With electricity prices on the rise and power outages becoming more frequent, solar batteries are quickly becoming a smart addition to solar systems across Mackay. But if you’re thinking about adding a battery to your home, how do you know which one is right for your setup?
At Energy Base, we help Mackay homeowners make informed decisions about their energy systems. In this guide, we break down the key factors to consider when choosing the right solar battery for your home.
1. Understand Your Energy Usage
Start by looking at your average daily electricity usage and when you use it most. If you’re home during the day and use most of your power then, you might not need a large battery. But if your household consumes more energy at night—or you’re looking for blackout protection—you’ll want a bigger capacity.
Tip: Energy Base can assess your usage data to recommend the ideal battery size for your Mackay home.
2. Decide What You Want to Power
Are you looking to cover just the essentials during an outage, or do you want full-home backup capability?
Popular options include:
- Essential loads only – Fridge, lighting, Wi-Fi, and security systems
- Whole-home backup – Air con, cooking appliances, and full energy use
- Off-grid or hybrid-ready – Ideal for rural Mackay properties or those wanting complete grid independence
3. Battery Size and Storage Capacity
Solar battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The right size depends on your energy needs and how much backup you want.
Here’s a general guide for Mackay homes:
- 5–10kWh – Great for smaller homes or essential loads
- 10–15kWh – Ideal for mid-size homes with moderate energy use
- 15kWh+ – Best for large families, home businesses, or full backup
Need help sizing your system? Energy Base offers expert design tailored to your household’s daily habits and solar output.
4. Choose a Trusted Battery Brand
Not all batteries are created equal. We recommend brands that perform well in Mackay’s climate, offer strong warranties, and integrate smoothly with solar systems.
Our top picks for 2025:
- BYD Battery-Box – Scalable and durable, ideal for large or growing systems
- Sungrow SBR – Modular, cost-effective, great value for everyday homes
- Tesla Powerwall 3 – Premium performance, smart backup, sleek design
5. Consider Your Budget and Finance Options
Solar batteries aren’t cheap—but they don’t need to break the bank. Energy Base offers flexible finance options that allow you to pay off your system in manageable instalments, often using the savings you’re no longer paying to the grid.
Even without a rebate, a well-sized battery can offer a solid return over time—especially with peak energy rates and time-of-use tariffs in Queensland.
6. Look for Blackout Protection Features
Mackay is no stranger to storm-related outages. If keeping the power on during blackouts is a priority, make sure your battery includes blackout protection (also called backup or EPS).
Tesla Powerwall, Sungrow SBR with backup box, and BYD hybrid setups all offer options for automatic switchover during a grid failure.
7. Get Local Advice You Can Trust
Choosing a battery isn’t just about specs—it’s about how it works with your roof, your usage, and your future goals. That’s where Energy Base comes in.
We’re based in Mackay and know what works here—whether you’re on the coast, out at Sarina, or further west. We don’t just sell products—we install, service, and stand by everything we put on your home.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re looking to add a battery to your existing solar system or install a complete solar + battery package, Energy Base is here to help. Our team will guide you through the options, help you compare systems, and ensure you get a solution that delivers long-term value.