Is a Solar Battery Worth It in 2025?

With rising electricity prices and evolving energy policies, many homeowners are wondering whether adding a solar battery is the right move. While solar panels significantly reduce grid reliance during the day, a battery allows you to store excess energy for use at night or during peak pricing periods. But is the investment worthwhile? Let’s break it down.

How a Solar Battery Saves You Money

A solar battery helps you maximize your energy savings in several key ways:

1. Store Excess Solar Power – Instead of sending unused power back to the grid for a small credit, you can store it for later use, reducing your reliance on expensive evening electricity rates.

2. Lower Energy Bills – By using stored power during peak pricing times, you avoid drawing expensive electricity from the grid.

3. Protection from Rising Electricity Costs – As electricity prices continue to increase, storing and using your own power insulates you from rate hikes.

4. Backup Power in Blackouts – A battery can keep essential appliances running during grid outages, providing peace of mind.

A Sungrow Battery Installed By FirstSunSolar in Brunswick Heads, NSW.

Solar Battery Costs in 2025

The upfront cost of a solar battery depends on the brand, size, and technology. Here’s a general price range for common battery sizes:

• 5-7kWh battery (suitable for small homes): $4,000 - $7,000

• 10-13kWh battery (for most households): $7,000 - $12,000

• 15-20kWh battery (for high-energy users): $12,000 - $20,000+

Government rebates and incentives, such as the Battery Booster Rebate, can help lower these costs significantly.

How Long Until a Solar Battery Pays for Itself?

The payback time for a solar battery depends on electricity rates, feed-in tariffs, and usage patterns.

• Households with high evening energy use can expect a payback period of 6-10 years.

• In areas with high electricity prices or time-of-use tariffs, the payback period may be shorter.

Warranty and Lifespan

Most solar batteries come with a 10-year warranty, meaning they’re designed to last well beyond the break-even point financially. The actual lifespan of a battery can extend 12-15 years or more, depending on usage patterns and maintenance. Quality lithium-ion batteries, which dominate the market, typically retain 60-80% of their original capacity after a decade.

5kW Hybrid Inverter + 10.1kWh Battery Storage Alpha ESS SMILE 5 installed in Helensvale, QLD

Who Benefits Most from a Solar Battery?

Not every homeowner will benefit equally from a battery. It’s ideal for those who:

1. Use a significant amount of electricity in the evening.

2. Live in areas with peak charges where afternoon/nighttime electricity is expensive.

3. Have low feed-in tariff rates, making storing excess solar power more valuable.

4. Want peace of mind with protection against blackouts.

Grid Independence and Energy Security

With an increasing number of homeowners experiencing power outages due to extreme weather and grid instability, having a solar battery provides greater energy security. You can keep essential appliances running even when the grid goes down, making your home more resilient. The ability to store your own energy means that during a blackout, you can continue powering crucial household appliances that would otherwise be unusable.

One of the most immediate benefits of a battery during a power outage is keeping your refrigerator and freezer running. A prolonged blackout without a battery backup can lead to hundreds of dollars in spoiled food, making the investment in a battery even more valuable over time. Additionally, critical medical devices, lighting, and communication devices like Wi-Fi routers and mobile phones can continue functioning, allowing you to stay connected and safe in emergencies.

A customer in Lennox Head, NSW, snapped this image of their power still on during a blackout.

What About Solar Export Fees?

Some electricity providers are now charging small fees to export excess solar power back to the grid during peak solar hours. This makes self-consuming your solar energy more beneficial than ever, as storing power in a battery eliminates the need to export.

Is a Solar Battery Right for You?

A battery isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many households, it’s a game-changer. If you’re looking to maximize savings, gain energy independence, and future-proof against rising costs, a battery could be a smart investment.

Want to find out if a solar battery makes sense for your home? Book a free solar consultation with our team today and take the next step toward energy freedom!