Adding Batteries to Your Existing Solar System: A Melbourne Homeowner’s Guide

 If you already have solar panels on your roof, you’re halfway to energy independence. But without a battery, much of the solar energy your system generates during the day is exported back to the grid—often for a low feed-in tariff—while you buy electricity again at night at a much higher rate.

That’s where adding a solar battery to your existing solar system makes a real difference.

At Climate Green Melbourne, we help homeowners across Melbourne and Victoria upgrade their existing solar systems with modern, rebate-eligible battery storage—so you can store your own power, reduce bills, and protect yourself from rising electricity prices.

This guide explains how battery retrofits work, costs, rebates, compatibility, and whether it’s worth it for your home.



Why Add a Battery to an Existing Solar System?

Many Melbourne homes installed solar panels years ago—long before batteries became affordable. Adding a battery today allows you to:

  • Store excess solar energy instead of exporting it cheaply

  • Use your own power at night, during peak pricing hours

  • Reduce grid dependence and protect against blackouts

  • Future-proof your home as energy prices and tariffs change

  • Maximise the return on your original solar investment

With feed-in tariffs continuing to fall across Victoria, batteries are becoming the missing piece of the solar puzzle.

Can You Add a Battery to an Existing Solar System?

Yes—most solar systems can have a battery added, even if they were installed many years ago. However, the approach depends on your current inverter setup.

1. AC-Coupled Battery (Most Common for Retrofits)

This is the most popular option for existing solar systems.

  • Works with almost any inverter brand

  • Minimal disruption to your existing system

  • Ideal for older solar installations

  • Slightly lower efficiency than DC-coupled, but far more flexible

2. DC-Coupled Battery (Inverter Replacement)

In some cases, your existing inverter is replaced with a hybrid inverter that manages both solar and battery.

  • Higher efficiency

  • Requires inverter replacement

  • Often chosen if your inverter is old or undersized

At Climate Green Melbourne, we assess your system and recommend the most cost-effective option, not just the most expensive one.

Is Your Existing Solar System Compatible?

Before installing a battery, we check:

  • Solar system size (typically 3 kW–10 kW+)

  • Inverter age and brand

  • Single-phase or three-phase power

  • Switchboard capacity and safety compliance

  • Available space (garage, outdoor wall, or ground mount)

Most Melbourne homes with systems installed in the last 20–25 years can add a battery with little to no issue.

What Size Battery Do You Need?

Battery size depends on how much energy you use at night and how much solar you generate during the day.

Common Battery Sizes for Melbourne Homes

  • 10–14 kWh – Small to medium households

  • 16–20 kWh – Average family homes

  • 25–30 kWh – High usage or EV households

  • 30–42+ kWh – Large homes, businesses, or future expansion

We design systems to match your real usage, not oversell capacity you don’t need.

Costs: How Much Does It Cost to Add a Battery in Melbourne?

Battery prices vary based on size, brand, and installation complexity.

Indicative Installed Costs (Before Rebates)

  • 10–14 kWh: from ~$8,000

  • 20 kWh: from ~$11,000

  • 30 kWh: from ~$14,000

  • 40+ kWh: from ~$18,000

👉 Government rebates and STC discounts can significantly reduce these figures, depending on timing and eligibility.

Rebates & Incentives for Adding a Battery

Adding a battery to an existing solar system may qualify for federal incentives, provided conditions are met.

Key Requirements

  • Battery must be connected to solar

  • Installed by an SAA-accredited installer

  • Installed on or after 1 July 2025

  • Approved battery and inverter products

⚠️ Stand-alone batteries without solar are not eligible.

Climate Green Melbourne manages all rebate paperwork, ensuring discounts are applied upfront, not claimed later.

Best Battery Brands for Solar Retrofits

We install and support trusted, rebate-eligible brands, including:

  • Fox ESS – Modular, high-capacity, excellent value

  • Alpha ESS – Reliable, scalable, proven performance

  • Hiconics – Smart energy management and strong warranties

  • Sungrow – High-efficiency systems with global backing

All systems we install are CEC-approved, safe, and designed for Australian conditions.

Installation Process: What to Expect

  1. Free system assessment

  2. Battery sizing & compatibility check

  3. Upfront rebate calculation

  4. Professional installation (usually 1 day)

  5. Commissioning, testing & compliance certificates

  6. System handover and app setup

We handle everything—from approvals to after-sales support.

Is Adding a Battery Worth It in Melbourne?

For most homeowners, yes, especially if you:

  • Export a lot of solar energy during the day

  • Use electricity heavily at night

  • Want protection from rising power prices

  • Plan to add an EV or electrify your home

Battery systems typically reduce grid usage by 60–90%, depending on size and usage patterns.

Why Choose Climate Green Melbourne?

  • Local Melbourne-based experts

  • Accredited, rebate-ready installations

  • Honest advice—no overselling

  • Trusted battery brands

  • Full compliance, warranties & support

We don’t just install batteries—we help you build a smarter, more independent energy future.

Ready to Add a Battery to Your Solar System?

Whether your solar system is 5 years old or 25 years old, we’ll show you the most affordable and effective battery solution for your home.

📞 1300 001 690
📧 info@climategreen.com.au
🌐 www.climategreen.com.au

Climate Green Melbourne
Towards a Greener Generation

Location: Melbourne VIC, Australia

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