Published

2 months ago

July 11, 2025

Alice Rush

Australia, a country of vast open space and abundant sunlight, has firmly established itself as a global leader in rooftop solar adoption.

According to recent data, the country has over 3.9 million rooftop systems installed, yielding a combined capacity of approximately 37.8 GW of PV. This remarkable achievement reflects the country’s strong commitment to a sustainable energy future.

But what happens when the sun goes down or when the grid fails?

Yes, that’s where home battery storage steps in, and no name resonates more loudly than Tesla Powerwall!

With the release of the Powerwall 3 and evolving energy landscapes, many Australian homeowners are asking: Is a Tesla Powerwall still a worthwhile investment in 2025?

If you’re an Australian looking for a home solar battery, Tesla Powerwall is arguably the most popular home battery on the energy market right now.

So, here’s why Tesla Powerwall could be worth it for your Australian home!

In this blog post:

But First, What Is Tesla Powerwall?

Back in 2015, Tesla ventured into the energy storage market with the Tesla Powerwall, a home battery system. This battery system is specially designed to store energy, mitigating the intermittency of renewable energy sources.

Although Tesla was globally recognized for its electric vehicles, the launch of the storage battery, the Tesla Powerwall, marked another bold leap for the company.

This home energy storage is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can keep your home illuminated 24/7 with reliable power and significantly reduce your electricity bills.

Powerwall’s smart system can be tailored to your specific energy requirements. This battery can be charged from solar energy, ensuring that power is always available on demand. It essentially serves as a backup power source for nighttime or cloudy days.

Following their initial release in 2015 in limited quantities, Tesla has continually expanded its energy lineup with larger-scale solutions.

In 2025, Tesla’s lineup includes three Powerwall models: Powerwall 2, Powerwall+, and Powerwall 3. Each model offers 13.5 kWh of usable energy storage.

In Australia, Powerwall+ and Powerwall 3 are designed for new solar and storage system installations, which involve integrating solar inverters for higher efficiency. At the same time, Powerwall 2 is often used for retrofitting existing solar systems.

Now, they also offer different categories, such as the Powerpack, designed for commercial and industrial use, and the Megapack, engineered to support utility-scale grid operations, among others.

How Does Powerwall Work? Find Out!

In general, the Tesla Powerwall is a rechargeable home battery system that stores energy for later use while providing essential security and financial benefits.

It works seamlessly with solar panels or the electric grid to manage energy supply and demand in your home.

It includes energy monitoring, metering, and smart controls, which the owner can customize and control via the Tesla app.

The system then learns and adapts to your energy consumption slowly over time. It receives over-the-air updates to add new features and improve existing ones.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it works:

Step 1: Energy Collection

With Solar Panels

Your solar panels usually generate electricity during the day. From that, some of this energy powers your home, while the excess charges the Powerwall battery.

Without Solar

If you don’t have solar panels, the Powerwall can charge using electricity from the grid when rates are low, for example, at night.

Step 2: Energy Storage

The Powerwall stores the unused electricity in its lithium-ion battery.

This stored energy is saved for when you need it most, like during peak usage times, at night, or during a power outage.

Step 3: Energy Usage

When solar production drops or the grid goes down, the Powerwall automatically kicks in, supplying your home with clean, stored renewable energy.

Depending on its configuration, it can power lights, appliances, and even critical systems, such as hot water heat pumps or air conditioners.

Step 4. Intelligent Management with the Tesla App

The system learns your energy usage patterns and optimizes when to charge or discharge.

You can monitor and control everything through the Tesla app, giving you real-time insight into your energy use, storage levels, and solar generation.

The Australian Energy Rollercoaster: Why Batteries Are More Relevant Than Ever?

Undoubtedly, Tesla Powerwall 3 is one of the most exciting innovations to hit the market in recent years. Tesla’s next-gen home battery is designed to supercharge solar systems and dramatically reduce the reliance on the grid.

For Australian homeowners, it’s a total game-changer, offering a smarter way to store solar energy and power homes more efficiently than ever before.

