Home Batteries
Store your solar energy and use it when you need it most. Compare battery systems with our independent expert ratings.
What does a home battery actually do?
A home battery stores electricity for later use. In a solar home, this typically means capturing excess solar generation during the day and using it in the evening when the sun isn’t shining and electricity rates are often highest.
Store Excess Solar
Most Australian households see 50-90% reduction in electricity bills, depending on system size and usage patterns.
Power Your Evening
When the sun sets and you're cooking dinner, running the dishwasher, or watching TV, your battery supplies the stored solar energy instead of expensive grid power.
Backup During Outages
Most batteries can provide backup power during blackouts, keeping essential circuits running. Note: this requires specific configuration and not all installations include it.
The honest truth about batteries
While battery technology has improved dramatically, the economics remain challenging for many homes. Batteries make the most sense when: you export significant solar for low feed-in rates, you use most electricity in the evening, or you genuinely need backup power. For many households, a larger solar system without a battery delivers better financial returns.
When a battery makes sense (and when it doesn't)
We believe in honest advice. A battery isn’t right for everyone—here’s how to know if it’s right for you.
- A battery likely makes sense if...
High evening usage households
Families who use most electricity after 5pm when solar production drops benefit most from batteries.
Low feed-in tariff areas
When export rates are below 8c/kWh, storing power for later use at 30c+ makes financial sense.
EV owners
Charging an EV from stored solar rather than grid power significantly improves battery economics.
Blackout-prone locations
If you experience multiple outages per year, backup power adds tangible value beyond pure economics.
- A battery may NOT be worth it if...
Most electricity used during daytime
If you work from home and use power when the sun shines, you’re already using solar directly.
High feed-in tariffs still available
If you’re locked into high feed-in rates (15c+ per kWh), exporting may be more valuable than storing.
Pure financial payback priority
Honest assessment: battery payback periods are still 10+ years for many homes. Solar alone often makes more sense first.
Is a home battery right for you?
Batteries aren’t for everyone. Consider these factors to determine if a battery makes financial sense for your situation.
Do you have solar panels installed?
Batteries are most effective when paired with solar generation.
While batteries can charge from the grid during off-peak hours, the primary value comes from storing excess solar that would otherwise be exported for minimal return.
Are you on a time-of-use electricity tariff?
Batteries provide more value with variable rate tariffs.
If your electricity costs more in the evening (peak) than during the day (off-peak), a battery can shift your solar generation to when it's most valuable.
Do you experience frequent power outages?
Backup power is a key benefit for outage-prone areas.
Most batteries can provide backup power during blackouts, though this requires specific hardware configuration. For areas with reliable grid power, this benefit may not justify the cost.
Do you export significant solar to the grid?
Low feed-in tariffs make self-consumption more valuable.
If you're receiving less than 8-10c/kWh for exports while paying 30c+ for grid power in the evening, the economics of storing that energy improve significantly.
Honest assessment: For many Australian homes, the payback period for batteries is still long. We’ll help you understand if it makes sense for you.
Home Battery Brand Comparison
Expert ratings for leading home battery systems available in Australia.
Brand
Best For
Key Strength
Warranty
Reliability
Expert Rating
Brand
AC-coupled vs DC-coupled batteries
AC-Coupled Batteries
Connect to your existing solar system via the AC side. Easier to retrofit to existing installations. Tesla Powerwall and Enphase are AC-coupled. Slightly lower efficiency due to extra conversion.
AC-Coupled Batteries
Connect to your existing solar system via the AC side. Easier to retrofit to existing installations. Tesla Powerwall and Enphase are AC-coupled. Slightly lower efficiency due to extra conversion.
Why it matters: If you already have solar, an AC-coupled battery is usually simpler to add. For new solar + battery installations, DC-coupled systems can be more cost-effective.
Ratings based on independent assessment. Last updated: January 2026.
Battery size & scalability explained
Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Understanding sizing helps you avoid overspending on more capacity than you need—or underbuying and regretting it later.
Understanding kWh sizing
While battery technology has improved dramatically, the economics remain challenging for many homes. Batteries make the most sense when: you export significant solar for low feed-in rates, you use most electricity in the evening, or you genuinely need backup power. For many households, a larger solar system without a battery delivers better financial returns.
- 5-7kWh: Suitable for smaller households or to cover essential evening loads
- 10-13kWh: Most common size for average family homes
- 15kWh+: Larger homes, multiple EVs, or those seeking maximum self-sufficiency
Modular systems
Brands like BYD offer modular batteries where you can start with a smaller capacity and add more modules later. Great if budget is tight now but you want flexibility for the future.
Trade-off: Slightly higher cost per kWh than single-unit systems.
Fixed-capacity systems
Tesla Powerwall (13.5kWh) is a fixed unit. You can add multiple units, but each is a complete system. Often more cost-effective per kWh if you know your requirements upfront.
Trade-off: Less granular sizing options.
Our sizing recommendation
For most homes, a 10kWh battery covers evening usage with some buffer. Don’t oversize—buying 20kWh when you only need 10 doubles your cost without doubling your benefit. If unsure, start smaller with a modular system you can expand.
How we rate home batteries
Our battery ratings consider factors specific to energy storage, weighted according to their importance for Australian homeowners.
Performance & Efficiency
Round-trip efficiency (energy stored vs retrieved), continuous and peak power output, and real-world performance data.
30%
Warranty & Longevity
Warranty length, capacity retention guarantees, and expected cycle life. Most quality batteries are warranted for 10 years.
25%
Scalability & Compatibility
Ability to add more storage later, compatibility with various inverters, and flexibility for future system upgrades.
20%
Safety & Technology
Battery chemistry safety, thermal management, certifications, and proven track record in Australian conditions.
15%
Ownership Confidence
Manufacturer stability, Australian support presence, app quality, monitoring features, and warranty claim process.
10%
We do not accept payment from manufacturers. Our ratings reflect genuine, independent assessment.
Find the right battery for your home
Get a personalised assessment based on your solar setup, energy usage, and goals.