Solar isn’t just about generating electricity anymore; it’s about keeping that energy in your hands.
For Australian households and businesses, solar battery storage is becoming the key to true energy independence. By storing the power solar systems produce during the day, you can rely less on the grid, cut down on energy bills, and enjoy peace of mind when demand spikes or outages hit.
What is solar battery storage? What benefits do solar batteries deliver in terms of cost savings, safety, and sustainability? We’ve got the answers you need before deciding if a solar battery is a smart move for your home or business.
What is Solar Battery Storage and How Does it Work?
A solar battery stores the excess energy solar panels produce during the day. Instead of sending that unused electricity back to the grid, the battery holds onto it so you can use it later at night, on cloudy days, or during a blackout.
Here’s how it works:
- Solar panels generate power when the sun is shining.
- Your home or business uses the power it needs first.
- Any extra energy is stored in the battery instead of being exported to the grid.
- The battery discharges stored energy when your panels aren’t producing enough to meet demand.
Benefits of Solar Battery Storage for Homes and Businesses
- Energy Independence: Reduce reliance on the grid and take control of how and when you use solar power.
- Cost Savings: Store excess solar energy to use during peak tariff times, helping to cut electricity bills.
- Backup Power: Keep the lights on and appliances running during blackouts or grid disruptions.
- Sustainability: Maximise your use of renewable energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Improved Corporate Responsibility (Businesses): Strengthen your green credentials, meet ESG targets, and demonstrate your commitment to a cleaner future to customers and stakeholders.
- Greater Return on Investment: Get more value from your solar system by using more of the energy you generate.
- Future-Readiness: Prepare for changes in electricity prices and grid policies by having your own energy supply.
Key Features of iStore Solar Batteries
Safety
iStore solar batteries include four layers of built-in protection, covering
- Overcharge: Prevents the battery from being charged beyond its capacity, which could cause damage or overheating.
- Over-Discharge: Stops the battery from being drained too far, which protects the cells from permanent damage and extends lifespan.
- Short Circuit: Cuts off power if a fault occurs, avoiding sudden surges of current.
- Temperature Control: Maintains safe operating temperatures, reducing the risk of overheating.
On top of this, iStore batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) chemistry, known for its stability and durability. Unlike other lithium options, LiFePO₄ is far less prone to overheating, which makes it one of the safest batteries on the market.
These batteries also have a longer cycle life, meaning you can count on consistent performance for years to come.
Flexibility
iStore solar batteries are modular in design. They come in stackable 5 kWh modules. You can connect up to six modules, scaling from 5 kWh for essential appliances to 30 kWh of storage for whole-home or commercial use.
This flexibility allows you to tailor the system to your current budget while keeping the option open to expand in the future, whether that’s running more of your home on solar or supporting a growing business operation.
Seamless Integration
Our batteries work hand in hand with our solar inverters, creating a complete, all-in-one energy system. The battery stores the excess electricity your solar panels generate, while the inverter manages the flow of power between the panels, the battery, and your home or business.
Because of this compatibility, installation is straightforward and performance is optimised. You get a smooth, reliable system that makes the most of your solar investment, without the hassle of mismatched components.
Smart Monitoring
With iStore’s WLAN dongle and smart logger, you can keep track of your energy system in real time. The WLAN dongle connects your solar battery to your home or business network, while the smart logger gathers and displays detailed performance data.
This setup lets you monitor how much energy your panels are producing, how much is being stored, and when the battery is supplying power. You can access this information remotely, giving you greater control and the ability to fine-tune usage for maximum efficiency and savings.
Strong Warranties
At iStore, we offer a 10-year warranty on our solar batteries, as well as a strong support network, giving you protection for your investment and peace of mind.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solar Battery
- Capacity and Size: Solar batteries are measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A smaller home may only need 5–10 kWh to cover essentials like lights and appliances, while larger homes or businesses might benefit from 20–30+ kWh for broader coverage.
- Energy Needs: Think about your average energy use, peak demand times, and whether you plan to add more solar panels or appliances later.
- Compatibility: Not every battery works with every inverter. Make sure your chosen battery integrates smoothly with your solar inverter for efficient energy management.
- Safety: Look for batteries that use proven, stable materials such as lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄), which offers excellent safety, durability, and long life.
- Warranty and Support: A solar battery is a long-term investment, so solid warranties and responsive customer support matter.
FAQs
What Does a Solar Battery Do?
A solar battery stores the excess electricity solar panels generate during the day for use later at night, during cloudy weather, or in a blackout. This storage helps lower reliance on the grid, reduce power bills, and keep the energy supply more reliable.
How Long Does Solar Battery Storage Last?
The stored energy in a solar battery can last anywhere from a few hours to overnight, depending on
- Battery Capacity (kWh): For example, a 10 kWh battery could run an average household’s evening use for about 8–12 hours.
- Energy Consumption: Higher loads, such as air conditioning or pool pumps, will drain the battery faster.
- System Size: Larger batteries (20–30+ kWh) can supply power for much longer periods.
What Is the Difference Between Solar Panels and Solar Batteries?
Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, while solar batteries store any excess energy for later use.
How Much Energy Can a Solar Battery Store?
Solar battery storage is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Smaller units start around 5 kWh, which is enough for basic household needs, while larger systems can store 20–30+ kWh to power most of a home or support business operations.
What Is the Cost of a Solar Storage Battery?
Solar storage batteries generally cost $3,300–$7,000 for smaller 5 kWh systems and $9,900–$16,000+ for larger 10–15 kWh units, with prices varying by size, brand, and installation needs.
Make the Most of Solar Energy with iStore Solar Batteries
What is solar battery storage?
Think of it as your own personal power bank for the sun. Instead of letting unused energy slip away, you keep it on hand for after dark, on cloudy days, or if the grid goes down.
For safer, more sustainable, and more affordable energy usage, you need an iStore solar battery. If one isn’t enough, our innovative modular battery system means you can start small and expand as your needs grow.
Talk to an iStore expert today to find the perfect battery size for your home or business. Browse our solar battery range, then get in touch by calling 1300 515 640 or filling out this online form.
