Your Home Electrification Steps
Home Batteries
Save your excess solar power for when the sun isn’t shining!
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Get more out of your solar with a Home Battery
If you’ve already invested in solar panels, adding a home battery is the next smart step. Instead of sending your excess solar energy back to the grid for a small feed-in tariff, a battery lets you store it and use it later—like in the evening when energy prices are higher. That means more control over your power, lower energy bills, and better use of the clean electricity your solar panels are already generating.
In Victoria, where daytime solar is plentiful and electricity prices can spike in the evenings, a battery helps smooth out your usage—and your bills. It’s a win for your hip pocket, and a win for the planet. Plus, with new rebates and programs now available, it’s never been a better time to get started.
- Store your own FREE hot water when paired with rooftop solar
- Reduce your energy bill by a significant amount
- Even more savings with a heat pump!
Let the savings flow
Home batteries drive additional bill savings by storing excess solar energy to use later, reducing the need to buy energy in the evening.
The Cheaper Home Battery Program’s 30% discount on the upfront cost of the battery adds significant additional savings to the total cost of an electrified home. Rewiring Australia’s modelling shows the average fossil fuel home would save $4400 per year – an extra $300 thanks to reduced upfront battery costs – if it switches to fully electric. (Note that previously batteries already cut the bills by about $1000 per year in the original figure – this extra saving is on the upfront cost component, which is annualised over 15 years.)
- Use your solar electricity at night!
- Batteries lower your bills and emissions!
- Your battery helps lower prices for everyone!
Home Battery Questions & Answers
What Is a Home Battery?
A home battery is a device that stores electricity for use in your home, usually paired with solar panels. During the day, your solar panels often generate more energy than your home uses. Instead of sending that extra power back to the grid, a home battery stores it so you can use it later — like in the evening or during a blackout.
Think of it like a rechargeable power bank for your house.
Here’s how it works:
☀️ Daytime: Solar panels produce electricity. Your home uses what it needs first.
🔋 Extra energy: Any leftover energy charges your home battery.
🌙 Evening/night: When the sun goes down, your battery powers your home instead of pulling energy from the grid.
⚡ Blackouts: Some batteries can also act as backup power during outages.
Why is this useful?
It helps lower your power bills.
It makes your home more self-sufficient.
It gives you control over when and how you use your solar energy.
Whether you’re looking to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, or keep the lights on during a blackout, a home battery is a smart and future-proof solution.
🔋 How Home Batteries Help You (the Owner)
Lower Power Bills
By storing your excess solar energy and using it when electricity prices are highest (like in the evening), you reduce your reliance on the grid — and your electricity bill.Energy Independence
You’re less vulnerable to rising power prices or grid outages. In many systems, if there’s a blackout, your battery can keep essential appliances running.Maximise Solar Usage
Without a battery, much of your solar power is exported to the grid at a lower feed-in tariff. With a battery, you keep more of that energy for yourself — where it’s most valuable.Backup Power
Some batteries can provide backup energy during blackouts — keeping your fridge, Wi-Fi, or lights on when you need them most.
Costs & Benefits
|
UPFRONT COSTS
Approx. $1.5k-$4k for a heat pump (after rebates) |
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
10-15 years. |
COST SAVINGS
$250+ /yr. Increases with solar PV! |
|
FEATURES/BENEFITS
Cheap hot water storage that can be free with solar PV. |
DIFFICULTY
Hard. Installer required. |
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
3–4 times more efficient than traditional water heaters. Significant reduction in carbon emissions. |
Going all-electric can be tricky. Create your free, personalised electrification guide to help!
Get your personalized Home Electrification Guide to help prioritise your upgrades, maximize your savings, and get started on your electrification journey!
Learn more about electric hot water
Your next steps with electric hot water
1. Get a home energy assessment (optional)
Consider getting an energy assessment to determine how well your home is sealed and insulated, and inspect your current appliances for their efficiency. These professionals offer insights through experience and software modelling that can better educate your decisions and save you a significant amount. In Victoria, professional home energy assessments (Scorecard Assessment) are offered at a discount through the VEU program. You can find a local assessor via the national Scorecard website.
2. Decide when it's the right time to replace your hot water system
If your water heater is around 10 years old, consider replacing it before it dies so you’re not stuck in an emergency situation!
3. Determine what type
Is it tankless or does it have a storage tank? Does it use electricity, gas, or solar? If a tank, how many litres is it? How old is it? Most of this info will be printed on its nameplate, and you can also search online for the model number.
4. Get quotes
Try to get at least three quotes if you want to save money! Reputable local businesses to start your journey could include: SolarGain, O’Briens, and FutureNRG (Shepparton based but excellent product range).
Things to consider with your installer:
Electrical: Hot water systems by law need to be on their own circuit breaker which may require an electrician to install a new RCD and wiring.
Size: If you’re happy with your current water heater size in litres, look for something in a similar size or larger.
Location: Depending on the type (split or all-in-one) you will need a location ideally close to your old hot water system (to reduce costs) that has enough room.
5. Install
Install your heat pump hot water system and enjoy your energy bill savings — and the satisfaction that your shower is not going to break the bank!
Heat pump hot water FAQ's
What size do I need?
Most manufacturers offer a size guide on their website. In general, if you’re happy with your current water heater size in litres, look for something in a similar size or larger.
What brand of heat pump hot water system is best?
Electrify 2515 have done some excellent work in comparing benefits of common brands on the market.
In our region, common quality units include Reclaim (O’Briens) and iStore (SolarGain).
This is not a complete list of brands to consider and we are not affiliated with any company. There are many reputable companies that make good heat pumps which are well reviewed online. For more information and reviews we recommend searching the My Efficient Electric Home (MEEH) forum on facebook.
What's the difference between solar hot water and a heat pump?
These are two very different technologies with different power sources. Due to simplicity and efficiency, heat pump hot water is widely recognised as the best option.
Check out this article for an overview.
How can I compare the efficiency of a heat pump?
The more efficient your system, the less it will cost to run. There are two ways to measure the efficiency of heat pump hot water systems – the Coefficient of Performance (COP) and the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
The COP measures how efficient a heat pump hot water system is. A higher COP means the heat pump is more efficient. For example, a COP of 4 means you get 4 units of heating or cooling for every 1 unit of electricity used. However, COP ratings vary depending on the model, the ambient temperature, and the type of refrigerant. Plus, some manufacturers provide overly optimistic COP ratings.
A more reliable indicator of efficiency is to look at STCs which are provided by the Australian Government to reduce the cost of installing an efficient heat pump hot water system. The more STCs, the more efficient the system.
The Clean Energy Regulator lists heat pump hot water models that are eligible for small-scale technology certificates under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. NOTE: Wangaratta is in ZONE 5.
STCs are claimed by installers so quotes should show the full price and reduced price once the STCs are applied by the installer.
Will I need a new electrical circuit?
Talk to the manufacturer or prospective installer to understand the electrical requirements. Depending on the unit, you may be able to plug into an existing powerpoint, hardwire to an existing power circuit or you might need a new dedicated circuit on your switchboard.
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Start your all-electric home journey today
The Home Electrification Guide is a tool we’ve created to help Wangaratta homeowners navigate their transition to an electrified future. It’s free and takes 2 min to complete.