Home / Solar Battery Guide

Solar Battery Guide Australia 2026

Home batteries are the fastest-growing segment of Australia's solar market. Here's everything you need to know: costs, savings, top products, rebates, and whether a battery is worth it for your home.

LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 2026

Is a Battery Worth It?

Without a battery, a typical solar home self-consumes about 30–40% of the energy it generates. The rest gets exported to the grid at a low feed-in tariff (often just 3–6c/kWh). A battery stores that excess energy for use at night, boosting self-consumption to 60–80% and dramatically reducing your grid reliance.

A BATTERY MAKES SENSE IF

✓Your feed-in tariff is low (under 5c/kWh)

✓You use most electricity in the evening

✓Your electricity rate is high (over 30c/kWh)

✓You want blackout protection

✓You can access a state battery rebate

✓You want to minimise grid dependency

A BATTERY MAY NOT BE WORTH IT IF

✗Your feed-in tariff is decent (8c+ /kWh)

✗You're home during the day and use solar directly

✗Budget is very tight (panels alone ROI faster)

✗You're on a great time-of-use tariff

✗Your electricity bills are already quite low

✗No state rebate is available to you

Battery Costs in 2026

Battery prices have fallen significantly and continue to drop. Here's what the most popular home batteries cost installed in Australia, before any rebates.

Tesla Powerwall 2

13.5kWh · 10 years warranty

$10,500–$14,000

Industry standard, excellent app, backup capable

BYD HVS/HVM

5.1–22.1kWh · 10 years warranty

$6,000–$16,000

Modular (stack to your needs), very reliable

Enphase IQ 5P

5kWh · 15 years warranty

$6,500–$8,500

Longest warranty, pairs with Enphase micros

SolarEdge Home Battery

9.7kWh · 10 years warranty

$8,500–$11,000

Integrated with SolarEdge inverters, compact

Alpha ESS SMILE5

5.7kWh · 10 years warranty

$5,500–$7,500

Budget-friendly, Australian support

Sungrow SBR

9.6–25.6kWh · 10 years warranty

$7,000–$15,000

Great value, modular, fast-growing brand

How Battery Savings Work

A battery saves you money by shifting when you use your solar energy. Instead of exporting excess solar at a low feed-in tariff, it stores that energy and uses it at night when you'd otherwise pay full grid rates.

EXAMPLE: 10KWH BATTERY IN MELBOURNE

Daily stored energy8–10 kWh

Grid rate saved27c/kWh

Feed-in tariff avoided4.5c/kWh

Net benefit per kWh22.5c/kWh

Daily saving$1.80–$2.25

Annual saving$650–$820

In higher-rate states like SA (36c/kWh), annual battery savings can exceed $1,000. In lower-rate states like TAS or ACT, savings are more modest.

Battery Rebates by State

Several states offer additional rebates and incentives specifically for battery installations, on top of the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched in July 2025.

VICSolar Homes Battery Rebate

Up to $8,800

SAHome Battery Scheme

Up to $4,000

NTHome & Business Battery Scheme

Up to $5,000

ACTSustainable Household Scheme

0% loan to $15,000

FederalCheaper Home Batteries Program

Up to $5,000

Solar + Battery vs Solar Only

SOLAR ONLYSOLAR + BATTERY

Upfront cost (6.6kW)$5,000–$8,000$13,000–$20,000

Self-consumption rate30–40%60–80%

Annual savings$1,400–$2,000$2,000–$2,800

Payback period3–5 years6–9 years

Blackout protectionNoYes

Grid independencePartialNear-complete

10-year ROIVery highGood (improving)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do solar batteries last?

Most home batteries come with a 10-year warranty and are designed to retain at least 70–80% capacity over that period. Real-world lifespan is typically 12–15+ years.

Can I add a battery to an existing solar system?

Yes, in most cases. You may need a hybrid inverter or an AC-coupled battery (like the Tesla Powerwall) that works alongside your existing inverter.

Do batteries work during blackouts?

Most batteries offer backup capability, but it needs to be configured at installation. Some batteries back up your whole home, others just essential circuits.

Is it better to get solar and a battery together?

Getting both together is usually cheaper than adding a battery later, as you can install a hybrid inverter from the start and save on labour costs.

What size battery do I need?

A 10kWh battery suits most 3-4 person households. Larger homes or heavy evening users should consider 13.5kWh+. Our scorecard recommends a size based on your actual usage.

See If a Battery Is Right for You

Our scorecard includes a personalised battery recommendation and savings estimate.

Get My Solar Score ☀