider factors like installation requirements and whether the battery supports backup power. Seek professional advice to tailor your choice to specific needs and conditions.

State Rebates for Solar Batteries

State rebates for solar batteries vary across Australia. States like South Australia, Victoria, and Queensland offer specific incentives and rebates for solar batteries.

However, rebate programs and amounts can change, so it’s crucial to check the latest information from your state government or relevant authorities for the most up-to-date details on solar battery rebates.

Solar Battery FAQs

The size of the solar battery needed to power a house in Australia depends on various factors, including your energy consumption, the size of your solar panel system, and your specific energy needs.

On average, a medium-sized household might require a solar battery with a capacity ranging from 5 kWh to 20 kWh.

To determine the appropriate size, consider your daily electricity usage, the sunlight your location receives, and whether you want the battery to provide backup power during outages.

It’s advisable to consult with a solar energy professional to assess your specific requirements and design a system that meets your energy goals.

Deciding whether to invest in home battery storage depends on various factors. Your energy consumption, goals, and dependence on the grid play crucial roles.

A battery could be valuable if you experience frequent power outages or seek backup power. Explore your area’s government incentives, rebates, and electricity rates to assess the financial benefits.

A good solar panel system may increase the potential advantages of integrating a battery. Consider the environmental impact, battery lifespan, and technological trends. To make an informed decision, consult with solar professionals like Solar Emporium.

We can tailor advice to your specific needs and circumstances, keeping in mind that the evolving landscape of technology and market conditions may influence the long-term value of a solar battery investment.

If you want to sit down with one of our solar experts and see if solar batteries make sense, contact us today! Reaching out for help is okay; we are here to serve YOU.

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All About Solar Batteries in Australia

Solar Batteries
It’s been forever since Australia is facing the critical issue of energy price hikes. In order to aid that wound, the government is also trying to compensate with several schemes, encouraging common people to switch to renewable energy sources. But there’s always a new level of reach to up our savings; getting solar batteries is one of them. They help you store energy from the grid or from your renewable sources so that you can enjoy higher savings at a lower price point & reduce your carbon footprint simultaneously.
Still, you have to consider how expensive these batteries are and calculate your ROI to see if they are worth the investment. In this article, I am going to address the adjacent factors to help you make an informed and sound decision.
solar batteries

Why Should You Get Batteries? Are Batteries Improving?

Before I answer why you should consider getting solar batteries, allow me to elaborate on how they have been improving over the past decade.

Yes, lithium ion batteries (the most common type used for solar energy storage) are improving, in terms of capacity, energy density, life-cycle, etc.. Also, increases in the amount of energy they can store have been on the rise of 5% per annum. That implies your present batteries have a capacity that is more than 1.5 times that of a decade ago. The new and improved batteries allow you to enjoy their benefits in a convenient space, and there has been significant improvement in thermal management that needs to get addressed.

Even better news for you because Australia is the world’s largest producer and exporter of lithium. Sure enough, there is reason for you to be hopeful; however, most of the raw material gets exported, but there are companies like sonnenBatterie who’re utilizing such blessings to make batteries a little more accessible to you.
Solar Batteries
With a significant rise of the energy prices, common people are opting for a renewable source of energy which is the smartest move to make here. But to take that up a notch, batteries are important. In comparison to the low feed-in-tariff, only allowed in certain states, it’s definitely beneficial to store the surplus at your disposal, generated by your solar panels.
Also, using the grid power to charge up your batteries to use at night when the unit price is high is a good option. But I completely understand if you are questioning getting solar batteries because of the high upfront cost, which makes you wonder if they are worth the investment.
Solar Batteries
Sourcing lithium, which is apparent that it is the main ingredient of lithium batteries, has not been a simple path. The cost at which this has to be sourced, especially a greener way of doing so, is not easy to manage, and scientists all around the globe have been looking for greener options.
So, to tell you the truth, there is no black and white answer to this question if you should consider getting solar batteries. Consider the above-mentioned factors and get to know your energy usage pattern in detail first. Then evaluate if getting an expensive solar battery is worth it or not.

Are Batteries Made in Australia?

