With the rising cost of elecricity in Australia, adding a solar battery to your existing solar system makes more sense with the average pay back on a system (for average housholds) being 5-7 years*. Rainbow Power Company have created this Complete Guide to what you need to know about hybrid battery systems, solar energy storage methods, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), incentive schemes, and how to keep your power on reliably. With the Northern Rivers region likely to experience more power outages than most others, a hybrid solar battery system means you'll stay POWERING ON, even when the grid is down.
Why Add a Solar Energy Storage Battery?
- Greater energy independence
- Saves you money
- Power at your place even during grid outages
- Better for the planet
A solar energy storage battery allows you to store excess energy generated during the day, enabling you to use your solar power at night or during cloudy periods. This significantly reduces reliance on the grid, lowering energy bills and increasing your resilience to power outages.
Australia is uniquely positioned to benefit from solar batteries due to its abundant sunlight, making it an ideal environment for solar energy storage solutions. Solar battery technology also contributes positively to environmental sustainability by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Hybrid Solar Energy Storage Battery Systems Explained
Hybrid battery systems integrate seamlessly with your solar panels and the electricity grid. These systems intelligently manage energy storage and consumption, allowing you to maximise savings and sustainability. Popular hybrid battery brands that we offer include Sungrow and the Tesla Powerwall. We recommend the Sungrow systems because they work in Off Grid mode and seamlessly switch over into this mode in a power outage.
Hybrid systems provide flexibility, allowing your home to draw energy from the grid, your solar panels, or your stored battery energy based on what is most cost-effective at any given moment. Recently, Ex-Tropical Cyclone Aflred hit this region and we helped hundreds of customers force charge their batteries to 100% to be ready for when the storm hit.
How Do I Get a Solar Energy Battery Added to My System?
Adding a solar energy storage battery to your existing system involves several easy steps:
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Assessment: A qualified solar installer will review your current setup and advise on compatible battery options (speak to us!). This assessment includes checking the size and efficiency of your current solar panel array, your household’s energy consumption patterns, and the potential locations for installing a battery.
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System Upgrade: If your current inverter isn’t battery-ready, you’ll require a hybrid inverter that can handle both solar generation and battery storage. Your installer will provide recommendations based on your system's specifications.
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Installation: Professional installation ensures your battery system is safely integrated into your home’s electrical system. Certified installers will securely mount your battery, configure system settings, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
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Grid Connection: We also handle all the administrative aspects, including obtaining necessary approvals and ensuring proper connections and communications with your electricity provider. If you're eligible, we can claim your STCs on your behalf as well as the NSW Battery Incentive Scheme.
Solar Battery Incentive Schemes
Several Australian states and territories offer incentive schemes designed to encourage homeowners to adopt solar battery technology. These incentives may include rebates, grants, and low-interest loans to help offset the upfront costs of battery installation. For example, programs such as the South Australian Home Battery Scheme and the NSW Battery Incentive Scheme provide financial support to make it more affordable. It's important to research local government initiatives and consult your installer to identify all available incentives to reduce your overall investment.
Impact of Falling Solar Feed-in Tariffs on Battery Uptake
A recent surge in household battery storage in Australia is significantly driven by falling solar feed-in tariffs. Previously, homeowners benefited from generous tariffs for exporting solar-generated electricity back to the grid, sometimes receiving up to 20 cents per kilowatt-hour. However, these tariffs have now dropped sharply to as low as 1 to 3 cents per kilowatt-hour, making self-consumption of solar energy much more attractive. With solar energy consultancy SunWiz reporting a 47% increase in battery installations in the past year alone, homeowners are clearly responding to these financial shifts. Batteries now offer quicker payback periods—around six to eight years—enhancing their economic viability and appeal.
What is a VPP and How Do I Sign Up?
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of individual solar energy batteries installed across numerous homes and businesses. These batteries are managed centrally to efficiently distribute energy and help stabilise the electricity grid. Participation in a VPP can provide homeowners with financial incentives such as energy credits, discounted rates, or direct payments for energy supplied to the grid during peak demand periods.
To sign up for a VPP in Australia, follow these steps:
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Contact a reputable VPP provider or consult with your solar installer about recommended VPP programs (we recommend Amber).
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Verify that your battery system, such as a Tesla Powerwall, is compatible with the chosen VPP.
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Review and sign an agreement detailing your participation level, financial incentives, and responsibilities within the VPP.
VPPs are particularly beneficial in Australia, where they help manage peak electricity demands during extreme weather conditions, reducing stress on the grid and benefiting the environment through optimised renewable energy use.
Who is Amber Electric and Why Sign Up?
Amber Electric is an innovative Australian energy provider offering wholesale electricity prices directly to consumers. Unlike traditional energy providers, Amber Electric allows customers to benefit directly from fluctuations in wholesale energy prices. By signing up with Amber Electric, you can take advantage of lower real-time electricity pricing, which is especially beneficial if your home has solar batteries to store energy during low-price periods and consume or sell back to the grid during peak price periods.
Amber Electric's partnership with various VPP providers enhances your opportunity to maximise financial returns from your solar energy storage battery. Additionally, Amber Electric promotes sustainability and renewable energy use, aligning perfectly with the environmental benefits of solar batteries.
How to Ensure Your Solar Energy Battery System Stays Online During a Power Outage
To ensure uninterrupted power during grid outages, choose a solar energy storage battery system with reliable backup capabilities:
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Select batteries with built-in blackout protection, such as the Tesla Powerwall or Sungrow.
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Verify with your installer that your hybrid inverter supports 'island mode,' allowing your solar energy system to operate independently from the grid during outages.
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Conduct regular maintenance checks, ensuring your system components (batteries, inverters, and panels) are functioning optimally and remain ready for immediate use.
Adding a solar energy storage battery to your home in Australia offers so many advantages, including financial savings, improved energy independence, enhanced sustainability, and crucial backup during power outages. Exploring hybrid solar energy battery systems, joining innovative providers like Amber Electric, and participating in Virtual Power Plants will optimise your energy use, create substantial long-term benefits, and position your home as environmentally responsible and economically savvy.
Enquire today about our Hybrid Battery Systems.