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Note: This is an illustrative scenario representing a typical household configuration—not a documented case study from a specific customer. Figures shown are typical ranges based on industry patterns and manufacturer specifications.

Illustrative ScenarioRetrofitExisting Solar10kWh battery

Battery Retrofit Scenario

Adding a battery to an existing solar system without replacing panels

Typical Capacity

10-13 kWh

Typical Solar

6.6 kW (existing)

Typical Savings

$900-1,300/year

Typical Payback

7-9 years

Typical System Configuration

Typical BatteryTesla Powerwall 3, BYD HVM, or AC-coupled system

Typical Solar6.6 kW (existing)

LocationPerth suburbs

Typical Usage7,000-9,000 kWh/year

Typical TariffSynergy A1 or Time of Use

Overview

Many Perth homes installed solar panels 5-10 years ago but never added a battery. As electricity prices rise and battery costs fall, retrofitting storage to an existing system is increasingly attractive — often without needing to touch the existing panels or inverter.

Typical situation

A homeowner with a 6.6kW solar system installed in 2016-2020 is exporting 60-70% of generation at the low feed-in tariff (currently around 2c/kWh off-peak, 10c/kWh during the 3pm-9pm DEBS peak window). With evening rates at 30-35c/kWh, every kWh stored rather than exported saves roughly 28c.

Why consider a battery

Common goals include: capturing exported solar that's currently earning minimal feed-in value, reducing dependence on increasingly expensive grid power, gaining backup capability, and maximising the remaining life of an existing solar system.

Sizing considerations

AC-coupled batteries (like Tesla Powerwall or Alpha ESS) can be added to any existing solar system without modifying the original inverter. For a 6.6kW system generating 8-10kWh of surplus daily, a 10-13kWh battery captures most of the excess.

Installer considerations

Ensure the installer assesses your existing system's condition — switchboard capacity, wiring age, and solar inverter compatibility all matter. AC-coupled systems are generally simpler to retrofit than DC-coupled options that require inverter replacement.

Typical Expected Outcomes

Feed-in export typically reduces from 60-70% to 10-20%
Grid imports commonly drop by 70-80% in shoulder seasons
No changes needed to existing solar panels in most cases
Backup capability added without a full system replacement

Note: These are typical outcomes based on industry patterns. Individual results vary based on actual usage, solar generation, and system configuration.

Tips for This Scenario

1AC-coupled batteries are usually the simplest retrofit option for existing solar
2Have the installer check your switchboard — older boards may need upgrading
3Your existing solar warranty is unaffected by adding a battery separately
4Consider switching to Time of Use tariff after battery installation for additional savings

Calculate your personal savings

These are typical figures. Get matched with installers or use our calculator for estimates based on your specific situation.

Get matched Calculate My Savings

More scenarios

Family Home Scenario

Typical: $1,000-1,500/year/year

EV Owner Scenario

Typical: $1,800-2,800/year/year