A solar battery stores the excess energy your panels generate during the day so you can use it in the evening, overnight, or during a blackout. For Perth homeowners, that means lower electricity bills, less reliance on the grid, and genuine peace of mind when the power goes out. Here's how it all works.
What Does a Solar Battery Actually Do?
If you've got solar panels on your roof, they generate electricity during the day when the sun is shining. The thing is, most households use the bulk of their power in the morning and evening — before and after work — when the panels aren't producing as much. Without a battery, that surplus daytime energy gets sent back to the grid. Your electricity retailer pays you a small amount for it through what's called a feed-in tariff — that's the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme, or DEBS, here in Western Australia (Western Australian Government, 2024).
When adding a solar battery to your system, this changes. Rather than sending extra generated energy to the grid to receive DEBS, a solar battery stores this energy for you to use — in the morning, evening or overnight. You're basically keeping more energy for yourself, rather than buying it back from the grid at a higher price. In Western Australia, if eligible for the state government rebate, you'll be part of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) where energy from your battery can be used and provided where necessary (Synergy, 2026). Similar to DEBS, you will receive money back from Synergy's battery rewards program.
What Are the Main Benefits of a Solar Battery?
The main benefit of a solar battery is simple: you use more of your own solar energy. Typically, a solar power system generates between 8am and 5pm, with peak power generation between 10am-3pm (Solar Calculator, 2024). If you're working a 9 to 5 job, with minimal power being used in your house, not only is the majority of your energy going to the grid, but you'll have to pay more to use it during the evening. With a battery, power generated during the day is stored and can be used later. Your power bill is significantly reduced, because you're buying less power back from the grid.
Additionally, there's blackout protection. During a blackout, if you're using energy from the grid, your home will lose power. However, with a battery, power generated by your solar during the day has been stored and can be used to support essential home appliances — the fridge, lights, phone chargers or the internet. Most backup systems are made to handle smaller appliances; it can be difficult to supply a whole home with backup during blackouts, and larger loads like aircon or EV chargers are harder to cover. Typically, the designer will help you decide which circuits to have on backup. For example, if you have an electric gate, you may want this on backup.
There's also the broader idea of energy independence. With a battery, you're less reliant on the grid and less affected by future electricity price rises. You're generating your own power, storing it, and using it on your own terms.
Why Is Perth So Well Suited to Home Batteries?
Perth gets some of the highest levels of sunshine in Australia, which means solar panels tend to generate lots of surplus energy — exactly the energy a battery is designed to capture. In Western Australia, there are specific government incentives available based on your eligibility. The WA Residential Battery Scheme offers rebates, both state and federal, of approximately 30% off depending on the battery. These rebates are changing as of May 1st 2026, and will continue to decrease until 2030 or until allocation is exhausted.
It's also worth knowing that 1 in every 24 Australian households now has a battery connected to their solar system, and that number is growing fast — more than two million homes are expected to have one by 2030 (DCCEEW, 2026). Perth is right at the front of that wave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need solar panels to get a battery?
It makes the most sense to get a battery when paired with solar panels. The panels generate the free energy; the battery stores it. Together, they work as a team to cut your electricity costs and reduce your reliance on the grid.
If you get a battery without solar, you will still be paying the grid for your energy. You are also ineligible for rebates if you have no solar on your property.
Will a battery power my whole house during a blackout?
It depends on the battery size and how it's set up. Some systems are designed to back up your entire home, while others focus on essential circuits like your fridge, lights, and internet. Your installer can help you decide what makes the most sense for your household.
How long do solar batteries last?
Most modern home batteries come with warranties of 10 years, with premium batteries being longer. They're designed to hold a minimum capacity over this time — for example, 70% over 10 years. To see what your battery can hold over this time, check your battery warranty.
What is a VPP, and do I have to join one?
A VPP — or virtual power plant — is a network of home batteries that can share a small amount of stored energy back to the grid when it's needed most. In Western Australia, joining a VPP is a requirement for the state battery rebate. In return, you help stabilise the grid and may receive additional credits on your electricity bill.
Curious about whether a solar battery could work for your home? We're happy to answer your questions — no obligation, no pressure. Give us a call on 9300 9324 or visit solaireconnect.com.au to learn more.
References
DCCEEW. (2026). Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/programs/cheaper-home-batteries
Energy Policy WA. (2025). Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS). Government of Western Australia. https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/household-electricity-pricing
SolarEdge. (2025). Blackout protection with solar system battery backups. https://www.solaredge.com/aus/for-home/info-centre/batteries/batteries-during-a-blackout
Talk Energy. (2026). WA Battery Scheme 2026: Is it worth it? ROI breakdown. https://www.talkenergy.com.au/guides/wa-battery-scheme-roi-2026/
Why Solar. (2026). WA solar and battery rebates 2026. https://www.whysolar.com.au/rebates/wa