Expert Insights on Solar, Batteries and Power Bills

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.

Australia’s energy future is changing fast, and the new national battery rebate is a big part of that shift. With $2.3 billion set aside to support at least 6.2GWh of battery storage, this programme gives households and businesses a serious boost to take control of their energy.It’s not just about lowering bills (though that’s a big part of it). It’s about creating a smarter, more resilient grid - one where everyday Australians can store, shift, and sell energy in ways that work for them.

At Amber, our mission has always been to accelerate Australia’s transition to 100% renewable energy. A major part of that journey involves EVs - not just using them, but making sure they charge in harmony with renewable energy generation. We recently wrapped up the first phase of our ARENA-backed EV automation trial, which explored smart charging technology. Here’s what we’ve learnt, and what it means for our customers.

Wholesale prices, FiT changes, and a new battery rebate — Chris breaks down what this quarter’s energy shifts mean for Amber customers.

The election result is in and with Labor securing the win, their promised national battery rebate is officially happening.From 1 July 2025, eligible households, small businesses and community facilities will be able to access a new federal rebate to help cover the cost of installing a home battery - potentially saving thousands off the upfront cost.Batteries have moved beyond the early adopters. They’re fast becoming a smart, accessible upgrade for everyday households, and this rebate is a major step toward making them more affordable and widely available.While the finer details are still being finalised, we already know a lot about how the scheme will work - and what you can do right now to get ready.