What is a home battery and how does it work?

A home battery stores energy from the grid or renewables for later use, cutting costs, providing backup power, and boosting renewable use. Most use lithium-ion technology for efficiency, lifespan, and compact size.

A home battery is an energy storage system that allows you to store electricity for later use. These batteries can be charged from the electricity grid or renewable energy sources like solar panels. Here's an overview of how they generally work and their benefits:

Back

How home batteries work

  • Energy storage: Home batteries store electricity when it is abundant or cheap, such as during off-peak hours or when your solar panels generate excess energy.
  • Discharge: The stored energy can be used when electricity is more expensive or during power outages. The battery automatically switches to provide power to your home.
  • Components: A typical home battery system includes a battery pack, an inverter to convert stored DC power to AC power for home use, and a management system to monitor and control the battery's operation.
Back

Types of home batteries

  • Lithium-ion batteries: These are the most common type due to their high efficiency, long lifespan, and compact size.
  • Lead-acid batteries: An older technology, generally less efficient and with a shorter lifespan compared to lithium-ion batteries.
Back

Some Benefits of Home Batteries

  • Energy independence: Reduce reliance on the grid by using stored energy during peak times or outages.
  • Potential cost savings: Save on electricity bills by using stored energy during peak rate periods.
  • Environmental impact: Enhance the use of renewable energy sources, helping you to minimise your carbon footprint.