How Do I Save on Electricity Costs with My New Solar Battery and How Does It Work?

You’ve Installed a Solar Battery, Now What?

So, you’ve taken the leap and installed a solar battery, great move! But how exactly does it help you save money on your electricity bills, and what’s going on behind the scenes? Let’s break it down.

How a Solar Battery Works

A solar battery stores the excess energy your rooftop solar system generates during the day.

Instead of sending unused solar power back to the grid for a small feed-in tariff, your battery stores that energy. Later, you can use it at night, on cloudy days, or during peak usage times when power from the grid is more expensive.

 A Quick Step-by-Step Overview:

1. Sun shines → solar panels generate electricity
2. Household uses what it needs in real time
3. Excess power is stored in your battery
4. Battery discharges stored power when needed (e.g. at night)
5. Grid power is only used when solar + battery can’t meet demand
6. This smart cycle helps reduce your reliance on expensive grid power.

How a Solar Battery Saves You Money

Here’s where the real savings kick in. A well-used battery can significantly lower your electricity costs in several ways.

✅ Maximise Self-Consumption

Electricity from your solar panels is essentially free after installation. By using battery-stored energy instead of grid electricity during peak hours, you avoid high rates and lower your energy bill.

✅ Avoid Low Feed-In Tariffs

Selling excess power to the grid earns you only a small return—often just 5–10c/kWh. In contrast, using that same energy later via your battery can save you 2–3 times more, depending on your electricity rate.

✅ Optimise for Time-of-Use Tariffs

If you’re on a time-of-use plan, your battery can discharge power during peak rate periods (usually 4pm–9pm). This strategy allows you to avoid the most expensive grid charges when demand is highest.

✅ Backup Power During Blackouts

Although not a direct financial saving, having backup power protects you from unexpected costs: like food spoilage, lost work time, or safety issues during outages.

Real-Life Example of Battery Savings

Let’s say your solar system generates 20 kWh of energy in a day. Your household uses 10 kWh while the sun is shining.

• Without a battery: You export 10 kWh and earn ~$1

• With a battery: You store that 10 kWh and use it later, saving up to $3 or more (based on average grid rates)

Over a year, these daily savings can easily add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Get the Most Out of Your Solar System with Fallon

Not sure if your system is optimised for battery storage? We offer a $99 Solar Panel Health & Battery Readiness Check. This includes a full assessment of your system, usage patterns, and energy goals—so you can plan smarter and maximise your long-term savings.

Final Thoughts: Batteries Store More Than Power

A solar battery doesn’t just store energy, it stores savings. With the right setup and usage habits, your battery can drastically cut your energy bills, reduce your reliance on the grid, and give you more control over your home’s power. It’s one of the smartest steps you can take toward energy independence.

💬 Talk to the Experts Today

Have questions about your solar setup or thinking about adding a battery?
Call us on 1300 712 028