Want to Add a Battery to Your Existing Solar? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re like many Sunshine Coast homeowners, you’ve already invested in solar. If you haven’t already asked yourself before, because of the Federal Battery Rebate Scheme, you’re probably wondering right now if a battery could take things to the next level.
Hint: Short answer is “yes.” 😉
Look, it really doesn’t matter what your motivation is: It could be rising power bills, more blackouts, or just wanting to get more value from the solar you’ve already paid for. Whatever it is, you’re not alone. The good news? Adding a battery is more achievable (and affordable) than ever, thanks to the new 2025 Federal Battery Rebate.
Here’s what you need to know before making the jump.
Yes! Most Systems Can Be Upgraded
In most cases, you can add a battery to your existing system. It just depends on what kind of setup you have. Here’s the handy checklist I ask SWIFT customers:
- Hybrid inverter already installed? Great. Adding a battery is usually straightforward.
- Standard inverter? You might need an upgrade or an AC-coupled battery that runs independently of your panels.
- System over 10 years old? It may need extra work to meet current electrical standards.
Not sure what you’ve got?
SWIFT Solar can assess your setup in a single site visit. Just call us on 0422 251 734 and we’ll help you sort it all out!
Costs of Adding a Battery (and What You Can Save)
Typical costs
Generally, here’s an indication of where your investment might start when you want to add to your system:
- 10 kWh battery (compatible system): $8,000–$12,000
- Battery + inverter upgrade: Add $2,000–$4,000
Now factor in the rebate
With the 2025 Federal Battery Rebate, you can save up to $3,720 on a 10 kWh battery — bringing the total price within reach for many families.
That means you have more independence from the grid, and potentially hundreds, even thousands of dollars in annual savings.
What the 2025 Federal Battery Rebate Covers
More good news to take part in the battery scheme. You actually don’t need a new solar system to qualify.
✅ The rebate applies even if you’re just adding a battery to an existing system
✅ Systems must be 5–100 kWh (most households are well within this)
✅ Install must be completed by a CEC-accredited installer (like SWIFT)
It’s best not delay too long when the government is standing by with generous programs! These things are always limited, So, now is really the best time to act if you want to lock in your rebate.
Ready for More Energy Independence?
📞 Call SWIFT Solar on 04022 251 734 to book a fast system check. We’d be delighted to have a chat, confirm your eligibility, compatibility, and rebate options.
Or fill out our contact form online and we’ll be in touch.
Pros and Cons of Adding a Battery
Benefits
My top reason for having a battery would be to avoid paying those high tariffs the power companies charge from about 4pm to 9pm every night. But there are more reasons and here they are:
- Access the rebate without replacing your whole system
- Get more value from your existing solar
- Backup power when the grid goes down
- Less energy wasted, more used in your own home
Possible Challenges
- Older systems may need inverter upgrades
- If your panels are underperforming, storage benefits could be limited
- Not all panels are compatible, especially very early models.
Just call us and we’ll talk you through everything!
Add Battery to Existing Solar Sunshine Coast – Case Study
We recently helped the Hobbs family in Maroochydore. They had installed a mid-price-range 6.6 kW solar system in 2018. With rising power bills and school holiday usage spikes, they contacted us because they wanted more control (and to pay less for power bills).
Here’s how it all panned out. We checked out their system. Their existing inverter wasn’t battery-ready (it wasn’t a hybrid inverter), so they added a 10 kWh AC-coupled battery instead. Here are the calculations:
- Pre-rebate cost: $10,500
- Rebate saved: $3,720
- Final cost: Under $7,000
The Hobbs are thrilled with the result: Reliable backup, more solar used, less power imported… and they didn’t even need to change their panels.
Should You Add a Battery… or Replace the Whole System?
It comes down to panel age and performance.
- If your panels are less than 10 years old, if they are still under warranty, and they continue to produce well, then to add a battery makes financial sense.
- If your panels are older, damaged, or inefficient, it may be better to replace the entire system with a modern hybrid inverter + battery package for better long-term performance.
Not sure? We can help assess your system and do the maths.
Quick Battery Readiness Checklist
Go through the following list. If you tick at least 2 of these, then probably a battery upgrade would be a smart move!
✅ Panels still under warranty and performing well
✅ Inverter is hybrid-ready or you’re open to AC-coupled options
✅ You want to use more of your own solar power
✅ You’re concerned about rising energy costs or outages
✅ You’re eligible for the 2025 rebate
Why in 2025 it Makes Sense to Add a Battery
Do you want to take control of your power use and pay less to the power companies? Seems like a no-brainer question. You do that by adding a battery to your solar system… and 2025 could be the best year to do it. The government rebates are generous, there’s smarter battery tech, and rising energy costs. We tell our customers it’s a “perfect storm.” There really is a lot of value in making your solar work harder.
SWIFT Solar and Electrical is your trusted local installer on the Sunshine Coast. And we’re ready to help you unlock your solar system’s full potential. Call us on 0422 251 734, today!
