battery checks
Solar Battery Payback Checklist
Check whether a battery quote matches your usage, tariff spread and backup needs.
Decision check
Battery payback depends less on battery size alone and more on how much energy you can shift from export or off-peak periods into expensive evening usage.
Start with your usage pattern
A household that uses most energy at night will value stored solar differently from one that uses energy during the day.
Compare tariff spread
The gap between what you pay for grid electricity and what you receive for exported solar is central to battery value.
Separate backup from payback
Backup capability can be valuable, but it is not the same as financial return. Ask whether backup circuits, gateway hardware and installation are included.
Apples-to-apples comparison
Compare the quote, not just the price
Two solar quotes can look similar but use different panels, inverter capacity, roof assumptions, warranties and exclusions. These are the details worth checking before you commit.
System design
System size, roof layout, shade, inverter choice, export limits, and production estimate.
Equipment quality
Panel model, inverter model, battery option, product warranties, and installation warranty.
True price
Gross price, STC discount assumptions, finance cost, extras, switchboard allowances, and monitoring.
Installer fit
Local service area, accreditation, reviews, support process, and experience with similar roofs.