Home
  • Residential
    • Residential Solar & Battery Guide
    • Residential Solar System Prices
    • Solar PV System Finance Options
  • Commercial
    • Commercial Solar Power Overview
    • Commercial Solar Project Portfolio
    • Commercial Tender Management Procedure
    • Commercial Solar System Prices
    • Commercial Solar Finance Options
    • Solar Farms
    • Utility-scale solar farms: Landowner benefits
  • Solar Rebates
    • Solar Power Rebates Overview
    • Federal Incentives for Solar Power
    • State Solar Feed-in Tariffs
  • Solar Power
    • Solar Power System Prices
    • Solar Power in Australia: The Basics
    • How Solar PV Works
    • Questions to Ask When Considering Solar
    • Accredited Solar Installers across Australia
    • Home Solar Battery Storage: The Basics
    • Battery Storage Prices
    • Solar & Battery Calculator Tools
  • Solar Choice
    • What does Solar Choice do?
    • Solar Choice: Customer Benefits
    • Feedback & Testimonials
    • Management Team
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Installer Signup Form
    • Solar Choice: Installer Benefits
    • Solar Choice Blog
    • News
  • Solar Quote Comparison
    • Residential solar quote comparison
    • Commercial solar quote comparison
HOME SOLAR & BATTERIES
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR & BATTERY QUOTE COMPARISONS
Free, Instant Solar & Battery Quote Comparisons for Homes
INSTANT, IMPARTIAL & INFORMATIVE
Since 2008 over 140,000 Australian households served
-Instantly compare deals for your home from leading installers in your local area
-Take full control over which three installers call you
-Australia's only database of products, prices & warranties, across a network of over 120 installers
COMPARE QUOTES
HOME SOLAR & BATTERIES
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR & BATTERY QUOTE COMPARISONS
Free, Instant Solar & Battery Quote Comparisons for Homes
INSTANT, IMPARTIAL & INFORMATIVE
Since 2008 over 140,000 Australian households served
-Instantly compare deals for your home from leading installers in your local area
-Take full control over which three installers call you
-Australia's only database of products, prices & warranties, across a network of over 120 installers
COMPARE QUOTES
HOME SOLAR & BATTERIES
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR & BATTERY QUOTE COMPARISONS
Free, Instant Solar & Battery Quote Comparisons for Homes
INSTANT, IMPARTIAL & INFORMATIVE
Since 2008 over 140,000 Australian households served
-Instantly compare deals for your home from leading installers in your local area
-Take full control over which three installers call you
-Australia's only database of products, prices & warranties, across a network of over 120 installers
COMPARE QUOTES
HOME SOLAR & BATTERIES
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR & BATTERY QUOTE COMPARISONS
Free, Instant Solar & Battery Quote Comparisons for Homes
INSTANT, IMPARTIAL & INFORMATIVE
Since 2008 over 140,000 Australian households served
-Instantly compare deals for your home from leading installers in your local area
-Take full control over which three installers call you
-Australia's only database of products, prices & warranties, across a network of over 120 installers
COMPARE QUOTES
Slider
HOME SOLAR & BATTERIES
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR & BATTERY QUOTE COMPARISONS
Free, Instant Solar & Battery Quote Comparisons for Homes
INSTANT, IMPARTIAL & INFORMATIVE
Since 2008 over 140,000 Australian households served
-Instantly compare deals for your home from leading installers in your local area
-Take full control over which three installers call you
-Australia's only database of products, prices & warranties, across a network of over 120 installers
COMPARE QUOTES
Slider
Lithium-ion battery

5 arguments for solar-without-storage: Why would you wait to install batteries?

by Solar Choice Staff on 5 August, 2016

in Installation advice,Batteries & Energy Storage

Solar battery storage is a hot topic in Australia these days thanks to a combination of global technology and market developments, as well as the peculiar story rooftop solar in Australia. Energy storage system costs are coming down steadily, and early adopters are already having battery banks installed in their homes. But for many Australian households the time is not quite ripe for solar-plus-batteries. What are the arguments for sticking with a simple solar-only system – at least for the time being?

