Industry expert warns: Three worst mistakes to avoid when buying a home solar battery under new Federal scheme

As Australian households rush to add solar batteries to keep up with rising energy bills and the pressure of electric vehicle charging, many are making critical mistakes that could cost them thousands of dollars and even destroy their battery investment within years.
 

"Batteries are the missing link in Australia's clean energy transition. However, the wrong battery or the wrong setup is like throwing money in the bin," Aussie Solar Batteries Group, founder and CEO, Steven Yu said.
 

"These are mistakes you simply can't afford to make."
 

Yu outlines his tips on the three worst mistakes to avoid when investing in a household solar battery.
 

Mistake one: Not choosing lithium iron phosphate
 

The market is flooded with different battery chemistries, but not all are safe or reliable. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are the gold standard, offering safety, longevity and stability.
 

"If you're not getting an LFP battery, you're buying trouble," Yu warned.
 

"Other chemistries are cheaper up front but far more prone to overheating, shorter lifespans and performance failures. A good quality LFP battery, managed correctly, should last up to 20 years."
 

Mistake two: Buying a battery that's too small
 

The average Australian household uses between 20 and 35 kilowatt-hours of power per day. When you add the demands of air conditioning, appliances, heating and an electric vehicle, those requirements can double. Yet many households are being sold batteries that are far too small for their needs.
 

"Don't let anyone talk you into a cheaper or smaller battery. Batteries come in different sizes and in this case, bigger is always better," Yu said.
 

"A larger system not only gives you more storage, it gives you longer life. Undersizing a battery forces it to work harder, draining faster and shortening its lifespan.
 

"Some unscrupulous market operators have been known to try and lure you into buying a smaller battery because they are cheaper and they think they have a better chance of separating you from your money. Don't be tricked into this thinking.

"When it comes to home solar batteries, go big and go good quality."
 

Mistake three: Letting the battery constantly run low
 

Even the best batteries fail when they're drained too often. Allowing storage to drop too low day after day shortens battery life and kills performance.
 

"A battery should be managed like a savings account," Yu said.
 

"Don't let it run empty, it destroys the system from the inside out. By investing in a bigger battery you also avoid this happening too."
 

The true cost and the government rebate
 

A high-quality 50 kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery typically costs between $20,000 and $25,000. While that may sound daunting, the Federal Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program, introduced in July 2025, is making adoption far more affordable. The program offers rebates of up to $18,600 per household, slashing upfront costs and making large, high-performance batteries accessible for more Australians. The program rebate is capped at 50 kilowatt-hour batteries. Hence each household can claim up to 18,600 for this size battery.  
 

"This is significant support," Yu said.
 

"It means families can now invest in the right battery, the biggest, safest, longest-lasting option, without being crippled by cost."
 

Why the mistakes matter
 

The consequences of getting it wrong are brutal: wasted money, higher bills, shorter battery life and homes still tethered to the grid. Worse, many households are being misled into poor purchases that won't stand up to Australia's growing energy demands.
 

The solution: Get it right the first time
 

"Installing the right battery, with the right capacity and chemistry, isn't optional anymore, it's critical," Yu said.
 

"Australians are plugging in electric cars, running bigger homes and trying to cut bills all at once. The wrong battery choice doesn't just fail to solve the problem, it makes it worse. However, get it right and you'll save thousands, slash your bills and future-proof your home for decades."
 

About Aussie Solar Batteries Group
 

Aussie Solar Batteries Group is an Australian-owned and operated business committed to helping households and businesses achieve energy independence. Based in Rose Hill, Sydney, the company partners with world-leading manufacturers to deliver high-performance, Australian Standards-compliant LiFePO₄ solar battery systems. With expert local sales support, in-house installation teams and smart monitoring tools, Aussie Solar Batteries makes solar battery technology accessible, affordable and reliable.

Website: www.aussiesolarbatteries.com.au