Today’s thermostats are more advanced than controlling your heater and Air conditioning. They come with Wi-Fi, sensors, and fancy algorithms.
Smart thermostats have been around for more than ten years, and people generally agree they can save you money on your bills and keep your home comfy.
They’re changing homes worldwide. But are these smart thermostats worth it for Australian homeowners? Do they give enough benefits compared to regular thermostats? We’ll explain it all to you.
How do Thermostats Work?
Traditional thermostats use basic science to control your home’s heating and cooling. They monitor the temperature around them and switch the HVAC systems on or off accordingly. It sounds complex, but it’s pretty straightforward.
Most thermostats made in the last twenty years are digital, but older homes might still have the non-digital kind. These often use a mercury switch—a tiny bit of liquid metal in a glass tube. The mercury conducts electricity and moves around like water.
Inside the glass tube, there are three wires. One touches the bottom of the tube, staying in contact with the mercury. Another touches the left side, and when the tube tilts that way, the mercury touches it, connecting the left wire with the bottom one.
The third wire touches the right side, and when the tube tilts that way, the mercury connects it with the bottom wire.
These connections signal the thermostat when to turn on the heat or the cool air. In the late ’90s, these old thermostats started getting replaced with programmable ones.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are a step up in tech. They can automatically adjust your home’s temperature throughout the day based on your schedule.
For example, if you work from home, you set it to turn off while you’re working and back on before you get home.
Depending on where you live and how often you use your HVAC system, a programmable thermostat could save you a lot of money on energy bills each year. But then, there are.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats learn from your habits, let you control your home’s climate from afar, show you how much energy you’re using in real time, and can adjust based on things like humidity.
It’s a significant upgrade from the manual adjusting you have to do with regular thermostats.
Like programmable ones, smart thermostats can switch off when you leave and turn on before you return.
They can also tell you how long it takes to change the temperature so you know how efficient your system is. Plus, you can control them from your phone.
They even give you stats about your home’s climate management—like how long it takes to heat it and when you use the most energy. And they can suggest ways to save energy. Use a smart thermostat right now to see severe savings on your energy bills.
Different Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats come in all shapes and sizes, just like many others. Generally, there are two main types: ones that learn from your habits and adjust the temperature, and ones that connect to the internet and let you control them from far away.
These thermostats are costly. They can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, and installing them can also be pricey. It may take a while before the money you save on bills makes up for what you spent.
But if you’re into technology, smart thermostats have some cool features to offer. You can easily set schedules, they’re simple to use, and they can send you updates and alerts about the temperature on your phone.
With smart thermostats, you don’t have to change the temperature manually. They make your home comfy and help you save energy without much effort.
Comfort with A Smart Thermostat
While many ways to save energy mean being a little less cozy, smart thermostats can help you save energy without giving up comfort in your home.
Several reports found that people with smart thermostats usually kept their air conditioning at around 72 °F, just like those with regular programmable or manual thermostats.
So, if you have a smart thermostat, you can keep cool at home like before but save more energy when you’re not there because it does it automatically and is easy to use.
Some smart thermostats even come with extra sensors that you can put in different rooms. So, if you work upstairs and it gets too hot, you can put a sensor there.
It’ll ensure the air conditioning kicks in when you need it without having to do anything. It could use more energy because it’s running the air conditioning more often, but it’s an option.
Turning on the heating or cooling of your phone can be nice, too. Say you’re coming home from a trip, and it’s chilly inside. You can turn up the heat before you get there, so it’s cozy when you arrive.
So Are Smart Thermostats Worth it for Australian Homeowners?
Saving Money on Your Energy Bills
Since smart thermostats hit the market, all the companies making them claim you’ll save money—anywhere from $10 a month to 23% on your yearly bills.
How much you save with a smart thermostat depends on many things, like how much energy you usually use, how much your utilities cost, and how hot or cold it gets where you live.
Also, it depends on your home and your heating and cooling system. A smart thermostat could lower your bills if you use a lot of energy because you keep the same temperature all year. Some utility companies might even help pay for one.
The weather where you live also matters. In places like the Midwest, you might need heating for a big chunk of the year, but in the Pacific Northwest, heating is cheaper, and you might not even need AC much.
The size and shape of your home are essential, too. In bigger homes, heating and cooling costs more. And how well your home is insulated affects how often the temperature requires adjusting.
Deciding if a smart thermostat is right for you means thinking about which one to get, how much you’ll use its features, how well your home is insulated, and what kind of heating system you have.
For busy people, being able to program their thermostat is a plus. Some smart thermostats even learn your routine and keep your home comfy without you doing anything.
Controlling Your Thermostat from Your Phone
When you have a smart thermostat, you can download an app from the brand onto your phone or tablet. This app lets you check your thermostat from anywhere with Wi-Fi or data.
And if you need to change the temperature, you can do it right from your phone. This is super handy if you’re at work or on vacation.
Making Schedules with the App
Smart thermostats also let you make heating and cooling schedules straight from the app. It’s easier than messing with buttons on the thermostat itself.
And you can plan out your temperatures for the whole week. That’s why a smart thermostat can be an excellent gift for someone moving into a new home.
Detecting Movement
Learning Over Time
Tracking Energy Use
Clearer Controls
Working with Other Devices
Voice Commands
Energy Profiles
Tracking the Weather
Considering the diverse features, smart thermostats are definitely worth it. But at the end of the day, it depends on your requirements and budget.
However, smart thermostats are essential in our energy-conscious society to reduce energy consumption and utility costs.
Tech-savvy homeowners can program their HVAC for maximum efficiency and comfort.
Smart thermostats provide an excellent option for maintaining a comfortable environment with minimal effort.
For more smart products like smart thermostats, contact Cyanergy.
Get a free quote today, or talk to an expert!
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post Are Smart Thermostats Worth It For Australian Homeowners? appeared first on Cyanergy.
ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance
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.”
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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/
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
- Maximized Savings
- Better Return on Investment ROI
- Lower Carbon Footprint
- Peace of Mind
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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?
Contact us today for any of your solar needs. We’d be happy to assist!
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.
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