Solar Choice’s role in the decision-making process

We should emphasise that our job here at Solar Choice is to help our customers make a well-informed decision of solar and/or battery storage system provider. We do this by first providing them with a free and impartial look at the market in their area of Australia in the form of a Solar Quote Comparison. Where requested, we can then follow up by providing advice about how to select a system that best suits that customer’s needs and budget.

Please note: It is not our intention to discourage anyone from getting batteries – in fact, we would love to see battery storage in every solar home. But we also recognise that batteries are not yet the best fit for all households. If batteries are not yet in a customer’s best interest, we will advise accordingly – but the decision is ultimately up to you.

There’s always a ‘pro’ to a ‘con’. Want to see some arguments for installing batteries now? Check out this article.

5 reasons to wait before installing batteries

1. Solar-sans-storage systems currently offer a better return on investment than solar-plus-storage systems

Although solar PV system prices have fallen dramatically in recent years, battery storage prices are still on the high side. While this is set to change in the near future (with a number of industry analysts predicting PV-style price slides in the coming years) the fact remains that most households will save more money and see better payback periods from an appropriately-sized, grid-connect solar-only system as opposed to a solar-plus-storage system. (Accordingly, the energy storage early adopter cohort will be mostly comprised of people for whom great returns and short payback periods are not the primary consideration.)

2. Batteries don’t make sense for customers currently receiving a feed-in tariff

For households currently receiving a generous state-sponsored solar feed-in tariff, there will be no financial motivation for installing batteries to capture & store their solar energy – which is worth much more being sent into the grid than self-consumed by the home. The end date for these payments differs depending on the state (we have a roundup here).

Incidentally, this is why NSW’s battery storage market is expected to take off more quickly than anywhere else: the state’s generous 60c/kWh Solar Bonus Scheme payments ended last year – before that of any other state. This has left about 140,000 solar homes with a profound sense of loss and systems which have long ago paid for themselves. For these people, there is a compelling case for using batteries to maximise the value of their solar power – which is now worth significantly less when exported to the grid.

3. The energy storage market is still young

The economic proposition that rooftop solar power offers Australian homes is now well-understood, and nearly 1.5 million households now have panels on their roofs. This virtual commodification means that competition is fierce in the residential solar sector, and the end result is low solar prices and an informed, discriminating consumer base who can quickly ascertain what deals constitute good value.

The energy storage market, on the other hand, is still in the early stages of its development and prices have not yet settled. Solar Choice, by introducing Australia’s first Battery Storage Comparison platform, is aiming to change this. Our platform will undoubtedly catalyse Australia’s energy storage market and make it easier for consumers to comparison-shop. Nevertheless, it will still be some time before it’s possible to understand the full range of market offerings at a glance. If you’re shopping around for the best deal possible, you could do worse than to wait a little while longer to see where the chips land.

4. Thoroughly understanding your electricity consumption will help you choose a storage system

Because battery storage prices are still relatively high, it’s very important for households to make sure that they get the most of their batteries, should they eventually choose to install them. The best way to do this is to have real data on their electricity consumption patterns – preferably for at least a year. Having this data will make it much easier for an installer to design a solar-plus-storage system whose output will closely correlate to the home’s demand curve – thereby maximising returns. The best method for collecting this data would be to install monitoring devices or an energy management system which digitally log household electricity consumption, but even simple electricity monitors will suffice as long as the homeowner is prepared to put some time and effort into recording the details.

5. Storage-ready ‘hybrid’ inverters give you the option to install batteries at a later date

For those who are certain that they want batteries but who have also decided that now is not the time, installing a storage-ready ‘hybrid’ inverter – but without batteries – could be the right move. Most major manufacturers offer these hybrid inverters, and customers should be able to ask for them whether they’re installing a brand new solar system or replacing an old inverter on an existing one. Having this type of inverter will allow the system owner to bide their time waiting for the battery storage stars to align before having to make a decision.

