Solar Battery Storage

How Do Solar Batteries Work?

Solar batteries store excess energy generated by your solar panels for use when the sun isn’t shining, helping you maximise energy independence and efficiency. When your solar system produces more electricity than your home needs, the surplus energy is directed into the battery and stored as direct current (DC) electricity.

When required—such as at night, during cloudy weather, or during a power outage—the battery discharges this stored energy. A hybrid inverter or built-in inverter then converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC), making it suitable for everyday household use.

By storing surplus solar energy, solar batteries reduce reliance on the grid, increase self-consumption, and can provide backup power during outages. They are a key component of modern solar systems, delivering greater cost savings, control, and energy resilience.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Solar Battery?

Choosing the right solar battery depends on your energy needs, budget, and future plans. Battery selection is typically guided by a few key considerations.

Firstly, the type of system matters. If a battery is being installed alongside a new solar system, a DC-coupled solution—where a single hybrid inverter manages both the solar panels and the battery—is usually the preferred option. If a battery is being added to an existing solar system, an AC-coupled battery—with a separate inverter for the battery—tends to be the simplest and most flexible solution.

Secondly, the required battery storage size needs to be determined. This depends on several factors, including how much energy your home uses overnight, how much excess solar generation is available during the day, and the level of backup power you want during blackouts. Each of these plays a role in determining the ideal battery capacity.

Finally, it’s important to balance brand reputation, cost, and system capability. At Brightworks Solar, we carefully select from leading battery manufacturers to deliver a solution tailored to your current energy goals while allowing for future upgrades. Our battery specialists will guide you through this process to ensure you make the right decision with confidence.