Key points:
- There are plenty of cheap solar batteries available for purchase in Australia, ranging from under $2,500 to $6,500.
- However, the cheapest doesn’t always mean the best; there are plenty of other factors to consider before committing to one make or brand.
With feed-in tariffs steadily dropping, now may be as good a time as any to invest in a solar battery storage system. However, it’s not exactly easy to drop thousands of dollars on a system that takes some time to see a return on investment.
But fret not, there are cheaper solar batteries on the market that will speed up the payback process.
In this guide, Canstar Blue lists some of the cheap solar battery storage units available in Australia for under $6,000. We also uncover whether it’s worth going for a cheaper battery model and what to look out for if you do.
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Cheap solar batteries under $2,500
Below we’ve compiled some of the solar batteries currently available on the Australian market for less than $2,500. Please note that this is an estimated price and does not include installation costs. Some brands listed may also offer models with larger sizing and capacity, however, these may come at an additional cost.
Pylontech US2000
- Total Capacity: 2.4kWh
- Warranty: 7-10 years
What’s good about this battery:
- Modular design allows for additional storage units to be added.
- Emergency Power Supply (EPS) is available during blackouts.
- Small and lightweight.
What to be cautious of:
- Can only be installed indoors.
- EPS function may be dependent on inverter compatibility.
Cheap solar batteries under $4,500
Below you’ll find some of the solar batteries available in Australia for less than $4,500. These brands may also offer models with larger sizing and capacity.
Fusion Lithium 48V 5kWh
- Total Capacity: 5.12kWh
- Warranty: 10 years
What’s good about this battery:
- Modular design allows for additional storage units to be added.
- Emergency Power Supply (EPS) is available during blackouts.
- Small and lightweight.
What to be cautious of:
- Can only be installed indoors.
- EPS function may be dependent on inverter compatibility.
genZ 48V 3kWh
- Total Capacity: 57.6Ah/3kWh
- Warranty: 10 years
What’s good about this battery:
- Modular design allows for additional units to be added.
- Off-grid capabilities.
- Small and lightweight.
What to be cautious of:
- Requires indoor installation.
BYD LVS 4.0
- Total Capacity: 4kWh
- Warranty: 10 years
What’s good about this battery:
- Modular design allows for additional units to be added.
- Can be installed inside or outside.
- Off-grid and Emergency Power Supply capabilities.
What to be cautious of:
- Works best in conjunction with a compatible inverter.
SolaX Triple Power
- Total Capacity: 5.8kWh
- Warranty: 10 years
What’s good about this battery:
- Can be installed indoors or outdoors.
- Modular design allows for additional units to be added.
What to be cautious of:
- No off-grid capabilities.
- Works best alongside a compatible inverter.
Growatt ARK 5.1L
- Total Capacity: 5.12kWh
- Warranty: 10 years
What’s good about this battery:
- Modular design, making it easy to add units for more storage.
- Can be installed indoors or outdoors, wall or floor mounted.
- Backup power capabilities.
What to be cautious of:
- Works best with a compatible inverter.
- Floor installation may require additional parts.
Zenaji Aeon
- Total Capacity: 1.93kWh
- Warranty: 20 years or 22,000 cycles (whichever comes first)
What’s good about this battery:
- Backup power capabilities when the grid is down.
- Can be installed indoors or outdoors.
- Easily extendable system.
What to be cautious of:
- Works best alongside recommended inverter.
Solar plans and prices
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Cheap solar batteries under $6,000
Here are some of the solar batteries available in Australia for less than $6,000. Please note, that this is an estimated price and does not include installation costs. There may be other models with larger sizing and capacity available.
Huawei Luna2000 5kWh
- Total Capacity: 5kWh
- Warranty: 10 years
What’s good about this battery:
- Backup power and emergency supply capabilities.
- Available for indoor or outdoor installation.
- Expandable system.
What to be cautious of:
- To be used alongside compatible Huawei inverters.
Alpha Smile B3 Plus 5.04kWh + 3kW Inverter
- Total Capacity: 5.04kWh
- Usable Capacity: 4.79kWh
- Warranty: 5 years product warranty, 10 years battery performance warranty
What’s good about this battery:
- Compatible with new solar system installations and retrofits.
- Backup power and off-grid capabilities.
- Suitable for outdoor installation.
What to be cautious of:
- AphaESS batteries that are not adequately connected to the internet may have a warranty reduced to 3 years.
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What solar battery systems are available in Australia?
Australia is a hotspot for solar storage retailers, so there are plenty of choices when it comes to choosing batteries. One of the most recent and well-known additions to the market is the much-hyped Tesla Powerwall 3, with 13.5 kilowatt hour (kWh) storage capacity. There are many other battery storage systems available however, including the SonnenBatterie Hybrid, LG’s Lithium-ion batteries, Redback’s Smart Hybrid System and Enphase’s modular AC batteries to name just a handful. These storage units vary considerably in size, price and efficiency.
Is a cheap solar battery worth it?
Cheap solar batteries can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door for home energy storage, but price shouldn’t be your only consideration when it comes to choosing a solar battery.
Upfront cost notwithstanding, is important for households and businesses interested in solar to factor in the following criteria:
- The size of your solar panel system:
- Whether you want backup capabilities in the case of a power outage.
- The ideal size of your preferred solar battery, which influences:
- How much you can save with a controlled-load or time-of-use tariff by storing energy during off-peak periods for peak period use.
- The duration you can go off-grid, which lowers your cumulative carbon footprint and makes your home more energy-efficient.
- The perceived value of your property.
- Compatibility with your solar inverter.
- The maximum payback period of your preferred solar battery, which can be sped up by:
- Solar rebates available in your state or territory.
- Solar Feed-in Tariffs availed in your state or territory.
That’s why it is incredibly important to discuss your options with a licensed installer before making any purchase decisions. They’ll be able to offer solutions based on your energy needs, current solar products and most importantly, budget.
If you are on the hunt for a good solar installer, then be sure to check out our annual satisfaction ratings below. Here we list the solar installers that have been rated top-notch in their field by Aussie consumers.
Best-Rated Solar Panel Installers
Original reporting by Dean Heckscher
Image Source: petrmalinak/shutterstock.com
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