Ready to shop for solar or battery storage? Compare quotes from installers in your area.

Compare Solar & Battery Quotes

Top image via Wikipedia.

© 2017 Solar Choice Pty Ltd

  • facebook Recommend on Facebook
  • linkedin Share on Linkedin
  • twitter Tweet about it
  • print Print for later
  • email Tell a friend

Related Posts

  • Commercial Solar PV Price Index for November 2018 (30 Nov, 2018)
  • Sonnen begins battery storage production at old Holden car factory in Adelaide (30 Nov, 2018)
  • Tesla unveils its Gateway upgrade for Powerwall 2 battery (26 Nov, 2018)

Tagged as: batteries, energy storage, solar system prices

{ 2 comments }

Paul 18 August, 2016 at 11:44 am

Are there any battery solutions that can retrofit to an existing system without replacing the current inverter, perhaps with a smaller second one?

Seems to be a waste if you have a high quality one made in Germany.

Solar Choice Staff 22 August, 2016 at 1:26 pm

Hi Paul,

A DC-coupled battery storage system is type of solution you’re talking about. In this situation, the batteries charge directly (and only) from the solar panels, but you’ll still need something ‘behind’ the solar inverter to make the batteries work.

Theoretically, any battery bank on its own should be able to be added to an existing solar system in this way.

Comments on this entry are closed.

Previous post: Thinking about going off-grid? Keep these points in mind

Next post: Grid-scale battery storage proposed as solution to electricity market woes

  • Click your state to learn about the benefits of going solar!

    Western Australia Northern Territory South Australia Queensland New South Wales Australian Capital Territory Victoria Tasmania

    ----------

    Or learn about solar in your city:

    Adelaide | Brisbane

    Canberra | Darwin

    Hobart | Melbourne

    Perth | Sydney

    ----------

    SOLAR ROI & PAYBACK


    Check out our Solar Power System ROI Calculator

    ----------

    BATTERY STORAGE


    Solar + Battery Storage Overview

    Solar Plus Battery Storage Sizing & Payback Calculator

    ----------

  • Connect with us:

    Solar Choice Facebook Solar Choice Linkedin Solar Choice Twitter Solar Choice Google+

  • Categories

    • Solar and Renewable Energy Policy
      • Federal Government solar incentives
        • Renewable Energy Target
      • State Government solar feed-in tariffs
        • ACT
        • NSW
        • NT
        • QLD
        • SA
        • TAS
        • VIC
        • WA
    • Installation advice
      • Historic Solar PV Power System Prices
        • Battery storage system prices
        • Commercial solar system prices
        • Residential solar system prices
      • Solar system sizes
        • 1kW
        • 1.5kW
        • 2kW
        • 3kW
        • 4kW
        • 5kW
        • 7kW
        • 8kW
        • 9kw
        • 10kW
        • 100kW
        • 15kW
        • 30kW
        • 50kW
        • 70kW
      • Solar leasing/Free solar panel deals
      • What are the right solar PV cells for you?
      • Positioning solar PV panels
      • Off-grid solar power, Stand-alone solar power, Remote solar power
      • Building-Integrated PV (BIPV)
      • New technologies
      • Saving energy
      • Solar & battery tips
      • Solar-friendly retail electricity plan comparisons
    • Commercial solar power
      • Commercial battery storage
      • Commercial solar & solar farm projects by Solar Choice
      • Solar Farms
    • Solar System Products
      • Solar Panels/Modules
      • Inverters
        • Microinverters & Power optimisers
      • Batteries & Energy Storage
        • Battery storage examples & case studes
        • Brisbane & Queensland
      • Balance of System
      • Solar mounting systems
      • Solar tracking systems
      • Energy Management Systems
      • Hot water diverters
      • Solar system monitoring
    • Solar Choice News
    • Solar Choice Company News
    • Useful solar tools and resources
    • Solar Flagship Projects
    • Solar Communities
    • Book reviews
    • Living with solar & batteries
      • James' Solartopia Project
    • Solar industry press releases & announcements
  • Solar Choice News
    Recent news
    News archive
    Contributors
Close

