Residential Solar
Solar + Battery Packages
Panels and battery designed, installed and commissioned as one system
Buying solar and a battery separately means two inverters, two site visits and two invoices. A designed package bundles panels, hybrid inverter and battery to work together from day one, with one commissioning and one warranty. We handle sizing, rebates, backup configuration and app setup so you get a complete, compatible system ready to use.
⏳ 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
The cost of powering your home with separate solar and battery purchases
Most people install solar first and think about a battery later. By then, your solar inverter is locked in and may not be hybrid-capable, so adding a battery means replacing the inverter, paying for a second installation and applying for rebates twice. You also lose the chance to optimise both systems together—panel placement, inverter size and battery capacity work best when planned as one.
A designed package avoids those costs and complications. You get a single hybrid inverter, one installation, one set of warranties and one rebate process. The battery charges from solar during the day and from the grid at off-peak rates if you choose, so you maximise your savings without buying two systems.
What this covers
- 01
6.6kW Solar + 10kWh Battery
Entry-level residential package for 3–4 person households with moderate daytime and evening use. Covers most midday demand and stores 2–3 hours of evening peak load. Typical cost $12,000–$16,000 after STCs and state rebates.
- 02
10kW Solar + 13.5kWh Battery
Mid-range bundle for larger homes or high summer air-conditioning demand. Generates enough solar to cover most days and stores enough battery for evening dinner and appliance peaks. Typical cost $16,000–$20,000 after rebates.
- 03
13kW Solar + 20kWh Battery
Premium package for homes with high year-round consumption or electric vehicles. Maximises self-consumption and backup resilience. Typical cost $20,000–$26,000 after rebates. Backup circuits and outdoor battery mounting available.
- 04
Hybrid Inverter Upgrade
Replace your existing solar-only inverter with a hybrid model so you can add a battery later without replacing wiring. Costs $2,500–$4,500 plus install. Useful if you have quality panels but an older inverter.
- 05
Backup Circuit Configuration
Optional wiring of essential circuits (lights, fridge, modem, EV charger) so the battery can power them during blackouts. Adds $1,500–$2,500 to install and requires a backup-capable battery. Recommended for homes in blackout-prone areas or with critical loads.
How solar + battery packages work together
A solar + battery package runs panels and battery through a single hybrid inverter that manages charge and discharge automatically. During the day, solar panels feed DC power to the inverter, which supplies your home and charges the battery if demand is low. At sunset, the battery discharges to cover evening loads. If the battery empties or demand spikes, the grid supplies the shortfall. At night or on cloudy days, the grid powers your home as normal, and the battery stays offline to preserve cycles.
The hybrid inverter monitors consumption in real time via a smart meter or clamp sensor, so it can optimise when to charge the battery from solar versus when to save it for peak evening hours (typically 5–9pm). Some inverters also allow time-of-use charging: the battery charges from the grid during cheap off-peak rates and discharges during expensive peak times, cutting your bill even on days with no sun. App access lets you see live generation, consumption and battery state of charge, and override settings if needed.
A DC-coupled battery sits between the solar panels and the hybrid inverter, sharing the same DC wiring. This is the most efficient design because energy doesn't convert between DC and AC multiple times. An AC-coupled battery connects to the inverter's output and works with any existing solar setup, but loses about 5–10% of energy in extra conversions. For a new package, we recommend DC-coupled unless your roof or electrical layout dictates otherwise.
Backup capability requires a separate isolation switch and dedicated circuit that the hybrid inverter can sense and control independently from the rest of the home. During a blackout, the inverter detects loss of grid voltage, isolates the house, and runs only the backup circuit from the battery until grid power returns or the battery depletes. This feature adds cost and requires a battery with backup firmware, so confirm you need it before committing.
Sizing, rebates and the install process
Sizing begins with your past 12 months of electricity bills or smart meter data from your network distributor. We calculate your daily average consumption (kWh/day), peak-hour demand (kW) and seasonal variation. We then inspect your roof for size, orientation, shading and structural load capacity, noting the climate zone (which affects STC eligibility under the federal Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme). Using postcode-specific solar irradiance data from the Bureau of Meteorology, we model expected annual and seasonal output for different array sizes.
Battery size is chosen to cover your peak evening consumption (typically 2–4 hours of your average daily use). A household using 20 kWh/day with peak evening demand of 4 kW needs roughly 8–12 kWh usable capacity (4 kW × 2–3 hours). Usable capacity is always less than nameplate capacity because batteries must not discharge fully; a 10 kWh battery usually has 8–9 kWh usable. We factor in your budget, available roof or ground space for the battery, and future expansion plans.
Rebates flow from two sources. Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are an upfront discount on the solar panels: your array size (kW) × your climate zone multiplier (typically 1.2–1.8) × 5-year deeming period × $38 per STC. A 6.6kW system in zone 3 (most of Australia) yields about 6.6 × 1.27 × 5 × $38 ≈ $1,270 in STCs (before the STC spot price changes). The Cheaper Home Batteries Program (from 1 May 2026) rebates $252/kWh for the first 14 kWh, then $151/kWh from 14–28 kWh and $38/kWh above 28 kWh. A 10 kWh battery would rebate 10 × $252 = $2,520 (at 2026 rates; confirm current amounts with the CER).
