Is it a good idea to buy batteries for environmental reasons?

Updated August 2025: For many years, adding rooftop solar was one of the most effective ways Australians could cut their homes’ emissions. That’s because almost every kilowatt-hour of solar reduced demand for electricity from coal or gas.

But things have changed. Rooftop solar is now so widespread that adding more panels has less environmental impact than it used to - especially when that energy is exported during the middle of the day, when the grid often doesn’t need it.

That’s where batteries come in. A well-used battery can soak up excess solar and shift it to the evening, replacing gas-fired electricity at night. If the battery is responsibly sourced and charged from solar, it can offer more environmental value than adding more panels.

Battery recycling is also improving fast. While not all batteries are recycled today, the technology exists to recover over 95% of the materials, and local capacity is growing.