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Read MoreDo I Need to Add More Solar Panels If I’m Installing a Battery For My Adelaide Home?
By Solar Energy Adelaide | 3 January 2026
Not long ago, if you wanted to add a battery to your existing solar system, the answer was almost always: you’ll need more panels. But now, thanks to some exciting new developments in South Australia’s energy market you might not need to!
We spoke with local solar installer Reefe Eleftheriou who has over a decade of experience helping Adelaide homeowners make smart, future-ready solar choices.
And according to Reefe, the rules have changed and for most people, that’s great news.
The Free Power Window: A Game Changer
One of the biggest shifts in solar and battery usage in South Australia is the new solar sharer initiative requiring electricity providers to offer a three-hour window of free power each day.
This allows battery owners to charge their batteries directly from the grid during that time, no extra solar panels required.
“You essentially can use other people’s solar to charge your battery,” says Reefe.
“It means that you don’t necessarily need to add more solar panels to your system if you’ve got a smaller system.”
For many Adelaide families, this can significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing battery storage, making it more accessible during a time of rising living expenses.
When You Might Need To Add More Panels To Your System
While most homes can benefit from this new scheme, some higher usage properties may still need additional solar panels. Particularly large family homes with pools, spas, or multiple EVs.
“When you’re getting into using 60 to 90 kilowatt hours per day, we’re usually looking at large double-storey homes,” Reefe shares.
“These kinds of homes may still need more panel capacity to cover all their power needs.”
Here’s when adding panels might still make sense:
- You have very high daily energy usage
- You’re on a single-phase power supply (limited to 10kW inverter capacity)
- You want to offset all your energy needs without relying on grid power
- You’re planning to charge multiple EVs or heat a pool
The Difference Between Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase Homes
Your home’s power phase determines how large your inverter can be and this directly impacts how much energy you can store in your battery.
- Single-phase homes: Max inverter size is 10kW, meaning you can charge up to a 30kWh battery in the free window.
- Three-phase homes: Can use up to a 30kW inverter, allowing you to charge a 90kWh battery in the same time frame.
What If the Free Power Window Disappears?
Many homeowners are understandably cautious, after all, feed-in tariffs were once generous too, but they’ve decreased over time. So what happens if the free power window goes away in the future?
“That’s a really good question,” Reefe says.
“But right now, power in the middle of the day is worth next to nothing. It’s actually costing the government. So these windows might be here for quite a while.”
Even so, there’s good news for future-proofing: If you install a battery now, you’ll most likely be installing a hybrid inverter, which is already compatible with future solar panel additions.
“Most of the inverters we install are hybrid and they are ready to accept more panels later,” Reefe reassures.
“So you don’t need to buy a whole new system if you decide to expand in a few years.”
Smart Solar Strategy: Save Now, Expand Later
For most Adelaide homeowners, the best move is to take advantage of the free power window now by adding a battery to your existing solar system. You can always add more panels later if your energy usage increases or if the window disappears.
With the current federal battery rebate available, the upfront cost of installing a solar battery is the lowest it has ever been.
“A lot of customers will be able to get their desired result – removing 95 to 100% of their power bill – while only spending around 50 to 60% of the upfront investment,” Reefe says.
Thinking About a Battery? Get Local, Expert Insight From Adelaide’s Best Solar Installers.
At Solar Energy Adelaide, we’ve been helping South Australian households navigate the solar industry for over a decade.
🔹 Local, family-run business with over a decade of experience
🔹 Customised solar solutions based on your home’s energy usage
🔹 Free, no-obligation assessment to determine whether upgrading makes sense for you
📞 Contact us today to discuss your options and get a personalised solar battery assessment!
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As a local, family-run business with over a decade of experience, Solar Energy Adelaide is committed to helping Adelaide residents make informed decisions about solar energy.
We prioritise customer satisfaction and transparency, ensuring you understand exactly how much you’ll save and how the process works.
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