Is This Solar Battery Quote a Good Deal?

Morphio25 on 20/06/2025 - 15:00
Last edited 20/06/2025 - 18:45

I currently have 10.73kW of solar panels (29x Suntech SPR-P3-370-BLK) and a SolarEdge 8.25kWh inverter (SE8250H-AUL00BNU4) that was installed in mid 2021. I feel that with the new federal government subsidy combined with our increased usage, particularly during these cooler months as we try to keep our daughter's room warm, and the cheap rates and subsequent credits we've gained from AGL over the past 4 years it is now time to look at a battery.

I approached our solar system installer who has given me the following pricing on some Sungrow equipment.

System 1 - 9.6kWh battery

System Summary
1 x SH10RS (Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.) (was meant to be a 5kw inverter but the guy selected the wrong option when he sent the quote - I'm told the difference is $1045 - so takes the price down to $8,340).
1 x SBR096 (Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.)
1 x 14250
Total System Price
$12,745.00
Including $1,158.64 GST
Federal Battery Scheme
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
$3,360.00
Purchase Price
$9,385.00
Including $1,158.64 GST

System 2 - 12.8kWh battery

System Summary
1 x SH5.0RS-ADA (Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.)
1 x SBR128 (Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.)
1 x 14250
Total System Price
$13,480.00
Including $1,225.45 GST
Federal Battery Scheme
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
$4,480.00
Purchase Price
$9,000.00
Including $1,225.45 GST

System 3 - 19.2kWh battery

System Summary
1 x SH10RS (Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.)
1 x SBR192 (Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.)
1 x 14250
Total System Price
$17,396.00
Including $1,581.45 GST
Federal Battery Scheme
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
$6,720.00
Purchase Price
$10,676.00

  • The quote I got from Amber with this setup including what we roughly use from the grid they estimate would give me a ~$60 per month credit.
  • I currently allocate $25/fortnight towards power bills, which covers the vast majority of a $60-65/month bill.
  • I found one lender that will do a 5.76% loan on $11K (if I went with System 3) which comes in at $97 per fortnight, or $195 a month.

It seems based off this the battery goes a long way towards paying for itself.

Sungrow seems to be a good brand, according to SolarQuotes anyway. Is the pricing I got given good, or should I ask them to sharpen their pencil/look elsewhere. FWIW the company is a Tier 1 installer and their aftermarket support is very good.

Home & Garden Solar Battery

Comments

  • Bignudge on 20/06/2025 - 15:17
    +4

    I don't have a comment about whether it's a good deal or not… but I'm waiting to see reviews from those ads on Instagram claiming like $3500 for a 20kWh battery installed but only after 1/7/25 (when the big rebates come in)

    • Morphio25 on 20/06/2025 - 15:30
      +2

      I've been seeing those too. They feel very much like a scam, or at the very least they'll cut corners on the install or there will be zero after sales support - things of that nature.

      • MrThing on 20/06/2025 - 17:07
        +1

        All those cut price solar and battery installers spruiked by washed up cricketers?

        installed by some random sub contractor at lowest cost possible

        yeah big time avoid

      • Bignudge on 20/06/2025 - 19:21
        +6

        Who knows, I might give it a shot and report back.

        1. I was the one who asked on ozbargain about the NSW noise abatement program where the government pay 30K for free to sound proof your house if you've lived there for 7+ years and meets a certain noise criteria. I got shat upon by people saying how it's my problem for buying next to the main road. I applied anyway and nek minute 30K worth of windows, a door, trims, and a fan forced ventilation system was installed for free.

        2. The $33 heat pump water heater upgrade seemed like a total scam. Yes they did use the cheapest chinese hot water pump system but it's been like 3 years and it's still going strong. I have already saved more than what a whole brand new replacement would cost for a traditional electric storage tank.

        So yeh, I might end up going for these cheapo scam deals and will take it for the team lol

    • Dr Phil on 21/06/2025 - 09:11
      -3

      Agree. We are not dealers or installers
      We dont know the site details

      OP should seek a couple more quotes
      Thats the only way to be sure.

    • furyou on 06/07/2025 - 14:12
      +1

      Yep I just saw 30 kilowatt hours installed for 5K. 10k rebates, etc.

      I mean they list the original cost as 20K for a 30 kilowatt installed. Two years ago I asked around and they were quoting 15K for a 10KW installed so I don't know if some magic happened these two years.

