There’s a common piece of advice when it comes to home batteries: “You don’t need a big battery to make a difference”.
And sure - if your only goal is to shave a bit off your power bill or avoid peak pricing for a couple of hours, a smaller battery might do the trick. In fact, recent analysis from the Smart Energy Council found that most homes could avoid using power during the evening peak with a 6-7 kWh battery.
But that’s only part of the story.
At Amber, we believe the role of batteries is shifting. It’s not just about using less from the grid - it’s about being able to earn from your energy, support the grid when it matters most, and take back control of your power bills long-term.
That’s where a bigger battery can make a real difference.
Cover Your Evening - and Then Some
If your household uses around 16 kWh of electricity a day, and roughly 70% of that happens when the sun’s not shining, you’re using around 11 kWh outside solar hours. A smaller battery might take the edge off - but it won’t get you through the night.
A bigger battery means:
- More coverage of your evening and early morning use
- Room to grow as you electrify more (like adding induction cooking or an EV)
- The ability to store even more energy when it is cheapest (either your solar or from the grid when it is flush with renewables) and sell when it’s most valuable
Instead of just avoiding grid usage, you can more actively engage in the market, and even come out ahead.
You Only Get the Rebate Once - Make It Count
With the new federal battery rebate rolling out soon, many households will get a one-off opportunity to reduce the upfront cost of a battery significantly.
So it’s worth asking: If you can only claim it once, why settle for less than what you’ll need long-term?
It might be tempting to start small, but if your needs change, expanding later might not be possible, or could be more expensive without the rebate. Investing in the right size battery from the start means you’re future-proofed and making the most of the support available now.
Small Batteries Save. Bigger Batteries Can Earn.
Many people choose smaller batteries because the payback period is faster. But that’s often calculated under flat-rate tariffs or fixed schedules.
When you use Amber for Batteries, your system becomes dynamic - responding to the market and working harder for you. With real-time pricing and smart automation, your battery can:
- Charge when prices are low (and renewable energy is abundant)
- Discharge to your home or the grid when prices spike
- Make money during high-price grid events (yes, really)
And the more storage you have available to sell at those times, the more you stand to gain.
So while a bigger battery may cost more upfront, it can unlock a new revenue stream - not just savings.
You’re Not Just Using Energy - You’re Contributing to the Grid
Every time you export during a price spike or reduce your reliance on the grid during high demand, you’re helping stabilise the system. That means fewer fossil fuel generators firing up, less strain during heatwaves, and a faster transition to renewables.
With a bigger battery, you can play a more meaningful role, and support a smarter, cleaner grid for everyone.
Amber Makes Bigger Batteries Smarter
Pairing a larger battery with Amber’s real-time pricing and automation makes it more powerful than ever. You’ll get:
- Smart battery control based on live market signals
- Transparency and visibility via the Amber app
- The ability to pause or override automation anytime
- Control over when your battery charges, discharges, or holds
It’s your battery. You stay in control. Amber just helps it work smarter.
What Size Battery Should You Get?
It depends on your usage and goals. But here’s a rough guide:
If your household uses:
- 10–15 kWh per day
• Evening use: 7–11 kWh
• Recommended battery size: 10–13 kWh
- 15–25 kWh per day
• Evening use: 11–17 kWh
• Recommended battery size: 13–16 kWh
- 25–40+ kWh per day
• Evening use: 17–25 kWh
• Recommended battery size: 16–20 kWh+
This gives you room to cover evening needs, participate in the market, and make the most of your solar - especially when paired with Amber’s smart controls.
Don't Settle for ‘Just Enough’
If your goal is to reduce your bills and gain more control, it’s worth thinking beyond the minimum.
A smaller battery can help you save. But a bigger battery, paired with smart tech like Amber, can help you save, earn, and support the grid all at once.
You only get one chance at the rebate. So make it count! Reach out to one of our experts today to chat through your options.
