Why People Are Asking This Question
It’s happening, and not a moment too soon. Battery prices are dropping and the 2025 Federal Battery Rebate is kicking in. So, now, thousands of Sunshine Coast homeowners are asking the obvious question. Can you install a battery now, even if you don’t have solar panels yet. Look, there are plenty of people who cannot install panels for various reasons. But you can benefit from storing power to use at peak-tariff times.
So, the short answer is yes, you can. I think the better question to ask is should you? Let’s take a look at how it works, what you gain, and what you give up.
How a Battery-Only System Works
Grid-Charged Storage
If you don’t have solar panels installed, then instead of charging from rooftop solar, a battery charges from the electricity grid when power is cheap (often overnight). Then, during expensive peak periods, it discharges to power your home. This is a process known as time-shifting.
Backup Functionality
Most modern batteries can also act as a backup supply during blackouts. On the Sunshine Coast, that’s a big plus during summer storm season.
Add Solar Later
A quality inverter and battery combo (from brands like Sungrow, GoodWe, or SigEnergy) can later be paired with solar panels. So, it can be a “stage one” investment toward full solar independence. Just make sure you talk to your installer to ensure your system is expandable or future-proof.
News Hot-Off-the-Press: At the time of writing this article, we learn that the pressure is on the big power companies to provide free power to everyone from 11am to 2pm every day. Imagine being able to charge your battery for free, and then use that power when peak tariffs are being charged. 🙂
Pros and Cons of Using a Battery Without Solar Panels
| Pros | Cons | |
| Energy Security | Keeps lights on in blackouts | You’re still buying power to fill the battery (except where free power supply exist) |
| Flexible Start | Add solar later | ROI is weaker without free solar input |
| Rate Arbitrage | Can charge off-peak / discharge at peak | Depends on retailer offering time-of-use pricing |
| Rebate Eligibility | May qualify under some programs | Some rebates require paired solar |
| Lower Upfront Cost | Skip panels initially | Still a significant investment (but see if you can get the Federal 2025 Battery Rebate |
When a Battery-Only System Makes Sense
Here are some great use-cases for battery-only systems.
H3: You Experience Frequent Blackouts
If you’re in storm-prone or semi-rural parts of the Coast, a battery can keep fridges, Wi-Fi and lights running even when the grid goes down.
H3: You Plan to Add Solar Later
When you install a hybrid-ready inverter, it means you can add panels when your budget allows. There’s no need to redo the whole system.
H3: You Have High Evening Usage
Households with EVs, pools, or heavy air-con use at night benefit more from stored off-peak power.
When It Doesn’t Make Financial Sense
There are times when a household is not suitable for panel installation. Think apartment living, for example. Or maybe a block with limited direct sunlight.
If your goal is purely to save money, battery-only setups rarely pay for themselves as fast as solar + battery combos.
Example: charging from the grid at 25 ¢ / kWh and discharging at 40 ¢ saves about 15 ¢ per kWh. A 10 kWh battery cycling daily might save ~$1.50/day — before efficiency losses. That’s roughly $550/year, meaning a $10,000 battery takes 18+ years to break even.
So, unless you value blackout protection or future scalability, start with solar first.
Local Example
I helped a family in Eumundi who decided to install a 10 kWh SigEnergy battery first. Their goal wasn’t ROI. It was to keep critical circuits running for medical equipment and home office gear during outages.
Then, twelve months later, we added 6.6 kW of solar panels and instantly they saw their bills drop by 80%. This is a perfect example of how to stage an approach.. It worked beautifully because they’d planned ahead for compatibility.
Expert Opinion: Here’s What I Tell Clients
As an installer, I’d never push you into a battery-only setup unless it genuinely meets your needs.
If you want resilience and intend to go solar soon, it can make sense. But if savings are your top priority, install solar first and add a battery when the rebate and your usage pattern make it worthwhile.
FAQs
Q: Can I get the 2025 Battery Rebate without solar?
Some programs allow battery-only systems if installed by accredited professionals, but others require solar integration. Check the fine print before committing.
Q: Can I later add solar panels to my battery?
Yes. You really need to make sure your inverter is hybrid-compatible. Always confirm this with your installer.
Q: Will a battery-only system reduce my power bill?
A little, but don’t expect miracles. The main savings come from avoiding high peak rates and keeping your house powered during outages.
Q: What brands support grid charging?
Sungrow, GoodWe and SigEnergy all support controlled grid-charging on hybrid models.
The Bottom Line About Battery-Only Systems
A battery without solar is technically possible, and sometimes it’s the practical way to go. But for most Sunshine Coast homes, it’s best seen as your stepping stone toward investing in a full solar system.
If you’re unsure which path fits your lifestyle and budget, talk to the SWIFT Solar team: We’ll give you clear, no-pressure advice so you can make an informed choice. 0422 251 734.