      I have solaranalytics Right now and has a battery calculator and it says My payoff is 30 to 40 years for a batteries.

      At solarquotes it used to say something similar but now it says 9-10 years payoff.
      And I just wrote a new article saying it's definitely worth getting a battery and joining a VPP now

      • Bignudge on 06/07/2025 - 14:16

        I'm seriously considering spending $5000 for that huge as battery setup. The only thing keeping me on the fence right now are the feed in/sell back prices from Amber. I need it to stay consistent for awhile so I can quickly make my money back lol

        • furyou on 06/07/2025 - 14:36

          FIT can be changed any time tho. I am treating it as in the next time it's gonna go to one or zero. I already see plans the rate is $0.01.

          They sell it like it's a great deal.

          • Bignudge on 06/07/2025 - 15:40

            @furyou: No no, I'm not talking about the crappy 3c/kWh feed in tariffs by energy retailers. I'm talking about dealing directly with the wholesaler such as Amber. Buy and sell prices fluctuate every 30 minutes (I think)… during surges it has costed up to $18/kWh instead of the usual $0.35/kWh. Meaning if you charge your massive 30kWh battery with solar during the day or at midnight where electricity is cheap, you can sell it back for a really good profit during peak times.

            During the day with lots of solar, Amber will even pay you to use electrcity.

            • furyou on 06/07/2025 - 23:00

              @Bignudge: I just had a go on the website and try to put in their battery calculator. I'm not understanding how this works.

              they said my peak charge would go up to 88 cents on average. It's now 18,25,52c on the 3 rates.

              How do I know my battery tariff which will also be higher would cover the difference? At the moment I'm trying to use all of my solar and trying not to use my oven or anything during peak hour.

              But with wholesale I guess you don't know when peak is it could be anytime.

              It sounds like I could win or I could also lose

  • JIMB0 on 20/06/2025 - 16:12

    Is the NPV positive?

  • Tightwon on 20/06/2025 - 16:19

    Why SBR and not SBH batteries?

    • Morphio25 on 20/06/2025 - 16:46
      +1

      I don't know, that's just what the installer quoted me for. Is there a particular reason I should choose the SBH batteries over the SBR? I'm also a little concerned about the inverter they picked. I'm told I need it because the Sungrow one won't talk to the SolarEdge panel optimisers, but the one they picked looks like it is for 3-phase, not single phase like I have.

  • wanj on 20/06/2025 - 16:30
    +1

    That battery is not large enough.
    You should be going for the maximum battery size covered rebate which is 25 kWh.

    • Morphio25 on 20/06/2025 - 16:46
      +1

      Thanks, I'll get them to tell me what the cost for a 25kWh battery is.

    • MrThing on 20/06/2025 - 17:13
      +1

      Yes, max it out as you only have 1 chop at the federal battery rebate, you cant try again later and add more

    • OhMaJuck on 20/06/2025 - 17:18
      +4

      Maximum rebate on the battery is up to 50kWh

  • OhMaJuck on 20/06/2025 - 16:50
    +4

    I have recently signed a contract with Solar Power Nations for 10kW solar panels + Hybrid Inverter + 31kwh battery for $8,100 (after rebate)

    The price seems too low, but I am willing to take the risk.

    22 x Risen Energy Co Ltd 440w N-Type Solar Panels
    1 x FoxESS 31.08kwh Solar Battery
    1xFos ESS 10 kw single phase hybrid inverter
    Battery warranty:10 years
    Blackout device added
    20+2 free panelsWarranty :
    (a) Manufacturer panel product warranty - 25 Years
    (b) Manufacturer panel performance warranty - 30 Years
    (c) Workmanship warranty - 5+5 Years
    Storeys : Single
    Roof Type : Terracotta
    Existing system : No
    Documents required :
    (a) Electricity bill
    (both pages or NMI number)
    (b) A complete picture of your electricity
    box (including switchboard)
    (c) Signed quotation
    Metering/Smart metering not included as part of this
    quotation.
    Panels model number: RSM108-9-440N
    Battery model number: EP11

    • Morphio25 on 20/06/2025 - 16:52
      +2

      WOW! That is less than what I paid for just my solar panel and inverter installation back in 2021 + you get that massive battery too. Good luck, I hope it works out for you and you don't have any issues with it all.

