Energy Storage Made Simple
When most of us think about renewable energy at home, solar panels are the first thing that comes to mind. And for good reason: with over four million rooftop solar systems now installed across Australia, panels have proven themselves as one of the most effective ways to slash power bills and harness our country’s abundant sunshine.
But what happens when solar isn’t an option?
Maybe your roof doesn’t have the right space or orientation. Maybe trees, nearby buildings, or heritage restrictions make it impossible to install panels. Or perhaps you live in an apartment or townhouse with shared roofs that don’t allow for individual solar systems. If any of these situations are the case, does that mean you can’t take control of your household energy use?
Well, the answer might surprise you!
Batteries Beyond Solar:
It’s a common misconception that batteries only work in tandem with solar panels. While that’s certainly the most popular (and most efficient) combination, batteries can also operate independently.
Instead of storing excess solar energy, a standalone battery system is programmed to purchase electricity from the grid during off-peak periods (when energy prices are at their lowest). The stored electricity is then used later during peak periods (when prices are at their highest).
Think of it kind of like “time-shifting” your power. You’re not generating your own energy, but you’re still reducing costs by drawing from the grid at the cheapest times and avoiding paying top dollar when demand spikes.
The Numbers in Plain English:
To put it into perspective: electricity that costs just a few cents per kilowatt-hour during off-peak times can cost up to eight times more during peak hours!
In plain English:
- Off-peak rate: 5 cents per kWh
- Peak rate: 40 cents per kWh
If your home uses 10 kWh of power during the evening peak, you’re paying around $4 a night. But if that same 10 kWh was charged earlier into a battery during off-peak hours, it would cost just 50 cents! Multiply that difference by weeks, months, and years, and the savings add up pretty quickly.
Why Consider a Battery Without Solar:
While solar plus battery is still the absolute gold standard, standalone batteries offer several important benefits in their own right:
- Bill reduction - Storing cheaper power and avoiding expensive rates provides greater certainty and control.
- Blackout protection - Many batteries can be configured to provide backup power during outages, keeping your essentials running when the grid is down.
- Future-proofing – If your circumstances change, you can always integrate panels later and pair them with your battery for maximum efficiency.
- Sustainability choice – Even without panels, shifting demand from peak periods eases stress on the grid and helps support a cleaner, more stable energy system.
And an aspect of renewables that’s more often than not overlooked is how batteries (and solar) can add to property value.
- With energy prices rising and more buyers looking for homes that offer resilience and lower ongoing costs, having a battery installed can make your property more attractive on the market. Just as solar panels have become a selling point over the past decade, batteries are quickly joining the list of features buyers are actively seeking.
- For homeowners who, for whatever reason, can’t install solar right now, a battery system can still represent a smart investment that pays off in multiple ways both in your household budget and in your property’s long-term appeal.
Is It the Right Option for Every Household?
Not necessarily. The suitability of a battery-only setup depends on a lot of factors, like:
- Your household’s daily and nightly energy use
- How much electricity you consume during peak times
- The off-peak rates available from your retailer
- Whether you want blackout protection
- Future plans to add solar
Your best bet is reviewing your recent energy bills or even requesting a detailed report of usage from your retailer. This information can give you (and your installer) a clearer picture of whether a battery would deliver real benefits for your home.
The Role of Energy Retailers
The next bit, and a key part of making a battery-only setup work is in the choosing of the right electricity plan. Not all energy retailers offer competitive off-peak rates or the flexibility to optimise battery charging and discharging.
Some newer providers are now designing plans that work hand-in-hand with storage, allowing households to get the most out of their system. Pairing a battery with the right plan can make a significant difference to your overall savings.
A Smarter Energy Future, Even Without Solar
Solar panels remain arguably the most effective way to cut electricity bills, and if there’s any chance of installing them, it’s always the first thing to explore. No doubt. But for households where solar just isn’t possible, a standalone battery system can still open the door to a smarter way of managing energy.
We understand that the options available in the renewables world can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. We’re here to help you navigate that maze and together map out a future that’s smarter, simpler, and powered on your terms.