Battery checklist

• Average consumption: Check your electricity bills or aurora+ to determine your average daily and monthly energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
• Critical loads: Identify essential appliances and systems you want to power during outages, such as refrigerators, lights, and heating/cooling systems.

• Capacity: Choose a battery with a capacity that matches your energy needs. Home batteries typically range from 5 kWh to 20+ kWh.
• Usable capacity: Consider the usable capacity, which is the amount of energy you can use.

• Integration: Ensure the battery is compatible with your existing or planned solar panel system.
• Inverter requirements: Check if you need a separate inverter or if the battery includes one.

• Types: Common types include lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Each has its pros and cons in terms of efficiency, lifespan, and cost.
• Safety features: Look for batteries with advanced safety features like thermal management and battery management systems (BMS).

• Initial cost: Consider the upfront cost of the battery and installation.
• Incentives: Research available federal, state, and local incentives, such as tax credits and rebates to help offset costs.
• Financial impact: Seek independent financial, legal and investment advice, if necessary, regarding any loan schemes, and to ensure your chosen solution is right for you.

• Professional installation: Hire certified professionals for installation to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
• Maintenance: Understand the maintenance requirements and ensure you can perform regular checks or hire professionals.

• Warranty: Check the warranty period and what it covers, typically 10 years or a certain number of cycles. Seek independent legal advice, if necessary, in relation to any terms and conditions that might apply to your chosen solution.
• Lifespan: Consider the expected lifespan of the battery, usually 10 to 15 years.

• Installation space: Ensure you have adequate space for the battery installation, preferably in a well-ventilated area.
• Environmental conditions: Refer to your installer for the best installation sit and conditions.

• Monitoring: Look for batteries with integrated energy management systems that allow you to monitor and control energy usage.
• Smart features: Consider smart features that optimise energy use and integrate with other smart home devices.

By following this checklist, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a home battery. It’s yet another way of putting you in control.
 

*Do your own research
The information in this guide is provided as general information only and is not intended as financial, legal or investment advice. While a home battery can be suitable for some households and businesses, they may not be appropriate for every situation. We recommend that you do your own research and, if needed, seek independent advice to determine whether these options are right for your individual circumstances.