Thread: I've installed a home battery

My hot water is by instantaneous gas which ironically needs power to activate the start up. I have bought an inverter and have a few 12v batteries in case we have a blackout. I have a 40AH AGM and a 100AH and 120AH Lifepo4 in my car and caravan. This will also be enough to run my fridge for a few days.
Seeing the Spanish and Portuguese managed to get back on line in 12 hours our network should be able to be back up in 24hours (sarc) . I was in Porto when it happened.
Regards PhilipA

Originally Posted by PhilipA

I have been pondering what to do in the future if the suppliers fit TOD meters to my villa's electricity supply . I cannot fit solar panels or get the battery subsidized. I live in a retirement village where I lease the house on a lifetime lease. I could theoretically buy solar panels but my roof area is small and poorly oriented and no subsidies.

I am considering making my own battery set up where I time it for off peak charging early in the morning for use in peak times. I thought of maybe 4to6x300amp hour LifePo4 12v batteries and an inverter

It would have to be pretty cheap as I am eligible for NSW State subsidies and currently the Commonwealth subsidy so my total yearly electricity cost is less than $1000.
Regards PhilipA

It's tricky for many people Phillip. Units and flats and high-density places may not be suitable or economical for solar/batteries or similar. A person I know has a house heavily shaded by a Mountain to their North.

The real problem for everyone is the retail and commercial prices and the greenwashing of some wish list Types shout loudly. I can be included on BOTH sides of a fence on that divisive topic


The almost rude part is I may use a commercial wholesale provider who may pay me rude amounts when wholesale prices go nuts which they do at times. That provider is not the Green or Red in the traffic lights.

Some are setting up a VPP. If your very lucky to be in one of the few areas that exists you may be able to have Spare Solar from people in the VPP.

Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Comparison Table - SolarQuotes


I am not in a VPP area. I did look and consider stumping up about a million to set one up locally then recalled managing a medical centre for a few decades and regained my sanity

Of interest to some may be a report that a 6Kwh home system may provide 15 to 10 kWh of power per day in Winter in Meccico (VIC) and 20 to 25 kwh or so in Summer. RACV linked me to that data.
July power here including EV charging, HEATING, cooking and hot water was "01/07/2025 - 31/07/2025 1,291.01 kWh @$0.2700" Plus supply charges

I think even paying for my EV is cheaper than my Disco $400 (+ Maintenace per month) I do miss it!

Roughly 1/2 my winter power might be covered if the sun shines a bit. If I do that checky Amber wholesale bit payback time for the cost of the system is still a few years! It's not free and clearly not everyone can do it. I honestly think the whole country, Industry and others even need a better option. Happily I recall my former line "recalled managing a medical centre for a few decades and regained my sanity"

Have a great weekend all. A few items cooling in the fridge for a post run rehydration. I drink H20 for the real rehydration.