There has been mixed reports about the payback period, Some are very optimistic while others indicate that the battery will not pay for itself over its life.Choice has produced a buying guide in relation to home solar battery systems:
This buying guide states:
For most homes, we think a battery doesn’t make complete economic sense yet. Batteries are still relatively expensive and the payback time will often be longer than the warranty period of the battery.
There are also a number of threads in the forum where other members have provided their own thoughts on solar battery systems. These threads include:
One thing which is very concerning about batteries systems is that they are relatively new technologies and current available models are not reliable. It is worth reading this report:
Personally I would be waiting a few years until the battery industry can prove that their batteries are reliable, and there is sufficient evidence indicating that for most (rather than a few) consumers a battery system is economically viable proposition.
What do you use at midnight? Pool, electric hot water storage system, air conditioning?
If it is the pool and hot water, it may be possible (subject confirming with your local utility) to change the times that these devices operate. For example, to run water heating or pool cleaning during the day when your would otherwise be exporting. Shifting their use to when solar is being generated may increase the value of the solar being generated. Calculations need to be considering difference in FiT, cost of midnight/offpeak use and whether one also draws additional electricity from the grid when the devices are used during the day (as usually this is peak times compared to night time electricity prices)
