Solar Battery Cost: How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost in Australia

Solar Battery Cost in Australia

In Australia, solar batteries usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000 for every kilowatt hour (kWh) they can store. For instance, a 4 kWh battery could cost between $4,000 and $8,000. But this price is only a guideline; it's not set in stone.

Before starting our investigation on the cost of solar batteries, let us review their functioning. Solar panels provide electricity during daylight hours when sunlight is present. Initially, this power is utilised to fulfil the household's energy requirements, and any excess energy is usually sent back to the power grid.

Instead of returning excess energy to the grid, it might be used to recharge a battery. The home battery storage system can subsequently be depleted in the evening to minimise the homeowner's reliance on purchasing electricity from the grid.

Solar power batteries store energy in direct current (DC) form. The hybrid solar inverter can be connected to them using DC connections. Specific models include an integrated inverter, allowing them to be easily connected to the main switchboard, similar to other AC appliances.

Sun batteries of all shapes, sizes, and names will cost different amounts. The following are the details of solar battery costs in Australia.

Solar Battery Costs by Different Sizes  

The battery's size (battery volume) usually determines how much it costs. Solar batteries that can hold more power cost more.

As of November 2023, the prices of solar batteries are shown in the table below. The battery-only price is valid if you install solar panels and batteries simultaneously or already have a solar system with a hybrid solar inverter.

(Data Source: JFK Electrical)

The table below shows the average price of solar cells in February 2024. The costs for 3 kWh and 8 kWh solar battery systems in 2024 are lower than in 2023, so you can choose small and middle solar batteries and solar systems with an excellent budget.

(Data Source: Solar Choice)

Solar Battery Costs by Different Types  

Costs vary depending on the type of solar battery used. People usually pay less for lead-acid batteries than lithium-ion batteries at first, but buying them may save them money in the long run, based on their use.

The table below shows the main features of four popular types of solar batteries and how much they usually cost when used in a home.  

Solar Battery Costs by Different Brands  

Different kinds of solar batteries have very different prices. Price per kilowatt hour (kWh) is the best way to compare prices because each company sells a different-sized battery. Kilowatt-hours can measure how much energy a battery can hold at no cost. Besides that, you should know how good different kinds of solar batteries are.

The prices of well-known brands of solar cells in Australia are shown below, along with how much it costs to put them.

(Data Source: Solar Quotes)

Overall, via the different aspects of solar battery costs, it is clear that bigger (higher capacity) solar batteries are more expensive. Still, they can be used for an extended time, especially for big apartments.

However, choose a relatively lower-capacity battery with a limited budget for everyday use. Also, different types and brands of solar batteries will cost varying amounts, but remember that lithium solar batteries are better than others. Jackery Portable Power Station is a type of solar power station that uses lithium to charge your appliances outdoors or off-grid.

Factors Affect Solar Battery Cost 

How much solar batteries cost will depend on what you need them for and how you set your prices. The price of solar batteries is generally given in dollars per kilowatt hour of storage.

Several essential things affect the cost per kilowatt hour. When homeowners consider adding solar battery storage, looking into these factors can help them make an intelligent choice. The following factors affect the solar battery cost in Australia.

Factor 1: Solar Battery Capacity  

The battery cost is closely related to its size, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The size of a solar battery is a big part of its cost. Batteries that store more power and put it out faster usually cost more than batteries that store less power.

How much power a battery can hold is based on its size, generally in kilowatt-hours. A battery with a more significant volume can have more power and give you more power at night. Because of this, batteries with more power typically cost more.

The table below shows that the price of a battery drops as more kWh are bought. This is called economies of scale. It costs almost $2,000 per kilowatt hour to buy a small battery for a 5 kWh Istore. It only costs $816 per kWh to buy the 25.6 kWh Sungrow battery. 

(Data Source: Solar Quotes)

Factor 2: Solar Battery Type  

Solar batteries vary in price based on the type they are. Lithium-ion batteries are usually what people think of when they need solar cells. Lead-acid batteries are often less expensive than lithium-ion batteries.

On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries work the best because they are smaller, more powerful, and more efficient. Also, lithium-ion batteries have the most energy per unit weight of any battery.

A battery has a high energy density if it has a lot of energy, regardless of how heavy or small it is. On the other hand, lead-acid batteries are less powerful but cheaper and are primarily used in places that aren't connected to the power grid. The price of a home solar battery depends on what chemicals are in it.    

Factor 3: Solar Battery Quantity  

The power you have as a backup should last longer. You may need more than one solar battery. The price goes up as the number of batteries goes up. How many batteries you need will depend on how much power you need, how many products you want to run, and how long you want them to run.

Factor 4: Solar Battery Brand  

The price of your solar battery will depend on the brand you pick, just like with any other item you buy. Different brands have different services and ways of making their products, so this is the case.

