Usable energy
Battery capacity in kWh describes how much energy can be stored. Ask for usable capacity and the reserve you intend to keep for outages.
Solar + battery quotes · Victoria
Solar + battery. One clear quote.
Generation, storage and backup work best when they are planned together. Compare complete system options with a clear explanation of what each one can do.
Direct with Lightning Energy · Property-specific advice
Designed around your needs
Size the system around when you use power.
Panels generate electricity during daylight. A battery can shift some of that energy to another time, but its value depends on your usage, tariff and available solar. We assess the combination rather than choosing storage capacity from your bill total alone. Existing solar equipment, future EV charging and backup priorities belong in that assessment too.
Power delivery
Inverter output in kW affects which loads the system can supply together. A large battery does not automatically run every appliance during a blackout.
Backup scope
Confirm the gateway or switching equipment, supported circuits and phase coverage. A battery installation does not include whole-home backup by default.
Compare with confidence
What to look for in your proposal.
Keep these details together when comparing equipment options or quotes. Ask for clarification wherever a cost or responsibility is unclear.
Talk through your options- Exact panel, inverter, battery and controller model numbers.
- Usable battery capacity and continuous charge/discharge power.
- Gateway, backup circuits and any switchboard modifications.
- Compatibility with existing solar and any equipment being replaced.
- Monitoring, internet requirements and tariff or VPP settings.
- Itemised incentives, installation exclusions and warranty conditions.
Price and scope
Compare a complete system, not just the battery box.
A battery price may exclude a controller, gateway, additional cabling or switchboard changes. Different systems also package the solar inverter differently. Ask for one installed total and a separate list of optional work. For an existing solar system, confirm whether the proposed battery can integrate with the current inverter or needs a different approach.
Make a considered choice
New solar or a battery retrofit?
For a new system, panel layout, inverter capacity and storage can be planned as one design. For a retrofit, existing inverter details, connection approval and monitoring become important starting points. We can discuss Tesla Powerwall, Sigenergy and GoodWe options from our product range, with the exact Australian model and availability confirmed in your proposal. There is no single best battery for every property.
From enquiry to proposal
Three steps to a clearer decision.
Book a conversation
Choose a consultation time below, or call our team. Explain your property, priorities and timing.
Review the details
Bring a recent bill, your existing inverter model if you have solar, and a short list of appliances you would like backed up. Tell us about an EV or other planned electrical upgrades.
Assess the proposal
Review the recommended equipment, installed scope, incentives and any outstanding site checks before deciding.
Available times
Let's work through your quote.
Choose a consultation time with Lightning Energy. This starts a conversation about your project; it does not commit you to an installation.
Can I add a battery to existing solar?
Often yes, but compatibility must be checked. Share the inverter model, solar system size and any existing connection documents so the design can account for them.
Will the battery power my home during a blackout?
Only if the system is designed and installed for backup. Confirm the required hardware, backed-up circuits, power limits and phase coverage in writing.
Can I compare different battery brands?
Yes. Ask us to compare suitable options using usable capacity, power, backup scope, expansion and installed inclusions, rather than the brand name alone.
Is the federal battery discount automatic?
No. System, product, installer and installation eligibility requirements apply. The discount varies with eligible usable capacity and the rules applying when installation takes place. Confirm it as a separate line in the quote.
Do I have to join a VPP?
VPP capability and VPP enrolment are different things. Some offers require participation; ask for the conditions, electricity plan, dispatch controls and exit terms before accepting one.
