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Batteries themselves do not make noise, but the systems attached to them – like the inverter – may make some noise. You may hear the cooling fans and an electronic ‘buzz’ from the circuits, but it should be fairly similar to a regular solar inverter.
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While battery systems are coming down in cost, the cost to install a household system is still significant and will cost many thousands of dollars. Some providers may offer leasing arrangements or payment plans. Make sure you check the details and ask for the total costs of any plan.
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Once your battery storage system is installed, the operation of your household electrical appliances will continue to operate as normal.
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There currently is no national certification process for battery storage system installers. Here are some things to investigate to help you find a reputable installer:
- Are they a registered electrical contractor?
- Are they a Clean Energy Council accredited solar PV installer?
- Do they have experience with installing battery storage systems?
- Do they offer a maintenance plan for battery storage systems?
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While there are a number of different battery storage solutions available, residential systems are typically similar in size to a fridge or split system air-conditioner. They come in a range of sizes based on the technology that they use and the amount of energy that they store. Lead acid batteries tend to be physically larger than lithium batteries, but it’s best to check your battery manufacturer’s website for accurate size details of their products.
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The benefits of having battery storage can include:
- Use more solar – Battery storage allows you to store your solar power for use at night, helping you save on your electricity bills
- Back-up power – Stay out of the dark and use your battery storage system for back-up power during a blackout*
- More sustainable – Work towards your sustainability goals and store excess renewable energy for later use.
* Not all battery systems will work during a blackout so check this with your installer.
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Battery storage is perfectly safe if it is used properly and is well looked after. There are potential risks, but these are no different to the many electrical hazards already present in the modern home. However, it is important to be aware of the risks so they can be properly managed.
See the Safety first web page for more information, and always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Clean Energy Council and CSIRO produced a useful set of FAQs and a safety checklist that cover the safety of battery storage systems in more detail.
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Some batteries will work during a blackout, and some may operate following a brief power outage. If you need your battery system to operate during a blackout, with an interruption or without, make sure you discuss this with your system installer and choose an appropriate product.
During a blackout if your battery is charged it may be able to supply power to your home, although depending on the rating of your battery system, you might not be able to run as many appliances as normal. You may also want to conserve power for important appliances like your fridge.
Some systems may have a slight disruption (usually a couple of seconds) in power between the blackout occurring and the battery ‘kicking in’ to supply power. Note that different appliances may respond differently in specific circumstances.
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Installing a battery storage system is a great way to maximise the clean electricity generated by solar panels. With battery storage, you can use more of your solar electricity at times when the sun isn’t shining, like evenings and overnight. This will make your household less reliant on fossil fuel-generated electricity from the grid, and reduce your overall environmental impact.
When purchasing battery storage, check whether the product can be recycled at the end of its life to ensure the impact is as low as possible. The Australian Battery Recycling Initiative and the Clean Energy Council are collaborating to promote the recycling of energy storage batteries.
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Product warranties on battery systems are generally around 5 - 10 years. A battery system will often last longer than its warranty, but its ability to store energy may gradually reduce over time with use.
Warranties offered by battery suppliers vary, including how they define the life of the battery. Some suppliers offer a warranty as an ‘energy throughput’ figure which means that they guarantee their batteries will store and deliver a given amount of energy, no matter how quickly that limit is reached. Some battery suppliers offer a warranty guaranteeing either an energy throughput or a lifetime in years, usually based on whichever limit is reached first.
Make sure you discuss warranty details with your system installer.
The Clean Energy Council’s Solar Retailer Code of Conduct covers battery storage. Companies that have signed on to the voluntary code of conduct must provide a five-year, whole of system warranty – including your battery.
Visit the Clean Energy Council to find an approved solar retailer as they are also accredited to install battery systems.