What is Compare My Build?

An interactive comparison platform for home buyers to evaluate builders, plans, and inclusions in their region side-by-side.

Is adding a solar battery worth it?

It depends on your current after-incentive installed price, solar exports, electricity imports outside solar hours, tariff, usable battery capacity, warranty and whether backup power matters to you. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program now provides around a 30% discount for eligible systems, so older payback estimates may no longer be representative.

How much does a solar battery cost?

Installed prices vary significantly by usable capacity, inverter configuration, backup hardware, switchboard work, brand and location. The federal battery discount can materially change the net price, so compare current itemised after-incentive quotes rather than relying on an older national range.

Should I add a battery at build time or later?

Compare both options. A new build can make electrical planning easier, while deferring can give you more product choice later. There is no guarantee waiting will be cheaper, so compare the current after-incentive price and leave suitable space, switchboard capacity and cable pathways if you defer.

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Home›Build Knowledge Hub›Building Process›Energy Efficiency›Solar Power vs Solar Battery Systems

Energy Efficiency

Solar Power vs Solar Battery Systems

Should you add solar panels only, or solar plus battery storage? What each delivers, costs and when a battery makes financial sense.

5 min·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated September 2026

Introduction

Solar panels are now one of the most popular additions to new Australian homes. But with battery storage systems becoming more common, many buyers ask: should I add a battery too? The answer depends on usage, priorities and current pricing.

Feature	Solar Only (6.6kW)	Solar + Battery (6.6kW + 10kWh)
Upfront price	Get a current itemised installed quote after solar STCs	Get a current itemised quote after eligible battery support
Main financial driver	Self-consumption vs export tariff	Solar surplus, later electricity demand and time-of-use tariffs
Payback	Household- and tariff-specific	Household-, tariff- and incentive-specific
Grid use	Can reduce daytime grid purchases	Can shift stored energy into evening/peak periods
Blackout protection	Normally no unless designed for backup	Available only with systems/configurations that support backup
Key comparison	System size, output, tariff and STC treatment	Usable capacity, warranty, backup, tariff and after-incentive price

Cost Comparison

Solar systemCompare current itemised quotes after STC value

Eligible batteryCompare current after-incentive installed quotes

Battery supportAround 30% for eligible systems under the federal program; settings adjust over time

Battery-ready provisionsProject-specific — confirm with the builder/electrician

Prices and incentives can move materially. Compare like-for-like equipment, usable capacity, installation scope and current government support.

Common Builder Inclusions

›Solar panels are rarely included in base prices — usually an upgrade or builder package
›Battery storage is almost never included as standard
›If you may add a battery later, ask what battery-ready provisions are practical during the build and get the scope priced in writing
›Confirm inverter type and battery compatibility if adding battery-ready provisions