As interest in solar battery storage grows, the debate between having a solar system without a battery or a solar plus battery system is something that increasingly needs addressing. At Hunter Valley Electrics, we have been helping homeowners in Newcastle, the Central Coast, and the Hunter Valley design battery and solar systems for years. But understanding the differences between these systems can be vital in making an informed choice that works for your home. Reach out to Hunter Valley Electrics to discover more.

Cost and Upfront Investment

One of the main determining factors between a solar without battery or a solar plus battery system is the upfront cost. An ordinary solar-only system has a lower upfront cost, meaning you save more and outlay less, making it an attractive option for those looking to offset their electricity costs without large capital outlay. With a solar battery, the overall cost increases because you also purchase the battery unit and the required additions for the system. This can be a long-term investment. Many opt to install solar panels now and add a battery later. This saves on the immediate costs of the entire system; however, this can incur additional installation costs.

Savings, Payback and Daily Use

A solar system without a battery allows you to make use of the free solar electricity during the day to power your home and draw from the grid if necessary. Energy that you are not using will then be fed back to the grid, receiving feed-in-tariffs; however, these have been decreasing over recent years. With a solar-plus-battery system, you can store your excess solar electricity, so you don’t need to pay expensive peak-hour rates. Therefore, a solar battery storage system generally offers greater long-term savings. The payback period for a battery might be longer than for solar panels alone, but by eliminating peak-hour energy usage, the returns may be greater.

Backup Power and Future Needs

The best choice for you also depends on your personal needs and future goals. If you’re trying to cut down the upfront cost and mainly wish to save electricity throughout the day, solar-only might be sufficient. However, if you would prefer greater independence from your energy provider and want the added benefit of backup power, the solar-plus-battery might be the smarter option. Solar battery storage can prepare you for the event of a blackout, allow for energy independence, for future technological advances, smart home management systems and where the electricity supply might otherwise be unstable. Energy price hikes may also increase demand for such storage systems.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Home

Choosing between a solar without battery and a solar plus battery system is about weighing your initial financial position against your desired daily and long term energy benefits. At Hunter Valley Electrics, we custom-build battery and solar solutions for homes in NSW and upgrade existing solar setups.
Contact Hunter Valley Electrics today to get a quote or learn which solar and battery setup is right for your home.