As a homeowner, you are probably aware of the rising costs associated with household energy consumption. This is why cutting back on energy consumption can result in significant savings.
In addition to the financial benefits, using less electricity can help reduce your carbon footprint’s impact by making your home greener and more sustainable. Here are 7 ways to reduce energy consumption at home in Australia.
First, Manage Your Energy Usage
Before reducing your energy consumption, you must understand and manage your energy usage pattern.
Here are some easy steps to help you control how much energy you use and pick out actions that could save you money:
Compare How Much Energy You Use
Think about When You Use the Most Energy
Avoid Using Energy in Peak Hours
Find Out Energy Hot Spots Around your Home
- Heating and cooling
- Hot water
- Pools and spas
- Refrigerators and other appliances
Other things like standby power, lights, and cooking also use energy. Newer home energy sources include entertainment systems, computers, and outdoor lights.
To save the most energy and money:
- Start by fixing the most significant energy-wasting areas in your home.
- Look for easy and cheap changes that make a big difference.
- Make sure your equipment is installed and maintained correctly.
- Think about your habits and preferences that might affect your energy consumption.
- If you have an electric hot water system, consider getting a solar one or a heat pump.
When you get new things for your home, choose ones that use less energy. You can check the Energy Rating website to find the most efficient options. See if you can get rebates or help to upgrade your appliances.
Make the Switch, Compare Electricity and Gas Provider
The right energy plan should match how much energy you use and when. If you pick the wrong plan, you might pay more.
Some plans give you rewards for using energy when it’s not busy, which could save you money.
In most places, you can decide who provides your electricity, except in some areas like Tasmania, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and southeast Queensland. Even if you only have one choice, there are usually different plans.
You can use tools like Energy Made Easy to compare plans and see which is best for you. It’s a good idea to check your past bills to know how much energy you use.
But remember, these tools are just general tool guides. You should always consider your situation and any particular circumstances.
Be careful. Some comparison services get paid for getting people to switch providers.
You can ask for more frequent bills and pay smaller amounts more often to manage your bills better. Some companies offer discounts for paying on time but watch out for fees if you’re late.
If you have a problem with your energy provider, some services can help you. Make sure you know your rights as an energy customer.
10 Best Ways To Reduce Energy Consumption At Home
Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
Don’t just focus on the price when purchasing new appliances like TVs, fridges, or washing machines. Remember, you’ll also be paying for the energy they use.
Consider the running costs as a second price tag. Avoid getting bigger or fancier models that might use more energy and cost you more in the long run.
Check the Energy Rating Label on appliances and choose the ones with more stars. You can use the Energy Rating Calculator or visit the Energy Rating website to compare how efficient different appliances are.
Gas heaters don’t have an Energy Rating Label, but some may have a rating from state and territory regulators. If there’s no rating, compare the energy use with similar products and look for energy-saving features.
Keep an eye out for the blue ENERGY STAR® mark, too, which shows that the product is energy-efficient.
Use Your Appliances Efficiently
- Position them well to make sure they work properly. For instance, keep fridges away from heat sources like ovens.
- Use and take care of them correctly. Let hot food cool before putting it in the fridge, and fix any leaks in the door seal.
- Follow the instructions when setting them up to avoid problems later.
- Adjust thermostat settings to save energy while keeping your home comfortable. Take time to learn how to use these settings properly.
- Use appliances as soon as possible and switch them off on the wall when you’re not using them.
Choose Solar Panels and Solar Batteries
Consider using solar panels and solar energy storage to power your home. This system can help you become more self-sufficient with energy and avoid using fossil fuels.
Solar panels produce electricity daily for free once you’ve paid for them. Adding batteries lets you store extra power for when you need it.
To see how much you could save, check your electricity bills to estimate how much energy your household uses each year.
A typical solar panel setup costs around $3500; you can pay it off in 3 to 5 years. Adding batteries will make the payback period longer.
Solar Rebates
Feed-in tariffs are what energy companies pay you for any extra electricity you send back to the grid. These rates can vary between companies and regions, so check them carefully.
When choosing an energy plan, try to balance low usage charges, supply charges, and a fair feed-in tariff.
Switch Off Lights and Appliances
To save energy, turn off lights and electrical devices when you’re not using them. Instead of leaving appliances on standby, switch off the power at the wall. Turn off your heater, air conditioner, and other devices when you’re not using them.
Switch off your computer, printer, and Wi-Fi router at night or when you’re not at home. Many computers have settings that automatically turn them off when not used for a while.
Control Heating And Cooling
- Every degree over 20 can increase your heating bill by 10%. In winter, heating can make up more than 30% of your bill. Get the heat pump rebate, Victoria, by purchasing our heat pump.
- During winter, set your thermostat between 18 and 20 degrees. In summer, keep it at 26 degrees or higher.
- Some systems let you turn off heating or cooling in rooms you’re not using.
- Save money by using more energy-efficient heating. For example, switching from a fan heater to a split system can save about $700 a year. You might also get rebates for installing efficient heating through programs like the Victorian Energy Upgrades.
- If you have gas heating and a modern air conditioner that can also heat, try using the air conditioner for heating in winter.
Switch to Energy-saving LED Light Bulbs
Turn Down the Thermostat
Lower the temperature settings on your heaters, air conditioners, and hot-water system by two to three degrees.
Instead of leaving heaters on all night, warm your bed with a hot water bottle or an electric blanket for a few minutes before bedtime.
This, along with your body heat, flannel sheets, and a thick blanket, will keep you cozy even if the room feels cold.
Use Cold Water on Your Washing Machine
When doing laundry, use cold water and choose quick cycles on your washing machine. This will help reduce your home’s energy bill.
Consider getting a front-loading washing machine, which uses up to 50% less energy than top-loading ones. Also, look for models with a high energy star rating.
Saving Energy in the Kitchen is Important
Refrigerator:
Your fridge works constantly and is one of the appliances that uses the most energy. Keep your freezer at 4 or 5 degrees Celsius and -15 to -18 degrees Celsius.
Ensure the seal on your fridge door is tight and has no gaps where cold air can escape. If you have an extra fridge or freezer, turn it on when needed.
Cooking:
To reduce cooking time in the evening, move frozen food from the freezer to the fridge in the morning so it can thaw out.
When you’re cooking, use the microwave when you can. Microwaves use less energy than electric ovens.
If you’re using a stove, keep lids on pots to make cooking faster. Plan to cook more so you have leftovers for the next day or week. Store leftovers in the freezer.
Dishwasher:
Use the economy cycle on your dishwasher and only run it when it’s complete.
Practice Energy-efficient Habits
Simple changes to your daily routine can result in significant energy savings. These habits may include turning off lights when not in use, taking shorter showers, washing clothes in cold water, using rain and greywater for garden irrigation, etc.
Reducing household energy consumption saves money and helps the environment. Following these tips, you can create an energy-efficient home and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
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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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