    • sal78 on 20/06/2025 - 17:36
      +1

      which State?

    • SlickMick on 21/06/2025 - 12:11
      +1

      That definitely sounds too good to be true. I'd be checking all paperwork before I made a deposit or signed anything.

        • OhMaJuck on 23/06/2025 - 10:35

          only had to pay $500 dollars deposit and the rest after installation.

          • SlickMick on 23/06/2025 - 11:08

            @OhMaJuck: What is the status of your project? Please let us know how you go.

            I suspect, if it does actually proceed, there will be additional expenses applicable, and you will be given the choice of losing $500 or paying more than you signed up for.

            • OhMaJuck on 23/06/2025 - 11:19

              @SlickMick: I've only paid the deposit, and the contract is signed with the agreed value.

              I have received the target installation date for next month.

              The only additional costs they noted were to allocate $200-300 for the electrician on the day of installation (due to site constraints).\

              Clearly, they are opting for lesser-known brands for the solar panels (Risen) and the battery plus inverter (Fox brand), which are not very familiar.

  • Drakesy on 20/06/2025 - 16:53
    +1

    Sounds like your current inverter is a hybrid one, sure they can't just tap into your existing?

    My thought is you may be buying an inverter when you don't need to,.

    • Morphio25 on 20/06/2025 - 17:00
      +1

      Looks like you are correct, my current inverter does appear to be a Hybrid inverter, so I'm not really sure why I need the Sungrow inverter - I'll check with my installer about that. If it is the case though that I could only use a SE battery then that is probably no good as their batteries are only 10kW so I'd need 2 of them to match what I can get from the Sungrow gear - and even then I suspect that would likely be more expensive.

      • Drakesy on 20/06/2025 - 18:26

        I'd do some research into if it's compatible with other manufacturers.

        • Morphio25 on 20/06/2025 - 19:52

          Doesn't appear to be, at least according to ChatGPT.

  • MrThing on 20/06/2025 - 17:10

    FWIW the company is a Tier 1 installer and their aftermarket support is very good.

    what is a "Tier 1 Installer"?

    all those scam budget cricketer advertised solar companies say "Tier 1"

    Check for the installer you got a quote from Here - Solarquotes Installer Reviewsto be sure

    • OhMaJuck on 20/06/2025 - 17:20
      +2

      everyone is a cowboys with all the rebates happening

      • MrThing on 20/06/2025 - 17:24

        Go to solar quotes and pick 3 installers in the platinum or gold review levels. That's what I did, I also checked the battery supplier website for their preferred installers and linked up preferred suppliers and gold or above on solar quotes

        Panels and a battery are an investment in your home, not the kind high yield investment an AMG A45 is in the garage

        A quality installer using quality equipment won't be cheap

        • Drakesy on 20/06/2025 - 18:26
          +1

          Only thing I found with solar quotes is that they're really a solar brokerage company under the guise of ratings

          Sure they're helpful but at the end of the day you're paying to use their service

          • MrThing on 20/06/2025 - 19:06
            +1

            @Drakesy: People review their installer, so they are both

          • jjjaar on 20/06/2025 - 19:10

            @Drakesy: SolarQuotes has gotten worse since late last year when it was sold to Origin. It’s literally just comparethemarket now but for solar. Unfortunately people still think it’s as trustworthy as it was a year ago and earlier, but it’s not at all.

            We got quotes back in 2023 but didn’t follow through at the time. Of the 3 quotes, 2 called and offered to come out to see the place, and 1 called and sent through a quote. Got quotes again earlier this year and the service from solar quotes themselves was appalling - we didn’t get any companies sent to us, until we had to hassle them for it. Finally we got them and only one company spoke to us on the phone but was then appalling with communication, one sent a generic email and one sent us a quote based on our address but it was as stock standard as they come.

            Ended up finding another company on our own that was fantastic.

            Solar quotes is still ok to do research, but no more than that.

            • Morphio25 on 20/06/2025 - 19:56

              @jjjaar: Yeah I tend to agree. The installers they recommended me first time round were solid and it was actually a hard choice to pick one of the three to go with.

              This time I got

              Best Solar and Batteries - 08 7095 4693
              AR Energy Consulting Adelaide - 08 8366 6508
              Unified Solar Solutions - 1300 097 157

              Got a call on the way home tonight from a guy who sounded like he was calling from a call center in the Philippines. They're sending someone out Wednesday night and I'll see what they have to say but very unlikely I'll go with them.

