Solar Battery Storage for Melbourne Homes

How Do Solar Batteries Work?

Solar batteries store energy generated by solar panels for later use, enabling greater energy independence and efficiency. When solar panels produce electricity, any surplus energy that isn’t immediately consumed flows into the solar battery. This energy is stored as direct current (DC) electricity.

When needed—such as during the night, on cloudy days, or during a power outage—the battery releases the stored energy. Most solar battery systems include an inverter or work with a hybrid inverter to convert the stored DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which is suitable for powering household appliances.

By storing excess solar energy, solar batteries reduce reliance on the electrical grid, optimize self-consumption, and provide backup power. They are an essential component of modern solar systems, enhancing both cost savings 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 largely determined by a few key considerations.

Firstly, if the battery is being installed along side a fresh solar system, a DC coupled solution (one inverter for both solar panels and battery) will usually be opted for. If retrofitted to an existing solar system, opting for an AC-coupled battery system (one inverter for solar panels, and a separate inverter for solar battery) generally is the simplest solution.

Secondly, the required battery storage size needs to be determined. This will depend on a few key factors. The amount of energy required to supply power to the home during the night hours, the amount of available excess solar power, and the level of blackout protection capability required will all play role in the amount of battery storage needed.

Finally, we need to balance brand reputation, cost and capability to find the right solution. At Brightworks Solar, we carefully select from leading battery manufacturers to ensure a tailored solution that meets your current energy goals and supports future upgrades. Our battery expert will be able to guide you through this process to help you make the right decision.

Why Add a Solar Battery?

A solar battery stores unused electricity produced by your panels during the day — so you can use it at night, during blackouts, or when energy prices peak. Instead of sending excess power back to the grid for a small credit, you keep it for yourself.

With a battery, your solar setup becomes more efficient, more independent, and more valuable.

Types of Solar Battery Systems

At Brightworks, we offer a variety of reliable battery solutions to suit your home and solar setup.

AC-Coupled Battery Systems

Perfect for homes that already have solar panels installed.

An AC-coupled system is a battery that connects to your existing solar system through your home’s alternating current (AC) wiring — after the inverter has already converted the solar energy. It’s an easy and non-invasive way to upgrade your system with battery storage, without needing to replace your current inverter.

Key benefits:

Ideal for retrofitting to older systems
Compatible with a wide range of solar inverters
Easy to install without modifying existing panel setup
Allows battery to be charged from both the panels and the grid

Good to know:
AC-coupled systems may have slightly lower overall efficiency than DC-coupled ones, but they offer great flexibility and are excellent for homeowners who want to add a battery without redoing their entire solar system.

DC-Coupled Battery Systems

The most efficient option for new solar installations.

A DC-coupled system connects the battery directly to the solar panels before the inverter — which means the energy only needs to be converted once. This setup maximises energy retention and is generally more efficient than AC-coupled systems.

Key benefits:

Higher energy efficiency (less power lost during conversion)
Often lower total system cost when installed with new solar
Can charge the battery directly from the sun before converting energy for use

Best for:
Homeowners planning a new solar and battery system together who want to get the most out of their setup from day one.

Hybrid Inverter Systems

A smart all-in-one solution for homes wanting energy independence.

A hybrid inverter system combines a solar inverter and a battery inverter into a single device. It’s designed to manage solar generation, battery charging, and grid interaction all in one streamlined unit. It also typically comes with smart energy management software to help you optimise your power use and savings.

Key benefits:

Combines solar and battery control in one system
Often cheaper and more space-saving than installing two separate inverters
Built-in monitoring tools let you track usage, storage, and export
Easily supports backup power in case of outages (depending on model)

Ideal for:
New solar customers looking for a future-ready, smart, and space-saving setup — especially those planning to add a battery right away or in the near future.

Why Choose Brightworks for Battery Installation?

Brightworks Solar is trusted by hundreds of households across NSW and beyond. Here’s what sets us apart:

Certified CEC Installers – Our team is fully accredited and follows industry best practices
Quality Equipment Only – We install Tier 1 panels and premium batteries for long-term performance
End-to-End Support – From consultation to aftercare, we guide you every step of the way
Tailored Solutions – We assess your property and energy needs to design the ideal system
Transparent Pricing – No pushy sales tactics. Just honest advice and clear quotes
Proven Track Record – 1000+ successful installs with glowing customer reviews