Solar batteries are a major investment. Whether you’re installing one with a new solar system or retrofitting batteries to an existing solar setup, it’s essential to understand what protects that investment — and for how long. In this guide, we break down how solar battery warranties work, what to look for in a good battery warranty, and how Australia’s battery brands compare them across different brands.
This article is designed for Australian homeowners who want to make a smart, informed choice on which home battery storage option is best for them and how to assess their warranty terms — not just marketing promises.
What Is a Solar Battery Warranty?
A solar battery warranty is a manufacturer’s promise that the battery will perform as expected for a certain number of years, cycles, or total energy throughput — whichever comes first.
A good warranty helps reduce your financial risk by covering repair or replacement if the battery fails under normal usage. But warranties differ widely in what they cover, how they’re triggered, and what exclusions apply.
And importantly: your rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) apply in addition to any manufacturer warranty — even if the product doesn’t come with one.
Types of Solar Battery Warranties
1. Product Warranty
Also called a warranty against defects, this covers manufacturing faults or performance failures due to defects. Most solar battery product warranties last 10 years, though some premium models offer longer.
2. Cycle Warranty
This defines the number of full charge/discharge cycles a battery can perform under warranty. A common figure is 6,000 cycles, which equates to about 16 years if used once per day. However, warranties usually end when either the cycle count or the years are reached — whichever is sooner.
3. Throughput Warranty
Throughput refers to the total amount of energy (in kWh or MWh) that the battery can process over its lifetime. For example, a 10kWh battery may be warranted for 30,000kWh (30MWh) of throughput.
4. End-of-Warranty Capacity Guarantee
Most brands also guarantee that the battery will retain a certain percentage of its original capacity by the end of the warranty period. For example:
- 70% of capacity after 10 years is common
- Premium batteries may offer 80–85%
5. Installation or Workmanship Warranty
This is separate from the battery itself and covers problems caused during installation — such as water damage from poor sealing. It’s usually covered by your installer for 5 years under Clean Energy Council (CEC) guidelines.
6. Extended Warranties
Some retailers offer extra warranty coverage for a fee. These can be useful — but only if they go beyond what the ACL already covers. Make sure they’re not just repackaging your existing rights.
How Warranties Are Measured (and When They End)
A solar battery warranty typically ends when the first of these conditions is met:
- The number of years (e.g. 10 years)
- The cycle count (e.g. 6,000 cycles)
- The energy throughput limit (e.g. 30MWh)
This means your warranty could technically expire before 10 years if you cycle the battery heavily every day.
Common Warranty Conditions (and Loopholes to Watch)
Most manufacturers include conditions of use that can void your warranty if not followed:
- Exceeding charge/discharge limits
- Storing in high heat or humidity
- Charging from the grid (not solar only)
- More than one cycle per day
- Exposure to weather if not properly enclosed
Before buying, ask for the full warranty document and read the exclusions carefully.
You can also review warranty coverage standards on the energy.gov.au guide.
Why Throughput Matters More Than You Think
Let’s say your 10kWh battery is warrantied for 30,000kWh (30MWh) of energy throughput. That means:
- If you cycle it fully once per day (10kWh), you’ll hit the limit in 8.2 years
- If you cycle it only 5kWh per day, it could last 16+ years
Throughput is often the most limiting factor, especially for households with high self-consumption or use in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
What Happens If the Brand Disappears?
The Australian Consumer Law states that your warranty claim is with the importer or the local office of the brand. But if they disappear, you may be left without support.
To reduce this risk:
- Choose brands with local offices in Australia
- Use Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers
- Check who is responsible for warranty claims (installer, retailer, or distributor)
You can learn more about installer and retailer responsibilities via Solar Accreditation Australia.
Do Solar Battery Warranties Cover Everything?
No. Warranties generally don’t cover:
- Accidental damage (e.g. impact, flooding)
- Extreme weather (e.g. hail, fire)
- Misuse or incorrect installation
- Cosmetic wear or minor capacity loss
These exclusions are why many Australians also choose to insure their solar system. Check with your home insurance provider or solar retailer about adding battery coverage.
Key Warranty Terms to Compare When Buying
| Warranty Feature | What to Look For |
| Years Covered | 10+ years (standard), 15–20 (premium) |
| Throughput | ≥30MWh for 10kWh batteries |
| Cycle Life | 5,000–10,000 full cycles |
| End-of-Warranty Capacity | ≥70%, ideally 80–85% |
| Local Support | Australian office or certified distributor |
| Installer Warranty | 5 years minimum (workmanship) |
Consumer Guarantees Under Australian Law
Even if your warranty ends or is denied, you may still have rights. The ACL guarantees that products must:
- Be fit for purpose
- Last a reasonable time
- Match descriptions and advertised quality
You can learn more about your rights via the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).
If a battery fails well before its expected lifespan, you may still have a case — even outside the warranty period.
But enforcement is up to you, and you may need to escalate through:
- The Office of Fair Trading in your state
- The ACCC
- Civil tribunals if necessary
FAQs: Solar Battery Warranties in Australia
How long should a solar battery last?
Most are expected to last 8–15 years depending on use. The warranty may last 10 years, but the battery can keep working (at reduced capacity) beyond that.
Is it better to compare cycles or throughput?
Compare both. Throughput is often more relevant for high-use homes. Cycles matter if you want to model longevity by time.
Can I void the warranty by charging from the grid?
Yes — some brands prohibit it. Always check your warranty’s conditions of use.
Who handles warranty claims — the installer or the brand?
Start with your installer. If they can’t resolve it, the claim usually escalates to the distributor or manufacturer’s local office.
Final Thoughts: How to Protect Your Investment
When comparing batteries, don’t just chase the biggest discount or brand name. Look closely at the warranty terms, and ask your installer:
- What is the cycle or throughput cap?
- What conditions could void my warranty?
- Who do I contact if something goes wrong?
And remember — the best battery is the one that’s supported well beyond installation.
