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Battery 101

Life in regional WA means planning for all kinds of conditions - hot summer nights, storms, and changing seasons. Solar alone only works when the sun’s shining. With a battery, you have energy stored and ready to use when you need it most.

Here's how it works

Adding a battery to your solar system allows you to store the excess solar energy you generated during the day and access it later, when your home needs it. It also ensures you have your own power supply during an outage.

 

You've got power

When your home isn’t using all of the energy your solar panels generate, your inverter tells your battery.

Charge your battery

The battery starts charging and stores the excess solar energy.

Give back

Once the battery is fully charged, excess solar energy is fed to the network.

Save after dark

When your system stops producing solar energy, the inverter starts discharging your battery so your home uses the energy stored during the day.

How to compare battery storage systems

When deciding on a battery, the cheapest system isn’t always the most affordable option. Comparing a battery’s cost against its total energy throughput (how much energy it will deliver over its lifetime) will help you determine which system delivers the best value.

To calculate energy throughput, multiply charging cycles by battery size. E.g. 3,500 charging cycles × 10kWh battery = 35,000 kWh total throughput. 

A charging cycle is the number of times a battery can be fully charged and discharged before it reaches end of life. Some battery retailers offer a warranty guaranteeing either an energy throughput or a lifetime in years, usually based on whichever limit is reached first.

Should I get battery?

  • What should I ask my installer about before purchasing a battery?

    Before choosing a battery system, ask your installer the following:

    1. Are you SAA-accredited? Installers must be accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia to safely install batteries. 
    2. Is the battery on the CEC approved list? Only approved batteries meet required safety and quality standards.
    3. Can I access the WA Residential Battery Scheme Your installer must be an approved vendor to claim WA government incentives.
    4. Can this battery and solar system provide backup power during an outage? Not all batteries support backup — your installer should confirm if yours does and that it’s set up correctly.
    5. What warranty and support are included? Look for at least a 10-year warranty and clear after-sales support.
  • Do I need a battery to join Community Wave?

    No, but having a battery lets you get more value from your solar system and makes you eligible for Community Wave benefits.

  • Is there a cost to join Community Wave with a battery?

    No, joining Community Wave is free. However, your battery installation must meet Horizon Power’s standards, which your installer can advise on.

  • Will Horizon Power control my battery?

    No, not right now. We only receive visibility of your battery’s performance. In the future, we may choose to share some control in exchange for financial rewards.

  • Can I use my battery during a power outage?

    Only if your battery system is designed for backup and complies with Horizon Power’s technical requirements. Not all battery systems provide backup power so make sure you speak with your installer.

  • What’s the benefit of a battery with Community Wave?

    You can store excess solar energy during the day and use it at night, helping you reduce your energy bill. By joining Community Wave, you will also be eligible for our Buyback Bonus rebates and be part of a more sustainable community.

  • Can I connect my battery without joining Community Wave?

    No, from 1 July 2025, Community Wave is required to connect new solar or battery systems to the Horizon Power network.

Is solar right for you? Explore your potential savings

Login to MyAccount to view what your personalised savings would be and get tips to maximise benefits. This is where you apply for the reference number to share with your installer so they can get approval to install your system.

 

Login or register to view your potential savings

Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.