What makes a solar battery good for blackout protection?

When the grid goes down, you want the switch to your battery power to be instant and automatic. This is often called “seamless backup” or an “uninterruptible power supply (UPS)” feature. Not all batteries offer this, and some have a noticeable delay that can cause your computers and other sensitive electronics to shut down.

Beyond the switchover speed, true blackout protection comes down to three things:

• Backup Power Output: The battery must be able to deliver enough power (measured in kilowatts or kW) to run your essential appliances simultaneously. A 5kW output is a good benchmark for most homes.
• Usable Capacity: This is the amount of energy the battery can store (measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh). More capacity means you can run your essentials for longer.
• Solar Recharging: Your system must be configured to allow your solar panels to continue safely generating power and recharging your battery even when the grid is offline. This is crucial for surviving multi-day outages.

Best solar battery for blackout protection Brisbane: The top contenders

While the “best” battery is different for every home, a few models consistently stand out in the Australian market for their excellent blackout performance.

• Tesla Powerwall 3: Often considered the benchmark, the Powerwall 3 offers a generous 13.5 kWh of usable capacity and a high power output of 11.5 kW, which is more than enough for most homes. Its integrated inverter and seamless backup transition make it a very popular, albeit premium, choice. It’s particularly effective for single-phase homes wanting to back up their entire house.
• Sungrow SBR HV Battery: This is a fantastic modular option, meaning you can stack batteries to get the capacity you need, from 9.6 kWh up to 25.6 kWh. Sungrow is known for its reliability and affordability, offering a great balance of performance and price. Paired with a Sungrow hybrid inverter, it provides a seamless transition to backup power.
• Enphase IQ Battery 5P: The Enphase system is another modular choice, built around smaller 5 kWh units. This makes it highly scalable and perfect if you want to start small and add more storage later. A key advantage is its incredible reliability and an industry-leading 15-year warranty. It provides instant backup power, ensuring your devices don’t even flicker. However, be aware that for homes with three-phase power, a standard Enphase setup will only back up one of those phases.
• SonnenBatterie Evo: German-engineered and manufactured in Australia, Sonnen is a premium choice focused on smart energy management and longevity. Like Tesla, it provides a strong all-in-one solution with a 10 kWh capacity and is known for its durability, offering a 10-year warranty that guarantees 80% capacity retention.

How much battery capacity does a Brisbane home need for a blackout?

For a typical Brisbane household, a battery with 10 kWh to 15 kWh of usable capacity is generally sufficient to get through an evening and overnight outage while running essential loads.

However, “essentials” differ for everyone. Before you decide, make a list of what you absolutely can’t live without. This usually includes:

• The fridge and freezer
• Lights in key areas (kitchen, bathroom)
• Wi-Fi router and device chargers
• A power point for a small TV or radio
• Maybe a medical device or a small fan

High-draw appliances like air conditioners, ovens, and pool pumps will drain a battery very quickly. Most installations are set up to back up only essential circuits rather than the whole house to preserve power for longer. A good installer will help you identify these circuits at your switchboard.

• Gigi’s pro tip: Don’t oversize your battery unnecessarily. A good rule of thumb is to size your battery to be around 60-80% of your average daily energy usage. This ensures you have enough for overnight use and blackout protection without paying for capacity you’ll rarely use.

What does a solar battery with blackout protection cost in Brisbane?

As of October 2025, you can expect the installed cost for a quality solar battery system in Brisbane to range from $9,000 to over $16,500, depending on the brand and capacity. For example, a 10kWh system often falls between $9,000 and $16,000. The highly popular Tesla Powerwall 3 typically costs around $12,000 to $14,000 installed after rebates.

These prices are before any government incentives, which can significantly reduce the final cost.

Are there any Queensland government rebates for solar battery backup systems?

Yes, there is significant help available! The Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched on 1 July 2025. This federal scheme provides a substantial upfront discount on the cost of a new battery system.

The rebate is calculated based on the battery’s usable capacity, offering around a 30% discount. For a 10 kWh battery, this could translate to a discount of approximately $3,350 in 2025. This incentive is applied directly to your quote by your installer, making the upfront cost much more manageable.

While the very popular Queensland-specific “Battery Booster Program” has now closed, the new federal program provides fantastic support for homeowners across the state.

How do I find a top-rated solar battery installer in Brisbane?

Choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right battery. A poor installation can lead to performance issues and safety hazards.

Look for a company that:

• Is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited: This is the current, highest standard for solar professionals in Australia. Do not rely on the outdated CEC accreditation.
• Has extensive experience with batteries: Battery installations are more complex than standard solar panel jobs. Look for specialists with proven experience, like MC Electrical or Sunlogics Solar & Electrical, who are highly regarded in Brisbane.
• Doesn’t use subcontractors: In-house teams generally provide better quality control and accountability.
• Offers a long workmanship warranty: A 10-year warranty on workmanship is a strong sign of a company that stands by its quality.
• Discusses your needs in detail: A good installer will ask about your blackout expectations and help you design a backup system that works for your specific home and appliances.

Ready to secure your power supply?

Living in Brisbane means we enjoy beautiful sunshine most of the year, making solar a brilliant investment. Adding a battery with blackout protection takes it to the next level, giving you energy independence and security when you need it most.

If you’re ready for a proper quote, I can introduce you to a trusted, SAA-accredited local expert who can design the perfect system for your home—just fill out the form below.