Solar Storage
Add a Battery to Your Existing Solar System
Store your own power instead of exporting it for pennies.
Most older solar systems send power to the grid during the day and you buy it back at night, losing money on every export. A battery retrofit captures that wasted power and lets you use it when you need it. We'll assess your system, choose the right battery and inverter setup, and handle all the paperwork for rebates and incentives. No need to replace your working panels.
⏳ Deadlines
- Cheaper Home Batteries steps down in 66 days (1 January 2027)About $252/kWh for the first 14 kWh, $151/kWh to 28 kWh and $38/kWh to 50 kWh (2026 rate) Source: DCCEEW Cheaper Home Batteries, from 1 May 2026 · checked 2026-10-16
- STC discount on new solar shrinks in 66 days (1 January 2027)about 20% less than this year (one fewer deeming year) Source: Clean Energy Regulator (small-scale technology certificates) · set by law
Why your older solar system is losing money
If your system was installed more than 5 years ago, you're likely exporting most of your solar power to the grid during the day and buying electricity back at night. Export rates have fallen to 5–10 cents per kWh in most of Australia, while grid power costs 25–35 cents—you're giving away $6–$8 for every $10 of power you generate.
A battery captures that wasted power and stores it for use when you need it: running the dishwasher, charging devices, or powering the home after dark. The difference is immediate—you stop selling cheap and stop buying dear. Adding storage transforms your system from a part-time earner into a year-round saver.
What this covers
- 01
AC-Coupled Battery Retrofit
The simplest and most flexible retrofit: install a battery and inverter after your existing panels. Works with any panel age or inverter type. No changes to your solar array.
- 02
Hybrid Inverter Upgrade
Replace your existing inverter with a hybrid unit that handles both solar and battery power. Needed if you want backup capability or if your current inverter is failing. Allows DC-coupled battery setups.
- 03
Switchboard Upgrade & Backup Circuits
Add backup breakers and circuits to keep essential loads running during blackouts. Includes rewiring to selected circuits (lighting, fridge, water pump). Works with any battery system.
- 04
System Monitoring & App Setup
Real-time monitoring of your battery charge, solar output and home consumption via smartphone app. Track your savings daily and adjust appliance timing to match battery state and solar forecast.
- 05
Usage Review & Battery Sizing
We analyse 12 months of your electricity bills or monitoring data to understand your daily load pattern and solar export. We then recommend battery size and design to maximise savings and suit your budget.
How a battery retrofit works with your existing solar
An AC-coupled retrofit sits between your existing inverter and switchboard, connected via a dedicated circuit and a small inverter of its own. When your panels generate power, your existing system still works exactly as before: it supplies your home first, then exports any spare power to the grid. The moment you add a battery, we reprogram the system to send that export power to the battery instead. Once the battery is full or your home demand rises, power flows normally to the grid.
If your home is drawing power at night, the battery inverter sends stored electricity to your switchboard and your appliances. The battery supplies power until it runs low, then the grid takes over seamlessly. This design means we don't touch your existing panels or main inverter—they stay under their original warranty and keep working as designed.
AC-coupled systems are ideal if your existing inverter is new or you want flexibility to add battery storage later. If you need backup power during blackouts or want the most efficient DC-coupled design, a hybrid inverter swap is the better choice, though it costs more and takes a bit longer to install.
Throughout the retrofit, we handle all compatibility testing, cabling, mounting brackets, safety certifications and rebate paperwork. After commissioning, your battery will show on your monitoring app, updating in real time so you can see how much power you're storing and using.
Rebates and incentives: federal and state support
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides rebates on battery and inverter costs for eligible households. From 1 May 2026, rebate rates are approximately $252/kWh for batteries up to 14 kWh, $151/kWh for 14–28 kWh, and $38/kWh for 28–50 kWh. To qualify, you must use an NETCC Approved Seller for the battery supply and an SAA-accredited installer for the work. Your home must have a working solar system and total household income must be under stated thresholds (confirm current limits with the Clean Energy Regulator).
The federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (SRES) scheme also applies: when we install a battery with a hybrid inverter, the new inverter generates STCs based on its output rating, your location's solar zone, and a 5-year deeming period. STCs are worth approximately $38 each under current rules. We can assign your STCs to us as part payment, or you can sell them yourself (though prices fluctuate). Again, confirm current STC eligibility and value with the Clean Energy Regulator.
Some states and distribution networks offer additional battery rebates or demand management incentives. We check what applies to your postcode and include any available rebate claims in our paperwork. Always confirm current amounts and eligibility directly with the Clean Energy Regulator or your state energy agency before you commit, as rebate rates change on set dates.
Rebate eligibility is strict: we must be NETCC Approved and SAA-accredited, your system must pass inspection, and paperwork must be filed correctly. We handle this end-to-end so the rebate reduces your invoice, not your cash upfront. If you're unsure whether you qualify, we can check your details at the site visit.
Pricing guide
How much does a battery retrofit cost?
A battery retrofit typically ranges from $7,500 to $16,000 AUD, depending on usable capacity (5–15 kWh), inverter design (AC-coupled or hybrid), backup configuration, and any switchboard work. The Cheaper Home Batteries rebate can reduce the out-of-pocket cost by $1,500–$4,500 if you're eligible. Site-specific factors include your distribution network (some require additional equipment), available mounting space (indoor or outdoor), and whether backup circuits are needed.
