Top 5 Questions on Adding Batteries to Solar on Australian Farms

Jane McDonald, Brand and Marketing Manager at Energy Renaissance addresses the most common questions and misconceptions about integrating battery storage with solar systems for agricultural operations. Energy Renaissance is an Australian clean-tech battery manufacturer, based in Tomago NSW.

As more Australian farmers embrace solar energy, integrating battery storage systems is the next logical step in optimising their energy use. However, despite the clear benefits, many questions and misconceptions exist about how batteries work alongside solar installations. Here, we address the top 5 questions to help clarify how battery storage can revolutionise energy management in agriculture.

1. Do I Really Need Battery Storage if I Already Have Solar Panels? 

Yes, battery storage can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your solar panels. While solar panels generate energy during daylight hours, that energy is only immediately available. Without a battery, any excess energy is sent back to the grid, often at a lower rate than what you pay for grid electricity. A battery storage system allows you to store this excess energy and use it when the sun isn’t shining, such as during the night or on cloudy days, giving you more control over your energy usage and reducing reliance on the grid. 

Nikep Dairy Farm in Victoria initially relied solely on solar panels but found that their energy needs were not fully met, especially during early morning milking when solar generation was low. By adding Energy Renaissance’s battery storage system, they could store solar energy generated during the day and use it during critical operations, greatly improving energy reliability and reducing costs.

2. Isn’t Battery Storage Too Expensive for Most Farms?

While the upfront cost of battery storage systems may seem high, they are an investment that can pay off significantly over time. Energy prices have been increasing (100% over the past decade), and the long-term savings from the better utilisation of solar often make them cost-effective alternatives to buying all your energy from the grid.

Additionally, many farms find that the reduction in operational disruptions—such as those caused by power outages—can also lead to substantial savings and more predictable energy expenses. John Pekin, owner of Nikep Dairy Farm highlights the increasing concern faced by many Australian farmers over rising energy prices, “It became quite clear that we would forever be at the mercy of rising electricity costs that would impact on our profitability if we didn’t make the transition to clean energy.”

3. Will a Battery System Make My Farm More Sustainable?

Absolutely. Battery storage is a key component of sustainable farming practices. By storing solar energy, you can significantly reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and minimise your carbon footprint. This is increasingly important as consumers and investors alike demand more environmentally responsible farming practices. Especially if your load profile is not correlated or can't be moved into peak sunlight hours.

4. Can Batteries Really Protect My Farm from Power Outages?

Yes, battery storage systems are an effective solution for protecting your farm from power outages, especially in remote or fringe-of-grid areas where grid reliability is often a significant challenge. Farmers in these regions frequently experience power disruptions due to a variety of factors, including extreme weather events, long transmission distances, and limited grid infrastructure. These outages can lead to substantial disruptions, threatening critical farming operations such as irrigation, livestock care, and refrigeration of perishable goods.

A battery system provides a reliable backup power source, ensuring that critical operations can continue without interruption protecting the farm’s productivity and profitability. By storing excess solar energy generated during the day, farmers can reduce their reliance on an unstable grid allowing them to become more energy-independent.

5. Are Battery Storage Systems Difficult to Maintain?

Modern battery storage systems are designed to be low-maintenance, with most systems requiring minimal intervention after installation. Advances in technology have made these systems more reliable and easier to manage, allowing farmers to focus on their operations rather than energy management.

A game changer for Agriculture

Integrating battery storage with your solar installation is a strategic move that offers numerous benefits, from cost savings and sustainability to energy independence and resilience against outages. By addressing these common questions and misconceptions, we aim to clarify how battery storage can help future-proof your farm, ensuring it remains competitive and sustainable in an ever-evolving energy landscape.

For more information on how Energy Renaissance supports Australian agriculture with cutting-edge battery storage solutions, visit Energy Renaissance.