Take Charge Energy’s Comprehensive Guide.
Your journey to energy independence begins here. Welcome to the Home Battery Buying Guide, designed to help Australian homeowners make the most informed decisions about their home battery storage and solar power systems.
Choosing Quality Components
Your home battery system is a long-term investment. Opting for high-quality components with Australian-based warranties ensures you’ll have a system that lasts.
Here at Take Charge Energy, we offer top-tier home batteries from leading brands with strong warranties to back them up.
Connecting to a Virtual Power Plant
Is the battery you’re considering capable of and eligible to connect to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)? VPPs are a network of decentralised energy resources that work together to supply power.
A VPP-compatible battery could offer you additional benefits, such as energy bill credits or increased energy independence.
Understanding Your Battery Warranty
The warranty of your home battery system is vital. Consider factors like the number of cycles the warranty covers, its length, and any restrictions it might have. Our team can assist you in understanding these details, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.
Considerations for Maximum Power Output and Duration
Consider the maximum power output and duration of power output of your battery system. These factors determine how much power the battery can provide and for how long, which is especially important during a blackout or periods of high energy use.
Blackout Protection and Black Start Capabilities
Many home batteries now come with blackout protection, providing power when the grid goes down. An added feature in some batteries is ‘black start’ capability, meaning the battery can restart your solar system after a blackout without grid power.
These features increase your home’s resilience and ensure you have power when you need it most.
Phases and Power Distribution
Understanding how many phases the battery system can provide backup to and how much power it can provide to each phase is essential. This helps to ensure that in a blackout, your critical appliances have the power they need.
Roundtrip Efficiency and Battery Types
Roundtrip efficiency is the amount of energy that can be used as a percentage of the amount of energy that was stored. Higher roundtrip efficiency means more usable energy for your home.
There are two types of battery connections: AC-coupled and DC-coupled batteries. AC-coupled batteries can be retrofitted to any existing solar power system, while DC-coupled batteries are usually more efficient and often used in new solar power systems. We can guide you to determine which is best for your specific needs.
Considering Product Dimensions
The size and weight of your battery system are important considerations, especially if space is limited. Some systems may require professional installation due to their size and weight. We will help you find a home battery system that fits your space without compromising on quality or power.