You have solar panels pumping out energy during the day, but what happens when the sun sets? That is where batteries come in. Adding battery storage to your existing solar system lets you store excess energy for use at night, during peak price periods, or when the grid needs support.
But how much does it actually cost to add a battery to solar panels in Australia? And more importantly, is it worth it?
The answer is not one size fits all. Battery costs vary based on capacity, brand, installation complexity and available rebates. In 2025, with generous federal and state incentives now available, adding a battery has become more affordable than ever. This guide breaks down the real costs, available rebates and what to consider before making the investment.
Understanding the cost to add a battery to existing solar panels
The cost to add a battery to solar panels in Australia typically ranges from around $8,000 to $20,000, depending on a few key factors.
Battery capacity and brand
Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which tells you how much energy the battery can store. The most popular battery sizes for Australian homes are:
- 10 to 13 kWh
- Estimated cost before rebates: $8,000 to $12,000
- Typical range after rebates: $5,500 to $9,000
- Estimated cost before rebates: $8,000 to $12,000
- 13 to 16 kWh
- Estimated cost before rebates: $12,000 to $16,000
- Typical range after rebates: $8,500 to $12,500
- Estimated cost before rebates: $12,000 to $16,000
- 16 kWh and above
- Estimated cost before rebates: $16,000 to $20,000+
- Typical range after rebates: $12,000 to $16,000+
- Estimated cost before rebates: $16,000 to $20,000+
Premium brands like Tesla Powerwall, Enphase and Sigenergy usually sit at the higher end of the price range but offer advanced features, longer warranties and proven reliability. More budget friendly options from brands like BYD, Goodwe or Sungrow can deliver solid performance at lower price points.
Installation complexity
Your existing solar setup has a big impact on installation costs. Key factors include:
- String inverter systems:
If your solar panels connect to a single string inverter (the most common setup), you will usually need to add a separate battery inverter or replace the existing unit with a modern hybrid inverter. In many cases, removing an older PV inverter and upgrading is simpler than trying to AC couple a battery. - Micro inverter systems:
If you have micro inverters on each panel, you will need an AC coupled battery system. These convert the AC power from your panels back to DC to charge the battery, then back to AC again for use. - Power optimiser systems:
Similar to string systems, these can often integrate with a battery by adding compatible equipment. - Older systems:
Even if your solar system is several years old, it can often still support a battery. DC coupling is generally more popular and easier to manage with flexible or dynamic export limits, as well as site inverter capacity rules. This often makes hybrid solutions a cleaner pathway than adding extra layers of AC coupled equipment.
The key step is to ask your installer whether your existing inverter can directly support batteries and whether it is smarter to remove and replace old inverters with a hybrid system. A qualified installer can assess your site and guide you to the most efficient and compliant option.
Why inverter size matters for Amber customers
A larger inverter is particularly useful for Amber customers because it allows you to:
- Buy in energy faster when the wholesale price is low, free or negative
- Export energy faster when the price is high
This helps maximise your returns by letting you respond more aggressively to wholesale price signals.
Other installation factors that affect cost include electrical upgrades (such as switchboard work and new circuits), roof access difficulty, and the distance between the solar inverter and battery location.
Federal and state rebates
Government incentives can significantly reduce your upfront costs. In 2025, the main support comes from:
- Federal Cheaper Home Batteries program:
Provides a substantial percentage off the cost of an eligible home battery system. For a typical 13 kWh battery costing around $15,000, that can equate to roughly $4,500 in support. - State specific incentives:
- Victoria: Support for batteries through the Solar Homes Program, plus options for interest free loans
- South Australia, Queensland and the ACT: Various loan and rebate schemes that can offset the cost of a new battery, depending on eligibility and program settings
- Victoria: Support for batteries through the Solar Homes Program, plus options for interest free loans
In many cases, these incentives can be combined, making 2025 one of the most affordable times to add battery storage to your solar system.
Total cost breakdown example
As an example, for a household adding a 13 kWh battery to existing solar with a base installed cost of $15,000:
- Base battery and installation cost: $15,000
- Federal Cheaper Home Batteries support (around 30 percent): -$4,500
- Final cost after federal support: $10,500
For a Victorian household accessing an additional state rebate:
- Base cost: $15,000
- Federal support: -$4,500
- Victorian rebate (for eligible customers): -$3,500
- Final cost after rebates: $7,000
These figures show how stacking incentives can significantly reduce your battery investment.
Is adding a battery to solar panels worth it?
For many households, the answer is yes. The exact outcome depends on your usage, tariffs and how your battery is managed.
Financial returns and payback periods
A typical household with a 13 kWh battery can save a meaningful amount each year, depending on energy consumption, solar generation and how effectively the battery is charged and discharged. This varies significantly based on your exposure to wholesale prices and the quality of your battery automation.
For Amber customers, the opportunity can be even stronger. Instead of feeding excess solar back to the grid for low feed in tariffs, you can store it and discharge during peak evening periods when wholesale rates spike. Charging when prices are low or negative and exporting when they are high can accelerate your return on investment.
