A battery storage system is a rechargeable system that stores energy, typically generated by solar panels, in a battery pack. This stored energy can then be used to power a home or business, even when the sun isn't shining or during power outages. Key benefits include saving on electricity bills, maximising solar energy use, reducing reliance on the grid, providing backup power, and potentially generating revenue by sending excess energy back to the grid (for on-grid systems).

On-grid systems remain connected to the electricity grid, ensuring a continuous power supply even when batteries are depleted. They allow you to send excess solar energy back to the grid for compensation.

However, they may still be affected by grid power outages (unless a hybrid system with battery backup is used), and incur some minimal electricity charges. Off-grid systems, on the other hand, provide complete energy independence, relying solely on solar energy and stored battery power. Theseare ideal for areas with unreliable grid power.

When using solar energy, solar panels generate DC energy. This DC energy is converted into AC energy by a solar inverter. A switchboard then directs the solar energy to power appliances, with any excess energy sent to the battery inverter to be converted into a storable form and stored in the battery bank. When using stored energy, the battery sends the stored energy through the battery inverter to power your home. If the battery runs out of charge, an on-grid system will typically switch to grid power.

You can estimate your power needs by listing your appliances and their average run time per day, determining the wattage of each appliance (found on the product or calculated by multiplying amperage by voltage), calculating daily energy consumption (Wattage × Hours Used Per Day) ÷ 1000, and estimating your annual energy consumption (Daily kWh consumption × number of days used per year). Alternatively, you can use an online energy calculator or have a professional electrician perform an energy audit.

Essential features to consider include sufficient capacity to meet your energy needs, durability to withstand environmental factors, battery chemistry (lithium is generally preferred for performance, safety, and longevity), user-friendly monitoring and control systems (software or apps), high efficiency for more usable energy, and safety certifications.

The basic steps include setting up your solar panels, connecting them to an inverter (which converts DC to AC power), wiring the inverter to the circuit breaker, and finally, connecting the inverter to the fuse box for power distribution throughout your home. Your system supplier typically arranges the grid connection, but familiarity with the process is beneficial.

Ensure the system adheres to relevant Australian Standards (like AS IEC 62619 for lithium batteries), undergoes regular maintenance, and has necessary certifications. Secure all electrical wiring, keep the battery away from heat sources, and check for proper ventilation and gas emissions. Watch out for chemical leakages and keep children and pets away from the system.

You can monitor your system through in-built display systems, handheld gadgets (like laptops and mobile phones) that can display battery information through interactive interfaces or mobile apps, and third-party home energy monitoring solutions.