If you have panels installed at your home, adding a battery can be a great way to store extra energy and save more on your bills. Whether you can add a battery to your existing system depends on a few things:
- How old your solar system is
- The size of your system
- The type of inverter you have installed and whether it works with batteries
- How complex the installation would be
Can I get a quote to add a battery with Kleenheat?
If your solar panels were installed after 2021 – yes, you can request a ‘battery only’ quote.
If you wish to add a battery to your existing system, you can request a battery package in our online tool. You’ll be asked to provide the capacity of your system and upload photos of it during the quoting process. We’ll review your photos and the details of your existing system to confirm whether you’ll be able to add a battery or if we’ll need to provide you with a quote for a full system replacement.
If your solar panels were installed before 2021, you'll need to request a quote for a new solar and battery package to replace your current system.
It’s usually more practical and economical to install a new solar and battery system if your solar system was installed earlier than 2021. A new system will give you access to more efficient technology, full warranties, and ensure compliance with current safety regulations.
Why can't I always add a battery to my existing system?
These are the main reasons that make it complicated and expensive to add a battery to your current solar system:
Battery and inverter incompatibility
Before December 2021, solar systems were typically installed with string inverters that weren’t designed to connect with batteries. To add a battery today, you’ll need a hybrid inverter, a type of inverter that supports both solar generation and battery storage. Many batteries are also only compatible with specific hybrid inverters, which can make it challenging to retrofit your preferred battery to an existing system.
Installation complexity
Some installers may connect a non-compatible battery to an existing solar system using methods like AC coupling or retrofitting, but these options:
- are less efficient.
- can void warranties.
- can cost as much as a new system.
For these reasons, Kleenheat Spark doesn’t offer these methods. We recommend a full system replacement for safety and performance.
Age of the existing system
If your system was installed before December 2021, it doesn’t meet current wiring standards. Upgrading would require major rewiring, which is costly. In these cases, a new solar and battery system is the best option.
Size of your existing system
Home batteries can often be added to newer systems, however there are sometimes cases where those newer systems were not designed to be large enough to work with a battery. If your solar system is not large enough to support a battery, you will need to consider a full system replacement.
Getting a home battery with Kleenheat Spark
Adding a battery to your existing solar system can be a smart way to boost your energy savings, but your ability to add one to an existing solar system depends on your system’s age, inverter type, and installation setup.
Kleenheat Spark makes it easy to find out what’s right for your home. Use our online tool to request a quote, upload photos, and let our team assess your system. We’ll help you choose the best path forward, whether that’s adding a battery or upgrading to a new solar and battery package.