Home battery options for Canberra households
From adding your first battery to upgrading an existing setup, we help Canberra homeowners store solar energy safely, reliably, and in a way that suits how they actually use power.
What does a home battery actually do?
A home battery stores excess solar energy generated during the day so it can be used later in the evening, overnight, or during grid outages (depending on the system design).
For many Canberra households, a battery can help:
- Increase self-use of solar energy
- Reduce reliance on the grid during peak times
- Provide backup power for selected circuits
- Support future electrification, such as EV charging or heat pumps
Battery systems aren’t one-size-fits-all. The right setup depends on your existing solar system, daily energy use, switchboard capacity, and what you may want to add in the future.
Battery vs no battery
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what’s the difference?
Every household uses energy differently. Here’s a simple comparison to help you understand how a battery changes the way solar works in your home.
We’ll help you assess which option makes sense for your home, and whether a battery adds real value for your situation.
Without a battery
- Excess solar is exported to the grid during the day
- Evening and overnight power is drawn from the grid
- Lower upfront system cost
- Simpler system setup
- No backup power during outages
This setup can suit homes with lower evening energy use or those focused on reducing daytime electricity costs.
With a battery
- Excess solar is stored for later use
- More of your own solar is used on-site
- Reduced grid reliance during peak periods
- Optional backup power, depending on system design
- Higher upfront cost, with greater energy flexibility
A battery may suit homes with higher evening usage, plans to electrify further, or a desire for greater energy independence.
Battery solutions for different homes and situations
Whether you’re starting fresh or building on an existing system, we offer practical battery solutions designed around your home.
Battery installation
If you already have solar, or are installing solar now, we can design and install a battery system that integrates properly with your setup.
This includes checking inverter compatibility, switchboard capacity, battery location, and how the system will be used day to day.
Our battery installation service focuses on safe integration, correct sizing, and long-term reliability, not overselling capacity you won’t use.
Battery upgrades
If your energy needs have changed, or your battery is no longer performing as expected, we can assess whether an upgrade makes sense.
Upgrades may include increasing storage capacity, replacing ageing batteries, or reconfiguring the system to better support solar, EV charging, or future appliances.
Battery upgrades are about improving performance and flexibility, whether that means more storage, better compatibility, or preparing for what’s next.
When a home battery may be worth considering
A battery may be worth exploring if:
- You export a large amount of unused solar during the day
- Your household uses more energy in the evenings
- You want some level of backup power
- You’re planning to add an EV or electrify heating and hot water
- You want to reduce exposure to peak electricity pricing
Just as importantly, we’ll also tell you when a battery doesn’t make sense yet, and what to revisit in the future.
Battery systems designed properly
Our approach is focused on safety, compatibility, and long-term performance, not quick installs.
With Econ Energy, you can expect:
- An on-site assessment before recommendations
- Clear advice on battery size, type, and placement
- Compatibility checks with your solar system and switchboard
- Installation by licensed, in-house electricians
- Compliance with current standards and ACT requirements
We explain your options clearly so you can make an informed decision, without pressure.
Common questions about home batteries
Do I need solar to install a battery?
Most home batteries are designed to work with solar. Whether a battery can be added depends on your inverter and system design, which we assess on-site.
Can I add a battery to an older solar system?
Often yes, but compatibility matters. Some systems may need upgrades first to work safely and reliably.
Do batteries provide blackout protection?
Some batteries can provide backup power, depending on how they’re installed. We’ll explain what level of backup is realistic for your home.
Are rebates available?
Battery incentives can change. We’ll explain what applies at the time and help with eligible paperwork where possible.
Thinking about adding or upgrading your home battery?
We’ll assess your home, explain your battery options clearly, and help you decide what makes sense for how you use energy now, and in the future.
