What's the right home battery size for me?

To choose the right home battery size, assess energy use, backup needs, and solar integration. Match capacity to usage patterns—typically 5–20+ kWh—and consider scalability, costs, and payback for optimal efficiency and savings.

If you have decided that a home battery is right for you, then choosing the right battery size depends on your energy needs, usage patterns, and goals. Here are some steps to help you work out the appropriate size:

Back

1. Assess your energy usage

  • Review your energy consumption: Work with a qualified installer to install a home battery that is appropriate for the energy consumption in your home.
  • Peak usage: Identify seasonal periods of high energy usage, such as during summer for air conditioning or winter for heating.
Back

2. Determine your backup needs

  • Essential loads: Decide which appliances and systems you want to power during an outage. Common essentials include refrigerators, lights, and heating/cooling systems.
  • Duration: Estimate how long you want the battery to provide backup power. For example, a 10 kWh battery can power essential loads for up to 10 hours if your critical load is 1 kWh.
Back

3. Consider solar integration

  • Solar panels: If you have solar panels, a home battery can store excess solar energy for use during non-sunny periods.
  • System size: Match the battery size to your solar system's output to maximise efficiency.
Back

4. Evaluate battery options

  • Capacity: Home batteries typically range from 5 kWh to 20+ kWh.
  • Scalability: Some systems allow you to stack multiple batteries to increase capacity.
Back

5. Calculate payback period

  • Cost savings: Estimate potential savings from reduced electricity bills and available incentives.
  • Initial investment: Consider the upfront cost of the battery system and installation.

Following these steps will help you determine the right home battery size to meet your energy needs and goals.