It’s no secret that the current cost-of-living crisis has taken its toll on all of us. From ludicrously priced groceries and fuel to bloated rates and energy bills—time is hard! No wonder so many Victorians have taken up one of the biggest money-saving opportunities available right now; namely, solar and home battery systems.
By installing solar panels and a battery on their property, homeowners have been able to save money on electricity costs, reduce their utility bills, sever their reliance on fossil fuels and greedy gas, and even protect themselves against blackouts. And if that wasn’t enough, solar systems also generate reserve energy that can be sold back to the grid for extra money! It may all sound too good to be true, but this is already the reality for thousands of properties across the state, both in Greater Melbourne and the outer and regional suburbs.
But while the benefits of solar and battery are available to everyone, they aren’t quite suitable for everyone… at least not yet! You can’t simply plug in a solar panel and battery; they require comprehensive preparation and installation. So before you install solar or a home battery, be sure to check for these five things.
- First Things First: Call An Electrician & Audit Your Usage
Before you can even consider installing solar panels or a battery system at home, you need to determine whether your property can accommodate these technologies. The first thing you should do is contact an electrician in Melbourne to help you audit and assess your property’s current electricity usage and the health of your electrical system.
A professionally licensed electrician who is familiar with local property conditions and compliance requirements will be able to guide you through the kinds of preemptive considerations you will need to make before committing to installing any new panels and batteries.
- How much energy does your household use each day?
- When is your energy usage highest and when does it peak?
- Which panels and batteries can your system handle?
An electrician will help you determine which installations are and aren’t possible in your home, provide upgrades where needed, and identify where you could stand to save more money. Once you know your home’s limits and address them, you can start exploring which sizes and capacities best suit your needs and are compatible with your system.
- Match Made: Evaluate Compatibility with Existing Systems
It is important that you not only know whether your home’s electrical system can handle installing solar panels and a battery, but also which types are compatible with both. The solar and renewable energy industries are booming, and as a result, there is a wide range of appliances and options available to all kinds of customers.
No two panels and batteries are the same, of course. For example, some solar panels are more or less compatible with AC- or DC-coupled batteries, since they may generate too much electricity or store too little, and depending on your home’s limits, you may not be able to install one with the other without major modifications.
If you’re new to installing solar and batteries, then it may all seem at first like one big jigsaw puzzle. That’s why it’s important to know which systems will work best together and which will best suit your needs before spending money on them.
- Quantity Is Quality: Determine Number of Units Needed
Another crucial element to installing solar and battery is how many of each you actually need. To generate enough energy for both battery reserves and everyday usage, you will need to install the correct number of panels for your battery.
To charge a standard home battery, you generally need 3 to 5 kW of solar panels. But depending on your panel wattage, system size, and house size, this may translate to about 8 to 13 solar panels per battery!
Make sure you know exactly what you’re bargaining for before installing. The last thing you want is to set out to install your panels and battery only to realise you’ve sold yourself short… literally.
- Location, Location, Location: Consider Installation Location
Let’s say your property is all electrically sound and can indeed accommodate solar panels and a battery system. Wonderful! But do you know where you’re going to pull it all?
Solar panels will obviously go on your roof, but is your roof in a prime spot for sun exposure? Is there too much shade above your house, or are there any obstructions that could pose a risk, such as tall tree limbs or power lines?
Same for your battery: where will you install your battery? Batteries must be installed in non-living quarters that are accessible, cool, and ventilated. So before you install solar and battery at your home, make sure you actually have a place for them to call home!
- It’s Your Money: Explore Government Rebates & Incentives
Home solar and battery installations are significant investments. Thankfully, many governments have introduced numerous incentives and rebates to make the whole process just a little bit easier.
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program is available to those buying new batteries. Those who qualify can get a discount of around 30% on the upfront cost of installing a range of small-scale battery systems.
And in Victoria, eligible households can receive a rebate of up to $1,400 towards the cost of installing solar panel systems. So before buying your panels and battery, check which incentives and rebates you qualify for to save money on installation. These programs do expire, though, so don’t miss the boat—act now!
Plan Ahead & Make The Most of Solar and Battery at Home
Taking the time to tick off these five essentials can save you from costly surprises down the track and ensure your new solar and battery system performs at its full potential. From understanding your home’s electrical capacity to choosing the right system size and checking rebate eligibility, a little preparation goes a long way.
If you’re considering making the switch, speak with a qualified local electrician who can assess your property and guide you through the process with confidence. A properly planned installation doesn’t just save you money, but sets you up for long-term energy independence and peace of mind!
