The Benefits of Adding a Battery Backup to Your On-Grid Solar System

The continuous rise of alternative energy across Australia has opened doors for battery storage systems to gain more attention as well. Before, battery packs were not designed to retain large-scale amounts of energy for consumption. Thanks to the several advancements in the battery sector, the benefits of power packs have now touched on the renewable energy sector. 

At present, there's a massive leap in residential and commercial establishments opting for solar systems complete with a battery storage component. While this is understandable and even expected for off-grid systems, some on-grid solar systems are yet to try installing a batter along with their grid-tied solar panels. 

Contrary to the idea that there is no need for batteries in an on-grid system, power packs actually add more benefits to grid-tied solar power setups. For one, it's a surefire way to keep everything running whether there's a problem with your grid connection or during cloudy days when your solar panels might not be able to generate sufficient energy. 

How Does An On-Grid System With Battery Work?

Also referred to as a hybrid solar system, on-grid systems with batteries usually use the power pack as a backup. This kind of setup allows the user to save solar power in the battery bank for emergencies but unlike off-grid batteries, it offers financial benefits by allowing you to feed the surplus energy back to the grid. 

A typical on-grid solar system will draw power from the sun during the day and switch back to the grid during off-peak sunlight hours or in the evening. In an off-grid solar system with a battery bank, you get to store solar energy during the day and draw from it instead of from the grid at night. 

What Are The Benefits Of Batteries In An On-Grid System?

Lower Electricity Bills

As mentioned earlier, pairing your solar power system with a battery pack can help lower those bills FURTHER. It's actually the best of both worlds—less reliance on the grid especially during peak consumption times such as winter while still enjoying the peace of mind that comes with grid connection. 

Backup Power During Emergency

Cloudy day? Power interruption in the middle of a work meeting? When both your utility company and solar panels fail you, having a fully-charged battery on standby might just be your saviour. 

Solar Incentives/Rebates

Solar rebates are a government-initiated program pushed mainly to encourage people to switch to solar. They can come in the form of tax credits, one-time rebates, or even performance-based rebates and can save you thousands of dollars. 

Important: To be eligible for solar incentives, your solar panels and installer must be approved and certified by the Clean Energy Council. 

Tap Into Net Metering Refunds

Net energy metering or NEM is a utility rate program that requires electric companies to pay for excess solar energy produced by solar panels which are sent back to the power grid. It's such a great way to save money that the highest number of solar users are usually from states with the best net metering policies!

What Types of Batteries Are Best For On-Grid Solar Systems?

There are tons of battery options that you can go for in an on-grid solar system but the best one would be a lithium solar battery. 

These systems demand high-quality power packs due to frequent discharge rates. Unlike off-grid batteries that store enough power for a good number of days, batteries in hybrid solar power systems are used more often and need to be charged regularly. 

Lithium is designed for efficient performance even with daily use. This battery type also has several advantages over lead-acid batteries. They are lighter, require less maintenance, pack more capacity, and have a safer composition. 

Lithium iron phosphate batteries or LiFePO4 batteries are a standout in particular with an integrated battery management system and incombustible design that makes them perfect for residential use. 

Investing in a quality battery pack is perhaps the best upgrade you can do for your existing on-grid system. You'll never have to worry about losing power ever, plus, the financial benefits you can get are guaranteed to pay back your initial investment. 

If you're looking for the right on-grid battery system, we have some of the best battery + inverter packages at VoltX Energy. Get a FREE quote today and talk to our experts to determine the best bundle for you.