Well-known and trusted names usually cost more because people know they work well and are reliable. There may be cheaper choices from brands that are less well-known. You can get cheap batteries from names you don't know, but sticking with a trustworthy brand is better.

When picking a brand of solar batteries, you must be very careful. For some brands, maintenance costs are already built into the price, which makes some brands more expensive.

Factor 5: Your Location  

Where you live also affects how much solar cells cost. Prices for batteries are higher in remote places because it costs more to transport and install them.

The Australian Standard 5039 is very strict about where batteries can be put. That means you can't just put solar packs anywhere. Your installer will have to run many cables if you can't or want to remove them from the switchboard. It will take at least two people and several hours to run the wire through your house, which can add $1,000 or more to the project cost.

Factor 6: Installation Cost  

Labour, tools, permits, and legal fees are all part of installing solar batteries. These prices might change based on how hard the work is and how much labour costs where the job is being done. Installing more complicated things, like connecting to solar panels and electricity systems that are already there, will cost more, which could change the total cost.

Also, consider whether the person who installs the type of solar batteries you buy is a professional (costs more) or a general worker (less).

Factor 7: Warranty  

Solar batteries that are less expensive and typically have shorter warranties. The time given is ten years, but it could be as little as 13 months. Batteries that are both cheap and good come with a 10-year promise. If you charge and discharge them at least once daily for ten years, the battery will still have 70% of its original capacity.

Factor 8: Rebates & Incentives  

Incentives, subsidies, and refunds from the government are significant for lowering the initial cost of solar battery systems. These benefits change over time, which could ultimately alter customers' prices. Also, companies that make solar batteries might offer rewards for buying them.

The Australian government sometimes helps people buy solar batteries by lowering the cost of loans. You can get a loan with no interest to pay for some or all of your system. The ACT and Victoria both offer some loans with no interest right now.

The government of Australia does not offer any discounts on the price of solar cells. In the Northern Territory, however, rebates of up to $5,000 are available, and low-income families in Queensland can get rebates of $3,000 or $4,000.

Solar Rebates for Solar Batteries  

Although there is no national incentive for solar batteries similar to the STC refund for solar panels, many state governments have implemented rebate programmes to encourage the adoption of residential batteries.

Queensland

The battery booster programme in Queensland, which offered rebates ranging from $3,000 to $4,000, ceased accepting new applications in May 2024. Currently, there is no evidence or hint suggesting that there will be additional rounds in the future. Here, you may interested in our QLD solar rebates guide.

New South Wales

The state of New South Wales (NSW) has just introduced a battery rebate programme that will be accessible starting from November 2024. Eligible residences will receive a funding range of $1,600 to $2,400 based on the battery's size.

Victoria

Solar Victoria provides an interest-free loan for batteries, with a maximum amount of $8,800. The eligibility criteria encompass a means test, a requirement for households to install a minimum of 5kW solar, and exclusivity for owner occupiers.

ACT

The ACT offers an opportunity to obtain a loan of up to $15,000 without any interest, specifically designed to finance the expenses associated with solar and battery installations. The eligibility criteria are extensive and facilitate the adoption of various environmentally-friendly products.

How Much Do Solar Battery Can Save? 

The battery payback period is essential for individuals investing in solar batteries. The term refers to the duration required for the financial savings obtained from utilising the battery to match the initial investment cost.

Understanding this notion is essential for fully grasping the long-lasting financial benefits of incorporating a solar battery into your energy system.

How to Calculate Payback Time

Determining the payback period for a solar battery entails a series of sequential procedures. First, calculate the battery system's overall cost, including purchase and installation expenses.

Subsequently, compute your mean electricity consumption and determine the proportion the battery will counterbalance. This entails evaluating the energy produced by your solar panels and the quantity stored and utilised from the battery.

To determine your annual savings, deduct the expense of the energy offset by the battery from your current electricity bill. Next, calculate the quotient of the overall cost of the solar battery system and the yearly savings. The outcome is the years required for the savings to offset the battery cost, referred to as the payback period.

For instance, if the overall expenditure for your solar battery system amounts to $6,000 and yields an annual electricity bill savings of $1,200, the period required to recoup the initial investment would be five years. It is crucial to acknowledge that this estimate is simplified, and the real-time it takes to recoup the investment can differ due to fluctuating energy prices, the long-term performance of the battery, and shifts in energy use habits.

Gaining comprehension of the payback period aids in making a well-informed decision regarding the financial feasibility of investing in a solar battery. The indicator provides insight into the speed at which you anticipate a return on your investment and shift towards energy usage that is both more cost-effective and sustainable.

Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained

Jackery Portable Power Stations are made for people who like being outside and care about the environment and their comfort. They give your appliances a safe way to get power while on the go or even for home backup.

