Myth Busted: Do You Really Need a Battery for Solar Power to Work?
By Kristy Hoare on in Solar Power Trends
One of the most common misconceptions floating around in Aotearoa is that you must have a battery for solar panels to work. It’s a myth that’s stuck around longer than it should, and while batteries are definitely on the rise in New Zealand, the truth is simple: solar systems work just fine without one.
Let’s unpack where this myth came from, why it doesn’t stack up, and what Kiwis need to know before forking out their hard-earned cash on solar panels and/or a solar battery.
Where Did This Misconception Come From?
My guess is this myth rose from off-grid setups where batteries are absolutely essential. If you’re tucked away in the wops with no connection to the grid, you need a place to stash that extra energy for nighttime use.
Add in a few flashy ads promoting “energy independence with solar + battery,” and it’s no surprise the myth stuck around.
But here’s the catch: most New Zealand homes are grid-connected. This means your solar system can feed directly into your home and the wider grid without needing a battery, while benefiting from significantly reduced power bills.
Why Solar Works Without a Battery
● Grid Connection: A standard grid-tied solar system generates power from the sun and feeds it into your home first. Any excess goes back to the grid (for which you get paid a small export credit). And any extra power you need that the solar power system can’t provide is drawn from the grid.
● Immediate Use: You can use solar power as it’s being generated: lights, kettle, the beer fridge in the garage, hot water, EV chargers… all without storage.
● Cheaper Setup: Leaving out a battery keeps upfront costs down and speeds up the return on investment.
In short, a battery is optional, not essential.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Looking at what’s actually happening in New Zealand tells the story:
● In the last 12 months, 1,604 solar power systems without batteries were installed.
● Over the same period, 2,921 solar systems with batteries went in – showing that batteries are on the rise, but still not the default choice.
Zooming out:
● Across the country there are 54,647 residential solar power systems without batteries.
● By comparison, there are only 10,590 residential solar systems with batteries.
So, while batteries are getting more popular, the majority of Kiwi solar households still run their systems without them.
Reference: numbers are from EMI
Costs and Payback
For most homeowners, money talks - and the difference is big:
● A typical 5kW solar system in NZ costs around $10,000 without batteries.
● Add an 8kWh battery, and you’re looking at around $22,000 total (solar + batteries).
More info on solar power pricing here.
That big price jump affects payback time:
● Solar power system without battery: 6 - 8 years (approx.)
● Solar power system with battery: 10 - 12 years (approx.)
Try our solar calculator, to see estimates for how long it would take you to recoup your investment in solar and or batteries.
So while a battery adds great benefits, it slows down the return on investment.
What You Miss Without a Battery
That’s not to say going battery-free is perfect. Here’s what batteries bring to the table:
● Energy freedom: Use solar power any time - day or night.
● Backup protection: Keep your lights (and fridge!) on during a power cut.
● Less reliance on grid power: Especially useful as power prices keep climbing.
Without a battery, you’ll need to be smart about solar self-consumption - shifting usage into daylight hours. Think: running the dishwasher at lunchtime, charging the EV in the afternoon, or heating water when the sun’s out.
Bottom Line
The idea that solar panels won’t work without a battery is a myth that needs to be put to bed. Solar alone is still a top investment for plenty of Kiwi households - faster payback, lower upfront costs, and a straight-up way to slash your power bills.
Batteries are great, but they’re about lifestyle, resilience, and going the extra mile for energy independence. They’re not a must-have - they’re a ‘nice to have’.
So next time your mate reckons “solar doesn’t work without a battery,” you can tell them straight: nah, that’s a myth - busted.