Solar batteries are becoming a must have for many Adelaide homes, to store solar energy for night time or cloudy days. If you’re looking at a 6kW solar battery you’re probably wondering about the costs and how to choose the right one for your home. This guide has got you covered, from pricing and what affects the cost to incentives and tips.
What is the Cost of a 6kW Solar Battery in Australia?
A 6kW solar battery refers to its power output, which is the amount of power it can produce at any one time. For most homes, this is a good balance of energy storage and cost, especially when considering battery storage to store excess energy generated by solar panels. It’s suitable for average homes, especially those using solar to reduce grid dependency.
In practical terms, a 6kW system can power common appliances like fridges, lights, and TVs during the evening or power outages. However, the total storage capacity, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), determines how long these devices can run.
What is a Solar Battery?
A solar battery is a type of energy storage system that stores excess energy generated by solar panels. This stored energy can be used to power homes, businesses, and other applications during periods of low sunlight or at night. By providing backup power during outages and reducing reliance on the grid, solar batteries offer a reliable and sustainable energy solution.
Solar batteries can also help reduce energy bills by storing excess energy for later use. Instead of sending surplus energy back to the grid, you can store it and use it when your solar panels aren’t producing electricity. This not only maximizes the efficiency of your solar power system but also ensures you have a steady supply of power during peak hours or unexpected outages.
In essence, solar batteries enhance the functionality of your solar panels, making your energy consumption more efficient and cost-effective. They are a key component in achieving energy independence and sustainability.
A solar battery is a type of energy storage system that stores excess energy generated by solar panels.
Solar batteries can provide backup power during outages and reduce reliance on the grid.
Solar batteries can also help reduce energy bills by storing excess energy for later use.
How Does a 6kW Solar Battery Work?
A 6kW solar battery is designed to work seamlessly with a 6kW solar panel system. During the day, your solar panels generate electricity, and any excess energy that isn’t immediately used is stored in the solar battery. This stored energy can then be used to power your home or business during periods of low sunlight or at night, ensuring a continuous supply of electricity.
Typically, a 6kW solar battery is connected to a hybrid inverter, which converts the DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power that can be used by your home or business. This setup allows for efficient energy management and utilization.
Moreover, a 6kW solar battery can be programmed to charge from the grid during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. This means you can store cheaper electricity and use it during peak hours when rates are higher, further reducing your energy bills. Additionally, this setup provides a reliable backup power source during outages, ensuring that your essential appliances and systems remain operational.
Beyond the practical benefits of backup power and cost savings, a 6kW solar battery also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. By storing and utilizing excess energy generated by your solar panels, you decrease the demand for energy from power plants, which helps mitigate climate change.
Overall, a 6kW solar battery is a valuable addition to any solar power system, offering backup power, cost savings, and environmental benefits.
A 6kW solar battery is designed to work with a 6kW solar panel system.
How does Solar Battery Sizing (kW/kWh work?
Understanding the difference between power output (kW) and storage capacity (kilowatt hour or kWh) is key.
- kW (Kilowatts): Measures how much power the battery can produce at one time.
- kWh (Kilowatt-hours): Measures the total amount of energy the battery can store and supply over time.
For example, a 6kW battery with 13.5kWh capacity can run a 1kW appliance for 13.5 hours or a 6kW load for just over 2 hours. Choosing the right size depends on your household’s energy usage and whether you want backup power during outages.
6kW Solar Battery Cost Breakdown in Adelaide
The cost of a 6kW solar battery includes the battery price, which varies depending on brand, technology, and capacity.
Installation cost is another significant factor, with labour costs depending on system complexity and installer rates.
Additional Equipment: An inverter may be required if your current solar system isn’t compatible with the battery.
| Component | Average Cost (AUD) |
| Battery Unit | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Installation Fees | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Inverter (if needed) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
Prices will vary depending on the provider and system features. Some premium brands may cost more but offer longer warranties and better performance.
Do Solar Batteries in Australia Vary by Brand?
Yes, brand makes a big difference. The price of solar batteries varies significantly among premium brands like Tesla, LG, and Sonnen due to their reputation, technology, and warranties.
Common Brands and Prices:
- Tesla Powerwall 2 (13.5kWh): $12,500 – $14,000
- LG Chem RESU10H (9.8kWh): $8,500 – $10,500
- SonnenBatterie (10kWh): $9,000 – $11,000
Higher upfront cost can be justified by better performance and longer lifespan, reducing replacement and maintenance costs over time.
Are solar batteries getting cheaper in Australia?
Solar battery pricing has fallen over the last 5 years. Technology improvement, competition and growing demand are the drivers of this decline. In 2017 a 10kWh battery cost over $15,000. Today a 10kWh battery costs between $7,000 to $12,000.
Industry experts predict further price drops as manufacturing scales up and more affordable technology emerges. The South Australian government’s support for renewable energy is accelerating this trend making solar batteries more accessible.
Government Incentives and Rebates
South Australia has a great incentive through the Home Battery Scheme for installing a solar battery system. Eligible households can get up to $2,000 in rebates, reducing the upfront cost of a solar battery.
Key Details:
- Eligibility: Must be a South Australian resident.
- Subsidy Amount: Up to $200 per kWh, capped at $2,000.
- Application: Through approved providers.
You can combine these rebates with federal incentives or financing options.
I Have an Existing Solar System. Can I Add a Battery?
Yes! Many homeowners retrofit battery storage systems to their existing solar systems. Compatibility depends on your current inverter and system setup.
Things to consider when adding a battery:
- Inverter Compatibility: Some older inverters may need an upgrade.
- Capacity Matching: Make sure the battery capacity matches your system’s output.
- Installation Costs: Adding a battery will require extra cabling and adjustments.
A battery will increase your system’s efficiency by storing excess solar energy for night time use or power outages.
6kW Solar Battery Benefits
A solar and battery system has many advantages:
- Energy Independence: Store solar energy for blackouts or peak hours.
- Lower Bills: Reduce grid reliance and avoid peak rates.
- Environmental Impact: Be part of a greener Adelaide by reducing carbon footprint.
How to Choose the Right Solar Battery Provider in Adelaide
Choosing Class A Energy Solutions for your battery system will give you the best value and performance.
Questions to Ask:
- What brands do you offer and what are the warranties?
- Are there any extra costs, like additional equipment or maintenance fees?
- Can you show me references or case studies from previous customers?
Get multiple quotes to find the best deal and quality installation.
Downsides and Considerations
While solar battery systems have many benefits:
- Upfront Costs: The upfront cost is big, but incentives and savings will offset this over time.
- Maintenance: Most modern batteries are low maintenance but require occasional checks.
- Lifespan: Batteries last 10-15 years so long term planning is important.
Bottom Line
A 6kW solar battery is suitable for average households, a good balance of cost and performance.
Prices vary by brand from $6,000 to $12,000 plus installation, and understanding solar battery costs is crucial for evaluating the financial viability of your investment.
Incentives can save you up to $2,000.
Adding a battery to an existing system is easy and will increase efficiency.
Choose Class A Energy and get a free quote.