Have you already embraced the free and green power of solar panels to harness Australia’s abundant and intense sunshine? It may be time to consider a solar battery installation in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and beyond. It’s a smart next step to maximise your renewable energy use – whether it’s day, night or in the middle of a storm. But as you dive even deeper into the exciting and freedom-inspiring world of solar energy, a common question will arise: How do you ensure your solar battery matches your energy needs and solar input? What’s that we hear you ask?: “What size solar battery do I need?” Let’s dive in:
What size battery do I need for my house?
There’s a full array of solar battery sizes out there on the Australian market, which makes finding the perfect match for your home’s energy needs akin to fitting the last piece in a complex solar puzzle. There are compact 5 kWh units, suitable for smaller households or modest energy needs, and then more robust options like 10 kWh – or even larger 13-15 kWh batteries that are designed for bigger homes looking to achieve near-total energy independence. But rest assured, there’s an ideal solution for every single solar-powered Australian home – so let’s dive into how to pinpoint the exact battery size that aligns with your specific solar journey.
Has that online solar battery size calculator failed you when trying to answer the crucial question, ‘What size battery do I need?’ We’re not surprised, because what you really need is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you determine the ideal solar battery size for your Australian home.
1. Assess your daily energy use
Start by getting your head around the ‘How big solar battery do I need?’ question. How much energy does your household consume daily? You can find this information on your electricity bills, and it’s usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
2. Examine your solar panel output
Now let’s look at the output of your solar panels, considering the question ‘how much battery storage do I need?’ It’s typically measured in kWh per day and varies based on the size of your system and the amount of sunlight your location receives.
3. Understand battery capacity
Helpfully, solar battery capacity is also measured in kWh, addressing the common question of ‘How big a battery do I need?’. It represents the amount of energy the battery can store for later use – namely, when the sun is not shining.
4. Consider your energy goals
What are you trying to achieve, here? Are you looking to go completely off-the-grid, or is simply reducing your reliance on the grid good enough. Your precise goals will help determine the battery size you need.
5. Calculate your energy needs in sunshine hours
Figure out how much energy your home uses during daylight – when your panels are churning out the power. This will help you understand how much excess energy is available to charge your battery setup.
6. Now determine night-time usage
Now, let’s calculate how much energy your household uses at night – when your panels aren’t generating power at all because the sun is beneath the horizon. This will show you how much you’ll need to rely on that battery.
7. Factor in any days of autonomy
One of the great things about solar battery storage is that it will be possible to power your entire home for a number of days in the event of an extended storm or in the dead of winter or even in a blackout. The more ‘days of autonomy’ you need, the bigger the battery.
8. Evaluate peak load
Next up, identify the times in which you use the most energy – known as the peak load. You’ll need to choose the battery that will be able to handle that sort of energy demand.
9. Allow for future changes
Now factor in whether you think your energy usage will ramp up in the future – because it probably will! For instance, you may expand your family – and we’ll all probably be driving electric cars in a few years’ time!
10. Seek professional advice
The last step is to consult with a true and experienced solar energy expert – because only they can provide personalised, experience-based recommendations based on your specific circumstances.
Ultimate tip for solar battery sizes? Ask Static Electrics
In the end, it’s all about choosing the right solar battery size that balances your energy needs and budget with your renewable aspirations. But always remember, while this guide gives you a solid foundation to work from, the best way to make an informed decision is by consulting with solar specialists like Static Electrics, electricians in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast.
As a family-owned business with a strong focus on electrical, air conditioning and solar power services, we have the expertise to help you navigate the complexities of solar battery selection. Embrace the future of sustainable energy with confidence and the right support – by calling Static Electrics today.
