Option 2: Switch to DC-Coupling (Connect Panels Directly to Battery Inverter)

In a DC-coupled setup:

• Your solar panels are rewired to feed directly into the hybrid storage inverter (DC input).
• The battery is charged directly (DC-to-DC) and the inverter handles AC output to loads.
• During a grid outage, the system can continue generating, charging and supporting loads (assuming the equipment supports islanding).

What’s Great about DC-Coupling

• Potentially higher overall efficiency since you bypass some extra conversion steps—sometimes up to ~98%.
• Stronger true backup capability: solar + battery + loads continue working in an outage.

The Trade-Offs of DC-Coupling

• Often higher upfront cost: rewiring panels, replacing or repositioning the inverter, and perhaps changing layout adds cost (for example roughly +AUD 1,000 or more in some cases).
• Less flexibility if you want to keep your existing inverter for other uses (e.g., time-of-use export optimisation)
• More planning required: panel string lengths, DC cabling runs, system layout (which may trigger rewiring or permit issues).

Why AC-Coupling Often Wins in Real-World Australian Homes

For many homeowners, the best balance of performance, cost and flexibility comes via AC-coupling, particularly in the following scenarios:

• You already have a well-performing grid-tied inverter and don’t want the hassle or cost of replacing it.
• Your main objective is to reduce your household electricity bills, maximise self-consumption and add battery backup—not necessarily full off-grid capability.
• Your budget is defined and you want the most cost-effective pathway to battery storage.
• You may upgrade later: AC-coupling leaves open the option to change hardware again (battery, hybrid inverter) without re-architecting your primary solar inverter.

By choosing AC-coupling, you get a lower-hassle, lower-cost upgrade path, with strong returns—especially when paired with intelligent controls, time-of-use strategies and smart usage of stored energy.

When Might DC-Coupling Be the Better Choice?

It still makes sense to go DC-coupled if your priorities include:

• Full backup power during grid outages (solar generation continues, battery charges and loads remain powered).
• You are already planning a major overhaul of your solar system (panel layout changes, new inverter anyway) so you’ll take the installation cost hit.
• You’re targeting maximum efficiency and minimal conversion losses are a big deal to you.

Our Recommendation for Aussie Solar Homeowners

If you’re upgrading to a battery and you already have a working solar inverter, we recommend starting with an AC-coupled architecture. It’s the smart choice for most homes because it:

• Minimises disruption and cost
• Delivers the core benefits of battery storage (lower bills, better self-consumption)
• Keeps your options open for future upgrades

Focus your investment on:

• A robust hybrid inverter with modern features (export control, smart load management, off-peak charge)
• A high-quality lithium-ion battery (from trusted brands)
• Good system layout and installer workmanship
• Smart usage of the battery (timing discharge with peak tariffs, shifting load to stored energy)



Once that’s in place, if you later decide you want full backup capability or want to replace your main inverter anyway, you can always migrate to a DC-coupled solution.