Battery Storage Systems, Hybrid Systems, Home or Solar Batteries, and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are all terms used to describe battery products you can buy for your home. They are designed to give you a level of energy independence and control that solar alone cannot provide.
Grid connected battery storage products do vary. There are smaller capacity ‘solar self-consumption’ batteries designed to drag excess solar into the night instead of selling back to the grid, to higher capacity products like our Autonomy System which can run your entire property to take you off-grid entirely.
To find out which system is best suited to your situation or lifestyle, enquire online here
Off-Grid Energy Australia’s grid-connected solar battery systems are designed to suit your exact requirements.
Our highly experienced consultants will design a system that fits the level of independence that you want to achieve. Our grid-tied system designs are suited to those wanting to say goodbye to their electricity retailers and even ‘defect’ from the grid entirely.
Your very own ‘power station’ – free from rising power prices.
Energy Independence | Energy Security
Our grid-connected solar and battery systems can be designed to suit a wide range of applications.
It could be for a new or existing family home, or holiday home. We can independently power agriculture operations, vineyards & wineries, or any businesses requiring power stability and security.
Whatever your needs, our grid-connected solar and battery power systems are the reliable and renewable answer!
As well as this handy guide, the table below can help to compare different system designs and product abilities – to make sure you’re getting the functionality you need out of your system.
Hybrid Systems are perfect for making the most of your solar by using any excess power at night.
Our Autonomy Systems are designed to power your whole home, for true independence from the grid.
Commercial Solar and Battery Systems provide a range of benefits including grid augmentation and energy security.
Solar Only | Simple Solar & Battery Systems (Hybrid) | Autonomy Solar & Battery Systems | |
Energy Independence level | Daytime usage only | Limited | Full independence |
Power Output | Weather dependant | Low-Medium | Medium-High |
Blackout protection | None | Selected circuits | Full protection |
Pathway to Off-Grid | Significant | Possible in some cases | Minimal |
Electricity Bill Offset | Medium | High | Total |
3 Phase Options | Yes | In some cases | Yes |
3 Phase Power Supply in Blackout | No | No | Yes |
For on-grid storage, different brands of batteries will have different functionality. However generally speaking, a grid connect battery system works like this:
Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels convert sunlight to direct current (DC) electricity, which is then fed through the solar inverter to create usable alternating current (AC) electricity. AC electricity is then sent to the switchboard where it goes on to feed any household appliances that happen to be using electricity at the time. Any surplus generated electricity is then sent to the battery bank to recharge it, up to the maximum charge rate of the inverter/charger.
The battery inverter/charger will stop the solar system from recharging the batteries once they are full, and diverts excess solar power not required by your appliances to the mains grid via your meter, or self regulates if feed in restrictions are imposed.
When your solar system is not producing electricity, your battery bank will send power to your household appliances. If the battery bank state-of-charge level gets too low or your loads exceed the batteries maximum power output, the inverter/charger will allow electricity from the mains grid to take over or supplement.
Some battery products can continue powering selective circuits during power outages.
On-Grid Solar System
Your solar inverter converts DC power produced by your solar array to usable AC power which is directly connected to your switchboard and therefore powers your appliances during the day with any shortfall and night-time consumption supplemented by mains grid power. Should mains grid power fail, your solar inverter will typically cease operation until grid power is restored. Subject to your Network Provider connection approval conditions, excess solar generation can feed back into the grid which may result in monetary credit further reducing your electricity costs beyond self-consumption. This system integration typically requires a utility meter upgrade and onsite internet connection.
On-Grid Hybrid Solar & Battery Storage System
Your hybrid solar inverter converts DC power produced by your solar array to usable AC power which is directly connected to your switchboard powering your appliances during the day. Any surplus generation recharges your battery. Once your battery is full, excess solar generation can be exported to the grid should your Network Provider allow. Your battery discharges to supplement any solar shortfall and for your night-time consumption if stored energy is available. Mains grid power supports any solar and battery shortfall that is unable to meet your energy requirements. If mains grid power fails and your battery has charge, your battery and solar may provide a level of blackout protection powering some appliances – pending system configuration and products used.
On-Grid Autonomy Solar & Battery Storage System
Your solar inverter converts DC power produced by your solar array to usable AC power which is directly connected to your switchboard powering your appliances during the day. Any surplus generation recharges your batteries via the inverter/charger. Once your batteries are full, excess solar generation can be exported to the grid should your Network Provider allow. Your battery discharges to supplement any solar shortfall and for your night-time consumption if stored energy is available. Mains grid power supports any solar and battery shortfall that is unable to meet your energy requirements. If mains grid power fails and your battery has charge, your battery and solar provide blackout protection powering your appliances.
How much battery storage you need will depend on a few things:
Depending on your goals, there will be an ideal battery storage solution for you.
If a hybrid battery system is not quite enough for you and you’d rather have greater grid independence with the ability to expand to go ‘off-grid’ (Grid Defection), then there’s nothing stopping you – chat to us about the ideal Autonomy System option for you. We will ensure you have the right technology, design, and capacities without compromising your lifestyle and power supply with or without grid support.
Autonomy and true Off-Grid Systems have important differences to Grid Hybrid Battery Systems, and are more expensive. Check out our Off-Grid Systems page, or get in touch to discuss your options.
Here are some further considerations:
Contact us today on 1300 334 839 or email info@offgridenergy.com.au
Contact our friendly and experienced team or fill out our Request A Quote form to give us the information we need to start the process.
We assess your energy requirements and discuss your motivations for getting battery storage, to figure out what’s right for you.
We design systems to suit your usage, your objectives, and your site requirements.
You receive your quote options and system performance data for your property.
Electrical Contractor Licenses: VIC REC-31913, TAS 15608294, WA EC15901, SA PGE278927, NSW 279181C
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We would like to specifically acknowledge the Kaurna, Wathaurong, Wonnarua, Wiradjuri and Boonwurrung people. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.