Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, which a solar inverter transforms into alternating current (AC) electricity for household use. This powers appliances like fridges and dishwashers, reducing reliance on the grid. Excess solar energy is either exported to the electricity grid, earning feed-in tariff payments, or used to charge a solar battery. When you install a battery as part of your system, instead of sending excess electricity back to the grid, you can store it and use it when the sun is down and energy costs are high. And because batteries store energy at your home, you’ve got short-term backup power if there’s ever a blackout.

Absolutely, now more than ever. Not every household is at home during the daytime and unfortunately feed in tariffs are the lowest they’ve ever been. If you are only being paid 5 - 10c for your FIT, but you are being charged over 50c at night, a battery will increase your savings. The most important part is selecting the right size for your existing system.

This depends on what battery you buy, and of course, the company you buy it through. Most reputable batteries have a warranty of 10 years. A properly sized, installed and maintained battery will last for much longer than this.

Yes! Whether you're upgrading with a battery for solar panels or installing a complete solar and battery package, you're likely eligible for a government battery rebate. This includes incentives for Tesla home batteries, Alpha ESS, and other approved systems. Smart Energy will help you claim every rebate available in your area

Absolutely! At Smart Energy, we can provide comprehensive quotes tailored to your property and energy needs. Our expert team will assess your roof space, energy usage, and preferences to design the perfect solar system for your home.

95% of batteries can go inside and outside, so they can be easily placed next to your inverter, your garage, or if you really want to, in your living room. They’re usually no bigger than a computer modem and can be easily hidden away.

People don’t tend to spend every minute at home, and you’re very unlikely to use all the power the system generates. Having a battery also qualifies you for a Virtual Power Plant, or VPP. It’s a system of home solar and battery systems working together to generate and store energy, and feed energy into the grid. Once your system and battery are hooked up, we will be able to remotely charge it or discharge energy from it back into the grid. For example, we can do this during times of high demand so you’re getting paid more money for the energy you’re selling back to the grid.

It builds up as a credit on your bill which, if you are in credit on your total bill - you can withdraw that money to your bank account. It’s no different to your energy retailer charging you. Basically you’re charging them for energy when normally they charge you.

A general battery only takes around 2 hours to install, and then you’ll be up and running.

Most households in Australia qualify for solar rebates. Eligibility generally comes down to a few simple requirements: you need to own the home or have permission from the owner, the property must be connected to the electricity grid, and the system must be an approved solar or battery setup installed by a Clean Energy Council accredited installer. Rebates usually apply only to first-time installations at a property and to postcodes covered by the program, which includes most areas. Smart Energy handles the full eligibility check for you and can confirm exactly what you qualify for once we have your address and system details.

Yes, rebates can apply to solar batteries, but it depends on the program. The main federal rebate (STCs) applies to solar systems and can also reduce the cost of a battery when it is installed as part of a new solar system. Standalone battery rebates are only available in certain states when programs are active, and these can change over time. Smart Energy can confirm what battery incentives are currently available in your area and how much they can reduce your upfront cost.

Rebates are usually applied as an upfront discount so you don’t have to claim anything yourself. The value of the rebate is calculated based on your system size and location, then deducted directly from your quote before installation. This means the price you see already includes the rebate savings. Smart Energy handles all the paperwork and processing so the full benefit is built into your final cost.

The rebate process is usually quick because most of it happens behind the scenes. Once you confirm your system and installation date, your installer handles the paperwork and submits everything on your behalf. For federal rebates like STCs, the discount is applied immediately and does not require any waiting period. If a state program is available, approval times can vary, but Smart Energy manages the full process and keeps you updated so you know exactly when everything is finalised.

Yes, rebates can change each year. The federal STC rebate reduces slightly every January as the program phases down toward 2030, and the value can fluctuate based on market conditions. State-based programs can open, close, or update their rules depending on government funding. Because of these changes, many households choose to install sooner to secure the current rebate level. Smart Energy keeps track of all updates so you always know the latest incentives available in your area.