Where should I place my solar battery installation?
If you’re thinking about adding solar battery storage to your home, you’re probably wondering where it should go. You may have heard about battery owners who installed the storage for their solar system in their garage. However, your garage might already be packed with your kids’ bikes and a stash of old trophies, and you’re not sure if you can spare the space. But what if we told you there’s another option?
The Redback battery range is purpose-built to withstand Australia’s challenging climate. Keep reading to discover how Redback’s battery solution can provide you with all the advantages of energy storage without taking up your precious indoor space.
Will my solar batteries be safe in Aussie weather?
We all know Aussie weather can be harsh – from bucketing rainstorms to hot and humid days, dust storms, and everything in between. That’s why Redback’s batteries are Australian-engineered to last in Australia’s unique climate. Let’s take a deep dive into how Redback batteries are built to last.
Every Redback storage system includes a protective enclosure to safely house the batteries. These enclosures are built using high-quality and highly durable steel and aluminium. The robust design both protects the system from physical impact during those summer storms and also provides specialised cooling to keep your new batteries working optimally.
Redback’s Smart Battery Systems have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP54, while the Smart Hybrid and Smart 3-Phase Hybrid Systems – which are comprised of a battery inverter and a battery enclosure – have an IP rating of IP65, and IP54 for the battery enclosure. With a rating of IP54, Redback’s Smart Battery Systems are considered “dust protected & splash proof”, while the IP65-rated Hybrids are regarded “dust tight and protected against water jets”. In layman’s terms, these IP ratings mean that Redback’s batteries are equipped to be installed outside, with minimal risk to the internal components.
Can Redback systems handle the summer heat?
When charging or discharging, it is normal for your battery to get a little bit warm – at a maximum load, a solar battery can reach a temperature of around 50 degrees Celsius. Many products in Redback’s range have a minimum operating temperature of –25 degrees Celsius, up to a maximum operating temperature of 60 degrees Celsius, with additional cooling protocols.
Redback’s battery enclosures feature an innovative active cooling system that continuously monitors the internal temperature. When the cells reach a specific operational temperature, the fans inside automatically spring into action. This enclosure for your solar battery works by drawing in cool air from the bottom of the enclosure and expelling warm air from the top, effectively keeping the unit at an optimal temperature.
Redback’s Australian-based engineering team left no detail untouched when it came to the design of our battery range – even the unit’s light colour was specially chosen to avoid additional heat being attracted to the unit’s shell.
Of course, while the batteries can handle the external temperature, it’s important to be attentive to direct sunlight. Most solar batteries will yield optimal results when installed in a shady area (and no, keeping your battery in the shade won’t affect how much battery capacity it receives from your home’s solar panels in the sun!).
Do I have to install solar batteries outside?
Of course not! While Redback batteries are designed to endure outdoor installation, it doesn’t mean that installing a solar battery indoors isn’t an option! Redback batteries are relatively thin, and will only take up only a small portion of your precious garage space. If you are looking to install your solar battery indoors, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Some (but not all) of the requirements of AS/NZS 5139:2019, are that batteries cannot be installed in ceiling spaces, under stairways, blocking an evacuation route, in wall cavities, within 600mm of any appliance, on the roof (unless deemed viable by a licensed installer), or within 600mm of any building ventilation opening into a habitable room. So the cupboard under the stairs, the attic, or the hallway aren’t an option.
In a garage installation, it’s important to mitigate any risks of accidentally backing the car into the battery, so a small bollard is often required to be placed in front of the battery for added safety. Of course, an installer can take you through all the nitty-gritty details to ensure that if you do opt for a garage installation, your battery is in the right spot, is compliant, and is safe.
So where is the best place for my battery?
That entirely depends on your preferences, your home’s layout, the amount of space available, the location of your home, and how your installer evaluates your desired solar battery location against current requirements. Redback proudly works with experienced and qualified CEC-accredited installers who will take you through the process of selecting the right space.
As a general rule, if you opt for keeping solar batteries outside, we always recommend making sure your Redback battery is out of direct sunlight. Solar battery installation on the side of your home in the shade will yield great results!
It’s also worth noting that if you live in a coastal region, batteries installed indoors rather than outside usually receive additional protection and longevity against the salty sea air.
Is it safe?
With Australian safety standard-compliant batteries, top-notch enclosures, and installations conducted by expert technicians, Redback’s solar storage systems stand out as a secure and dependable choice for your home.
Redback collaborates closely with certified and skilled partners to guarantee the safe and efficient installation of every solar and battery system. With all Redback systems linked to the Redback cloud, we can leverage real-time telemetry data to detect and promptly resolve any potential problems straight from our Brisbane-based head office.
The Redback Smart Hybrid and Smart 3-Phase Hybrids are an all-in-one unit containing both an inverter and batteries in a single system. If you are just starting your solar journey, integrating a Hybrid solution means less wires and added safety for you and your home.
For additional peace of mind, you can also discuss stealth installation options with a trusted installer. In a stealth install, your installer may be able to arrange installation with wires hidden behind a wall, and more importantly, out of reach of children and pets.
What if something goes wrong?
When it comes to solar batteries, your warranty matters – but not all warranties are created equal. Redback Technologies proudly offers a solid 10-year Australian-backed warranty – that’s a decade of peace of mind, showing Redback’s backing of longevity and product durability.
The Redback Technologies Installer Technical Support team is also standing by in our Brisbane office to answer any installation questions, and troubleshoot any installation or connection issues.
Homeowners with a Redback battery system can also get support by raising a ticket in their Redback Portal, or by directly contacting the battery’s installer through the MyRedback app – simply click ‘System’ and scroll down for installer information.
Homeowners can utilise the MyRedback app around the clock, free of charge, to monitor the performance of their solar and battery systems and find installer information for addressing any concerns.
Redback’s Solar Storage Battery Systems are proudly Australian-engineered to withstand our challenging local weather conditions, ensuring safe installation options both indoors and outdoors.
The choice is yours with Redback.
