When it comes to investing in a home battery system, size matters. At Positive Energy Solutions, we believe that choosing the most future-proof battery your budget sensibly allows is the smartest move you can make. Why? Because choosing a larger battery now saves you money, hassle, and missed opportunities down the line. Here’s why you should think big when buying a battery.
bIGGER BATTERY, BIGGER REBATE
The Federal Government ‘Cheaper Home Batteries Program’ offers a generous rebate for batteries from 5kWh up to 50kWh. A small 5kWh battery would be eligible for a rebate of only $1,748. Whereas a 50kWh battery would get a rebate of $17,670!!! No, that’s not a typo.
Opting for a larger battery maximizes this one-time financial incentive. If you’re considering a small or medium size battery, it doesn’t hurt to ask for a quote for something larger. You might be surprised at how affordable it is to upgrade thanks to the boosted rebate you’ll receive.
ONE SHOT, ONE OPPORTUNITY
You only get one chance to claim the Federal Battery Rebate. If you start with a small battery and decide to expand later, you won’t be eligible for additional rebates. That means paying full price for extra capacity, plus another call-out fee for installation. Why not get it right the first time and secure the maximum rebate upfront?
And don’t make the mistake of choosing a cheap, low-quality battery. Replacing a failed battery will not be eligible for another rebate in the future either. So be sure to choose a quality battery that will go the distance.
EXPANSION ISN'T ALWAYS POSSIBLE
Battery technology evolves. If you choose a smaller battery now, and later decide you need more capacity, you may find that your specific battery modules have been discontinued or superseded. This would leave you stuck with an undersized battery, or having to replace the entire battery system – a costly and unnecessary expense. Choosing a larger battery now avoids this problem.
fUTURE-PROOF YOUR ENERGY NEEDS
Your electricity usage is likely to grow over time. Electric vehicle (EV) charging, upgrading to an electric Heat Pump hot water system, or simply running the heating and cooling more freely can significantly increase your energy demands. A larger battery ensures you’re ready for these changes, keeping your home powered efficiently for years to come.
ACCOUNT FOR BATTERY DEGRADATION
Batteries naturally degrade over time, losing some of their storage capacity. Most manufacturer warranties allow for 30% degradation over 10 years. For example, a 10kWh battery that meets your needs today might only store 7kWh after 10 years. A larger battery gives you a buffer, ensuring you still have enough usable capacity even as degradation occurs.
HANDLE HIGH-POWER LOADS WITH EASE
Larger batteries typically offer higher maximum discharge rates, making them better suited for powering high-demand appliances such as an EV charger, Air-conditioner, Oven & Cooktop.
Be sure to choose an inverter size that is also suitable for matching those loads.
For example, if your home is drawing 8kW of power, but your inverter or battery can only output 5kW, the remaining 3kW will be purchased from the grid. Not ideal, especially during the expensive Peak tariff window (3pm – 9pm)
In comparison, a larger inverter with larger battery will minimize the likelihood of purchasing expensive grid power thanks to the higher power output capability.
better backup for grid-outages
When the grid goes down, a larger inverter & battery with higher discharge capability provides superior backup power. It can keep more of your home’s essential circuits running for longer, giving you peace of mind during outages.
SEIZE FUTURE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
When Western Australia’s electricity market eventually becomes deregulated (like recent gas market deregulation), new electricity retailers will enter the scene to compete for your business. No longer will Synergy have the monopoly. Some of these retailers, like ‘Amber’ on the East Coast, sometimes offer VERY high feed-in tariffs in line with fluctuating wholesale prices.
With a larger inverter & battery, you could capitalize on these opportunities. Imagine exporting 30 kWh of stored energy to the grid for $10 per kWh – that’s a quick $300 in your pocket!
NO SOLAR? NO PROBLEM
Ideally, excess solar power is used to charge a battery. But what if there’s not enough solar power to get the job done? What if it’s cloudy? Or your roof just can’t fit enough solar panels? No worries! There’s more than one way to charge a battery.
By switching to a Time-of-Use electricity plan such as the Synergy Midday Saver, you’ll have access to ‘Super Off-Peak‘ grid power between the hours of 9am – 3pm. At only 8.6 cents per kWh, this super cheap grid power can be used to top-up the battery on days when there isn’t enough solar power.
At Positive Energy, we can help setup an automatic Daily Force Charge Schedule to ensure you have a fully charged battery every day, regardless of the weather, ready to power your home throughout the night.
For example, below is a screenshot shared by our customer, Phil in Gidgegannup, who has a large 38.4kWh battery. Even on a cloudy day, the Battery State-of-Charge (SOC) still reached 100% by using a combination of excess solar power + cheap ‘Super Off-Peak’ grid power.
make the smart choice
Investing in a home battery is a big decision, but it’s one you only want to make once. By choosing the largest, most future-proof battery, you’ll maximize rebates, avoid expansion headaches, and be ready for whatever the future brings—whether it’s increased energy needs, grid outages, or lucrative market incentives.
At Positive Energy Solutions, we’re here to help you find the perfect battery system for your home. Contact us today to explore your options and make a choice that properly powers your future.
