FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BATTERIES
With popularity of battery storage systems increasing in Australia, we’ve put together some frequently asked questions (and answers)! Hopefully, these will help you decide if a battery would be right for your home! If you have a question that isn’t listed, find us on social media and send us a message… we’re always happy to help.
What is battery storage?
Battery storage is becoming increasingly popular in Australia as more people look to go off-grid. Batteries allow you to store electricity generated by your solar power system so that you can use it when there’s no sunshine. In order for a battery to be useful, your solar power system needs to be generating more than what you use during the day so that it can be stored.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar power system?
Yes, you can! This is called a battery retrofit. Battery retrofits are almost always possible, but the cost will change depending on your current solar power system setup. Some of the considerations that need to be made before a battery storage system is added to your solar power system include:
- Whether your home has a single-phase or three-phase power supply.
- The size of your solar power system and inverter.
- Taking a photo of your switchboard so installers can double check your solar excess.
What are the benefits of a battery?
There are a bunch of benefits to getting a battery storage system installed at your home, including:
- Reducing your reliance on the grid (whether completely or partially);
- Making the most of your solar power system by storing energy that would usually go straight to the grid. Once it’s stored, you can use it for your own home at a later time;
- Keeping your home powered up during a blackout (depending on your system); and
- Not having to worry about rising electricity prices (because you’ll be mostly or completely reliant on renewable energy to power your home).
What is depth of discharge?
The depth of discharge (or DoD) of a battery refers to the percentage of the battery that’s been discharged when compared to the battery’s entire capacity. Let’s say you have a 15kWh battery and you discharge 13.5kWh, the depth of discharge is about 90%. However, most manufacturers will have a recommended depth of discharge that allows the battery to perform at its best for as long as possible.
What is a battery life cycle?
A battery’s life cycle or cycle life-time refers to the amount of times that it can be fully charged and discharged, because this is considered to be one full cycle.
What is the storage capacity of batteries?
If you’re in the market for a battery, or you’ve just been browsing, you would have seen that the storage capacity of batteries is measured in kilowatt hours (or kWh). Basically, 1kWh is equal to one hour of electricity used at the power of 1kW.
So, if you used a 1000W microwave or pressure cooker for an hour, that is equal to 1kWh. However, if you had a 200W Playstation 5, it would take 5 hours of use to add up to a kilowatt hour. You can read more about this here.
Will a battery keep my home powered during a blackout?
This one depends on the type of battery you purchase! Some of them will have blackout protection, which means the battery will know when the grid has gone down. Once it’s switched over to its equivalent of a blackout mode or setting, it’ll start discharging and begin to power your home. So, if you’re after blackout protection with your battery, just make sure you double check before you purchase!
How much do batteries cost?
Batteries vary in price depending on the size you choose and the brand / model you decide to purchase. Click here to see a table of some of the more popular batteries on the market and an estimate of how much you can expect to pay.
GET 3 FREE SOLAR QUOTES
-
Prompt response from three installers.
William Fonseka
November 4, 2023We were happy with the quality of the three quotes we received
Sidney Eldridge
November 4, 2023If you are looking to Install Solar Power at your home,a good way to start is by visiting The Solar Market Web Page. All is explained here and good service... read more
Joe Bay
October 4, 2023 -
Very good and fast to respond!
red sed
October 4, 2023Honestly the most fuss-free way to organise quotes with local companies. Had three companies contact me within a few days and had quotes within a week.
Michael Howard
October 4, 2023Easy and quick responses, get some quotes and chose the one that's right for you. Very helpful.
Wendy MQ
September 4, 2023 -
Easy to use window with good information on which to base a decission
Greg Lyne
September 4, 2023Used Solar Market to find a very good solar power company.
Stefan Hancock
September 4, 2023I had several quotes and chose the one we thought best for us.
Mirna Trendle
August 4, 2023 -
Got one out of two quotes requested. Company quoted looks good but on the high side of price. Have not decided but have other quotes to consider.
Huat Ho Lim
August 4, 20233 Quotes as promised and all from reputable companies allowing me to make an informed decision on the way forward
Robin Hood OAM
August 4, 2023I am the Secretary/Treasurer of a Body Corporate in Queensland. We have rules that require us to get four quotes for major purchases. After having gotten a quote from... read more
David Johnstone
July 4, 2023 -
It was fast and easy to get response from 3 reputed suppliers without looking for contact details individually.
Jayatunga Milla
June 4, 2023In the process of getting 3 quotes, I definitely got more knowledge about the products, installation process, and the experienced installers.
Michael Choi
June 4, 2023I found this process easy fast and simple
Gail Vernon
May 4, 2023 -
Solar Market organised for 3 professional organisations to contact me, each were thorough in the preparation of proposals based on the capability I was looking for.
Evan Williams
May 4, 2023I’ve received some great quotes that some have provided In-depth information. Now to choose one
Tom Flood
May 4, 2023Help alot to find the right company to do the job
Alexis Bugallo
May 4, 2023 -
We Received 3 quotes in a timely manner and compared them and have decided to go with one of the companies
E J Crocker
April 4, 2023couldn't,t be happier. got 3 quotes all friendly but with different options. chose best for us. did paperwork Tuesday approved on Thursday and installed on Friday . Just waiting for... read more
frank castellano
April 4, 2023Great website Got 3 quotes and signed up with one of them, very easy!
WENDY LAWSON
April 4, 2023 -
4 companies contacted us - 3 came and spent 90 minutes discussing our needs. We were able to decide on one of them within a week. This is a very... read more
Bill Searl
April 4, 2023Solar market worked well for us, while we live in a small rural Vic city we did receive two quotes which were very comparable, thanks Solar Market. Robin
Robin Smith
March 4, 2023Very good , would recommend anyone to go with this company
Satya Narayan
March 4, 2023 -
I got three solar quotes very quickly.
Hoa Lieu
March 4, 2023Very prompt responses, just need to take your time deciding. The companies can be very pushy..
Simon Counter
March 4, 2023The Consultant that arrived was both knowledgable and polite, providing a number of possible options for our situation. Excellent service!!
Steve Fenech
March 4, 2023 -
This is a great service. I am time poor at the moment with moving house. After going through this I received 3 good quotes. Thank you
Jenni Lawson
February 4, 2023I recently used Solar Market for getting quotes for solar energy and I was extremely impressed with their service. The process of getting quotes was easy and quick, and the... read more
Chris Jenkins
February 4, 2023Very easy with in 2 days I had 3 quotes.
Bronson erceg
December 4, 2022
