Do Solar Batteries Provide Power in a Blackout?
Many Victorian homeowners are now choosing solar batteries not only to reduce bills but also to stay powered during unexpected blackouts. But one question comes up often:
“Will my solar battery keep my home running when the grid goes down?”
The answer is: Yes — but not all batteries provide blackout protection by default.
Some systems need extra hardware, and installation layout matters. In this guide, Climate Green Melbourne explains blackout-ready battery systems, switching times, approved locations, and how to maximise savings across suburbs like Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Craigieburn, Werribee, Cranbourne, Somerville, and surrounding regions.
Do solar batteries work in a blackout? Learn how backup power, switch-over times, and installation rules work. Climate Green Melbourne explains blackout-ready solar batteries.
Do All Solar Batteries Provide Backup Power?
Not every battery will automatically power your home during a grid outage.
To operate during a blackout, a battery must run in “island mode”, which usually requires:
- A backup gateway / control box, or
- A hybrid inverter with built-in backup switching
This ensures your home disconnects safely from the grid and runs independently.
Always tell your installer if blackout protection is important — Climate Green will ensure this feature is included in your quote.
Blackout Capability by Battery Brand (Climate Green Installs All Major Brands)
| Battery Brand | Blackout Power? | Extra Hardware Required? | Switchover Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall 2 / 3 | Yes | Tesla Backup Gateway 2 | <1 second |
| Sigenergy SigenStor | Yes | Sigen Backup Box | <20 ms (UPS-level instant) |
| BYD Battery-Box HVS/HVM | Yes | Automatic transfer switch or backup controller | 40–90 seconds |
| Alpha ESS Smile Series | Yes | No extra hardware | ~20 ms |
| Sungrow (SH5.0RS + SBR) | Yes | Built-in bypass/backup switching | ~20 ms |
Pro Tip from Climate Green:
For longer backup duration, ask us to connect only critical loads (fridge, WiFi, lights, powerpoints) to the backup circuit.
How Tariffs Affect Battery Savings in Victoria
Battery payback changes significantly depending on your electricity tariff:
| Tariff Type | Description | Best Battery Strategy | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate | Same price all day | Charge with solar, use at night | $500–$900/year |
| Time-of-Use (TOU) | Off-peak cheap, peak expensive | Charge from solar + off-peak, discharge in peak | $1,200–$2,400/year |
| Dynamic / Wholesale | Prices update every 30 mins | Sell during high-price periods | $2,000+/year |
TOU tariffs offer the best savings for battery owners.
You can discharge during expensive evening peak rates (4–9 PM).
Note: Some VPPs (e.g., Tesla Energy Plan) require you to be on a specific tariff. Climate Green confirms this during consultation.
Where Should a Solar Battery Be Installed? (AS/NZS 5139 Compliant)
Homeowners often ask where a battery can legally and safely be installed.
Here’s a simplified guide:
| Location | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garage | ✅ Yes | May require bollard protection |
| Outdoor Wall | ✅ Yes | Must be weatherproof; IP65 preferred |
| Laundry | ⚠️ Limited | Only if the wall isn’t shared with a habitable room |
| Living or Dining Room | ❌ No | Not permitted under standards |
| Under Bedrooms | ❌ No | Fire safety rules apply |
| Shed / External Enclosure | ✅ Yes | Good for ventilation & large systems |
Key questions to ask Climate Green’s installers:
- “Will this location meet AS/NZS 5139 clearance requirements?”
- “Do I need extra shielding or bollard protection?”
- “Will the battery be exposed to harsh weather?”
Climate Green’s CEC-accredited team ensures everything meets Victorian DNSP requirements (United Energy, Jemena, AusNet, Powercor, Citipower).
Quick Checklist: Is a Solar Battery Right for You?
Tick everything that applies:
✔ You use more than 15–20 kWh/day
✔ You already have solar or plan to install it
✔ Your feed-in tariff is under 8 cents
✔ You’re on TOU or plan to switch
✔ You experience frequent blackouts
✔ You plan to stay in your home 7–10+ years
✔ You want lower bills and more energy independence
✔ You qualify for a state or federal battery rebate
✔ You’re interested in joining a VPP
If several of these fit your home — a battery is worth it.
Climate Green Installs Solar Batteries Across Victoria
We proudly service:
Melbourne • Geelong • Bendigo • Ballarat • Werribee • Craigieburn • Cranbourne • Somerville • Pakenham • Melton • Truganina • Point Cook • Tarneit • Dandenong
and all nearby suburbs.
As a trusted provider, Climate Green delivers:
✔ Expert installation
✔ Backup-ready systems
✔ VEU & Solar Victoria rebate guidance
✔ High-efficiency batteries
✔ Fast, clean, compliant setup
Final Thoughts: Can Solar Batteries Power Your Home in a Blackout?
Yes — if designed correctly.
With the right gateway or hybrid inverter, your solar battery can keep essential parts of your home running during outages.
Climate Green ensures your system is blackout-ready, compliant, and optimised for maximum savings and reliability.
Ready to Install a Solar Battery? Talk to Climate Green Today
1300 001 690
info@climategreen.com.au
www.climategreen.com.au
1. Do all solar batteries work during a blackout?
No. Only batteries with blackout or backup capability can power your home during an outage. Some require additional hardware like a gateway or backup box.
2. What is ‘island mode’?
Island mode allows your battery system to disconnect from the grid and power your home independently when the grid goes down. This prevents back-feeding into grid lines during outages.
3. Which battery brands offer blackout protection?
Most major brands do, including Tesla Powerwall, Sigenergy SigenStor, Alpha ESS, BYD, and Sungrow. Some require an external gateway or transfer switch, while others have built-in backup functions.
4. How fast is the switchover during a blackout?
It varies by brand:
- Tesla: <1 second
- Sigenergy: ~20 milliseconds
- Alpha ESS: ~20 milliseconds
- Sungrow: ~20 milliseconds
- BYD: 40–90 seconds (depending on inverter)
5. Do I need a special circuit for backup power?
Yes. Backup circuits typically support essential loads only, such as lights, fridge, WiFi, and key powerpoints. This extends how long your battery can run during outages.
6. Where can a solar battery be installed?
Compliant locations include garages, outdoor walls, sheds, and external enclosures. Batteries cannot be installed in habitable rooms like bedrooms or living rooms under AS/NZS 5139 standards.
7. Do solar batteries save more on Time-of-Use tariffs?
Yes. TOU tariffs allow you to charge from solar or cheap off-peak power and discharge during peak hours, maximising savings.
8. Are solar batteries eligible for rebates in Victoria?
Yes. Depending on your suburb and system type, you may qualify for Solar Victoria rebates, VEU incentives, or federal programs. Climate Green helps with full rebate support.
9. What suburbs does Climate Green service?
We install blackout-ready solar batteries across Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Cranbourne, Werribee, Craigieburn, Somerville, and all surrounding areas.
