Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?

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 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 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 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.

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 on the Arlite website.