You’ve probably heard a lot of buzz about home batteries lately. And with solar panels now on more than 3 million Aussie rooftops, it’s no wonder people are starting to ask: should I get a battery too?
If you’re curious but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. Here’s a simple breakdown of what batteries actually do, how much they cost, and how to work out if one’s right for your home.
What a battery actually does
At its core, a home battery stores electricity so you can use it later. Most commonly, that means storing excess solar energy you generate during the day to use in the evening when the sun’s gone down.
But not all batteries work the same way, and what they’re capable of depends on how they’re set up and managed. Here’s what a home battery can help you do:
- Store and use more of your own solar energy instead of exporting it to the grid
- Reduce your reliance on the grid in the evening
- Keep key appliances running during a blackout (with the right setup)
With the right technology behind it, a battery can also charge when electricity prices are low and discharge when prices are high - so you’re not just saving money, but potentially earning from your battery too.
That’s where automation and wholesale pricing come in. When your battery is set up with something like Amber for Batteries, it can be optimised to get the best outcome, without you having to lift a finger.
What does a home battery cost?
Battery costs vary depending on the size (measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh), brand, features (like blackout backup), and installation requirements. Here’s a rough guide to current installed prices in Australia before any rebates:
Battery Size - Usable Capacity - Estimated Installed Cost
Small (5–10 kWh) - $9,000–$12,000
Medium (10–15 kWh) - $12,000–$15,000
Large (15 kWh+) - $15,000–$17,000
Prices can vary depending on your home’s setup and whether you’re combining a battery with solar.
What about rebates?
The cost of home batteries is set to come down for many Australians.
From July 2025, the federal government is introducing a new battery rebate expected to reduce installation costs by around 30 percent. That’s on top of existing state programs, such as:
- Victoria’s Solar Homes battery rebate
- South Australia’s Switch for Solar and other VPP offers
- NSW-based trials and virtual power plant participation incentives
These rebates can take thousands off the upfront cost of a battery system. We’ve broken them down in detail in our battery rebate guide, which you can read here.
Is a battery right for you?
Batteries aren’t one-size-fits-all. But they’re becoming more useful and affordable for a wide range of households.
You might want to consider a battery if:
- You already have solar, or are planning to install it
- You want to use more of your solar energy rather than exporting it
- You want to reduce your bills or increase your earnings from the energy you sell to the grid
- You want blackout protection for critical appliances
- You’re looking for more energy independence and control
If you’re also planning to get an electric vehicle, a battery can help you charge it more cheaply and sustainably outside of your solar generation hours - and some systems, like the Sigenergy SigenStor with its integrated vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charger, may even unlock future benefits by letting your car power your home or feed energy back to the grid.
How to get started
If you’re thinking about getting a battery, here’s how to approach it:
- Understand your energy use
Look at your energy bills. How much electricity do you use daily? Are you exporting lots of unused solar? - Decide what you’re looking for
Is your goal to cut bills, back up your home, or do more with your solar? - Compare battery sizes and quotes
Make sure any quote includes installation, monitoring, and any extras like backup functionality. - Check your rebate eligibility
Rebates and incentives vary by state and can change quickly, so it’s worth staying up to date. - Choose a smarter setup
A battery is just the beginning. With Amber for Batteries, you can automate your charging and discharging based on real-time prices, so your battery is always working in your favour.
Ready to take the next step?
Batteries are a big investment, but with the right setup, they’re becoming a smart one. They can reduce your bills, give you more control over your energy, and help you contribute to a cleaner, smarter grid.
And now, with new rebates and automation tech making them more accessible and more powerful, it’s easier than ever to get started.
Want to learn more?
Check out how Amber for Batteries works or get in touch with our team to chat about whether a battery is right for you.
