This is fast becoming the world’s worst secret: to maximise the benefits of solar panels, you need a battery. A solar battery is the piece of equipment that gives you self-reliance, frees you from blackouts and significantly cuts your energy bills. With that said, how much are solar batteries? Are they an affordable option? Let’s take a look.
The varieties of solar batteries
We recently wrote an article on Tesla’s Powerwall, with the hope of shedding some light on one of the most prominent solar batteries on the market. One of the differences we spoke of, and that’s worth considering, is AC-coupled and DC-coupled batteries. DC-coupled batteries allow for greater adaptability and efficiency.
For more information, see our post comparing the best solar batteries in Australia.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, when weighing up solar battery storage options, the other major aspect to consider is the size of the battery you need. If you buy a solar battery outright, that’s an expensive upfront cost; if you purchase one with a greater capacity than you need, then that’s money wasted (Here at Plico, we have a solution to this, so read on…).
How much do solar batteries cost?
Much of the solar battery cost depends significantly on its size – lithium ion battery prices rise the greater the number of kWh. The initial expense of a solar battery system can range from $4,500 to $18,000 and beyond.
Are there hidden costs to solar batteries?
Installation is often a forgotten cost in the process of buying and using a solar battery. Battery installation costs, on average, are around $1,200 – a significant amount of cash.
For more info on solar installers, see How to Choose the Best Solar Provider.
So, are solar batteries worth the expense?
The short answer is yes. As mentioned, a solar battery is the point of difference that allows you to create, store and use your energy on your terms. Without one, whenever the sun isn’t out, you’re paying large amounts of money to get your power off the grid.
As we’ve seen above, there are additional expenses to solar batteries that can make them a less attractive option. Yet solar panels, with their renewable, environmentally-friendly production and distribution, should be accessible for all. Without a battery, however, it’s easy to become disillusioned and for you forget why you made the switch in the first place. There needs to be another way to support those looking to make the conscientious switch to solar.
For more information, see Are Solar Batteries Worth It?
Plico brings the benefits of solar to everyone.
Plico’s battery + solar panel solution is redefining solar’s accessibility and effectiveness. We are making clean, renewable and reliable energy affordable for as many people as possible; we are on a mission to rewrite Australia’s energy future. See our blog post about our virtual power plant here.
How? Instead of paying $15,000 or more for an installed solar system, we give Plico members the opportunity to make the switch to solar and battery with no big upfront costs. We’ve constructed a new formula – a weekly payment system that allows individuals to make huge savings on their electrical bills all from one low weekly fee. With our industry-leading solar battery storage equipment installed by qualified local experts and ten years of ongoing support, we take away any future hassles or issues. So you can focus on saving money and helping the environment simultaneously. We can even fit a battery to your existing solar power system.
For more information on what plan and solar battery system would best suit you, contact one of our specialists on 1300 175 426, or fill out the enquiry form here.
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