Choosing the right solar battery isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision—especially across the diverse landscapes of Dorrigo and the Mid North Coast. At BetterVolt, we help homeowners and property owners find battery solutions that match their lifestyle, energy habits, and future goals.
While many homes start with a 10 kWh to 13 kWh battery, the ideal size depends on how much solar power you generate, your evening and overnight usage, and whether you plan to add high-demand appliances or charge an EV in the future.
It’s About More Than Today’s Bills
Yes, solar batteries can help cut your electricity costs—but they also future-proof your home. As power prices shift, EVs become more common, and weather events challenge grid reliability, having the right-sized battery means you’re prepared.
At BetterVolt, we don’t just install and walk away. We work with you to design a solar and battery setup that grows with your needs, whether you’re grid-connected or planning to go off-grid.
Understanding Solar Battery Capacity
When choosing a solar battery for your home on the Mid North Coast, one of the first things to understand is battery capacity. This is measured in kilowatt‑hours (kWh) — the amount of energy your battery can store and release.
To put it simply, 1 kWh equals running a 1,000‑watt appliance for one hour. So, if your household uses around 20 kWh of power each day, a 10 kWh battery could, in theory, supply about half of that usage when fully charged.
How Much Capacity Do You Need?
Across the Mid North Coast, every home is different.
- Smaller homes or energy‑efficient households in towns like Dorrigo, Bellingen, or Nambucca often find that a 10 kWh battery comfortably powers essentials like lighting, Wi‑Fi, and appliances overnight.
- Larger family homes in Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, or Port Macquarie may prefer 15 kWh to 20 kWh systems for extended evening use or to support multiple air conditioners.
- Rural properties throughout inland areas often need 20 kWh to 30 kWh or more to run pumps, workshops, cold storage, and provide longer backup in case of outages.
Average Household Solar Battery Needs on the Mid North Coast
For most homes across the Mid North Coast, a 10 kWh to 13 kWh solar battery is the sweet spot. This size comfortably powers evening and overnight essentials such as lighting, Wi‑Fi, fridges, and a few key appliances—keeping your home running smoothly even after the sun sets.
Homes with a 6.6 kW solar system usually find this setup ideal. Instead of sending surplus solar back to the grid for only a few cents per kilowatt‑hour, you can store that energy during the day and use it at night when electricity rates are higher. It’s a smart way to cut power bills while improving energy reliability.
For larger family homes or rural properties around Dorrigo, Bellingen, Kempsey, and the Nambucca Valley, stepping up to a 15 kWh to 20 kWh battery often makes sense. These properties tend to use more power after dark for air conditioning, larger appliances, or farm and workshop equipment.
With expert guidance from BetterVolt, you can choose a battery system sized to match your energy habits so you get dependable power, long‑term savings, and a setup that grows with your needs.
How Your Energy Habits Shape the Right Battery Size
When it comes to choosing the right solar battery, it’s not just about how much energy your household uses—it’s about when you use it.
Across the Mid North Coast, many families use most of their electricity in the evening. Cooking dinner, watching TV, running the air con, doing laundry—these are common after-dark activities. For these homes, a 10 kWh to 13 kWh battery often provides solid coverage well into the night.
But if someone’s home during the day—like retirees, remote workers, or shift workers—energy use can be more evenly spread. In these cases, your solar panels may already meet most daytime needs, and you may only need a smaller battery to top things off in the evening.
How to Match Your Solar Battery Size with Your Solar System
When planning a solar and battery setup, one of the most important factors is making sure your solar panels and battery are properly sized to work together.
Pairing the right battery with your solar system ensures you’re not wasting power—or missing out on valuable storage.
Why the Right Match Matters
- If your battery is too small, it will fill quickly, and excess solar will be exported to the grid for minimal return
- If your battery is too large, it may not fully charge—especially on cloudy days or during winter
A balanced setup means you’re using more of your own solar power, reducing grid reliance, and getting better long-term value from your system.
At BetterVolt, we’ll assess your energy usage, roof space, and goals to design a system that works seamlessly—from sunrise to well after sunset.
Solar Battery Costs vs Long-Term Value on the Mid North Coast
When it comes to solar batteries, price matters—but value matters more. While larger batteries cost more upfront, they can deliver greater long-term savings, better reliability during blackouts, and more flexibility as your energy needs grow.
Across the Mid North Coast, many families choose batteries that can cover evening usage and protect against outages. For rural properties, it’s common to go bigger—enough storage to run pumps, tools, or even the entire home when the grid is down.
Bigger Doesn’t Always Mean Wasteful
Thanks to government battery rebates, upgrading to a larger system is now more accessible than ever. If you’re eligible, you may be able to step up to a 15 kWh or 20 kWh battery without stretching your budget.
Take Control of Your Energy Today
Coffs Harbour is embracing the future of energy. With substantial incentives and lucrative VPP options, now’s the time to invest in a solar battery system that works for you.
To ensure that your Solar & Battery consultant (not the company) has a design accreditation with the Clean Energy Council then check by surname or location @ CECfindaninstaller
Geoff Tosio – Better Volt Solar + Batteries: Dorrigo
0422 544 555