The home energy market in Australia is evolving fast. Among the latest innovations catching homeowners’ attention are stackable solar batteries, modular systems that let you add capacity as your energy needs grow.
First showcased at the 2025 All Energy Australia Expo, these compact, wall-mounted units are being promoted as a space-saving, future-proof solution for homes investing in solar. Instead of committing to a large, fixed battery upfront, homeowners can now start small and build their system over time.
It sounds ideal, but is it the right fit for everyone?
What ‘stackable’ really means for homeowners
Think of stackable batteries as building blocks for solar storage. Each module adds more capacity to your system, allowing you to gradually increase your energy independence without replacing existing equipment.
Unlike traditional batteries that come in one fixed size, stackable designs combine the inverter, battery cells, and often the monitoring technology into one integrated, vertical unit. You can start with one or two battery modules and add more as your household energy needs rise, say, after buying an electric vehicle (EV) or installing a heat pump.
Brands such as GoodWe, Bluetti, and LAVO are now offering variations of these systems across the country. While the technology is still developing, the appeal is flexibility and compact design.
The real advantages
Homeowners are drawn to stackable batteries for a few key reasons:
- Start small, expand later: Add more modules when your energy use grows. This is ideal for households planning EV charging or electric heating.
- Save space: Vertical “tower” designs take up less room than traditional battery walls or cabinets.
- Simple setup: A single-brand system often means fewer compatibility issues and easier installation.
- Neater for modern homes: Integrated designs suit new builds where aesthetics and function go hand in hand.
In short, stackable systems offer the flexibility to evolve with your lifestyle rather than locking you into a single fixed energy setup.
What to watch out for
As with any emerging technology, there are some practical considerations to weigh up before buying.
- Brand lock-in: Most stackable systems are designed to work only with their own brand’s hardware. Mixing and matching between manufacturers later on is usually not possible.
- Compatibility risk: If a manufacturer changes its design or exits the market, you may struggle to find expansion modules or a compatible replacement.
- Warranty and service: Always check for local support, Clean Energy Council (CEC) approval, and long-term warranty coverage.
- Regulations: Some states, like Queensland (QLD) have capacity limits or inverter-compliance rules that can affect large modular setups.
Stackable systems work best when you’re confident in the brand’s longevity and installer’s support, not just the specs on paper.
The cost equation
Stackable batteries typically cost a little more per kilowatt-hour than conventional setups because of their compact design and proprietary technology. However, their biggest advantage is scalability.
Instead of investing $12,000-$15,000 upfront for a full system, homeowners can start with a smaller unit (around $6,000-$8,000) and add modules later as energy needs grow or budgets allow.
Some states and territories may also offer rebates or Virtual Power Plant (VPP) incentives that offset installation costs. These can make modular setups even more appealing for households looking to spread out their investment.
How to decide if stackable is right for you
Stackable systems suit many households, but not all. You’re likely a good candidate if:
- You plan to expand your solar setup in the next few years.
- You have limited space for installation.
- You prefer a neat, all-in-one aesthetic.
- You’re comfortable committing to one brand ecosystem.
- You value simplicity over mix-and-match flexibility.
If you’d rather keep your options open, like adding a different inverter or storage brand, a traditional setup may be the smarter long-term choice.
Stackable batteries represent the next phase in home energy evolution: compact, flexible, and expandable. But as with any new technology, the smartest investment comes from understanding not just what’s new, but what lasts.
Before committing, check that your chosen system is CEC-approved, your installer is accredited, and the brand has a solid local presence. A modular battery can be a smart step toward energy independence — as long as you build it on a foundation that’s built to stay.
Energy Matters has been in the solar industry since 2005 and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence.
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