How it works · 3 min read · 8 October 2026
What Is a Hybrid Inverter, and Do You Need One?
A hybrid inverter runs solar panels and a battery from one box. Here is how it differs from a standard inverter and when you need one.
Read article →Batteries · 3 min read
Can You Add a Battery to Your Existing Solar System?
Quick answer
Yes. Most existing solar systems can have a battery added, either by fitting an AC-coupled battery that works alongside your current inverter or by replacing the inverter with a hybrid. The federal battery discount applies to batteries connected to new or existing solar, if the eligibility rules are met.
Why add a battery?
Your solar may already make more than you use during the day. Without a battery, that surplus is exported for a small credit and you buy power back in the evening. A battery keeps the surplus for later. If you are exporting a lot, adding storage is often the next step.
How does a battery connect to existing solar?
Option 1: AC-coupled battery. The battery has its own inverter and sits alongside your existing solar inverter. Your current system stays in place. This is usually the simplest path when the existing inverter is in good shape.
Option 2: Replace the inverter with a hybrid. The new hybrid inverter runs both your existing panels and the new battery. This makes sense when the old inverter is ageing, faulty or too small.
What do we check first?
- the age, model and condition of your inverter
- how much surplus solar you export on a typical day
- your evening usage
- the switchboard, and whether it needs work
- whether you want blackout backup
- your phase and network rules
Is my system big enough to charge a battery?
A battery needs surplus solar to fill it. Small, older systems on busy homes may not have much to spare, especially in winter. In that case, adding panels with the battery can make sense. See adding panels to existing solar.
Does the federal rebate apply?
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program covers eligible batteries connected to new or existing solar. The battery must be on the approved list and installed by an accredited installer with battery endorsement. Current rates and dates are on our battery rebates page.
A real example
We added a 16.6 kWh GoodWe battery to a Loftus home that already had solar. The panels stayed in place; the battery now stores their daytime surplus for the evening.
Next step
Send a photo of your inverter label and a recent bill with your proposal request. We will tell you which option suits your system.
Related project
A real Panda Power install that shows this topic in practice.
What it costs
Home batteries from $6,999 to about $15,999
base prices after rebates, inc GST, as at October 2026
What affects the price: battery size, brand and inverter, whether you already have solar, backup wiring, and any additional work at your home.
Base price for a standard install, after government rebates, inc GST, as at October 2026. Additional work such as switchboard upgrades, three-phase changes or complex installs is reviewed and quoted separately.
FAQs
Will my old solar inverter work with a battery?
Often, with an AC-coupled battery. If the inverter is old or near the end of its life, replacing it with a hybrid can be the better option.
Do I get the battery rebate if I already have solar?
The federal discount covers batteries connected to new or existing solar, as long as the battery and installer meet the program rules. See our battery rebates page.
Does adding a battery affect my solar warranty?
It can affect the original installer's workmanship warranty, depending on the work. Your panel and inverter product warranties are separate.
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Written by the Panda Power team from our own installs and the questions customers ask us.
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Install before 1 January 2027