Battery Payback Calculator
Does adding a battery to your solar make financial sense in Queensland?
Your Setup
kW
12 kWh
5 kWh30 kWh
Check your inverter app or bill for daily export
$
Default ~$1,000/kWh. Adjust for actual quotes.
$/kWh
$/kWh
Virtual Power Plant — earn ~$300/yr by sharing battery with grid
Payback Period
9.7 yrs
Annual Savings
$821
Net Cost After Rebates
$8,000
Total Rebates
$2,000
Cumulative Savings Over 15 Years
Rebates Breakdown
| Battery cost (installed) | $10,000 |
| Federal rebate (Cheaper Home Batteries) | -$2,000 |
| Net cost | $8,000 |
The Verdict
Based on your numbers, a battery makes financial sense. With a payback of 9.7 years and a 10-15 year battery lifespan, you'll come out ahead. Consider joining a VPP for an extra $200-400/year.
Next Step
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a battery worth it in 2026?
It depends on your situation. Batteries make the most financial sense when you have high electricity rates (SA, NSW), low feed-in tariffs, and high excess solar. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program has improved the economics significantly. Payback periods of 7-10 years are now common in the right circumstances.
What is the federal battery rebate?
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides rebates of up to $3,000 for eligible battery installations. This is in addition to any state-specific rebates (like Victoria's $1,400 battery rebate). The program aims to make home batteries more accessible and help reduce grid demand during peak periods.
What is a VPP?
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of home batteries that can be collectively dispatched to support the grid during peak demand. In exchange, battery owners receive payments of $200-400+ per year. Major VPPs in Australia include Tesla Energy Plan, AGL Virtual Power Plant, and Reposit Power.
How long do batteries last?
Most home batteries come with a 10-year warranty guaranteeing 70-80% capacity retention. In practice, many batteries will last 15+ years with gradual degradation. Expect about 0.5% capacity loss per year. LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries tend to last longer than NMC chemistry batteries.