When it comes to power outages, solar batteries aren't just a fancy add-on; they’re a must-have if you want to keep the lights on when the grid goes down.

Many people assume that if they have solar panels, they'll automatically have electricity during a blackout. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Without a battery, solar systems shut down during outages to prevent feeding power back into the grid, which could endanger repair workers. That’s where a solar battery paired with a hybrid system changes the game.

It so happens that many of our clients opt not to get a big battery, as the financial benefits don't stack up. For example... The payback period on a panel only system might be 7 years. Add the battery, and the payback period for the whole system sits at or above 9 years. Put simply, the batteries cost a lot, but don't save a lot.

So, our clients often opt for the small solar batteries, so that their system can isolate itself from the grid in a grid outage, enabling direct use of the solar during the day, and a little bit of backup into the evening. This solution is the best of both worlds!

Good value system, short payback period, use of the solar panels during the day in an outage, enough battery backup to keep the wi-fi, lights, devices and fridge running.

Why Do You Need a Battery for Backup?

To make it simple: a battery stores excess energy your panels produce during the day, which can be used later when there's no sunlight. In a blackout, a solar battery gives you that stored energy to power your home. With a hybrid solar system—one that’s grid-connected but has a battery backup—you can seamlessly switch to your battery’s power reserve when an outage hits.

Even a Small Battery Packs a Punch

You don’t need a huge battery to make a difference. Even smaller batteries, with capacities around 5kWh, can provide enough power to keep essential devices and appliances running. Think fridge, lights, and maybe even some electronics for a few hours or more, depending on your usage.

Added Peace of Mind

Aside from just keeping things running, batteries offer peace of mind. During New Zealand's unpredictable weather, especially in areas prone to storms, having a battery can be a lifesaver—literally. It keeps critical systems, like medical devices or home security systems, operational during extended outages.

Make the Most of Solar

Adding a battery backup to your solar setup isn't just about blackouts; it also means better energy independence year-round. You use more of your solar power instead of relying on the grid, and if you do have any leftover, you can still send it back to the grid for some cash-back benefits.

In short, if you're looking for real energy security, especially in areas where outages aren’t uncommon, a solar battery is a smart move. Even a small one can keep your household ticking during a blackout, and when combined with solar, it just makes sense.

Read more about solar batteries here, including a deep dive into the ROI, cost, and actual savings benefits.

Commercially, batteries tend to impact the ROI differently, due to immensely different power-rate-structures. Click here to read more about solar for commercial.

If you're keen on the best solar deals, world class advice and expert system design, leave us your details below!