Wondering whether to install solar panels or a battery first in Queensland? Here’s the quick answer:
- Start with solar panels if you use most of your electricity during the day. They’re cheaper upfront (starting at $4,300 for a 5 kW system) and can immediately lower your daytime energy bills.
- Consider a battery first if your energy use is higher at night or you face frequent outages. Batteries cost more (starting around $9,000) but store excess solar energy for night-time use and provide backup power during blackouts.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Solar Panels First | Battery Storage First |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower (from $4,300) | Higher (from $9,000–$16,000) |
| Electricity Use | Daytime only | Day and night |
| Grid Reliance | Reduces daytime use | Minimises overall reliance |
| Backup Power | No | Yes |
| Rebates | Eligibility for battery rebates if ≥5 kW system | Up to $4,000 for eligible households |
Tip: If budget allows, start with solar panels and add a battery later to qualify for Queensland’s rebates.
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of costs, rebates, and how to decide based on your energy habits.
How To Size Battery Storage For An Existing Solar Installation
Solar Panels and Battery Storage Basics
Understanding how solar panels and batteries function can help you decide on installation priorities.
How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into power. They’re made up of silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) cells that create an electric field. When sunlight hits these cells, it knocks electrons loose, producing direct current (DC) electricity. A standard residential panel in Queensland generates about 330 watts under typical conditions. To make this energy usable for your home, an inverter transforms it into alternating current (AC).
The amount of energy produced depends on several factors: panel orientation, shading, temperature, cleanliness, and overall system efficiency. Any extra energy your system generates can either be sent to the grid – earning you credits – or stored in a battery for later use.
How Battery Storage Works
Batteries save the extra power your solar panels produce during the day so you can use it at night or during cloudy periods. This reduces your reliance on the grid and ensures your home has power even when the panels aren’t actively generating electricity.
System Integration
Solar panels prioritise meeting your household’s immediate energy needs. Any leftover energy first charges the battery, and if there’s still excess, it’s exported to the grid. To get the most out of your system, it’s important to size it correctly. This ensures you maximise the use of your solar power and have energy stored for times when sunlight is limited.
5 Factors That Impact Your Choice
When You Use Most Power
If most of your energy use happens during the day – like running air conditioning, appliances, or a home office – solar panels are a good starting point. But if you need electricity at night, consider adding a battery or relying on the grid for after-dark power.
Cost and Return on Investment
Here’s a quick look at starting costs in Queensland:
| System Type | Starting Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 kW solar system | $4,300 |
| 6.6 kW solar system | $4,500 |
| 13.5 kWh battery storage | $13,500 |
Solar panels can lower your daytime energy bills quickly. Batteries, while more expensive upfront, allow you to store solar energy and use it during peak tariff periods.
Power Supply Needs
Think about your property’s connection to the grid and how reliable it is. If your area has stable grid power, solar panels alone can help you cut costs right away. But if you experience frequent outages or voltage issues, adding a battery can ensure a steady power supply. Batteries also let you store excess solar energy, which can often be more practical than sending it back to the grid.
Available Rebates
Queensland offers a Solar Battery Rebate Program with incentives like:
- Up to $4,000 for households earning below $66,667
- Up to $3,000 for those with incomes up to $180,000
Clean Energy Goals
Want to reduce your carbon footprint? Solar panels are a great first step, as they generate clean energy and cut daytime emissions. Adding a battery can take it further by storing energy for night-time use and keeping your system running smoothly on cloudy days.
In the next section, we’ll directly compare solar panels and batteries to help you decide which is right for you.
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Direct Comparison: Panels vs Batteries
Here’s a quick breakdown of how solar panels and battery storage measure up across key factors.