There are only a few companies which are currently manufacturing in Australia. Companies like Century Yuasa Batteries Pty Ltd, Sonnen Australia Pty Limited, Enersys Australia Pty Ltd, Exide Technologies, Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd are the key players in the Australian battery market. But Australia has so much more potential when it comes to this sector. There are strong barriers as well to be addressed, which are a lacking supply chain, negative environmental impact, high labor cost, etc.
Lithium is produced and exported in considerable quantities in Australia. It is the most significant component in the production of energy storage and electric car batteries. However, the majority of the lithium is shipped as spodumene concentrate, which must be processed further to use them at all. Several Australian mining corporations are collaborating with international businesses to commercialize lithium extraction and improve operations in Australia, with the goal of producing battery-grade lithium.
australian made

As the worldwide focus on ethically and sustainably produced minerals heats up, Australian firms are increasingly looking at how to recover resources for battery storage. A number of Australian organisations are moving forward with promising proposals ranging from recovering storage materials from tailings (basically mining waste) to developing scalable, efficient, and ecological recycling techniques, as well as low-emission lithium extraction.

Governments Initiatives to Make Battery Installation Easier for You

What if I told you there is an ongoing rebate on solar batteries to end all the debate at once about them being expensive? Yes, there is an ongoing rebate for the Victorians on solar battery installation upon meeting specific criteria. If you are a Victorian, then you can enjoy a $3500 solar home rebate on top of all the savings that you’ll be getting through your existing solar panels.
Solar Batteries
Lily D’Ambrosio, the Minister for Solar Homes, stated the government’s amendments mean consumers won’t have to wait until they have solar panels installed to get the battery incentive.
Over 4,000 Victorians have already taken advantage of the excellent opportunity. This government project is worth over $1.3 billion, revolutionizing the solar battery storage game for the foreseeable future of the Victorians. Nevertheless, I must give you a much-needed reminder that this rebate is not going to last forever.
Also, there is a strict benchmark set by the government that you have to reach before being eligible to enjoy this golden opportunity. Click HERE to know how you can be eligible for this rebate.
“This change will make it easier for more households to reap the benefits of combining a battery with solar PV as part of their home energy system.”

– Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister, Solar Homes.

Solar Batteries
Fret not, my fellow Welshmen; there are amazing opportunities for you too. The NSW government is not falling behind in serving their people because they also have introduced an interest-free loan facility of up to $14,000 for a PV and battery combo and up to $9000 for home battery installation with an existing PV system. In both cases, the interest-free loan is repayable in over a range of terms up to 8 & 9 years, respectively. To know if you are eligible to benefit from this scheme, follow this LINK.
Solar Batteries
On that note, a key point should be addressed that we should not be stuck in myopia. Not only installation benefits but also to help the Australian battery industry reach its true potential, the government has to encourage and support it in every shape and form.
To this date, Australia is focusing strongly on mining rather than manufacturing batteries due to lack of expertise, higher cost, lack of incentives, and proper supply chain infrastructure. Grid-scale battery deployment has received considerable backing from the Federal Government’s primary renewable finance entities, ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency) and the CEFC (Clean Energy Finance Corporation). Lithium mining initiatives have also been sponsored by the CEFC. However, they have not made the midstream industry a priority.

By 2030 Battery Industry Could Add 34,700 jobs for Aussies

In these trying times, after the whole world has been severely hit by the pandemic, the battery industry can help save thousands of lives by creating more jobs. In a recent report, it was shown that the battery industry of Australia has the potential to add $1.3 billion to our GDP. This magnificent growth comes only from mining the raw materials, which are abundant in our lands. If we take advantage of our fortunate situation and start manufacturing, then $7.4 million in gross value can be successfully added to the economy.
Solar Batteries

What Does the Future Hold for Solar Batteries?

The future of solar batteries is shining bright, like a diamond, just like Rihanna once said! LOL. All jokes aside, there is a latent demand for it. Thus scientists are researching for a better and economical way to tackle the rising demand. Sure enough, we are heading towards a future where people will opt for renewable sources of energy more. And when the switch happens, we will be in a place where batteries will hopefully be accessible to the mass.

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