I Asked a Battery Installer What Homeowners Get Wrong ft. Solar365

The property needs to be assessed first

Raman says an installer needs to consider the property before confirming that a battery system can be installed. At the acreage property discussed in the video, the home’s age and high ceilings created a practical challenge. Older homes from the 1970s and 1980s may have less accessible space for running cables, unlike many newer homes where cable routes can be easier to access.

The position of the existing solar panels and electricity meter was also important. In this case, the panels were directly above the meter, meaning the installer had to work out how to route the cables between the relevant parts of the system. The location of the battery and the available cable paths therefore need to be considered before the equipment is selected.

Retrofit installations can involve existing wiring

Adding a battery to an existing solar system is not necessarily a simple matter of connecting new equipment. Raman describes two broad retrofit approaches: leaving the existing system in place and adding an AC-coupled battery, or using a DC-coupled arrangement. He says the installer prefers DC coupling from a technical perspective because it can have lower power losses than AC coupling.

However, a DC-coupled retrofit also means checking the existing DC wiring from one end to the other. The installer needs to confirm that the wiring meets the relevant requirements, assess where the battery can be installed, and check the position of isolators. Existing equipment may need to be changed or rewired so the completed system meets compliance requirements.

Raman also warns that a later compliance inspection can identify issues and result in the system being switched off as a safety precaution. His point is that compliance should be addressed during the installation rather than left for a later inspection.

Backup is not always whole-home backup

Backup has become a significant reason for customers to install batteries, according to Raman. During a power outage, a backup system can continue supplying electricity, which may be particularly important for properties where losing power also affects communication or safety during an emergency.

The term backup can describe different arrangements. Partial backup supplies selected circuits, such as lighting and one power circuit. Whole-home backup is intended to supply the entire house, but it has more demanding electrical and compliance requirements. It is not simply a matter of having a battery with enough stored energy.

An outdated or asbestos-containing switchboard may need to be upgraded. Raman also refers to the need for current breakers and RCDs on backup circuits. Ceramic fuses may need to be removed and replaced as part of bringing the switchboard up to the required standard. These possible upgrades can affect the scope and cost of the installation.

Battery size should match household use

Before contacting an installer, Raman recommends reviewing the electricity bill and identifying the intended benefit of the battery. Homeowners should consider how much electricity they use at night, as this helps indicate how much stored energy they may actually need.

The amount of solar energy being exported to the grid is another relevant figure. Raman gives the example of a property exporting only around 500 units while considering a 40 kW battery. His point is that a large battery may not receive enough surplus solar energy to charge effectively if the system does not regularly export much energy.

A battery should therefore be considered alongside the home’s solar production, electricity consumption and export data. Homeowners who cannot interpret those figures can ask a solar representative for help sizing the system, but the underlying usage information should still be part of the discussion.