              I think perhaps the best thing to do might be as someone else said contact some of the Gold or Platinum tier installers for myself.

            • BuyOrNot on 21/06/2025 - 11:23

              @jjjaar:

              when it was sold to Origin.

              I thought one guy and his team run it, didnt know he sold the business

            • Gareth on 21/06/2025 - 13:43
              -1

              @jjjaar: The reality is the SQ is a lead generation company for installers. ie. They pay SQ for sending them potential customers.

              Now, how many top tier installers are needing to pay for leads in the current environment?

              I used SQ to find some local installers with good long-term reviews and contacted them directly. Would recommend.

    • Morphio25 on 20/06/2025 - 18:48

      My previous installer is Venergy. Be interesting to go to that link you have and see how they rate these days.

      • MrThing on 20/06/2025 - 19:06

        4.7 based on 297 reviews

    • Morphio25 on 21/06/2025 - 07:11

      That's just what I referred to them as. They were a preferred installer at the time I got my solar system installed (and are still on the Platinum list) and their after sales support has been very good, even if I was without an inverter for 2 weeks when mine randomly died.

  • onetwothreefour on 20/06/2025 - 19:07
    +1

    You currently only pay $780 per year for electricity? That's really cheap. I pay that per quarter sometimes.

    • Morphio25 on 20/06/2025 - 20:01
      +1

      Yeah normally bills are around $60-65ish per month, and that's what I consider expensive. This month we're heading for $150, and July/August won't be any better.

      Unfortunately for me I came from AGLs new home plan where I was getting 37c peak rate, 70c daily supply and 12.5 FiT when you were all starting to pay 50c peak rates. I left when that gravy train ended but then they enticed me back after a month with a huge amount credits ($900) over gas and electricity which we've been working our way through. Got $150 left in credit which we'll get through this month and then we're on our own.

  • SBOB on 20/06/2025 - 19:11

    which covers the vast majority of a $60-65/month bill

    Worked out the ROI timeframe with such little actual usage/monthly $ bills?

    I found one lender that will do a 5.76% loan on $11K

    Let alone needing to finance it and the interest costs on that purchase

    • kiitos on 21/06/2025 - 09:10
      +1

      If it allows their usage patterns to change, like using the heater more at night, that could be a factor in on the decision.

  • Chewy2221 on 21/06/2025 - 10:50

    We installed (cheap) solar PV in 2010 & the installer has subsequently gone out of business. Despite this, the system has performed flawlessly & it paid for itself in less than 3 years. We are contemplating the purchase of an EV & upgrading our solar system from the puny 1.5 kw . We are waiting for V2G (vehicle to grid) technology to become commonplace as we think this will change the economics of solar/battery/EV ownership. Good luck with your consideration

  • singingwolf on 21/06/2025 - 14:04
    -1

    I've been quoted $5k for 25kwh before the rebate was pulled. Getting an updated quote based on new rebate with VPP.

    Anyone have any feedback on VPP?

  • drhip on 23/06/2025 - 10:38

    If we use 40kwh a day during winter/summer and 30kwh during other seasons, what size of battery should I get? Thx

    • OhMaJuck on 23/06/2025 - 15:26

      I would suggest a 40kWh battery since you can only use up to 90%, which equals 36kWh, and this capacity will decrease over time. (The maximum one-time rebate is for up to 50kWh.)

  • Jazza2400 on 01/07/2025 - 14:11
    +1

    I have a 6.6kw solar system that on average exports 16kw back into the grid, so 16kw battery system is what I'm looking at.

    I have a SEQ Installer quote last month (that needs reissuing) for Sigenstore built up of:
    1x Sigenstore Hybrid Inverter $3390
    2x Sigenstor 8kw battery $4890 each ($611/kw)

    The battery component is where the rebate is at. $611/kw then $372/kw federal rebate = $239/kw post rebate

    This is where Voltx 30kw systems are advertising massive savings. Their batteries might be $500/kw pre rebate / $128/kw post rebate. So Inverter $3500 + 30kw x $128/kw = $7340 (Cheaper if the batteries are cheaper)

    I guess this is where warranty is important. If batteries fail 6 years into the 7 year warranty, will your installer be around to address or will the business be long gone? Currently tossing between Sigenstor & Sungrow atm.

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