Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as more people search for effective ways to lower their electricity bills. For many, installing solar panels is an easy decision—after all, the return on investment is clear, with long-term savings and environmental benefits that make it worthwhile.

But what about solar batteries? While panels can significantly reduce your energy costs, deciding whether to add a battery to your setup can be more complicated. Many homeowners hesitate at the idea of spending extra money and wonder if the benefits of a solar battery justify the additional expense.

So, if you already have solar panels, should you go the extra mile and invest in a battery, too?

What is a solar battery?

Solar panels harness energy from the sun during the day, converting sunlight into electricity to power your home. This energy is used first to meet your household’s immediate energy needs. Any extra electricity generated—known as surplus energy—is then sent back to the power grid.

When you export this unused electricity to the grid, you’re compensated through a system called the feed-in tariff. This means you receive a small credit on your electricity bill for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy your solar panels send back. While feed-in tariffs provide a financial benefit, the rebates are typically quite small and may not fully offset the cost of buying power from the grid later, especially during the evening or on cloudy days.

Another way to make better use of your solar energy is by storing it in a solar battery. Instead of sending surplus electricity to the grid, a solar battery captures and stores it for use later. This stored energy can power your home during the evening, at night, or during times of high electricity demand, reducing the need to buy power from the grid.

What are the benefits of a solar battery?

Save on energy bills
With a solar battery, you can reduce the amount of electricity you need to buy from the grid. By storing excess energy generated by your solar panels during the day, you can use it later—such as in the evening or during peak usage hours—when grid power is more expensive. This can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bills over time.

Backup power during outages
Many modern solar batteries come equipped with the capability to provide backup power during an outage. This feature is especially valuable if you live in an area prone to blackouts, as it ensures that essential appliances and lights stay on even when the grid is down.

Environmentally friendly
Solar batteries are a green solution that helps reduce your carbon footprint. By relying on stored solar energy instead of grid power, you’re minimising your use of electricity generated from fossil fuels. Plus, batteries themselves are free of emissions, making them an eco-conscious choice.

Energy when you need it most
One of the biggest advantages of a solar battery is the ability to store the electricity your solar panels produce during the middle of the day and use it later when energy demand is higher, like in the evening. This ensures that none of your solar-generated power goes to waste.

Increased Home Value
Adding a solar battery to your home can increase its market appeal. Buyers are increasingly interested in energy-efficient features, and a solar battery is a valuable addition that can make your property stand out. It signals lower future energy costs and a step toward sustainable living, which are attractive selling points.

Your Solar & Electrical Experts

Established in 2020, Tropical Solar and Electrical Services is a locally owned and operated company servicing homes and businesses throughout Mackay and surrounding areas including Moranbah, Sarina, Proserpine and Rockhampton. Whether it’s power on the roof or within the property, we’ll ensure it’s running as it should. Get in touch with our electrical experts today for a free quote. We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.