Do I Need a Battery with Solar?
Understanding Whether Battery Storage is Right for Your Home
It’s one of the most common questions homeowners ask when exploring solar power — should I add a battery, or just start with panels?
The answer depends on how you use energy, when you use it, and what you want from your solar system.
Solar Without a Battery
A solar-only system generates power during the day and supplies it straight to your home. Any extra power is exported back to the grid, earning you a small credit through your energy retailer (known as a buy-back rate).
For many homes, especially with daytime energy use or a smaller budget, this setup is the best starting point. You’ll still cut your power bill dramatically and can add a battery later if you choose.
Benefits of Solar Only
Lower upfront cost
Simple, reliable setup with minimal maintenance
Option to add a battery or EV charger later
Adding a Battery — When It Makes Sense
A battery system stores your excess solar energy for use at night or during power cuts. It gives you more independence from the grid and higher long-term savings.
With a battery, you can:
Use more of your own solar power, rather than selling it cheaply to the grid
Avoid peak rates by running your home from stored energy
Stay powered during an outage
Future-proof your system for EV charging and energy-shifting tariffs
In Wānaka, Hāwea, and surrounding areas where buy-back rates are modest and evening power costs are high, a hybrid setup often pays off faster than many expect.
The Alpine Solar Approach
At Alpine Solar, we design systems that can grow with you, starting with panels, adding batteries, and even integrating EV charging down the track. Our modular Sigenergy systems make upgrading easy whenever you’re ready. You don’t need a battery to go solar, but it’s a powerful way to maximise independence, savings, and resilience. Whether you start small or go all-in, we’ll help you design a setup that fits your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Talk to our local team about the best solar and battery setup for your Wanaka, Hawea, or Central Otago home.