With so many solar companies trying to sell purely 13KW Solar Systems, we highlight the risks coming for customers going this way. Further to this, for close to the same price you can get a smaller solar system with a battery which is just significantly better value.
The Numbers
This table compares the savings difference between a 13KW Solar system with a 10KW Inverter compared to a 6.6KW Solar System with a 10kWh Hinen Battery connected on a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). These estimates are based on the home using 15kWh during the day and 20kWh at night. It has been assumed that the 13KW Solar System could export 25kWh to the grid (even though it must have Solar Export Control limitation)
| Tariff 11 | Feed in Tariff | VPP Value | Total Saving | |
| 2024 | $0.34 | $0.12 | $300.00 | |
| 13 KW Solar System | $1,861.50 | $1,095.00 | $2,956.50 | |
| 6.6 KW Solar & 10kWh Battery | $3,102.50 | $219.00 | $300.00 | $3,621.50 |
This table compares a 13KW Solar System with a 10KW Inverter compared to a 6.6KW Solar System with a 5kWh Hinen Battery connected on a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). We have assumed the same household usage as above.
| Tariff 11 | Feed in Tariff | VPP Value | Total Saving | |
| 2024 | $0.34 | $0.12 | $300.00 | |
| 13 KW Solar System | $1,861.50 | $1,095.00 | $2,956.50 | |
| 6.6 KW Solar & 5kWh Battery | $2,482.00 | $350.40 | $300.00 | $3,132.40 |
On both comparisons the smaller solar system and battery outperforms the larger 13KW Solar System. The battery also provides back up protection for your home at night.
Solar Feed in Tariffs are Going to Drop
Solar Feed in Tariffs are dropping all over Australia.
Currently:
Victoria: 3 cents a kWh
New South Wales: 6 cents a kWh
South Australia: 10 cents a kWh
Forecasts are predicting more drops in the solar feed in tariff to come and the possibility of a Solar Tax.
In Queensland, the draft export tariff guidelines will take effect from July 2025 with the Australian Energy Regulator forecasting an export charge for households of 1.5c per kilowatt between 10am and 4pm. Meanwhile, solar exported between 4pm and 9pm will receive a 20-cent rebate for each kilowatt. (Which gives even more value for a battery. Energy Retailers also have the choice to offer dynamic export or flexible solar exports which in short gives them control.
This table shows the difference in savings if the Solar Feed in Tariff Dropped to only 3 cents a kWh in 2026 based on same home usage as the above tables. The Solar System with a Battery continues to significantly outperform.
| Tariff 11 | Feed in Tariff | VPP Value | Total Saving | |
| 2026 | $0.34 | $0.03 | $300.00 | |
| 13 KW Solar System | $1,861.50 | $273.75 | $2,135.25 | |
| 6.6 KW Solar & 10KWh Battery | $3,102.50 | $54.75 | $300.00 | $3,457.25 |
In conclusion a Solar System with a battery is not just better for the entire grid, it also saves you more money while giving your home back up power this Cyclone Season.
Get a Solar System and Battery Without Paying for the System
Have a Solar System and Battery installed at your home with $0 Capital Outlay with our Power Purchase Agreements.
- $0 Capital for a Solar System and Battery.
- Lock in low cost energy day and night for your home.
- 100% System and performance guarantee.
- System maintenance, monitoring and equipment replacement.
- You can get up to $600 VPP Value when connected to a PPA and a VPP.
- Connect to our Virtual Power Plant and get paid to support the grid.
For more information reach out to our team here.
Phone: 07 4459 4777
Email: info@horanandbirdsolar.com.au
Founder of Horan & Bird. Director of Master Electricians Australia and Board Member of Solar Accreditation Australia. John has played a key entrepreneurial role in the transformation of the Energy Landscape in Queensland.
