Find out in 60 seconds. See your exact payback period, 10-year return, and every government rebate you're eligible for.
$7–14kTypical installed cost
5–11 yrsTypical payback range
$3,000Max govt rebate available
Calculate your battery ROI
About 60 seconds. No sign-up required.
Your solar system
Your battery
Pre-filled with typical installed price. Update with your actual quote.
Your electricity
Check your bill — usually 25–40¢/kWh
What you get paid for solar exports. Check bill or use WattsMyTariff.com.au
Average Australian home: 15–20 kWh/day. Check your bill.
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Worth It
Payback period
—
years
Annual savings
—
per year
10-year net return
—
after battery cost
How we calculated this
Battery capacity stored daily—
Grid electricity offset per day—
Value of grid offset (at 30¢/kWh)—
Lost feed-in income (exports redirected to battery)—
Net daily benefit—
Battery installed cost—
Less: government rebates—
Net cost after rebates—
💰 Government rebates in your state
⚡ Bonus: Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
By joining a VPP program (AGL, Origin, Amber, Tesla), you earn additional income by letting the retailer use your battery during peak grid demand. This doesn't affect your own power supply.
+$300–600/yr
Estimated additional annual VPP income based on your battery size. Actual earnings vary by program and grid conditions. Not included in payback calculation above — treat as upside.
⚡ Also check your feed-in tariffAre you getting the best rate for the solar you export? Most Australians aren't.
Compare 3 quotes from pre-vetted local installers. Takes 2 minutes. No obligation. Installers compete for your business — prices are typically 10–20% lower than going direct.
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📬 Get notified when rebates or rates change
Battery rebates and electricity rates change each financial year. We'll email you when something changes that affects your payback calculation.
✅ Done! We'll email you when rates or rebates change.
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How the calculation works
Transparent maths, no hidden assumptions
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Solar charges battery
Excess solar that would have been exported at your low feed-in rate gets stored in the battery instead.
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Battery powers your home at night
Instead of buying expensive grid electricity in the evening, you use stored solar. That's the saving.
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Saving = rate gap × storage
The bigger the gap between your usage rate (what you pay) and your feed-in rate (what you earn), the faster the payback.
Disclaimer: Battery ROI estimates are indicative only. Actual savings depend on your household usage patterns, roof orientation, battery efficiency, local network tariffs, and seasonal variation. Government rebate eligibility conditions apply — confirm current amounts and eligibility with your state government or accredited installer. We may receive referral commissions from quote providers. Data current as of June 2026.
Common questions
How does a solar battery actually save me money?
Without a battery, excess solar during the day gets exported to the grid at your feed-in tariff rate (often as low as 3–5¢/kWh). At night you buy that electricity back at 25–40¢/kWh. A battery stores that excess solar and uses it at night, eliminating most of that expensive grid purchase. The saving is the difference between what you'd pay to buy electricity and what you'd have earned exporting it — typically 20–35¢/kWh per unit stored.
What's the typical payback period in Australia?
In 2026, most Australian homeowners see a payback period of 5–11 years depending on their state, electricity rates, battery cost, and usage patterns. Queensland and NSW customers with high usage rates tend to see the shortest payback. Victoria can be longer due to lower electricity rates in some areas. South Australian customers often benefit most due to high grid prices and excellent solar conditions.
What government rebates are available?
Rebates vary by state and change frequently. In 2026: Victoria offers up to $2,950 via the Solar Homes Program. Queensland has offered up to $3,000 via the Battery Booster program. Western Australia has rebate programs under the Renewable Home initiative. NSW has interest-free loan programs. The ACT's Sustainable Household Scheme offers interest-free loans. Always confirm current availability with your installer or state government website as these programs open and close throughout the year.
How long do solar batteries last?
Most modern lithium batteries come with a 10-year warranty and are designed to retain at least 70–80% of their capacity at end of warranty. In practice many last 12–15 years. Tesla Powerwall, BYD, Sungrow, and Alpha ESS all offer 10-year product and performance warranties. A payback period under 10 years means you're in profit before the warranty expires, which is a useful benchmark.
What is a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) and should I join one?
A VPP connects your battery to a network of other batteries managed by an energy retailer (AGL, Origin, Amber, Tesla). During peak grid demand, the retailer can draw a small amount of energy from your battery — in exchange, you earn additional income, typically $200–600/year. Your own electricity supply is always protected. Joining a VPP can meaningfully shorten your payback period, especially if your battery would otherwise be sitting idle overnight.
Should I get multiple quotes?
Yes — always. Battery installation prices vary by 20–30% between installers for identical equipment. Three quotes is the standard recommendation. Use SolarQuotes or Solar Choice to compare pre-vetted local installers. Look for CEC-accredited installers who can apply for government rebates on your behalf.