5.3 Guide solar and energy storage

5.3 Guide solar and energy storage

These products change where your power comes from and how your home manages it: generating your own electricity, storing it for later, and making sure your switchboard can handle modern appliances.

Rooftop solar

Rooftop solar generates electricity from sunlight, which your home uses first before drawing from the grid. Solar suits homes with reasonable roof space and sun exposure. Your Approved Supplier assesses your roof and shading as part of the process.

Read: rooftop solar system product guide

Residential battery

A battery stores electricity, typically from rooftop solar, so you can use it in the evening or during high price periods instead of buying from the grid. Batteries are usually installed in a garage or on an external wall, and your Approved Supplier confirms a safe and compliant location. To choose a battery, your home needs to already have rooftop solar, or you need to choose rooftop solar in the same discount application. A battery can't be chosen on its own.

Read: residential battery product guide

Home electric vehicle charger

A home electric vehicle charger lets you charge an electric vehicle much faster than a standard power point. Most homes use an AC Level 2 charger; some approved installs use a DC fast-charging module instead. Either way, it is wired into your switchboard by a licensed electrician.

Read: home electric vehicle charger (Level 2) product guide

Switchboard upgrade

The switchboard is the control centre of your home's electricity. Older boards may not safely support modern appliances, rooftop solar, residential batteries or home electric vehicle charging. A switchboard upgrade brings your home up to current standards. It is not something you select separately: if it is needed for your chosen products, it is added as an accessory cost at your electrical and safety assessment. It's often needed before you can install rooftop solar or a residential battery, so in some cases it's the first step that makes another upgrade possible.

Read: switchboard upgrade product guide

Notes

  • Some of these products depend on each other. For example, a residential battery can only be chosen with existing rooftop solar or with new rooftop solar in the same application, and an older switchboard may need upgrading before rooftop solar, a residential battery or a home electric vehicle charger can be installed. Your Approved Supplier will advise what applies to your home.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need solar to get a battery?

Yes. To choose a battery, your home needs to already have rooftop solar, or you need to choose rooftop solar in the same discount application. A battery can't be chosen on its own.

What happens to power my solar makes that I don't use?

Depending on your electricity plan, unused solar can be exported to the grid, and your retailer may credit you for it. Your electricity retailer can explain the options on your plan.

Does a battery keep my power on in a blackout?

Only some battery setups provide backup power, and it depends on the model and how it is installed. The product guides will confirm what the approved models offer.