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Solar storage

Solar batteries are becoming more common in Australian households. With rising electricity costs and plentiful sunshine, many Australians use solar energy storage to reduce bills and increase energy independence.

Solar panels generate most electricity during the day when the sun is strongest. However, household energy use tends to peak in the mornings and evenings. Without a battery, excess solar energy generated during the day is often sent back to the grid, sometimes with little financial return to the homeowner.

Installing a solar battery allows homeowners to store excess energy produced during the day and use it during peak demand times. This reduces reliance on the grid and lowers electricity costs.

Government incentives

To encourage solar battery uptake, the Australian government introduced the Cheaper Home Batteries Program in July 2025. This program offers rebates of up to $350 per usable kilowatt-hour of battery capacity, providing around a 30% discount on the upfront installation cost. The rebate applies to both new installations and expansions of existing systems.

This initiative forms part of a broader effort to support renewable energy transition and reduce household energy bills. It is expected to drive significant growth in solar battery installations nationwide.

Types of solar batteries

Several battery technologies are used for solar energy storage, each with pros and cons:

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common. They offer high energy density, compact size, and long service life, but can be more expensive.
Zinc-bromine flow batteries allow deep discharge without damage, suitable for applications with frequent full discharges.
Lead-acid batteries are less common today. They are generally cheaper but have shorter lifespan and lower efficiency than newer types.