We handle all rebate paperwork: creating your STC assignment form so rebates flow directly to you, lodging your battery application with the state energy agency if applicable, and collecting and filing council approvals. Installation typically spans 2–3 days: day 1 is electrical fitout (wiring, switch placement, meter install), day 2 is panel and battery mounting, day 3 is commissioning (testing, firmware updates, app setup). Before we leave, we hand over inverter and battery warranty documents, a one-page performance guide, and your app credentials. The entire house is then covered by our SAA accreditation and the manufacturers' warranties.
Pricing guide
How much does a solar + battery package cost in Australia?
Typical packages range $12,000–$26,000 before rebates and $8,000–$19,000 after Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and state battery incentives. Price depends on usable battery capacity (kWh), backup capability, mounting location (roof or ground), inverter brand and warranty length, and available rebates in your state. After STCs (typically $1,200–$3,000) and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program rebate (typically $2,000–$5,000 for 10–14 kWh), most packages fall into the lower range.
- Usable battery capacity: 10kWh battery adds ~$2,000 vs 8kWh; 20kWh adds ~$5,500 vs 10kWh
- Backup circuit configuration: +$1,500–$2,500 for wiring and isolation switch if wanted
- Mounting location: indoor battery ~$500 less than outdoor; ground-mount roof panels +$1,000–$2,000 vs roof mount
- Inverter brand and warranty: premium brands (Goodwe, Fronius, SMA) +$800–$1,500 vs value brands; 15-year warranty vs 10-year +$400–$800
- State rebates and battery incentives: Cheaper Home Batteries Program (from 1 May 2026) rebates ~$252/kWh first 14 kWh; check your state energy agency for additional grants
- STC availability: zone 1–3 (most populated areas) yields $1,200–$3,000 upfront; zone 4–5 (dry regions) may yield 10–15% more
| Job type | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.6kW + 10kWh, no backup | $12,000 | $14,500 | $16,500 |
| 10kW + 13.5kWh, no backup | $16,000 | $18,500 | $21,000 |
| 13kW + 20kWh, no backup | $20,000 | $23,000 | $26,000 |
| 10kW + 13.5kWh + backup circuits | $18,500 | $21,000 | $24,000 |
All prices are in AUD and exclude GST unless otherwise stated. Rebate amounts change on set dates (STCs: quarterly; Cheaper Home Batteries: 1 May each year). Confirm current figures with the Clean Energy Regulator (www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au) or your state energy agency before committing. STC price is currently $38 per certificate but is tied to spot-market trading and may vary. Battery rebate rates are fixed by the federal government but eligibility rules change; check eligibility before purchase.
Typically included
- Usage analysis from 12 months of bills or smart meter data and climate zone assessment
- Roof inspection, structural assessment and solar irradiance modelling for your postcode
- Battery capacity sizing based on evening peak demand and your preferred backup strategy
- DC or AC coupling design and hybrid inverter selection for your load profile
- Full installation: wiring, isolation switches, meter install, panel and battery mounting, commissioning and app setup
- STC paperwork, battery rebate application and council approvals lodged by Solar Advice; rebates assigned to you
Often excluded
- Roof repairs or structural modifications (asbestos removal, roof replacement, frame reinforcement)
- Supply or removal of old inverter or batteries (discuss separately if you have prior equipment)
- Time-of-use tariff renegotiation with your retailer; we advise but don't arrange
- Ongoing monitoring or remote firmware updates after handover (some inverter apps offer this; confirm with manufacturer)
Solar + battery performance varies by weather, season and your consumption patterns. A 10 kWh battery sized for summer evening peaks may not fully recharge on a cloudy winter day. Battery lifespan depends on depth and frequency of discharge; backup-capable systems that cycle the battery daily may see slightly faster capacity fade. Confirm your expectations about winter performance, backup resilience and battery lifespan with the installer before signing. If your home is in a network-congested area, your solar export may be limited; we'll disclose this during site assessment.
Questions to ask every installer
- 1Is your installer SAA accredited, and can you confirm current accreditation status?
- 2Will you provide a written warranty on both panels and battery, and from whom?
- 3How will you handle STCs and state battery rebates—do you assign them to us and manage paperwork?
- 4Can you design the system so we can add more battery capacity later without replacing the inverter?
- 5What's your response time if the inverter or battery needs repair during the warranty period?
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?
What's included in a solar + battery package?
Why not buy panels now and add a battery later?
Do solar + battery packages qualify for government rebates?
What's the difference between backup and no-backup batteries?
How do you size a solar + battery package for my home?
What's the warranty on solar panels and batteries?
Can a solar + battery package work with my existing solar panels?
Which suburbs in do you install in?
Get a free solar + battery quote
We'll review your bills, check your roof and show you package options and rebates tailored to your home.