Solar and Battery REsources
We’ve had a lot of people asking us, “What exactly is backup power?” So let’s break it down clearly — especially if you're considering a solar battery system with blackout protection. Most energy storage inverters (like the ones we use at Aussie Solar Batteries) have two output ports: Grid port – connects to your main switchboard, just like any standard solar system. Backup port – connects to selected "essential" circuits you want to keep running during a blackout (e.g. lights, fridge, Wi-Fi, etc.). Now, how your system behaves in a blackout depends on how your solar panels are connected. AC-Coupled vs DC-Coupled: What’s the Difference? If you keep your original grid-tied PV inverter, your setup is AC-coupled. Here’s what that means: When the grid goes down, your solar panels stop working. The backup port relies only on battery power. Once the battery runs out, everything shuts off. On the other hand, if you remove the grid-tied inverter and connect your solar panels directly to the energy storage inverter, that’s a DC-coupled system. This gives you: Continuous solar generation even during a blackout Power to both your battery and backup loads A system that acts more like an off-grid setup when needed In short: DC-coupled = more resilience. UPS vs EPS Modes: Seamless or Not? Let’s quickly touch on something else people ask: the difference between UPS and EPS. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): If the grid goes down, your backup loads keep running without any interruption. It’s instant and seamless — like nothing happened.
Thinking about a solar battery? Don’t make the rookie mistake of going too small. Right now, thanks to a massive new federal rebate, everyday households can install premium 30–50kWh batteries (the kind that used to be reserved for off-grid farms and big estates) for as little as $5,499. But here’s the thing: you only get one shot at claiming the rebate. And that means choosing the right battery size isn’t just a technical decision, it’s a financial one. Go too small, and you leave thousands in government funding on the table. Go smart, and you set yourself up for maximum savings, longer battery life, and faster payback. Here’s why bigger is better and why now is the moment to act. 1. Get the Full Rebate. Once. The Australian Government is offering a one-time home battery rebate — worth up to $16,800. But here’s the catch: ✅ It’s only available once per household ✅ The rebate scales with battery size So if you go small, you leave thousands on the table. But if you go big — 30 to 50kWh — you unlock the maximum rebate and only pay 25–30% of the true cost. That means you pay just $5,499–$6,500 installed for a system worth over $20,000. 👉 Bigger battery = Bigger rebate. Use it wisely. 2. Plug Into Grid Perks with ZEROHERO We’ve partnered with GloBird Energy’s ZEROHERO plan, giving battery owners three money-saving advantages: 🔌 Free Charging: 11am–2pm, charge your battery from the grid — for free. 💰 Get Paid for Nothing: 6pm–8pm, don’t draw power, and get $1 credit per day. ⚡ Export Bonus: 6pm–8pm, send your stored energy to the grid and earn 15c/kWh. It’s not just about storing solar. It’s about turning your battery into a smart, money-making asset. 🔗 Learn more about ZEROHERO 3. ROI in Under 2 Years Let’s talk return on investment. If you cycle 20kWh per day, and the difference between your feed-in tariff and electricity cost is 40 cents, you're already saving $8 per day. That’s nearly $3,000 per year — and that’s before factoring in the ZEROHERO benefits. 👉 At that rate, your battery pays for itself in less than two years. 4. Bigger Battery = Longer Life Here’s what most installers won’t tell you: Batteries degrade faster when they’re constantly drained to the bottom. But with a 50kWh battery, you only cycle part of the capacity (say 20–30kWh overnight). That means the battery never fully empties, reducing stress and extending its life. At 70% depth of discharge (DoD): over 8,500 cycles = up to 23 years lifespan At 95% DoD: closer to 1,000 cycles = just 3 years 👉 A bigger battery doesn’t just store more power — it lasts longer too. The Bottom Line ✔️ One rebate. Use it on the biggest battery you can. ✔️ Fast payback (under 2 years) + daily savings ✔️ Smart grid plan = free charging, bonus payments, and export income ✔️ Longer life = better value, year after year Don’t think small. Think smart. Install once. Save for decades.
