Published

4 weeks ago

July 25, 2025

Alice Rush

Getting off the power grid isn’t as simple as placing a few solar panels on your rooftop and calling it a day. It’s about a full-on lifestyle change, one in which you take full responsibility for every watt of energy you use and the system that keeps your home running.

True energy independence means being prepared to power your home without blinking through snowstorms, scorching heat, and cloudy days when the sun refuses to shine.

But solar power is intermittent. It only works by generating energy from sunlight. So what happens when night falls, clouds gather, or storms roll in?

That’s where the battery steps in, keeping your lights on, your fridge running, and powering all your home appliances efficiently.

In Australia, choosing the right off-grid battery is more than a technical decision. It’s the heartbeat of your entire system, which needs to be reliable, resilient, and ready to store every drop of sunshine.

But not all batteries are built the same. To find the best fit for your property, you’ll need to understand a few key factors.

So, what’s the best battery for off-grid solar in Australia? Let’s find out.

In this blog post:

The Heart of Your Off-Grid System: Why Batteries Matter So Much?

Imagine a perfect sunny day, your solar panels are humming, generating power efficiently throughout the day.

But when the sun goes down or a week of heavy rain sets in, your solar battery is the silent workhorse, storing surplus energy generated during peak sunshine hours and discharging it when you need it most.

For off-grid systems, batteries are non-negotiable. They provide:

Continuous Power: Ensuring an electricity supply 24/7, regardless of solar availability.

Energy Independence: Eliminating reliance on the grid and its associated costs and vulnerabilities, ensuring energy freedom.

Backup Power: Protects residents against blackouts or unexpected power outages, offering peace of mind.

Optimized Solar Utilization: Maximizing the use of solar energy, reducing power wastage.

What Makes a Battery Truly “Off-Grid Ready”?

Not all batteries are built for off-grid use. While many hybrid batteries can operate in grid-connected homes, the best off-grid batteries must operate independently, store enough energy for multiple days, and withstand fluctuations in solar production.

Features like blackout protection, temperature regulation, and seamless integration with diesel generators or EV chargers become much more important in this setting.

Off-grid homes also need batteries that can handle deeper discharges and faster recharge times.

Most LFP batteries on the market today meet these needs, but ensuring your solar inverter is compatible is equally critical.

Pairing the right battery with a hybrid inverter from brands like Fronius, GoodWe, or Victron can make or break your system’s efficiency.

Different Types of Battery for Solar Energy Storage

When it comes to off-grid solar batteries, several key technologies dominate the Australian Energy market.

From lithium-ion batteries to lead-acid or flow batteries, each battery chemistry has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Also, the best battery choice depends highly on your specific needs, budget, and priorities.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: The Modern Powerhouses

Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized the energy storage landscape, and they are overwhelmingly the preferred choice for modern off-grid systems in Australia.

Within the lithium-ion family, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) stands out as the champion for solar applications.

So, what makes a solar battery best for Australia’s Climate? Why are Lithium-ion batteries a popular choice for Off-Grid Solar in Australia?

Well, the reasons include:

Exceptional Lifespan (Cycle Life):

LFP batteries boast an incredibly long cycle life, often exceeding 6,000 cycles and often coming with a 10-year warranty.

With proper maintenance and care, a battery’s lifespan can be extended. In most off-grid homes in Australia, this translates to 15+ years.

High Depth of Discharge (DoD)

You can safely discharge LFP batteries to 80-100% of their capacity regularly without significantly impacting battery lifespan. So you can get more usable energy from a smaller battery bank.

High Efficiency (Round-Trip Efficiency)

LFP batteries are incredibly efficient, typically achieving 95-96% round-trip efficiency. In this battery type, very little energy is lost during the charging and discharging process.

This ensures you get almost all of your generated solar power back out of the battery.

Incredible Thermal Stability & Safety

LiFePO4 chemistry is inherently more stable and safer than other lithium-ion variants.

Their less prone to overheating and thermal runaway features, making them a critical consideration in Australia’s hot climate and for remote installations where safety is the main concern.

Minimal Maintenance

LFP batteries are maintenance-free due to their integrated Battery Management Systems (BMS).

This system handles cell balancing, overcharge or discharge protection, and temperature regulation. This is a huge advantage for off-grid living, where convenience and reliability are key.

Sleek, Compact & Lightweight

Compared to lead-acid batteries, LFP batteries are significantly smaller and lighter, making them easier to install and more space-efficient.

Allow Fast Charging

LFP batteries can accept higher charge rates, allowing them to absorb more of your solar energy quickly, especially during peak generation periods.

Lead-Acid Batteries: A Traditional & Reliable Power Source

For decades, lead-acid batteries were the only viable option for off-grid solar. They are still available in the market and come in various types such as:

Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA) systems are the oldest and most affordable type. They require regular maintenance, such as checking electrolyte levels, adding distilled water, and ensuring ventilation due to carbon dioxide emissions.

Due to maintenance and safety requirements, they are less popular for new off-grid systems.

Sealed Lead-Acid batteries are maintenance-free because they don’t require water topping. They are categorized into two types:

AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat): Better for higher discharge rates.

Gel: Better for slower discharge rates and warmer temperatures.

Pros & Cons of Lead-Acid Batteries

The main advantages of using lead-acid batteries are their lower upfront cost and proven technology.

These batteries have dominated the industry for several decades, making them a reliable and well-understood choice, especially appealing to those with tight budgets.

Another key advantage is Australia’s well-developed recycling infrastructure, which allows batteries to be recycled or repurposed in an environmentally friendly way.

