What’s the payback on solar and a battery?
Thinking about solar or a home battery? Estimate how many years it could take to pay back, and the net benefit over ten years, based on your spend and expected bill reduction.
Solar & battery payback calculator
Estimate the payback on solar and a home battery in Adelaide.
estimated payback · around $4,800 net benefit over 10 years
A rough estimate only. Actual savings depend on your usage, system, feed-in tariff and the rebates available when you buy. Rebates and tariffs change, figures correct June 2026. Get a tailored quote for an accurate payback.
Get a tailored energy quoteWhat affects solar and battery payback?
Payback depends on your system cost after rebates, how much of your power bill the system offsets, and the value of the energy you use or export. Self-consuming your solar (especially with a battery) is worth far more than exporting it at today’s low feed-in tariffs. Rebates change regularly, so the figures here are a guide only. As licensed, CEC-accredited electricians we handle the whole job and can give you an accurate, tailored payback.
Frequently asked questions
Is a home battery worth it in South Australia?
It depends on your usage and the rebates available when you buy. Storing your own solar instead of exporting it at a low feed-in tariff can save a typical Adelaide home a significant amount each year, and federal battery rebates reduce the upfront cost. Use the calculator for a guide and get a tailored quote to confirm.
What rebates are available for solar and batteries?
Federal small-scale certificates reduce the upfront cost of solar and batteries, and joining a Virtual Power Plant can add further savings. Rebate levels change over time (correct June 2026), so we will confirm what applies to you at the time of your quote.
How long does solar take to pay off in Adelaide?
Adelaide has some of the fastest solar payback in the country, because South Australia has the highest electricity prices (around 45 cents per kWh). For solar on its own, payback is commonly around 3 to 6 years depending on your usage and how much you self-consume. Adding a battery lengthens the payback but increases your savings and gives you backup. These figures are a guide and change with prices and rebates (correct June 2026).
Is it better to add a battery now or later?
It depends on your usage and the rebates available. A federal battery rebate currently reduces the upfront cost (it was reduced in May 2026 and steps down further over time), and self-consuming your solar with a battery is worth far more than exporting it at today’s low feed-in tariffs. If you use a lot of power in the evenings, a battery often stacks up now. Get a tailored quote, as rebate levels change (correct June 2026).
What is a VPP and is it worth joining?
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) links thousands of home batteries together so they can support the grid, and in return you can earn credits or upfront incentives. South Australia runs one of the largest VPPs in the country. Whether it suits you depends on your battery, your retailer and how you use power, so it is worth comparing offers when you install. See the South Australian Government’s Virtual Power Plant page for details.