- Usable battery capacity in kWh (5–15 kWh typical for retrofits)
- AC-coupled versus hybrid inverter (AC-coupled is simpler and cheaper; hybrid enables DC coupling and backup)
- Backup power circuits and breakers (adds cost but gives blackout resilience)
- Battery brand and warranty length (longer warranty = higher upfront cost)
- Indoor versus outdoor mounting location (outdoor is simpler; indoor may require housing or ventilation)
- Switchboard condition and available space (older or crowded boards require upgrades)
| Job type | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kWh AC-coupled battery retrofit (no backup) | $7,500 | $9,000 | $10,500 |
| 10 kWh AC-coupled battery retrofit (no backup) | $10,000 | $12,000 | $14,000 |
| 15 kWh hybrid inverter + battery (with backup circuits) | $13,000 | $15,500 | $18,000 |
| Switchboard upgrade + backup circuit rewiring (labour and materials only) | $2,000 | $3,500 | $5,000 |
Prices are market guidance ranges and exclude GST unless stated. Actual costs depend on your site, system design and current rebate availability. We provide a fixed quote after the free site assessment. Rebate amounts change on set dates; confirm current figures with the Clean Energy Regulator or your state energy agency.
Typically included
- 12-month usage review from electricity bills or existing monitoring data to establish your load profile and export pattern
- On-site compatibility check: testing existing inverter, panels, switchboard and network connection
- Battery, inverter, cabling, mounting brackets, connectors and isolation switches (all certified for Australian use)
- Professional installation: wiring, bonding, earthing and mounting to AS/NZS 3000 and relevant network standards
- Backup circuit configuration if selected: breakers, rewiring and labelling for blackout-resilient loads
- Commissioning, testing, safety inspection and app setup; handover with monitoring tutorial
Often excluded
- Replacement or repair of existing solar panels or original inverter (covered under their original warranty)
- Structural work: roof reinforcement, concrete footings or building approval (quoted separately if needed)
- Distribution network connection upgrades or approval fees (usually covered by the network)
- Additional meter installation or tariff changes (arranged directly with your retailer)
Rebate eligibility is strict: you must use an NETCC Approved Seller and an SAA-accredited installer. Your system must pass inspection and paperwork must be filed correctly within required timeframes. If your home income exceeds current thresholds or your system does not meet eligibility criteria, you may not qualify. We'll confirm your eligibility at the site visit, but always verify current requirements directly with the Clean Energy Regulator before you commit.
Questions to ask every installer
- 1Are your installers SAA-accredited electricians?
- 2Is your company a NETCC Approved Seller for rebate purposes?
- 3Will you provide an itemised quote showing rebate eligibility and what the government rebate covers?
- 4Can you explain the difference between AC-coupled and hybrid inverter options for my specific system?
- 5What warranty do you offer on labour and the complete installed system, and what does it exclude?
Local solar data
How much power does solar make in Victoria?
Each kW of panels in Victoria makes about 1,366 kWh a year (Melbourne data). That means a 6.6kW system makes around 9,016 kWh a year, or about 25 kWh on an average day. Melbourne averages 4.8 peak sun hours a day.
Figures use PVWatts modelling for a north-facing (south-facing in the northern hemisphere) roof at 20°. Your actual output depends on shade, roof direction and the panels you choose.
| City | Network | kWh per kW a year | Sun hours a day | Grid price per kWh | Yearly saving, 6.6kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne VIC | — | 1,366 | 4.76 | — | — |
Incentives that apply in Victoria
National · battery
Cheaper Home Batteries
About $252/kWh for the first 14 kWh, $151/kWh to 28 kWh and $38/kWh to 50 kWh (2026 rate)
Battery 5–100 kWh, able to join a VPP, connected to rooftop solar
Source: DCCEEW Cheaper Home Batteries, from 1 May 2026 · checked 2026-10-16
National · solar
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Upfront discount: kW × zone multiplier × deeming years × STC price
Systems up to 100kW installed by an SAA-accredited installer
Source: SRES: zone multiplier × 5-year deeming × $38 per STC · checked 2026-10-16
VIC · hot water
Solar Victoria hot water rebate
up to $1,400 locally made, $1,000 other
Same $150,000 income cap
Source: Solar Victoria, from 1 July 2026 · checked 2026-10-16
VIC · solar
Solar Victoria panel rebate
up to $1,400
Combined household income $150,000 or less
Source: Solar Victoria, from 1 July 2026 · checked 2026-10-16
Sources: PVWatts v8 (north-facing 20°, 14% losses, nearest station) · SRES: zone multiplier × 5-year deeming × $38 per STC · DCCEEW Cheaper Home Batteries, from 1 May 2026 · Solar Victoria, from 1 July 2026
Brands we install
Brands we install
Ask us about current stock and warranty terms for each brand.
- Panels
- JinkoTrinaLONGiAikoRECCanadian SolarSunPower (Maxeon)
- Inverters
- FroniusSungrowSolarEdgeEnphaseGoodWeHuawei
- Batteries
- Tesla PowerwallSigenergyBYDAlpha ESSEnphase IQ BatterySungrow SBRFranklinWH
Solar designed around your situation
Which situation best suits you?
Will a battery work with my existing solar panels?
How much can I save by adding a battery?
What is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
Do I need a new switchboard for a battery?
Can I get a backup power circuit with a battery retrofit?
What size battery should I install?
How long does a battery retrofit take to install?
What warranty do batteries come with?
Ready to keep your solar power?
Get a free site assessment and battery compatibility check. We'll show you your savings and rebate options.