Expert Insights on Solar, Batteries and Power Bills

Batteries used to be seen as a backup plan. A just-in-case. A premium add-on that gave solar households a bit more independence from the grid, but not necessarily a financial return. That’s no longer the case.

Amber has closed a $45 million funding round to supercharge its growth and expand its battery and EV automation technology into global markets. The round was led by UK/Europe-based impact investor ETF Partners (The Environmental Technologies Fund), as well as participation from existing backers including Square Peg, Gentrack, Rubio Impact Ventures, and Breakthrough Victoria.

If you’ve got a home battery, or you’re thinking about getting one, chances are you’ve heard the phrase ‘battery automation’.It may sound like something you need an engineering degree and four different apps to use properly. But the truth is, when it’s set up right, battery automation is surprisingly simple - and seriously powerful. Battery automation is what transforms your battery from a backup box on the wall into a tool for bringing your energy costs down, and in some cases, flipping them into earnings. In this blog, we break down what battery automation actually means, why it matters, and how Amber helps your battery do more - automatically.

How much does a solar battery cost? Our 2025 guide covers prices, rebates, value, and whether it’s worth buying today.

Thinking about a home battery but unsure if the numbers stack up? You’re not alone. One of the biggest questions we hear is: “How long will it take for a battery to pay itself off?” With wholesale energy prices on the move, solar feed-in tariffs shrinking, and new government rebates landing in mid-2025, it’s a good time to revisit the numbers, and what they really mean for your household. Here’s a deep dive into battery payback periods - what they are, what affects them, and what can make the difference between a 10-year payback and one that’s nearly halved.

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.

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.

Recent media coverage has put a spotlight on virtual power plants (VPPs) and the growing trust gap between customers and some traditional energy providers. With Amber, our customers stay in control. They have full visibility over when and why their battery is being used, and the power to pause automation whenever they choose.