Installing solar is great for the environment but what happens to the solar equipment like panels, inverters and batteries, when they get damaged, stop working effectively or are at the end of their life? We can’t (and should not) just throw them in the bin for them to end up in landfill.
Topics: sustainability, solar battery system
The end of August is fast approaching, and with it, the second month of the Victorian solar battery rebate. While the solar rebate was quickly snatched up in record timing, the battery rebate remains open for applications and is a generous offer for eligible households.
Topics: battery storage, sustainability, solar battery, solar battery system, solar rebate, victorian solar rebate
Solar Victoria have officially released all information regarding the solar rebates that will be on offer from 1st July 2019.
Topics: solar energy, sustainability, government incentives, residential solar, incentives, solar pv, solar battery system, solar rebate
| Solar battery storage solutions have become a hot topic recently but despite the rapidly falling cost of technology, their financial viability is still up for debate. It’s important to make an informed choice when installing a battery storage system, so we have developed our Ultimate Guide to Residential Battery Storage to assist you. |
Is residential energy storage right for you? > The benefits of investing in battery storage > Financing solar storage and typical payback > |
Is residential energy storage right for you?
Quick battery storage checklist – is solar battery storage right for me?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to three or more of the above, a solar battery storage system could make sense for you.
As you are probably aware, batteries alone do not produce electricity, they simply store and release it. So, your first step should be determining your suitability for residential solar, click here to read our guide. When choosing a solar provider, preference should be given to a Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved solar retailer that provides quality products, has a proven track record and dedication to customer service. Select a supplier who can offer both solar and battery storage solutions rather than trying to find a separate battery provider as most reputable companies will not retrofit a battery into an existing system they have not installed.
Learn more about residential solar systems and the solar PV options available through Eko Energy >
Already have a solar system installed?
Generally, we do not recommend battery storage for older solar PV systems less than 4kW as you may not be generating enough excess energy to store in a battery. However, if you know you are exporting the majority of your generation, a battery could still be a good option. It’s possible to replace your existing inverter with a battery-ready inverter or a hybrid battery-inverter, but we recommend speaking to an expert to fully understand your options. The cost of a battery system alone can be broken down into:
As with any major purchase, be wary of providers offering cheap battery options, they are likely to be too small, have limited warranties or hidden costs.
Types of batteries
Suitable consumption profiles
The primary purpose of installing a battery storage system is to store any excess energy produced by your solar system, instead of feeding it back into the grid. This allows you to use more stored energy at times throughout the day or night when your solar panels are not producing energy. If you use most energy during peak times (early morning or late afternoon), or export most of your solar generation, a battery could be a good option.
The benefits of investing in solar battery storage
As electricity prices continue to rise and with the current lack of policy certainty, Australians are looking to take back control of their energy usage and become less reliant on the grid. Solar battery storage systems are an excellent way to secure a lower electricity rate long-term, while reducing your carbon footprint.
Store excess energy
If you are on a time-varying rate, electricity will cost more during peak hours and less during the daytime when your solar panels are at their most productive. Therefore, you could benefit from a battery storage system to store electricity generated by your solar system during the day and use it during peak times mentioned above.
Understanding time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates and feed-in tariffs
From 1 July 2018, the Essential Services Commission (ESC) has announced that energy retailers in Victoria must offer at least one of two feed-in tariffs (FiTs):
|
|
Off-Peak |
Shoulder |
Peak |
| Time-Varying FiT |
10pm – 7am |
7am – 3pm & 9pm – 10pm |
3pm – 9pm |
| Rates |
7.1 c/kWh |
10.3 c/kWh |
29.0 c/kWh |
You can see from this diagram that the average household will see consumption spikes first thing in the morning and again in the evening. These spikes are largely unaffected by solar generated during the middle of the day, using stored energy during the spikes makes a strong case for battery storage.
Understanding battery capacity
It's a common misconception that batteries can power an entire household. A typical battery can power household lighting and appliances (like your all important fridge and TV) but cannot power multiple air conditioning units or other high energy users like electric car chargers.
Prevent blackouts
With a standard solar system, you will still lose power during an outage because your panels are connected to the grid. However, when you add a battery, your home can use the solar energy stored in the event the grid goes down. Solar battery storage is more attractive than traditional diesel generators as they provide backup power without producing greenhouse gas emissions.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Going solar is a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint and consumption of electricity generated by fossil fuels. A 5.4kWh solar system typically generates as much energy as it takes to drive 2 cars for a year or represents the carbon sequestered by over 250 trees grown for 10 years!
Our CEO, Erik & Project Coordinator, Jack at a Redback installation
Financing solar battery storage and typical payback
Paybacks for solar and battery storage are different for every household and depend on your electricity usage over time, the price you pay for electricity and your system’s performance over and above the warranted specifications.
The good news is that batteries are now financially viable.
Eko Energy are offering an exclusive opportunity to finance a 6.4kW solar system + 4.8kWh Redback storage for as little as $29 net outgoings per month^.
| REPAYMENTS |
ENERGY SAVINGS |
= $67 x84 MONTHS OUTGOINGS |
$29 x84 months net outgoings^
|
| $208.40 x84 MONTHS |
$140.83 PER MONTH |
||
| SOLAR VICTORIA SUBSIDY |
POWERRESPONSE CREDIT |
= $38 MONTHLY SAVINGS |
|
| $2,225 |
$1,000 |
^Terms and conditions apply. Based on 28 c/kWh electricity rate, 84 month finance term, 8% annual increase in electricity prices, 0.5% annual solar degradation rate, eligibility for the maximum Victorian Solar Homes subsidy and EnergyAustralia's PowerReponse program.
PLUS if the Victorian Labor party win November's election, there will be an additional subsidy of $4,838 for the first 10,000 households to install battery storage.
Eko Energy are making solar and battery storage affordable.
Make the most of our PowerResponse program and get $1,000 upfront discount for switching to EnergyAustralia plus an additional $120 per annum minimum over 3 years.
Topics: renewable energy, solar energy, battery storage, sustainability, feed-in tariffs, government incentives, residential solar, solar pv, solar finance, solar battery, solar battery system, solar rebate, victorian solar rebate
Particularly for customers in more regional areas, solar battery storage now offers a viable financial return. A residential energy storage system allows you to:
Topics: renewable energy, battery storage, residential solar, solar pv, solar battery, solar battery system