Curious about the other benefits of the Tesla Powerwall 3? In the following part, we’ve rounded them all up for you:

Powerwall Batteries Maximize Self-Consumption

Using your own solar power, especially during the expensive evening peak, saves you significantly more than exporting it to the grid.

The Powerwall stores your excess daytime solar to power your home at night with free, clean energy.

Battery Storage Reduced Electricity Bills

Adding a Powerwall battery to your solar panel can drastically reduce your reliance on grid electricity during peak hours, leading to substantial savings on your energy bills.

Some reports suggest adding solar batteries has reduced electricity bills by over 70% in many Aussie homes in the past few years.

Ensure Energy Independence & Security

The Powerwall provides seamless backup power for essential appliances, ensuring your lights stay on, your fridge stays cold, and your devices stay charged during any unexpected blackouts.

Smart Energy Management

The Tesla app provides intuitive monitoring and control over your energy usage. You can track your solar generation, battery charge, and household consumption in real time.

This allows you to optimize your energy habits and maximize savings.

Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Participation

Through VPP, you can earn money by letting your battery support the grid during high-demand hours.

This will benefit your wallet and contribute to a more stable and renewable energy network for everyone.

Environmental Impact

Batteries can reduce your reliance on fossil fuel-generated electricity, significantly lower your carbon footprint, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Australia.

Increased Home Value and Building Aesthetics

Homes with solar and battery systems are increasingly attractive to buyers. They often command a premium due to lower running costs and increased energy resilience.

Tesla Powerwall 2 vs Powerwall+ vs Powerwall 3: The Evolution of Home Energy

Tesla’s Powerwall series has become a symbol of energy independence. From the Powerwall 2 to the all-in-one Powerwall+, and now the game-changing Powerwall 3, Tesla continues to push the boundaries of home energy storage.

Let’s break down what makes each Powerwall unique and why Powerwall 3 is the most powerful one yet.

Tesla Powerwall 2: The Energy Game-Changer

Launched in 2016, the Powerwall 2 was a massive leap in energy storage for homeowners.

It is ideal for those with existing solar systems or those seeking basic backup and energy optimization.

Key Highlights:

13.5 kWh usable capacity, which is sufficient to power an average home overnight.

5 kW continuous power output.

Backup power during outages.

Sleek wall-mounted design.

App-controlled smart energy management.

Powerwall+: Energy Storage Meets Solar Intelligence

The Powerwall+ is built on the foundation of Powerwall 2 and adds a major upgrade: an integrated solar inverter.

Why It’s Smarter:

Same 13.5 kWh battery capacity.

Higher peak power output (up to 7.6 kW)

Integrated solar inverter with 4 MPPTs (Maximum Power Point Trackers)

Optimized for real-time solar generation and storage.

Powerwall 3: The Energy Upgrade Your Home’s Been Waiting For

Announced in late 2023 and rolling out through 2024, Powerwall 3 is Tesla’s most powerful home battery yet. It’s designed to meet modern energy needs, including higher loads, faster charging, and seamless integration with large-scale solar systems.

What’s New:

11.5 kW of continuous power, which is more than double Powerwall 2

Still offers 13.5 kWh capacity.

Integrated solar inverter with expanded capabilities

Designed for quicker installation and lower labor cost

Ideal for large homes, EV charging, or heavy appliance use

So, with all these incredible upgrades, making it smarter, more efficient, and future-ready, don’t you think Tesla Powerwall is worth it?

What else could you ask for? We’re pretty sure this is the battery your home’s been waiting for!

The Actual Cost of a Tesla Powerwall: Is it Worth It?

Let’s not sugarcoat it, a Tesla Powerwall is a significant investment. As of mid-2025, the Powerwall 3 unit itself costs approximately AUD 11,900, with the essential Backup Gateway 2 adding $1,700. This brings the total hardware cost to approximately $13,600 AUD.

Installation costs can range from $1,000 to $ 2,500 or more, depending on your location, system complexity, and the installer.

This puts the total installed cost of a single Powerwall 3 in the ballpark of $14,600 to $16,000 AUD.

While this might seem steep, it’s crucial to factor in the various incentives and potential savings.

