Considering solar power in Blackburn? Great move. It lowers your energy bills and your carbon footprint. But there’s a bigger question to answer first — should you invest in a battery, or not? Each has its own pros and cons, and the best option for you may be based on your home, budget and energy use. It’s a good idea to speak to a licensed electrician before making a decision. This guide walks you through comparing solar with and without batteries, so you can make the best call for 2025.
Option 1: Solar with No-Battery Systems
In a typical solar configuration, power flows from your roof directly to your house. It is fed back into the grid whenever there is surplus energy. In exchange, you will receive a minor credit referred to as a feed-in tariff.
Pros:
- Affordable initial cost: At a starting price of $5,000 to $8,000, 6.6-kilowatt solar power systems are affordable.
- Quick and easy to install: Fewer parts, because there is no battery. For the majority of homes, 1-2 days is all it will take to have your new boiler working efficiently in Blackburn.
- Low maintenance: No battery servicing or replacements.
- Earn credits: You are paid for any excess energy sent out to the grid — typically 4 – 8 cents/kWh in Victoria.
Cons:
- No energy consumption at night: At night, there is no energy consumption: Your system will stop producing electricity as soon as the sun goes down. You will instead switch back to your grid power, which is costlier.
- No solar in blackouts: Your solar won’t work during a power cut! Battery-less systems turn off on their own.
- Lack of independence: You’ll continue relying on the grid, particularly during peak-use evenings.
A quality solar installation should always consider looking at both your long-term energy needs and whether storage is likely to be useful to your household in the future.
Option 2: Solar and Battery storage
Include a battery and your solar power can be stashed away until later — ideal for night-time use, or during blackouts. Widespread choices such as Tesla Powerwall are in evidence in Blackburn’s eco-leaning neighbourhoods.
Pros:
- Go solar at night: A standard 13.5kWh battery can run lights, fridges and other basics throughout the evening.
- Built-in battery: Stay connected if the power goes out in Melbourne’s storms. Your home is illuminated with a battery.
- Amplify savings: You might be able to slice your energy bills by $500 to $1,000 a year by tapping your own stored energy.
- Ready for the future: Batteries will help to drive electric cars and power more energy-intensive uses.
Cons:
- Larger investment: Systems with batteries typically cost $15,000–$20,000, which could take 8–12 years to pay off.
- There are also ongoing costs: Batteries need to be replaced eventually ($5,000 to $10,000) and should be checked consistently.
- Installation is more complicated: Battery installations are more time-consuming and might require a switchboard upgrade ($1,000 to $2,500).
What to Think About When Choosing
How much energy do you use? A battery makes sense if you have high evening usage.
Is your budget under $10k? Electrician Blackburn suggests sticking with solar-only. If you have more space to spend, a battery adds long-term value.
Concerned about blackouts? If you’re a tree-lined Blackburn Street, back-up power is a boon.
Looking into rebates? The Victorian Solar Homes Program is now providing up to $1,400 for solar and $4,000 for batteries, see if you’re eligible.
Thinking of buying an EV or remodelling? The battery will pick up the slack.
Power Up the Smart Way
In the end, your priorities will determine whether you go with solar power that includes storage or solar power that does not. Solar alone is cost effective; batteries provide energy independence. Either way, you want your solar installation in Blackburn done correctly. The best solar installation is one that is tailor-made for your consumption and the type of property you have. Get planning now and have the energy freedom that’s best for you by 2025.
