Batteries Are Not New!
They have been used for decades in off–grid solar power systems. What is relatively new, is the use of batteries with grid–connected solar power systems, to create what is known as a“Hybrid solar power system”.
Hybrid meaning solar and batteries. In hybrid systems, batteries are used to store energy for use at night time, during periods of peak load or unusually high usage and inclement weather.
Batteries can significantly reduce the reliance on the electricity grid and minimize that amount of electricity purchased from the electricity retailer (e.g: Ergon, Origin, AGL etc…).
We typically advise homeowners in built–up and residential areas, to remain connected to the grid as their ’emergency’ power supply even with batteries installed. The alternative to staying connected to the grid is to use a generator as the emergency power supply which may not be conducive to good neighbourly relationships.