With rebates reducing upfront costs, payback periods now often sit somewhere in the mid single digits (years) for well designed systems. Quality batteries are typically warrantied for at least 10 years and can last 12 to 15 years, so the potential for long term savings is significant.
Energy independence and grid resilience
Battery storage makes you less reliant on the grid during peak periods when electricity is most expensive. Depending on your setup, batteries can also keep essential appliances running during outages. As wholesale prices become more volatile, having stored energy gives you more certainty and control.
Environmental impact
Every kilowatt hour you store and use from your battery is one less kilowatt hour you need to draw from a grid that is still partially powered by fossil fuels. By maximising self consumption of your solar energy, you reduce emissions and support Australia’s renewable energy transition.
Property value
Homes with solar and batteries are increasingly attractive to buyers. Many buyers now recognise the value of lower ongoing energy costs and the security that comes with on site storage.
How Amber helps you get more from your battery
Adding a battery to solar panels is a smart move on its own. Pairing it with Amber’s wholesale energy model can help you get more from that investment.
SmartShift battery automation
Amber’s SmartShift technology automatically optimises your battery to respond to real time wholesale prices. It charges your battery when energy is cheapest (often during the middle of the day when solar is abundant) and discharges when prices peak in the evening.
This happens in the background. You do not need to monitor prices or manually adjust settings. SmartShift learns your household’s energy patterns and wholesale price trends, then creates a daily charging and discharging plan to maximise value while keeping you in control.
Real wholesale price access
Unlike traditional retailers offering fixed feed in tariffs, Amber connects you directly to the wholesale market. That means:
- Lower charging costs when prices are low or negative
- Higher export earnings when evening demand pushes wholesale prices up
- No retail markup on the energy itself, just a simple monthly subscription fee
Choosing the right battery for your home
Not all batteries are the same. A few key things to consider:
Capacity sizing
The right battery size depends on your household’s evening and overnight energy consumption, your solar system size and any future plans like adding an EV. As a rough guide:
- Small households (1 to 2 people): around 10 to 13 kWh
- Medium households (3 to 4 people): around 13 to 16 kWh
- Large households (5+ people): 16 kWh and above, or multiple batteries
Warranty and lifespan
Look for:
- A minimum 10 year warranty
- Strong cycle life (many premium batteries offer 6,000 to 10,000+ cycles)
- A high usable capacity (for example, 90 percent depth of discharge or more)
- Clear throughput guarantees over the warranty period
Smart features and monitoring
Modern batteries should give you:
- A mobile app to monitor charge levels, energy flows and performance
- Integration with other smart home devices where relevant
- Compatibility with automation platforms such as Amber’s SmartShift
Installation quality
The best battery will underperform if installed poorly. Look for installers who:
- Are accredited with the Clean Energy Council
- Have experience with your chosen brand
- Provide detailed quotes covering all electrical work and upgrades
- Offer strong after sales support
Rebate eligibility and application process
To make the most of available support:
- Check federal eligibility:
The Cheaper Home Batteries program is designed for households installing eligible systems, with rebates usually applied at the point of sale by participating installers. - Check state program settings:
Each state has its own rules for who can access additional support (for example, income thresholds, property value caps or approved product lists).
In most cases, your installer will help you navigate the application process and confirm what you are eligible for.
Common questions about adding a battery to solar
Can I add a battery to any solar system?
Most solar systems can accommodate a battery, though older systems may need inverter upgrades or additional equipment. A qualified installer should assess your setup and recommend the most cost effective path forward.
How long does installation take?
Typical battery installations take one to two days, depending on complexity. If inverter replacement or significant electrical work is needed, allow a little longer.
Do I need council approval?
Battery installations generally do not require council approval in most areas, but your installer should confirm local requirements. Electrical work must always be completed by licensed electricians and properly certified.
What maintenance does a battery need?
Modern lithium batteries are largely maintenance free. In most cases it is enough to:
- Arrange periodic system health checks
- Monitor performance via the app
- Keep the battery location well ventilated and clear of obstructions
Will a battery completely eliminate my electricity bills?
Not usually. Even with solar and batteries, you will still have grid connection charges and may need to draw some power from the grid during extended cloudy periods or high usage days. However, many Amber customers with well sized battery systems move much closer to net zero bills over a year.
Taking the next step
Adding a battery to your existing solar system can be one of the smartest energy investments you make in 2025, especially with federal and state rebates shortening payback periods. Combined with wholesale energy access through Amber, it is a powerful way to lower bills, gain more control and support the shift to renewables.
If you are ready to explore battery options for your home, a good starting point is to:
- Check your eligibility for federal and state rebates
- Gather a few quotes from accredited installers for batteries that suit your home
- Review your usage patterns in the Amber app to understand when you use the most energy
- Speak with Amber about how SmartShift works with different battery options and how it could maximise your returns
The future of home energy is solar plus storage, supported by smart access to the wholesale market. Amber is here to help you make the most of it.
