Considering a home battery? Ask these questions first.

A home battery is a decision about how you want to use energy. Before choosing a model, be clear about your priorities: using more of your solar after sunset, reducing reliance on grid electricity, or keeping selected appliances running during an outage.

Will it work with my existing system?

If you already have solar, share the inverter make and model, system age and any monitoring information. Battery connections vary, and the installer needs to assess the complete setup. Ask which existing components would remain, whether any need replacing, and how the proposed battery will be controlled.

What do the capacity figures mean?

Storage capacity in kilowatt-hours describes an amount of energy; a power rating in kilowatts describes how quickly energy can be delivered. Ask about usable capacity and continuous output, rather than comparing model names alone. These figures help explain what a system can do and which appliances it may support together.

Does the proposal include backup?

Owning a battery does not automatically mean your home will have power in a blackout. Backup needs suitable equipment and configuration. Have the proposal specify the circuits covered, operating limits and any reserve settings. Ask what happens when the battery is empty and whether solar can recharge it while the grid is down.

Where will it go?

A battery position must meet installation requirements and the equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Before installation, ask the team to explain the proposed location, access needs and any protective work included. Avoid choosing a location purely because it is the least visible spot.

What will ownership involve?

Discuss monitoring, warranty conditions, support and the assumptions used in any savings estimate. Your usage and electricity plan matter. Ask for an explanation that relates to your home rather than a generic return figure. If a virtual power plant is offered, request its terms separately so you can review how participation affects your battery.

See our battery storage service or ask the team to assess your setup.

Further reading: Australian Government Solar Consumer Guide — batteries and backup and design considerations.