Why this guide is different
Written by the people doing the installs
Most battery comparison guides are written by people who have never been on a North Queensland roof. This one is written by the team that has been installing solar and batteries in Townsville since 2005. We cover three systems: Sigenergy SigenStor, GoodWe ESA and BYD. We explain what each does well and who it suits, without pushing one over the others.
We also cover the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program rebate, and why Townsville’s climate changes what matters when choosing a battery.
Why battery storage makes sense here
Townsville's solar and air conditioning problem, solved
Townsville gets around 320 sunny days per year. Most solar systems here export surplus power to the grid at the current feed-in tariff rate, which is significantly lower than what you pay to buy power back from Ergon Energy in the evening. Add in the fact that most Townsville homes run air conditioning well into the evening, and you have a clear case for storage.
Before you choose
Four things to confirm before comparing batteries
All-in-one solar, battery and EV charging system
Sigenergy SigenStor
The most advanced all-in-one energy system we supply. Combines a solar inverter, battery storage and a built-in DC EV charger in a single unit. Modular battery capacity starts at 5kWh per module and stacks to 48kWh.
The only system in our range with Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability. If you have a compatible EV, your car battery can power your home during an outage.
At a glance
System type
All-in-one with inverter
Module options
5kWh or 8kWh
Storage capacity
Modular, up to 48kWh per stack
EV charging
Yes, built-in DC
V2H / V2G
Yes
Whole-home backup
Yes
Retrofit compatible
Yes (replaces inverter)
All-in-one hybrid inverter and battery system
GoodWe ESA
Strong capability at a more accessible price point. The inverter and battery are integrated into a single pre-wired unit. Stackable 5kWh or 8kWh modules expandable up to 48kWh, with whole-home backup via a built-in 63A transfer switch.
Supports a 1C charge and discharge rate, meaning it can handle its full capacity within an hour. Useful in Townsville where both peak generation and peak demand can be significant within the same day.
At a glance
System type
All-in-one with inverter
Module options
5kWh or 8kWh
Storage capacity
Modular, up to 48kWh per stack
EV charging
No
V2H / V2G
No
Whole-home backup
Yes, 63A
Retrofit compatible
Yes (replaces inverter)
Modular battery storage, pairs with Fronius Gen24
BYD
A long-established global battery brand with a modular stacking system that allows flexible sizing and future expansion. High-voltage DC technology, efficient and well suited to homes that already have a Fronius Gen24 inverter in place.
If you already have a Fronius Gen24, adding BYD storage is a clean retrofit with no inverter replacement required. All charging, discharging and energy management configuration is handled via the Fronius inverter and its Solar.web monitoring platform.
At a glance
System type
Battery only
Best inverter pairing
Fronius Gen24
Storage capacity
Modular, expandable per stack
EV charging
No
V2H / V2G
No
Whole-home backup
Via Fronius inverter
Retrofit compatible
Yes, no inverter change needed
Side by side
How the three systems compare
Federal rebate
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program applies to all three systems
The federal rebate provides an upfront discount on eligible battery installations, including retrofits on existing solar systems. The exact value depends on battery size and changes periodically. We apply the current rebate directly to every quote.
Common questions
Battery questions, answered
Can I add any of these batteries to my existing solar system?
In most cases yes. Sigenergy and GoodWe ESA both include their own hybrid inverter, so a retrofit may involve replacing your existing inverter. BYD works alongside a Fronius Gen24 without replacing it. We assess your current setup before recommending anything.
Which battery is best for running air conditioning at night?
All three systems can support air conditioning overnight depending on battery size and your AC’s energy rating. We review your actual usage data during the assessment and recommend a capacity that covers your evening cooling load.
Does the federal rebate apply if I already have solar but no battery?
Yes. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program applies to existing solar systems adding storage for the first time. It is not limited to new installs.
Will a battery keep my home running during a cyclone outage?
The Sigenergy SigenStor and GoodWe ESA both support whole-home backup. During a cyclone event, solar generation will be limited by cloud cover but stored charge provides a meaningful buffer. BYD’s backup capability depends on the Fronius Gen24 inverter configuration.
How do I know what size battery I actually need?
We review your energy bills and usage data as part of every assessment and recommend a size based on your actual evening draw. Getting this right matters, both to avoid undersizing and to avoid paying for capacity you will not use.