Key points
- You will need a special backup battery to keep the lights on during a blackout. This is because standard batteries need grid power to operate.
- Backup batteries work on a separate circuit that is only connected to your essential appliances.
- To decide if a backup battery is worth it for you, consider both the upfront cost and the lifespan of the battery.
If you’ve got solar panels, you may have considered installing a solar battery with backup capabilities. But is it truly worth the extra cost? Find out more in our guide below.
It’s no secret that solar batteries are expensive. Even with a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) or a solar rebate, solar batteries still have a significant upfront cost. When you include additional features, such as backup capabilities, these costs can increase even further. However, a backup battery can play an important role when it comes to powering your home off-grid, particularly in the case of a blackout.
It can be tricky to determine whether you’ll really need a solar battery with backup capabilities. To help, we’ll discuss how these systems work, how they differ from other old solar batteries on the market and of course, whether it is worth the investment.
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What is a solar battery backup system
A solar battery backup system is essentially a solar battery that stores electricity to power essential appliances during a blackout. A good system can also continue collecting energy from the solar panels during a power outage, so that the battery is not instantly depleted.
There are a few different levels of backups for solar panels. To determine which one you need, it might be worth considering how often your neighbourhood suffers from blackouts, how long they last and which critical appliances you’d need to continue running. If blackouts are not very common where you live, you’d probably be okay with a regular battery.
While a solar battery backup system won’t necessarily mean that you can live off the grid forever, it could help power your appliances during a blackout.
How does solar battery backup work?
When a blackout occurs, solar batteries with backup capabilities kick in as long as there’s enough energy stored before the power outage.
The set-up is fairly simple: a cable is run from the battery and solar inverter to a select number of circuits in the switchboard, protected by a main battery circuit breaker and one changeover switch for protection. This divides your home into two circuits: essential and non-essential. Things like your fridge, oven and lights may be put in the essential category while your non-essentials such as the coffee machine or gaming system might not make the cut.
In the event that the power does drop out, these appliances would then draw electricity directly from the battery, meaning that your solar power can keep the lights on, even during a blackout.
How does a battery with backup differ from a regular solar battery?
The main difference between a regular solar battery and those with backup capabilities is that a regular battery can’t be used during a blackout. It can, however, still be used at night or on cloudy days when your solar panels aren’t generating enough energy for your household. Generally, solar panels are switched off during blackouts to prevent the system from overloading.
In contrast, a solar battery with backup capabilities can provide power both at night and during a blackout. Depending on the model, a back up battery can also allow the solar panels to continue to generate power while in use– for both the house and to recharge the battery.
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What is the lifespan of a solar battery backup system?
The lifespan of a solar battery backup system is typically 10 to 15 years. Most solar panels however, have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, which means you may have to replace the battery system during this time.
How much is a solar battery backup?
Not all battery systems offer backup capabilities because they’re more expensive to buy and install. A regular solar battery storage system without backup can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 per kilowatt hours (kWh) of storage capacity. If you’re interested in getting backup capabilities, expect to pay an additional $1,500 to $3,500.
Compare 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.
Is solar battery backup worth it?
The main reason homeowners get solar batteries with backup capabilities is for peace of mind that, even if the power does go out, their essential appliances will still be able to operate. However, whether it’ll be worth the investment for your house will depend on your home’s energy usage and goals.
Solar batteries are a huge investment and the payback isn’t always ideal. Unless you’ve got a high-end model, you might find that not enough power is stored to last you through a blackout.
That being said, they can still be a great addition to a home solar system. With the added benefit of accessing your solar energy at all times of day, you can rest assured that you have at least enabled your system to operate at its best in all conditions.
If you are on the hunt for the right solar battery system for your home, then be sure to check out some of the top contenders currently available in Australia below. These models have been broken into best for price, size, backup capabilities and more.
See the best home solar battery storage
Original reporting by Kelseigh Wrigley
Image Source: New Africa/Shutterstock.com
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