Jackery ensures that their Portable Power Stations use lithium-ion and LiFePO4 batteries for a steady power source. Let's look closer at Explorer 2000 Plus and 1000 Pro.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus

The Explorer 2000 Plus portable power station by Jackery significantly enhances the available choices for portable power. With its substantial capacity and impressive power output, this device can provide electricity to regular caravans for an extended time, making it ideal for outdoor excursions or as a home backup power supply. Adding battery cells to the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus significantly boosts its capacity from 2 kWh to 12 kWh, leading to a revolutionary change in household backup power provision.

The Explorer 2000 Plus boasts a maximum power output of 3000W, 30% greater than other 2 kWh models. The bulk of critical household appliances are powered gadgets. Although the Explorer 2000 Plus is commonly used, it can be ultimately charged within 6 hours by utilising 6 SolarSaga 100W solar panels. The power source achieves self-sufficiency by harnessing solar energy rather than relying on the power grid for charging.

The supplementary battery pack can be recharged using solar panels, offering increased versatility while enhancing charging efficiency and reducing time consumption. Jackery's integrated battery management system (BMS) allows short-circuit protection, voltage regulation, temperature regulation, and other advanced safety functions.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro power station is an advanced power station designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and those requiring a reliable emergency backup power supply.

With a generous battery capacity 1002Wh, this portable power station is equipped to handle the charging demands of nearly 93% of household appliances, from refrigerators and ovens to space heaters. It's an ideal companion for RV trips, camping, and power outages, providing an immense solar power source.

This model features a 1000W output, capable of powering multiple devices simultaneously, making it fully compatible with various electronic needs. The Explorer 1000 Pro is built with an industry-leading Battery Management System (BMS). It employs pure sine wave technology to ensure safe and stable power delivery to sensitive electronics, mimicking the quality of household electricity.

94V-0 fire-rated material further enhances safety and durability, and its design includes a foldable handle for easy transportation, all while weighing just 25.4 lbs. This makes the Explorer 1000 Pro powerful, portable, and easy to carry on all your adventures.

How Do You Benefit From A Solar Battery?

Setting up a solar battery and adding it to your solar panels can help you in several ways.

Reducing how much power you buy from the grid can help you save money on your energy bills.

A typical home solar system that doesn't have a battery will cover 30% to 50% of the power needs of a home. With a solar battery, this number can go up to 80%, 90%, or even 100% of the power a home needs.

When you figure out your benefits, remember that you have to give up some solar feed-in tariff income to charge a battery. You charge a 10kWh battery during the day. Your bill will show that you have 10kWh less feed-in price.

You will still make money because you always pay much more for power than stores pay you to sell it back.

Cut down on your carbon impact.

Australia has come a long way in building up its green energy infrastructure. However, most of the grid's electricity is still generated using fossil fuels, emitting significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. If you want to lower your carbon footprint, installing solar panels is a good start. However, adding a solar battery will often more than double the reduction.

When the power goes out, keep the lights on.

Blackouts are annoying and can even be dangerous to your health. Some parts of the power grid are more likely to experience blackouts than others.

Most solar packs today can keep the lights on when the power goes out. For some battery types, extra hardware is needed to keep the battery powered during a power outage.

As a result of rising energy costs, the energy market will downturn gradually. As a result, some Australians will want to become less dependent on the power grid. With solar and batteries, you can handle most of your needs and prices.  

Solar Battery Cost FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the solar battery costs in Australia.

1. Can I install my own solar batteries?

You shouldn't and can't put in your solar cells. This kind of behaviour is hazardous. Following Australian standards, a licensed plumber must install a solar battery.  

2. How long does a 10kW solar battery last?

How long a 10 kilowatt (kW) solar battery lasts relies on many things, such as the type of battery, how it is used and maintained, and how much energy it uses. Solar batteries are usually made to last between 10 and 12 years.

Cycles are a way to measure how long a solar battery will last. They tell people how often the battery can be charged and discharged before its power drops. Usually, a cycle means that the battery is fully charged and then fully discharged.

To better understand how long your 10 kW solar battery will last, review the manufacturer's warranty information or talk to a professional who knows much about solar batteries. They can give you more exact information based on the battery model and how it will be used.   

Is Solar Battery Worth It?

Whether or not a solar battery is worth the money depends on your energy needs. Solar batteries might be a good buy, but it depends on how much energy your home uses, the type you choose, and any rebates or other discounts you can get.

In general, putting solar batteries is a good idea when the money you save is more than what it costs to own them. Having battery storage with backup power can keep you safe, efficient, and comfortable if your power goes out often or for long periods.

Solar battery costs will likely keep going down quickly as the industry grows and new technologies emerge. If you want to know if solar batteries are worth it, try them yourself. This article examines whether solar batteries are worth the money by analysing their benefits and how well they work.