# Can I add a battery to my existing solar system? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) 4. Can I add a battery to my existing solar system? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) - [What smoke alarms does Queensland require?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/queensland-smoke-alarm-requirements/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) Often, yes, but it depends on your existing inverter, your switchboard and where a battery can go, so a licensed installer needs to assess your home first. By Aaron Midgley, Arlite Energy 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. What decides whether a battery can be added? 2. What does a battery change about how my solar behaves? 3. Will a battery keep the power on in a blackout? 4. Are there government incentives for batteries? 5. What to gather before you talk to an installer 6. Is a battery right for me? 7. Can Arlite add a battery to a system it did not install? 8. Frequently asked questions Often, yes. Many homes with solar can add a battery later, but whether it suits your system depends on the inverter you already have, the condition of the system, your switchboard and where a battery can safely go. A licensed installer has to assess your home before anyone can say for certain. ## What decides whether a battery can be added? A battery works together with your solar system, so the details of what you already have matter. - **Your existing inverter.** Some battery setups work alongside the inverter you have. Others call for a different or an additional inverter. Which one applies depends on your system and the brand, and an installer can tell you. - **The age and condition of the system.** A battery relies on the rest of the system working as it should, so it is worth having an older system checked first. - **Your switchboard.** The battery has to be connected into your home’s electrical system, and the switchboard has to be suitable for that. A licensed electrician assesses it. Our article on [whether you need a switchboard upgrade](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/do-i-need-a-switchboard-upgrade/) explains the common signs. - **Space and position.** A battery needs a suitable spot, such as a garage or an external wall, chosen for safety, access and ventilation. Not every spot is allowed, and our article on [home battery safety and garage locations](https://arlite.co/support/solar/home-battery-safety-garage/) covers what to ask. - **Network approval.** Changes to a solar system generally need the approval of the local electricity network, which in Brisbane is Energex. Ask your installer how they will handle it. ## What does a battery change about how my solar behaves? Without a battery, spare solar power is sent to the grid. With a battery, some of that energy is stored so it can be used later, for example in the evening, instead of going straight back to the grid. A battery does not make your panels produce more. It changes when you can use what they produce. ## Will a battery keep the power on in a blackout? Only if it is installed with backup capability. A standard grid connected solar system switches off during a blackout for safety reasons, and not every battery system provides backup. If blackout protection matters to you, say so at the start so the system can be designed for it. Our article on [whether solar panels work during a blackout](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) explains more. ## Are there government incentives for batteries? There may be, but the rules change over time and the conditions are set by the program, not by your installer. Ask the team what currently applies to your situation. We do not quote incentive amounts in this guide, because they are not fixed. Leave the connecting to licensed people A battery is connected to your solar system and your switchboard, so the work belongs to a licensed electrician with the right solar accreditation. Never try to connect, move or open any part of your solar or battery equipment yourself. If you see smoke, sparks, flames or a burning smell, leave the building and call 000. ## What to gather before you talk to an installer 1. Your system details — Photograph the label on your inverter without touching or opening anything, and find the paperwork from your original installation. 2. When you use power — Look at your recent power bills or your monitoring app. Note whether most of your use is in the evening, overnight or during the day. 3. Where a battery might go — Note and photograph the spots you are considering, such as a garage wall or an external wall. Do not move anything electrical to take the photo. 4. Your switchboard from the outside — Photograph the closed switchboard and the area around it. Do not open it. 5. What you want from it — Decide whether you mainly want to use more of your own solar in the evening, keep some power on in a blackout, or both. ## Is a battery right for me? That depends on how your household uses power, how much solar you generate and what you want the system to do. There is no single answer, and anyone who gives you one before looking at your home should be asked how they got there. A good assessment looks at your actual usage and your actual system. ## Can Arlite add a battery to a system it did not install? Often, yes. The team assesses your current system and recommends what suits it. You can read more about [solar batteries](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/solar-batteries/) on the Arlite website. Talk to the Arlite team Not sure what your system can take? Call **(07) 3062 9299** or use the [Arlite contact page](https://arlite.co/contact/) and the team will get back to you. You can also book an in-home, no cost consult. ## Frequently asked questions - No. Compatibility depends on your existing inverter, the condition of the system, your switchboard and the space available. A licensed installer needs to assess it. - Sometimes, and sometimes not. It depends on your current inverter and the type of battery system. The installer will explain which applies to you. - Only if it is installed with backup capability. Many battery systems do not provide backup, so say at the start if blackout protection matters to you. - No. A battery connects to your solar system and your home's electrical system, so it must be installed by a licensed electrician with the right accreditation. - A suitable location such as a garage or an external wall, chosen for safety, access and ventilation. Your installer will plan the position with you. [Learn about Solar Batteries](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/solar-batteries/) Related services: [Solar Cleaning](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/solar-cleaning/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) - [Clean Energy Council](https://cleanenergycouncil.org.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [SolarAre home batteries safe, and can I put one in the garage?Home batteries installed to the standard by an accredited installer are designed to be safe, but where one can go depends on its type and the rules.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/home-battery-safety-garage/) - [SolarDo solar panels work during a blackout?Most grid-connected solar shuts down in a blackout to protect line workers, so backup power needs a battery set up for it.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [SolarWhy is my solar export limited?Your network provider sets how much solar power your home can send to the grid, so limited export is usually a rule, not a fault.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-export-limit-energex/) - [SolarHow does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?A plain-English walk through the panels, inverter, meter, grid and optional battery, and why your output rises and falls through the day.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. What decides whether a battery can be added? 2. What does a battery change about how my solar behaves? 3. Will a battery keep the power on in a blackout? 4. Are there government incentives for batteries? 5. What to gather before you talk to an installer 6. Is a battery right for me? 7. Can Arlite add a battery to a system it did not install? 8. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).