How Much Can
a Battery
Save You?

The decision to add a battery to your solar system is one of the most significant decisions you can make for your future energy bills, but just how much can it save you?

The answer varies depending on how much energy you use, whether your home is connected to gas, and whether you are eligible for government rebates. What we can tell you is this: the right combination of solar and battery can save you up to 99% on your electricity bill, should you electrify your home. This guide will explain how it works, or call our team anytime.
SOLAR + BATTERY

Why Solar Alone Isn't Enough

Without a battery, solar panels will only help you when the sun is shining. You will produce electricity during the day, but if you are not using it in real time, you will either sell it back to the grid for a low feed-in tariff or export it back to the grid. We call this solar soaking, where you adjust your habits to use appliances during the day when solar is available.
With a battery, you can store excess solar energy and use it in the evening, when electricity costs are highest and ensure you get the best return out of your panels.
THE REAL SAVINGS

Where the Savings Come From

  • Avoiding peak prices

    Electricity is most expensive in the evening. Using stored solar energy during this time helps avoid high grid costs.

  • Replacement of feed-in tariffs

    In Victoria, feed-in tariffs are as low as less than one cent per kWh. Using stored energy at night instead of exporting it at low rates (then buying at 30–40 cents) delivers higher value.

  • Blackout protection

    Some batteries provide backup power during outages, adding reliability benefits beyond cost savings.

  • Rising cost of electricity:

    Electricity prices are expected to increase with inflation and ageing infrastructure, making self-consumption of solar energy more valuable over time.

  • Up to 99% reduction

    in energy bills for a system properly sized to one's home

  • Battery payback period

    6–10 years for most households, depending on use

  • Total lifetime savings

    thousands of dollars over the battery's 10–20 year lifespan

  • Evening usage covered

    A battery right-sized to your home, providing you have enough solar, will typically ensure you don't draw from the grid

REBATES

What About Government Rebates?

With a Federal Battery Rebate locked in for years to come, households can be confident in the payback period decreasing.
IS IT WORTH IT?

Is a Solar Battery Worth It?

Yes — especially for homes with solar panels and moderate to high evening usage. The key is correct system sizing. A battery that is too small will not cover evening demand, while an oversized system may be underutilised.
ZECO’s energy assessments are based on real usage patterns to ensure the system is sized correctly for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The amount you save depends on your energy usage, system size, and local electricity rates. On average, homeowners can save 50-80% on their power bills by switching to solar, with savings increasing if paired with a battery. If you’re worried about costs, chat to our team about our flexible rental options.

Your system is still connected to the grid, so you’ll draw power as needed. Adding a battery storage system can help reduce reliance on the grid by storing excess solar energy for nighttime use.

Going off-grid is possible and is a growing approach we are seeing in the market. By pairing Solar panels with a battery and then Electrifying your home by getting off gas, homeowners are increasingly able to never pay another power or gas bill.

Solar panels require minimal maintenance, but cleaning them every 6-12 months and having an annual check-up can ensure peak performance. ZECO Energy also provides monitoring solutions to detect issues in real-time.

You can’t take your solar system with you, but solar increases property value, making it a great investment. If you’re planning to move, consider ZECO’s solar rental options, which allow flexibility without upfront costs.

The most common replacements are:

  • Induction cooktops (faster and more efficient than gas stoves)
  • Heat pump hot water systems (use 60-80% less energy than gas)
  • Electric heating and cooling (reverse-cycle air conditioning is more efficient than gas heating)

By doing this, you can completely remove your gas bill and potentially use your Solar to power all your appliances.

Depending on your state, you may be eligible for government rebates and incentives to help cover the cost of switching. Programs often exist for:

  • Heat pump hot water systems
  • Solar panel installations
  • Battery storage systems
  • Induction cooktops and electric heating/cooling

Check with ZECO or your local government for the latest available incentives.

Contact

Want to know exactly how much a battery could save your household?

Book a free energy assessment with ZECO. Our team will assess your eligibility for government rebates and design a system sized correctly for your needs.
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Get in touch

Head Office & Technical Centre
Factory 6C, 148 Chesterville Road,
Moorabbin, Victoria 3189
Newcastle Office
2 Portside Crescent
Maryville, NSW 2293
Geelong office
Phone: 03 4050 9326
Canberra office
Level 4 & 5, 15, Moore Street, Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: 03 4050 9326
hello@zeco.au
Acknowledgement of country
ZECO Energy acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

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