The SigEnergy SigenStor is one of the more versatile battery systems Positive Energy Solutions installs. It handles backup power across both single-phase and three-phase homes, and at the right system size it can deliver whole home backup on a three-phase property. For Perth homeowners who want strong backup performance alongside intelligent energy management, the SigenStor is a system worth understanding in detail.
This guide covers what each SigenStor configuration backs up, how single-phase and three-phase installations differ, and what to know about DC vs AC coupling and VPP eligibility. Positive Energy Solutions installs SigEnergy SigenStor systems across the Perth metropolitan area.
How the SigenStor Handles a Power Outage
During a grid outage, the SigenStor switches to backup mode automatically — there is no manual intervention required. Your backed-up circuits stay live, solar continues to charge the battery if the sun is shining, and the system manages available energy across your protected circuits until the grid is restored.
The backup output available during an outage depends on your inverter size and phase configuration. The same inverter that manages your solar and battery in normal operation is what drives your backup capability.
Single-Phase Backup: SigenStor
Positive Energy Solutions installs the SigenStor in 5kW and 10kW single-phase configurations. The backup capability at each size:
5kW — Essential Circuit Backup
The 5kW SigenStor backs up two essential circuits during a grid outage. Your installer identifies the right circuits during system design — typically lights, the refrigerator, and key power points. High-draw appliances are not available in this configuration during an outage.
For single-phase homeowners who want solid essential circuit protection with intelligent energy management built in, the 5kW SigenStor is a reliable option.
10kW — Whole Home Backup
At 10kW, the SigenStor backs up your entire home during an outage — every circuit is live. This is the configuration for homeowners who want full coverage with no compromises when the grid goes down.
Load management: Even with whole home backup, running multiple high-draw appliances simultaneously can overload the system during an outage. Avoid stacking air conditioning, electric cooktop, EV charger, and pool pump at the same time. Prioritise your most important loads and allow solar generation to carry what it can during the day.
Appliances not recommended to run simultaneously during an outage:
- Air conditioning (particularly large ducted systems)
- Electric cooktop or oven
- EV charger
- Pool pump
Three-Phase Backup: SigenStor
The SigenStor’s three-phase backup capability scales meaningfully with inverter size — and at 15kW, it delivers whole home backup on a three-phase property. This is one of the key reasons the SigenStor suits a wide range of Perth homes.
Three-Phase 5kW — No Backup
The 5kW three-phase SigenStor does not provide reliable backup. With only 5kW split across three phases, the per-phase output is insufficient to maintain stable operation during a grid outage under normal household loads. If backup power is a priority on a three-phase property, the 10kW or 15kW system is the appropriate choice.
Three-Phase 10kW — Three Essential Circuits
The 10kW three-phase SigenStor backs up three essential circuits — one per phase — during a grid outage. This covers your most important loads across the whole property: lights, refrigerator, and one additional circuit per phase. It is a solid option for three-phase homeowners who need reliable essential circuit protection.
Three-Phase 15kW — Whole Home Backup
The 15kW three-phase SigenStor delivers whole home backup — every circuit across all three phases is live during an outage. For three-phase Perth homes where backup power is a genuine priority, this is one of the strongest residential options available.
Important: just because the 15kW SigenStor can technically supply whole home power does not mean every appliance should be running simultaneously during an outage. Stacking high-draw loads — air conditioning, electric cooktop, pool pump, and EV charger at the same time — can cause the system to trip and lose backup power entirely. The best approach is to use the SigEnergy monitoring app to keep an eye on live consumption during an outage and manage loads accordingly. The app gives you real-time visibility of what is drawing power, so you can make informed decisions and keep the system stable.
What Can You Run During an Outage?
The SigenStor monitoring app is your best tool during a grid outage. It gives you real-time visibility of how much power each circuit is drawing, how much the battery and solar are contributing, and how long backup is likely to last at current consumption. Using the app to manage loads — rather than guessing — is the safest way to keep the system stable and avoid tripping during an extended outage.
Monitor Your System During an Outage: SigEnergy App
The SigEnergy monitoring app is your most valuable tool during a grid outage. It gives you real-time visibility of battery state of charge, live solar generation, home consumption per circuit, and estimated backup duration — all from your phone. Because stacking high-draw loads can trip the system and cut backup power entirely, active monitoring is essential rather than optional.
Use the app to watch consumption in real time. If the battery is depleting faster than solar is generating, that is your signal to switch off a high-draw appliance before the system becomes unstable. On a sunny Perth day with good solar generation, the app will show you the headroom to make informed decisions about what you can comfortably run. The SigEnergy app turns load management from guesswork into a clear picture.
DC vs AC Coupling: What It Means for Backup and VPP
The SigenStor can be installed as either a DC-coupled or AC-coupled system, and this distinction matters for both backup capability and rebate eligibility.
DC-Coupled SigenStor
A DC-coupled SigenStor connects directly to the solar panels through a hybrid inverter. This is the preferred configuration for new installations and most retrofits. DC-coupled systems are eligible for the WA Residential Battery Scheme and VPP (Virtual Power Plant) programmes — meaning you can earn additional revenue by participating in grid support during peak demand periods.