The Australian Government’s Rebates and Incentives in 2025

Good news for Australian homeowners! 2025 is a sweet spot for solar battery rebates, with a significant federal program coming into play:

Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (Starts July 1, 2025)

The Australian Government has announced an upfront discount of approximately 30% on the cost of installing eligible small-scale battery systems (between 5 kWh and 50 kWh).

For a 13.5 kWh Tesla Powerwall 3, this could translate to a rebate of around $4,725. The discount is based on usable capacity and will gradually decrease until 2030, making 2025 the optimal time to jump in.

The discount is applied upfront by accredited installers, making it easy for consumers.

State-Based Incentives

While the NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) battery rebate ends on June 30, 2025, it will be replaced by an expanded Virtual Power Plants (VPP) incentive from July 1, 2025, offering a single upfront payment of up to $1,500.

Other states like Victoria (interest-free battery loan up to $8,800), ACT ($15,000 interest-free loan), and Western Australia (up to $7,500 rebate and loans) continue to offer their own incentives.

Altogether, these rebates dramatically lower battery costs, often by 30–50%, making the Powerwall 3 far more accessible.

Top 5 Tesla Powerwall Alternatives Available in Australia

The Australian battery storage market is vibrant and competitive. While Tesla is a dominant player, several other reputable brands also offer excellent alternatives.

Looking for something beyond Tesla Powerwall?

Here we’ve listed some of the best battery brands in Australia in 2025:

LG Energy Solution RESU: Known for their reliability and various capacity options.
BYD Battery-Box: A popular choice for its modularity and competitive pricing.
Sungrow: Offers a range of battery solutions, often paired with their inverters.
Enphase Encharge: A good option for microinverter-based solar systems, offering modularity and resilience.
Alpha ESS: Alpha ESS battery provides integrated solar and battery solutions.

Parting Thoughts

Tesla’s Powerwall ecosystem offers energy resilience, grid independence, and smart control. With the release of Powerwall 3, Tesla is responding to the growing demand for higher capacity, smarter tech, and easier installs.

In Australia, the home battery market is gaining traction, with data showing that the majority of homeowners are opting for the Tesla Powerwall.

So, whether you’re going solar for the first time or upgrading your energy system, the Powerwall lineup has top-notch options tailored for your home.

By the end of 2021, battery installations had increased by 400%, and the majority chose the Tesla Powerwall. With our affordable solar packages, you can make your dream of owning a Tesla Powerwall a reality.

Still unsure?

Contact a certified installer, such as Cyanergy, to explore your options tailored to your home, location, and future needs. Get a free quote today and learn more about the Tesla Powerwall battery price, rebate availability, and installation details.

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post Is Tesla Powerwall Worth It For Australian Houses In 2025? appeared first on Cyanergy.

Is Tesla Powerwall Worth It For Australian Houses In 2025?

Renewable Energy

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

Published

1 month ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

August 15, 2025

Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:

“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.

“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.

“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”

###

ABOUT ACORE

For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org

The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.

https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/

Renewable Energy

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Published

1 month ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.

Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!

These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.

Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.

But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?

Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.

In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.

In this blog post:

Why You Need Battery Storage Now?

According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.

Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.

Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.

Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.

Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.

Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.

What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?

Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.

Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.

But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!

The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.

A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.

Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:

Energy Independence

Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.

Maximized Savings

Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.

Better Return on Investment ROI

Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?

Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.

These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.

Peace of Mind

Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.

Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.

What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?

While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.

Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.

Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.

With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.

So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:

Your Daily Energy Usage

Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.

Your Solar System Output

How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.

Your Nighttime Power Usage

A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!

For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.

For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.

Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.

For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!

For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.

For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.

Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.

For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.

However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.

Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.

Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.

These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.

Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance

It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.

So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.

Benefits of Solar Battery Storage

Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.

You don’t have to care about power outages anymore

In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source

Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak

During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.

Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.

Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:

Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.

Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.

Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage

One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.

Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.

Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.

While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.

Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.

Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!

You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.

First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.

A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.

Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.

Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.

Takeaway Thoughts

Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.

With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.

By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.

It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.

Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Renewable Energy

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2025

Alice Rush

I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.

From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.