Compare up to 7 installers covering your local area in 30 seconds for FREE

Take full control over which 3 installers have contact rights

Impartial Tender Management of best value deals from commercial installers

  • Residential
  • Commercial

Select Quotation Type *

  • Solar Energy
  • Battery Storage Only

First Name *

Surname *

Email Address *

Confirm Email *

Phone Number (Mobile Preferred) *

Address *

Suburb *

State or territory *

Postcode *

Which subsidy might you be eligible for? *

Property type *

Number of levels *

Roof material (tiles, slate etc.) *

Size of installation approx *

Size of installation approx *

What is your preferred time for
installation? *

Any special preferences for later discussion?

Please list any installers to whom you`ve previously provided your contact details (Why?)

Security Question 5 + 2 = ? *

Comments

I agree to inform Solar Choice of the name of the installer I eventually select -- Why?

 

By clicking "submit" I'm happy to receive contact from up to 3 installers on their offerings. *

Please only complete this form if your electricity bills exceed $1000 per month. If less than this amount, please complete the Residential Form

 

Business Name *

Address *

Suburb *

State or territory *

Postcode *

Contact Name *

Contact Phone (mobile preferred) *

Contact Email *

Security Question 20 + 3 = ? *

Installation Size approx. *


Optional
To assist with delivering an informative business case and optimal system size, please upload up to 3 recent electricity bills (PDF) below

 


  • RESOURCES
  • Compare Solar Quotes
  • Solar PV Price Index
  • Home Solar & Battery Guide
  • Commercial Solar Power
  • Solar & Battery Calculators
  • Solar Feed-in Tariffs
  • Solar Choice Blog
  • Contact Us


  • ©2008-2018 Solar Choice Pty Ltd
  • INFO BY SYSTEM SIZE
  • Solar Sysem Sizing Guide
  • 3kW Solar Systems
  • 5kW Solar Systems
  • 7kW Solar Systems
  • 10kW Solar Systems
  • 30kW Solar Systems
  • 50kW Solar Systems
  • 70kW Solar Systems
  • 100kW Solar Systems
  • SOLAR BY CITY
  • Solar power in Brisbane
  • Solar Power in Canberra
  • Solar power in Sydney
  • Solar power in Perth
  • Solar power in Melbourne
  • Solar power in Adelaide
  • Solar power in Hobart
  • Contact
  • National Head Office:
  • 39 East Esplanade
  • Level 3
  • Manly, NSW 2095
  • P: 1300 78 72 73
  • sales@solarchoice.net.au
 Logo Header Menu
  • Residential
    • Residential Solar & Battery Guide
    • Residential Solar System Prices
    • Solar PV System Finance Options
  • Commercial
    • Commercial Solar Power Overview
    • Commercial Solar Project Portfolio
    • Commercial Tender Management Procedure
    • Commercial Solar System Prices
    • Commercial Solar Finance Options
    • Solar Farms
    • Utility-scale solar farms: Landowner benefits
  • Solar Rebates
    • Solar Power Rebates Overview
    • Federal Incentives for Solar Power
    • State Solar Feed-in Tariffs
  • Solar Power
    • Solar Power System Prices
    • Solar Power in Australia: The Basics
    • How Solar PV Works
    • Questions to Ask When Considering Solar
    • Accredited Solar Installers across Australia
    • Home Solar Battery Storage: The Basics
    • Battery Storage Prices
    • Solar & Battery Calculator Tools
  • Solar Choice
    • What does Solar Choice do?
    • Solar Choice: Customer Benefits
    • Feedback & Testimonials
    • Management Team
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Installer Signup Form
    • Solar Choice: Installer Benefits
    • Solar Choice Blog
    • News
  • Solar Quote Comparison
    • Residential solar quote comparison
    • Commercial solar quote comparison
Compare Quotes from up to 7 installers in your area