AC-Coupled SigenStor
An AC-coupled SigenStor connects on the AC side of an existing inverter — typically used when the existing solar setup cannot be easily converted to DC coupling. AC-coupled SigenStor systems are not eligible for WA VPP programmes due to whole-of-site compliance requirements. If VPP participation or the WA Residential Battery Scheme rebate is important to you, discuss coupling configuration with your Positive Energy Solutions consultant before committing.
Not sure which coupling applies to your home? Send your Positive Energy Solutions consultant details of your existing solar setup and we will confirm the best path — and whether DC coupling is an option for your property.
Rebates and Eligibility
DC-coupled SigenStor systems qualify for the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program and, where the battery is on the WA Sustainable Systems List, the WA Residential Battery Scheme ($1,300 for Synergy customers) and VPP programmes.
AC-coupled systems qualify for the Federal program but are not eligible for the WA Residential Battery Scheme or VPP. Your Positive Energy Solutions consultant will confirm exactly what applies to your configuration at quote stage.
Why Positive Energy Solutions Installs SigEnergy SigenStor
The SigenStor covers more backup scenarios than most systems in its class — from essential circuit protection on single-phase through to whole home backup on three-phase at 15kW. Combined with AI-driven energy management that optimises self-consumption, tariff response, and battery dispatch, it is a capable system for Perth homeowners who want both reliable backup and smart day-to-day performance.
Our team manages the full installation: system design, Western Power network application, rebate paperwork, coupling configuration, and commissioning.
Talk to Positive Energy Solutions
If you are considering a SigEnergy SigenStor system, our team can assess your home, confirm the right inverter size and coupling configuration, and walk you through the full rebate position.
Call us on 1300 180 999 or complete our online enquiry form and we will be in touch within one business day.
Related guides
- Fronius GEN24 PLUS Backup Power for Perth Homes
- SigenStor Perth 2026: The All-in-One Solar Battery System Explained
- Sungrow Solar Battery Backup Power for Perth Homes
- Tesla Powerwall 3 Backup Power for Perth Homes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the SigenStor provide backup on a three-phase home?
Yes — at 10kW it backs up three essential circuits (one per phase), and at 15kW it delivers whole home backup across all three phases. The 5kW three-phase configuration does not provide reliable backup and is not recommended if backup power is a priority.
What is the difference between DC-coupled and AC-coupled SigenStor for backup?
Both deliver backup power during a grid outage. The difference lies in VPP eligibility and rebate access: DC-coupled systems qualify for the WA Residential Battery Scheme and VPP programmes; AC-coupled systems do not. For most new installations and many retrofits, DC coupling is the preferred path. Your consultant will confirm what is available for your property.
Is the SigenStor eligible for WA government rebates?
DC-coupled SigenStor systems on the WA Sustainable Systems List qualify for both the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program and the WA Residential Battery Scheme. AC-coupled systems qualify for the Federal program only. A Positive Energy Solutions consultant will confirm exactly what applies to your setup at quote stage.
How long will the SigenStor run my home during an outage?
Duration depends on your battery capacity, what you are running, and solar generation. During daylight hours with solar generating, the system can sustain backup through extended outages with sensible load management. At night, duration depends on your battery’s state of charge when the outage began.
Can I add more battery capacity to the SigenStor later?
Yes. The SigenStor is a modular system — additional battery capacity can be added as your needs grow. Your Positive Energy Solutions consultant can advise on the maximum stackable capacity available for your configuration.
Does Positive Energy Solutions install SigenStor across all of Perth?
Yes. We install SigEnergy SigenStor systems across the Perth metropolitan area and surrounds. Contact us to confirm coverage for your location.
About the Author
Jason Wiktorowicz
Sales Manager, Positive Energy Solutions | Perth, WA
Jason has been at the centre of Western Australia’s energy transition for over a decade. As Orchestration Lead on Project Symphony — WA’s largest virtual power plant pilot — and Stream Lead on Project Encore, he worked directly with AEMO, Western Power and Energy Policy WA to shape how distributed energy resources connect and operate on the SWIS. That work included developing and rolling out CSIP-AUS, now mandatory for all new WA grid connections. He also led Emergency Solar Management (ESM), the first program of its kind in WA, VPP for Schools (VPP4S), which provided direct market benefits through Supplementary Reserve Capacity, and REBAR, the WA Residential Battery Rebate scheme.
His earlier career spanned Synergy, Infinite Energy and Curtin University’s Sustainability Policy Institute, where he co-authored peer-reviewed research on net-zero urban precincts, solar integration and peer-to-peer energy trading, published in the journal Urban Planning in 2018.
At Positive Energy Solutions, Jason leads sales with a focus on system design accuracy and long-term performance. Positive Energy Solutions installs solar and battery systems, EV chargers and heat pumps, and holds partner accreditations with Fronius, SigEnergy, iStore and SunPower. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
