Solar Batteries Buyers’ Guide: What To Look For?

We are closed on December 25, 2023, and January 1, 2024, for the Christmas and New Year holidays!

Here are the questions you’ll want to ask when you get closer to buying.

Ask about your system

 What size battery do you recommend? How long will the battery last into the evening before it runs out based on my current use? Will it cover my usage in peak periods?
 How much will it save me on my bills? (Use our handy ‘Add battery’ feature on the WATTever comparison for an independent validation)
 What’s the forecast payback period?
 Get a written quote with a breakdown on price and the components included.
 Ask if it’s possible to expand the set up in the future? Could more storage be easily added?
 Get a written quote with a breakdown on price and the components included.
 Can the system be easily user-programmed? Or does the installer need to do this? Is it simple to monitor what the battery is doing? Is the system compatible with VPP or automated battery management solutions?

Check out the retailer/installer

 Is the retailer accredited? For example, Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Retailers are part of an industry scheme. They provide a 5-year whole of system warranty, only work with CEC accredited installers and meet the Solar Retailer industry Code of Conduct
 Ask how long they have been operating for. You want to know if they’re going to be around in 2 years in case of a problem.
 Is the installer accredited? Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers undertake ongoing professional development and training pus commit to a code of conduct.
 Check online reviews of installers and request local references. A good installer will have customers willing to share the experience.

Check out the products

 Read online reviews of the recommended battery system and components.
 Review the warranty on offer. At least 5 years on inverter and batteries. Performance warranties are very hard to claim on.
 Does the battery and inverter makers have local offices? This way you could make a claim direct with the manufacturer should you ever have a problem.

Contract

 Review the fine print in the contract. Especially around the warranty and support service.