Home battery storage

Store your excess solar energy and use it when you need it most! ⚡

Discover the benefits of battery storage, whether it’s right for you, how to connect your system, and find answers to FAQs below!

How does a battery storage system work?

A solar battery storage system helps you make the most of your solar energy by storing excess power and using it when you need it. Here’s how it works:

• Powering your home first – During the day, your solar panels generate electricity, which is used to run your appliances first.
• Storing extra energy – If your solar panels produce more energy than your home needs, the excess power is stored in your battery instead of being sent to the grid.
• Using stored power at night – When the sun goes down or on cloudy days, your household can use the energy stored in the battery, reducing your reliance on the grid.
• Charging your EV – If you have an electric vehicle (EV), you can use solar power or battery stored energy to charge your car instead of drawing power from the grid.
• Exporting to the grid – If your battery is full and your household doesn’t need extra energy, surplus solar power is sent out to the grid, which may earn you credits on your electricity bill.
• Drawing from the grid when needed – If your battery runs low and your solar panels aren’t producing enough, your home will use electricity from the grid.

With a solar battery system, you can use more of your own energy, lower your electricity costs, and even have backup power during outages (depending on how your system is set up).

⚠️ Important tip: To learn more about how home batteries work, visit Ergon Energy’s Network home batteries webpage.

What are the benefits of a battery storage system?

Adding a battery energy storage system (BESS) to your solar setup can offer several advantages:

✅ Use solar power at night by storing excess energy (this may save money depending on your feed-in tariff, learn more about solar feed-in tariffs)

✅ Reduce reliance on the grid and fossil fuel-based electricity

✅ Lower electricity costs by using stored energy during expensive peak times (depending on your primary tariff)

✅ Stay powered during outages with backup electricity (depending on how your system is set up).

Is battery storage right for me?

Before deciding if a BESS is right for your home, here are some key things to ask yourself:

❓Can I get a battery installed?

If you own your home and have a suitable space, then yes! However, some factors like heritage overlays, Owner’s corporation rules/strata rules, or network limitations could affect installation. If you rent, you’ll need your landlord’s approval.

❓Will a battery work with my solar system?

Not all batteries are compatible with every solar setup. A trusted solar retailer can assess your system and recommend a battery that works best for you. The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) website is helpful to find approved sellers that meet consumer protection standards and has lots of easy-to-understand information on new energy technologies and how to choose them. Check with the Clean Energy Council to ensure the battery is approved and Solar Accreditation Australia to check your installer's accreditation.

❓Will a battery save me money?

A battery can help lower your energy bills, but whether it saves you money overall depends on the cost of purchasing and installing a battery over its anticipated operating years versus your bill savings over the same period of time. This will be different for everyone.

⚠️ Important tip: For more information on understanding if a home battery is right for you, refer to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code’s (NETCC) consumer guide to installing batteries.

Are there any incentive schemes for batteries?

Cheaper Home Batteries Program

Australian households, businesses, and community organisations can now save around 30% on the upfront cost of installing small-scale battery systems (between 5 kWh and 100 kWh) with the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

Australia leads the world in rooftop solar, with over 4 million solar systems installed (via the Clean Energy Regulator). But when it comes to batteries, just over 185,000 households have taken that next step (via the Clean Energy Council). Why? Upfront costs have made battery storage out of reach for many - until now.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Available for batteries connected to either new or existing solar PV systems
• Funded by the government – no extra costs passed on to you
• Discount based on battery size and the number of renewable energy certificates it qualifies for
• Gradually reducing over time – so the sooner you act, the bigger your savings
• Eligibility applies – based on requirements in the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Cheaper Home Batteries Program) Regulations 2025.

This initiative is run by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and designed to make battery storage more accessible as prices continue to fall.

Learn more and check your eligibility for the Australian Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

How do I choose a battery retailer?

With more battery retailers in the market, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Here are some simple tips to help you choose:

• Ask around – Friends, family, or neighbours can share their experiences with battery retailers.
• Look for trusted battery retailers – Choose those who are part of industry programs like the New Energy Tech Consumer Code by the Clean Energy Council. Some government rebate programs require approved retailers. Find out more about the different programs and accreditations mentioned via the Ergon Energy Network website.
• Check online reviews – Be mindful that some recommendations may be sponsored, so look for independent feedback.
• Consider local installers – They’re often more accessible for future support or troubleshooting.

Once you’ve shortlisted a few battery retailers, compare their quotes, warranties and services to find the best fit for your needs.

⚠️ Important tip: For tips on what you should look out for in your quotes, or questions to ask battery retailers when quoting, refer to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code’s (NETCC) consumer guide to installing batteries.

How do I get my battery system connected?

Batteries used for grid level electricity storage are called a BESS or Battery Energy Storage System. Before setting up your BESS, either you or your installer needs to apply to connect it to the grid. Usually, your installer handles this and follows the manufacturer’s guidelines. They’re also your go-to for any questions or concerns.

Charging options for your battery

• From the grid: Charging from the grid lets you use stored power during peak times, especially if you have access to time of use or demand tariffs.
• With solar power: Charging with solar energy is great, but having the option to charge from the grid provides a backup during cloudy periods. You can set your system to prioritise solar charging first, then the grid, or use solar only.

Choosing to export or not

Decide if you want your system to send excess electricity back to the grid. This choice affects the connection process:

• Not exporting: Your installer can apply online for you through Ergon Energy Network’s Electrical Partners Portal, or you can do it yourself via the Customer Self Service Portal. If you later decide to start exporting, you’ll need to submit a new application.
• Exporting: If your BESS can send surplus power to the grid, your installer can submit a connection application on your behalf, or you can apply yourself. Learn more about the solar feed-in tariffs we offer. Note that if you’re on the 44c/kWh Solar Bonus Scheme and wish to keep it, you can’t export from your battery. Dynamic connections may help you increase your exports from your battery. Learn more about dynamic connections on the Ergon Energy Network website.

Switchboard wiring

Connecting your battery to your solar PV system may require rewiring your switchboard. Your installer can advise on this. Remember, you need to submit a new network connection application before making these changes.

⚠️ Important tip: For more information, visit Ergon Energy’s Network home batteries webpage.

Power in your hands with a smart meter and My Account

Having a smart meter is essential to making the most of your battery setup. By having a smart meter, you can access valuable usage data and smart features in My Account, putting more choice and control in your hands. With My Account and a smart meter, you can:

• Check you’re on the best tariff rate
• Set up budget alerts
• Discover insights and savings opportunities
• Track exports if you have rooftop solar and/or a home battery
• View your use and costs over two-hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly periods

FAQs

Got a question about batteries? We’ve got the answer.