Batteries

Benefits of batteries

Batteries help households use more of their solar energy by storing it for later, provide backup power during blackouts, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. They also support the electricity grid by easing peak demand and improving overall stability. You can install a battery at the same time as solar panels, or add one later.

How does a battery save you money?

A battery allows you to use stored solar energy instead of relying on grid power, helping you avoid high electricity prices during peak times, especially in the evening. It can be charged for free using solar during the day, or topped up from the grid when electricity prices are low, giving you more control over when and how you use energy.

Choosing a battery size

The right battery size depends on your current and future electricity use, the size of your solar system, and how independent you want to be from the grid. Choosing a larger battery now can prepare you for future needs, such as adding an electric vehicle, switching from gas to electric appliances, growing your family, or installing other high electricity using devices like a pool pump. Note that only trained, licensed and accredited installers can complete or supervise battery installations. The installer must be accredited with Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) and use Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved products.

Batteries for business

Battery storage can help businesses of all sizes to lower their electricity bills. Commercial premises often use more electricity and have more complex needs than homes, so battery systems may be larger and support multiple appliances, but the same principles of storing solar energy, reducing peak costs, and providing backup power still apply.

Batteries for strata

Batteries can be installed in individual units or across entire apartment blocks. However, there are many technical and compliance considerations and so it’s important to have an installer experienced in strata assess whether it is feasible. In some cases, individual units such as townhouses can use smaller batteries to store solar or reduce peak electricity costs. Shared battery systems can power common areas or be shared between multiple units. Individual upgrades may need strata approval, and systems affecting the entire block typically require agreement from at least 50% of owners.

Battery rebate

Households, businesses and community organisations can get a discount on the upfront cost of installing a battery through the Federal Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program (part of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)). Note that battery rebates reduce every 6 months to 2030. 

Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)

What is a VPP?

A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of home and community batteries connected through software, working together like a large power station to supply energy when the electricity grid needs it most. VPP participants can get paid for the electricity their battery provides back to the grid during peak demand. 

How VPPs help stabilise our electricity grid

VPPs help manage the growing share of solar and wind energy on the grid. By coordinating and accessing stored battery energy, they can reduce peak electricity demand and the risk of blackouts, particularly during hot summer periods. These connected battery systems also lower reliance on coal and gas, supporting a cleaner, more stable and resilient energy system.

Financial benefits of joining a VPP

Joining a VPP offers the following financial benefits:

• Receive a Government rebate: up to $1,500 to connect your battery to a VPP, depending on your battery size (up to 28kWh size battery). You must also have solar PV installed at your property.
• Earn extra payments or bill credits: your battery can support the grid during peak times, potentially helping you recover installation costs faster than using the battery on its own.

Considerations and risks of VPPs

VPPs help manage the growing share of solar and wind energy on the grid. Batteries reduce peak electricity demand and the risk of blackouts, particularly during hot summer periods. By reducing reliance on coal and gas, these connected battery systems also help deliver an increasingly clean, more stable and resilient energy system.

While joining a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) can offer financial and environmental benefits, there are some considerations and risks. You may have limited control over your battery at times, as the VPP can draw electricity during peak events. It’s important to review contract terms carefully, including fees, opt-out conditions and the duration of your agreement.

Frequent use of your battery by the VPP can also  reduce its lifespan over time, so these factors should be weighed when deciding to participate. Many people wait a few months after their battery is installed before deciding to join a VPP – it's not a decision you need to make before installation.

5 steps to getting a battery

Work your way through this 5 step process to installing a battery:

1. Background reading (see below)
2. Book a consultation with Council’s Energy & Solar Expert Advisory Service* (have your energy bills ready)
3. Find a good installer and get 3 quotes 
4. Investigate VPP options 
5. Review quotes, contracts and install

* Northern Beaches Council residents can access free support from independent solar and energy experts, including suggestions for your solar, inverter and battery size, through Council’s Energy and Solar Expert Advisory Service (E&SEAS). Please note that places are limited.