What is a Battery System
A battery-only system (also called a retrofit battery system) lets you add a battery to your home without installing solar panels. The battery connects to your existing switchboard and stores electricity from the grid instead of from solar.
During off-peak or low-cost periods, the battery charges from the grid. When your home’s power usage increases — usually in the evenings — the battery automatically discharges, reducing how much electricity you need to buy from your retailer. This helps lower your power bill and gives you protection during outages.
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What Makes Up a Battery-Only System?
A battery-only system connects directly to your home’s switchboard and stores electricity from the grid. It includes a small number of key components designed to provide backup power, reduce peak-time usage, and increase energy independence.
1. Battery System
A high-capacity lithium battery (such as BYD, Sigenergy, Dyness, etc.) that stores electricity from the grid. These batteries are modular and expandable, allowing you to increase your storage over time.
2. Battery Inverter / Hybrid Inverter
This inverter manages charging and discharging of the battery, converting grid AC power into DC for storage and then back into AC power to supply your home. If the home already has a hybrid inverter, the new battery may connect directly to it.
3. Energy Gateway / Backup Switchboard
This device isolates your home during an outage and directs battery power to essential circuits, ensuring safe backup operation and compliance with NZ electrical standards.
4. AC Cabling & Protection
Wiring and safety devices (isolators, breakers, fuses) connect the battery system to your main switchboard and ensure safe operation.
5. Switchboard Connection
The system ties into your home’s switchboard, allowing the battery to charge from the grid and supply power back to the home when needed.
6. Monitoring & App Control
Your battery system includes a digital monitoring platform that shows state-of-charge, energy usage, charging/discharging schedules, and backup status.