Why doing both at once costs less
Separate installs mean two site visits, two sets of scaffolding or access equipment, two distributor applications, two commissioning visits and often a second switchboard alteration. Doing them together removes that duplication.
More importantly it removes a compatibility problem. When a battery is added years later, the existing inverter frequently is not the right partner for it, and you either accept a less efficient AC-coupled arrangement or replace an inverter that still has warranty left.
Designing the two together
When solar and storage are designed as one system, the array can be sized to fill the battery and cover daytime load, and the inverter can be chosen as a hybrid from the outset. That is a meaningfully better outcome than bolting storage onto a system that was sized for export.
What it costs
Pricing depends on system size, battery capacity, roof type, whether backup is included and whether your switchboard needs work. We publish indicative bands rather than a single number because a quote that ignores those variables is not a quote.
Common questions
Can I stage it — solar now, battery later?
Yes, and it is a sensible way to spread the cost. The key is to install a hybrid inverter now so the battery drops in later without replacing equipment. Tell us at quoting stage that storage is coming.
Do both rebates apply at the same time?
They are separate schemes — federal STCs for the solar, and the federal battery discount for the storage — and both can apply to the one job. Both are deducted from your quoted price rather than claimed back later.
How long does a combined install take?
Usually one full day, occasionally two where the switchboard needs upgrading or access is difficult.