Side-by-Side Features
| Feature | Solar Panels First | Battery Storage First |
|---|---|---|
| Initial investment | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost (around AUD 9,000–16,000) |
| Electricity generation | Produces electricity during daylight hours | Stores surplus solar energy; does not generate |
| Grid reliance | Cuts grid use during daylight hours | Further reduces grid use by tapping into stored energy |
| Power availability | Limited to daytime use | Extends energy use into non-daylight hours |
| Backup capability | No power during outages | Provides backup power during outages |
For smaller homes, the LG Chem RESU (AUD 9,000–11,000) offers ~95% efficiency with a 6.5 kWh capacity. Larger households might consider the Tesla Powerwall (AUD 14,000–16,000), which delivers 13.5 kWh at ~90% efficiency.
One important note: energy companies often pay less for solar buy-back rates than they charge for electricity. This pricing gap makes battery storage a smart choice for those who consume most of their energy outside daylight hours.
Next, let’s explore how these features align with your energy usage habits.
Best Choice for Your Situation
Now that we’ve gone over features and costs, here’s how to choose the right setup for your specific energy needs.
Match your household’s peak energy use to the best system components.
For Daytime Power Users
If you use most of your electricity during the day, start with solar panels. This can instantly reduce your energy bills by using the sun’s power.
This option is ideal for:
- Home offices running between 9 am and 5 pm
- Families relying on air conditioning during sunny hours
- Households using appliances like washing machines or dishwashers during daylight
For Evening Power Users
If your household consumes most of its power after sunset, investing in battery storage first might be the smarter choice. Instead of exporting surplus solar energy for low feed-in tariffs, you can store it for evening use when electricity prices are often higher.
This setup works well for families who are out during the day and face higher energy costs during peak evening hours.
Keep reading if you’re in an area with frequent blackouts.
For Areas with Power Cuts
For Queenslanders in regions prone to outages, battery storage is a great option to maintain power during blackouts. The QLD Solar Battery Rebate Program offers eligible households up to AUD 4,000. Check the rebate details above to see if you qualify.
For Maximum Cost Savings
A phased approach to installation can help you take full advantage of government incentives. The Queensland government has allocated AUD 24 million to assist approximately 4,000 households in adding solar battery systems.
Start with solar panels (≥5 kW), monitor your usage, and then add a battery (≥6 kWh) to qualify for up to AUD 4,000 in rebates.
QVolt Solar Services
QVolt Solar assists Queensland homeowners in deciding whether to install solar panels or batteries first. Our team is here to help you apply the factors mentioned earlier to your specific situation.
Our Guarantees
- 30-Year Workmanship Warranty: Covers the quality of installation and craftsmanship.
- 25-Year Panel Warranty: Ensures reliable panel performance over the long term.
- 10-Year Inverter Warranty: Protects the inverter, a key part of your solar system.
- Performance Guarantee: Includes regular site checks and maintenance to maintain energy efficiency.
Why Choose QVolt Solar?
- No Upfront Payment Options: Flexible plans that don’t require a deposit.
- Local Queensland Support: Ongoing assistance from a Queensland-based team.
- Top-Quality Equipment: Factory-backed panels and inverters with long-term performance assurances.
Whether you opt for panels or batteries first, our customised warranties and support will evolve with your system. For information on your installation options, check out the Next Steps section.
Get in touch with our team today to explore your solar energy goals.
Next Steps
You’ve considered your options – now it’s time to take action. Use the five factors mentioned earlier to guide your next moves.
Are you ready to decide on solar energy? Tailor your choices based on your energy usage patterns, budget, and ability to handle power outages.
Key Steps to Take
- Check your electricity bill: Calculate your average daily usage. For reference, most households in Queensland consume about 70% of their energy during the night.
- Evaluate local outage risks: If your area experiences frequent power interruptions, think about adding battery storage to keep your home powered.
- Look into Queensland rebates: Make sure you check your eligibility to maximise the financial benefits of your solar investment.
Get in touch with our Queensland-based team to discuss your roof’s specifics, energy costs, usage patterns, and budget. Our SAA Accredited designers will craft a tailored roof plan for you. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive a detailed contract outlining pricing, specifications, warranties, and performance guarantees.
These steps will help you align your solar installation with both your financial goals and your commitment to clean energy.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward energy independence.