When Australians hear about the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, most naturally think about combining a battery with rooftop solar. After all, solar panels generate the clean energy that a battery can store for later use. But a growing number of homeowners are asking a different question: is it worth installing a battery without solar panels? The answer depends on your household energy habits, electricity tariffs, and long-term goals.

Why Some People Consider Batteries Without Solar

Not every home is suitable for solar panels. Apartments, shaded rooftops, or heritage properties may limit the ability to install solar. In these cases, a standalone battery might still provide benefits. Others may already have discounted electricity through time-of-use tariffs and want to use a battery to store cheaper off-peak energy for use during peak times.

How Standalone Batteries Work

A home battery without solar is connected to the electricity grid, charging when power prices are lowest (usually at night) and discharging during peak times when electricity is more expensive. This process is known as energy arbitrage. By shifting your energy usage in this way, you can reduce overall bills, even without generating your own solar power.

Benefits of Batteries Without Solar

• Bill Savings Through Time-of-Use Tariffs: If your electricity retailer charges more during the day and less at night, a battery can store cheap energy for later use.

   

• Blackout Protection: Many batteries provide backup power during outages, which is valuable in areas with unreliable supply.

   

• Participation in VPPs: Some Virtual Power Plants allow households without solar to join, letting them earn credits by sharing stored grid energy.

   

• Future-Proofing: Installing a battery now means you’re ready to add solar later without redoing your setup.

   

Limitations to Consider

While the concept sounds appealing, there are limitations to a battery-only approach:

• No Free Solar Energy: Without panels, all your stored power still comes from the grid, meaning savings are smaller.

   

• Payback Period: Batteries are most cost-effective when paired with solar. Without solar, the return on investment is longer.

   

• Reliance on Retail Tariffs: If your retailer changes its time-of-use structure, savings may be reduced.

   

• Initial Cost: Even with the rebate, standalone batteries still require a significant upfront investment.

   

Who Might Benefit Most

• Apartments and Townhouses: Where rooftop solar is not feasible, a battery may still offer bill relief.

   

• High Peak Tariff Areas: In states where daytime energy costs are very high, a battery can offset peak usage.

   

• Blackout-Prone Regions: Households in rural or fringe areas may value the reliability benefits more than the financial ones.

   

• Future Solar Owners: Some people choose to install a battery first and add solar later when their roof is upgraded or shading issues are resolved.

   

A Case Study: Battery Without Solar

Take the example of a Brisbane household unable to install rooftop solar due to apartment body corporate restrictions. They installed a 10 kWh battery under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. By charging it with off-peak energy overnight at 15 cents per kWh and using that energy during the day when tariffs hit 35 cents per kWh, they cut their daytime electricity costs almost in half. While the payback was longer than for solar-plus-battery households, the backup protection during frequent storms provided additional peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the federal rebate if I install a battery without solar?

Yes. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is designed to encourage battery uptake, whether you already have solar, plan to add it later, or want a standalone system.

How much can I save with a battery-only system?

Savings vary depending on your electricity tariff. Households on time-of-use plans often save the most, while flat-rate customers may see smaller benefits.

Will I still reduce my carbon footprint without solar?

Not as much. Your battery would still rely on grid power, which includes fossil fuel generation. However, by joining a VPP, you could still contribute to renewable energy integration.

Is it cheaper to wait and install solar plus battery later?

If solar is a future option for your household, waiting until you can combine both may deliver the best long-term value. However, the federal rebate is time-limited, which may make installing the battery first more attractive.

Do all batteries work without solar?

Yes, most modern batteries can function without solar panels, though some brands and models are more compatible with standalone setups than others.

Making the Right Choice

A battery without solar won’t deliver the same return on investment as a solar-plus-battery system, but it can still provide meaningful benefits for certain households. For those unable to install panels, or who value blackout protection above financial returns, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program makes batteries more accessible than ever.

Ready to explore whether a standalone battery or a solar-plus-battery system is right for you? Speak to a Clean Energy Council–accredited installer today. Take advantage of the rebate and future-proof your home with smarter energy storage.