Here are the disadvantages of using lead-acid batteries

Shorter Lifespan (Cycle Life): Typically offers 500-1,500 cycles, which is much lower than LFP.

Limited Depth of Discharge (DoD): Lead-acid batteries should only be discharged to 50% DoD to keep the battery’s health good, extending their lifespan.

Lower Efficiency: Round-trip efficiency is typically 80-85%, meaning more energy is lost as heat during charging and discharging.

High Maintenance: Requires regular checks and watering. Incorrect maintenance can significantly reduce the lifespan of batteries and void warranties.

Bulkier & Heavier: They require significantly more space and are much heavier than LFP batteries for the same usable capacity.

Temperature Sensitivity: Performance degrades in extreme heat or cold.

Safety Concerns: Emit hydrogen gas during charging, requiring proper ventilation and careful handling.

Best Off-Grid Solar Battery in Australia| What to Look For?

In order to find the best battery for your off-grid solar home, you will need to look for the following attributes in your battery of choice:

Depth of Discharge

DOD signifies a battery’s capacity or energy held in it. Manufacturers provide a number, a threshold below which the battery level should not drop if you want to extend its lifetime.

This is one of the most critical attributes you need to know about. Remember, the higher the DOD, the better the battery is, and it will serve you for a longer time.

Lithium-ion batteries usually provide a higher DOD than lead-acid batteries, which usually do not exceed 80%. They are more preferable in off-grid living scenarios.

Capacity

It is usually advised to upsize your off-grid solar system so that you can yield more energy and keep that at your disposal.

Also, to future proof the house, you must upsize your solar system. In this case, you must also consider the battery’s capacity. Your solar system’s electricity generation ability should be on par with the battery.

Review your previous bills and determine the average number of kilowatt hours of energy you use. This will give you an idea of the battery capacity you will need.

Remember to leave a little room when choosing a storage battery and estimate a bit higher than you need, just to be on the safe side.

Warranty

The official warranty on a typical solar system is almost 25 years, so the solar battery you choose must be sufficient.

Typically, solar batteries come with a 10 to 15-year warranty, depending on some criteria. You must be careful when choosing your battery for your off-grid home and abide by the manufacturer’s advice for prolonged battery life.

Exploring the Top Battery Brands in Australia

Australia’s solar storage market is booming rapidly, driven by a combination of government incentives and growing environmental awareness on reducing the carbon footprint.

The new 30% federal rebate introduced on July 1, 2025, under the Cheaper Home Batteries program has significantly boosted consumer interest.

Alongside this, additional renewable energy support measures, financial aids, and increasing concerns about energy prices and climate change are accelerating the shift toward sustainable home energy solutions.

So, what are the best batteries for an off-grid energy system?

Here’s a breakdown of the top-performing off-grid solar battery options:

1. Tesla Powerwall 3

A premium, integrated solution with a sleek design and smart energy management. While primarily for grid-connected homes, Tesla Powerwall can be configured for off-grid use.

These batteries are simple to install and backup ready.

Capacity: 13.5 kWh with an integrated inverter

Chemistry: LFP (updated from earlier NMC models)

Efficiency: 97% round‑trip

Warranty: 10 years, stackable up to 10+ units

Ideal for: Families want an efficient backup with sleek app control

2. SLA LIFE

SLA LIFE is a high-performance, all-in-one solar battery storage system featuring AC coupling for enhanced flexibility across multiple applications.

It is engineered for indoor and outdoor use and delivers reliable performance in diverse environmental conditions.

Capacity: 5kWh to 30kWh

Efficiency: nearly 97.6% efficient

Type: All-in-one solar battery storage system

Coupling: AC Coupled compatible with existing solar inverters

Application: Residential, commercial, and off-grid energy storage

Battery Technology: Lithium-ion batteries

Modular Design: Scalable capacity options

Warranty: Up to 10 years.

3. Sungrow SBR Series

A popular choice offering excellent value for money, high efficiency, and modular expansion, it is built for harsh Australian conditions. It’s also great for budget-conscious users who want to expand their system over time.

Capacity: 3.2 kWh per module, but expandable to 9.6 to 25.6 kWh

Efficiency & DoD: 100%, up to 30 A continual power

Warranty: 10 years

4. BYD Battery‑Box Premium

Highly reputable, modular LFP systems are known for safety, performance, and scalability. They’re excellent for expanding your energy needs over time and ideal for large off-grid properties needing expandable storage.

Capacity: 5kWh to 22 kWh per unit; stackable up to 256 kWh

Battery Chemistry: Cobalt-free LFP

Efficiency: Nearly 95% with 100% DoD

Warranty: 10 years

5. Alpha‑ESS Smile5

The battery Alpha Ess has a flexible feature with integrated energy management. These all‑in‑one hybrid solutions are easy to install and ideal for small to medium off‑grid homes wanting hybrid ease at a lower cost.

Capacity: Nearly 10kWh to 13 kWh

Battery Chemistry: LFP battery

Warranty: 10 years

Concluding Thoughts

Ultimately, no matter which option you choose, investing in a lithium-based battery with a high depth of discharge, long cycle life, and strong local support will pay off in both performance and peace of mind.

With government incentives and emerging new battery technology, there has never been a better time to go off-grid in Australia.

Also, remember that the right battery will ensure your system performs optimally for years.

For more content like this, join Cyanergy today and win a free solar quote!

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post What Is the Best Battery for Off Grid Solar? appeared first on Cyanergy.

https://cyanergy.com.au/blog/what-is-the-best-battery-for-off-grid-solar/

Renewable Energy

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

Published

4 days 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

4 days 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

5 days 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.