Define the job before the brand
Decide whether the priority is using more solar after sunset, following a tariff strategy, providing outage backup, preparing for an EV or combining several goals. The design should explain which jobs it can perform and where the trade-offs sit.
Compare batteries by goal
| Decision area | What to compare |
|---|---|
| Evening self-consumption | How much stored solar may be useful after sunset, based on the household’s actual use. |
| Tariff strategy | Whether charging or discharging at particular times is part of the goal, using the current complete retailer plan. |
| Backup | From essential services to whole-home backup, depending on the design, available power and connected loads. |
| Existing-system compatibility | The current inverter, solar configuration, equipment support and practical retrofit pathway. |
| Power and capacity | Both usable stored energy and the loads the battery system can supply at one time. |
| Expansion and monitoring | Future storage, EV charging, controls, app experience and ongoing support. |
Power and capacity are different
Usable capacity is the energy available to store and use. Power describes how much the system can supply at a given moment. A battery can have useful capacity yet still need a carefully designed backup scope for high-power loads.
Check the property and existing equipment
Equipment space, cable routes, switchboard work, supply phase, export controls and the existing solar architecture can all change the best fit. Photos can help initially, but a site visit gives the installation team the full picture.
Discuss products after the criteria
Products can be considered once the design job and site needs are clear. If you have a particular battery in mind, tell the team. We can assess compatibility and discuss sourcing it for your project.
Battery comparison checklist
- Evening and overnight use
- Current retailer plan
- Backup loads and priorities
- Existing solar and inverter
- Usable energy capacity
- Continuous and peak power
- Equipment location
- Expansion and monitoring
Related guides
Reviewed by the Adelaide SolarSafe installation team.
