Batteries used to be so simple. They started our cars, powered torches and watches and annoyingly,
were rarely included with kids’ toys at Christmas. Over recent years, however, batteries have played
an increasing role in our daily lives.
The move towards sustainability is affecting everything – not only in relation to the environment.
We want to be able to sustain ourselves in times of uncertainty without being a hundred percent
reliant on an aging grid that’s not up to the job.
Why now?
Over the past few years, many Australian households and businesses have had first-hand experience
of being without lights, refrigeration and computers after storms and floods, sometimes for days or
weeks – even in urban areas. For businesses, this meant being unable to function, while for people
dependent on medical equipment, being without reliable power is more than an inconvenience, it
can be the difference between life and death.
Traditionally, concerned people have protected themselves against outages by equipping their
homes and business premises with a diesel-powered generator (or better still, having a mate with a
diesel-powered generator). However, these devices were noisy, expensive to run, and sat unused for
most of the year and weren’t an option for many.
What’s changed?
Until recently, batteries weren’t a realistic option either, and solar batteries were rarely considered
at all. Happily, for our families, businesses and the environment, times have changed, and solar
batteries are fast becoming a practical, cost-effective and efficient alternative.
Spinifex Energy founder and CEO says, ‘In an uncertain market, and with more frequent weather
events, batteries give you confidence that you’ll be ok, especially in an emergency. And unlike a
generator, they work constantly. They aren’t just taking up space until they’re needed.’
Solar batteries have upped the ante in the home battery storage market, especially given the
popularity of rooftop solar panels in Australia. Storing unused electricity in a battery to use at night,
on low-sunlight days or in an emergency is a no-brainer, but there are a few key questions to
consider.
The bazillion-dollar question … are solar batteries a good investment?
For most households and businesses, the main issue is, ‘Are solar batteries a good investment?’
There’s no doubt the upfront cost is significant but of course, while the price of solar batteries
remains steady, electricity charges are skyrocketing – a trend most analysts expect will continue. This
means the ‘payback time’ is decreasing and being at least ‘battery ready’ is making sense for many
people.
Which type will work best for me?
There are several types of solar battery available, and because every situation is different, expert
advice is essential in deciding which battery is right for you, but in short, they are:
Lithium-ion. The most common battery being installed in homes, basically a bigger version of
the batteries we use in our smartphones and laptops. They should last over 10 years and are
suitable for a wide range of ambient temperatures.
Lead-acid. These are the old-school batteries we’re all familiar with. They are cheap, but
bulky and have a slow charge cycle. They have their place in the market however, and are
particularly useful in regional or remote areas (where space isn’t an issue) where the tyranny
of distance means trying to reduce as many possible points of failure is key
Flow. A promising alternative to lithium-ion, this battery type uses a pumped electrolyte and
chemical reactions to store and release charge. They are easily recyclable and retain capacity
over time.
How do I get started?
Deciding on whether solar batteries are a good investment for you and which type is best can be
confusing, especially in an ever-changing landscape of subsidies and incentives. For example, one
government proposal to help regulate power supply is to apply a surcharge to solar energy system
owners wanting to export power to the grid. This will make batteries more appealing, and with wait
times on new batteries already months long, now’s the best time to start the conversation.
