RESINC Solar & Batteries expanded the battery storage system in Roshan Ramnarain’s Gold Coast home to provide greater blackout protection during extended periods of severe weather. We take a look inside Episode 9 of Open Homes Australia.
Key facts
- Home includes 20kW of rooftop solar.
- Existing system already featured 38kWh of GoodWe battery storage.
- RESINC installed an additional 38.4kWh of battery storage.
- Increased battery capacity helps the home maintain power during prolonged cloudy conditions and grid outages.
Why this home needed more battery storage
Three years after making the move from VIC to QLD, Roshan and his wife Tee-Jay have transformed their Gold Coast hinterland property into a bright, coastal-inspired family home. Presenter Carlene Duffy returned to the property in episode nine to see just how much had changed.
While the aesthetic transformation is impressive, the biggest improvements cannot be seen from the street.
Living in the hinterland comes with extraordinary views, abundant wildlife, and peace and quiet. It also brings increased exposure to severe weather events and power outages. Following major storm activity, the family experienced an extended blackout lasting nine days.
For a modern household that relies heavily on electricity and remote work, losing power for this length of time was far more than an inconvenience. Internet access, refrigeration, communication, and day-to-day comfort were all affected.
The experience highlighted an important question increasingly being asked by Australian homeowners.
How much battery storage is enough?
What battery system powers Roshan’s home?
| Technology | System |
| Solar System | 20kW rooftop solar |
| Existing Battery Storage | 38kWh GoodWe battery storage |
| Additional Storage Installed by RESINC | 38.4kWh |
| Main Goal | Blackout protection for extended periods |
The property already featured one of the larger residential battery systems seen on Open Homes Australia. However, consecutive days of cloud cover and storm activity revealed an important limitation.
Even large solar systems can struggle to generate sufficient electricity during prolonged periods of poor weather. Solar panels continue producing energy during cloudy conditions, but output can be significantly reduced.
As Roshan explained, the system comfortably handled minor blackouts, but multiple dark and stormy days created new challenges.
How RESINC improved blackout protection
To increase the home’s resilience, RESINC Solar & Batteries designed a solution centred around additional battery storage.
According to Aidan Cocker from RESINC, the answer was straightforward.
Increase storage capacity.
RESINC added a further 38.4kWh of GoodWe battery storage to the property, substantially increasing the amount of stored energy available during prolonged weather events.
This additional capacity allows the home to:
- Store more excess solar energy during sunny periods.
- Maintain electricity supply during extended blackouts.
- Improve energy resilience during consecutive cloudy days.
- Reduce dependence on grid electricity.
- Increase peace of mind during severe weather events.
For homes located in regional and semi-regional areas, larger battery systems are increasingly becoming a practical necessity rather than simply a lifestyle upgrade.
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Why blackout protection is becoming increasingly important
Australians are consuming more electricity than ever before.
Electric vehicles, home offices, air conditioning, induction cooking, and electrified appliances are increasing household energy demand. At the same time, severe weather events are placing increasing pressure on the electricity network. Battery storage is therefore evolving from a bill-saving technology into a resilience solution.
Today, many homeowners are asking a different question. Instead of asking how much money a battery can save, they are asking:
How long can my home continue operating if the grid goes down?
This shift in thinking is driving significant growth in larger battery systems across Australia. Australia is currently experiencing record battery uptake as homeowners seek greater energy independence and protection from rising electricity costs and outages.
Why larger battery storage systems matter
Battery storage works best when combined with sufficient solar generation and appropriately sized storage capacity.
During sunny conditions, excess solar generation can be stored rather than exported to the grid. When poor weather arrives, that stored energy becomes critically important.
Aidan Cocker explained that larger battery systems allow homeowners to capture energy during favourable conditions and use it when solar generation is limited. This strategy helps households maintain power through extended periods of poor weather.
For homeowners seeking genuine whole home backup, battery sizing is therefore just as important as solar sizing.
More than just a beautiful home
Episode nine also highlights the continuing evolution of Roshan and Tee-Jay’s property.
Since Carlene’s last visit three years ago, the family has refreshed the home’s interior, embraced a brighter coastal aesthetic, and created outdoor entertaining areas that make the most of the stunning hinterland views. Repurposed timber from storm-damaged trees has even been transformed into a beautiful firepit area overlooking the property.
Like many homeowners, however, they admit the renovation journey is far from over.
The home continues to evolve. Importantly, it is now becoming increasingly resilient as well.
Expert insight
According to RESINC Solar & Batteries’ Aidan Cocker, increasing battery capacity allows homeowners to store more energy during favourable conditions and use it during prolonged periods of poor weather and grid outages.
The combination of substantial solar generation and expanded battery storage demonstrates how Australian homes can prepare for a future where energy resilience becomes just as valuable as energy savings.
Frequently asked questions
What is whole home backup?
Whole home backup allows a battery system to continue powering an entire property during a grid outage, rather than supplying electricity to only selected circuits.
Why did RESINC add more battery storage?
The additional battery storage improves blackout protection and allows the home to maintain power during extended periods of poor weather when solar generation is reduced.
Can solar panels still work during cloudy weather?
Yes. Solar panels continue generating electricity during cloudy conditions, although output is significantly lower than on clear sunny days.
Is battery storage worth it in Australia?
For many households, battery storage can reduce grid reliance, increase self-consumption of solar energy, and provide valuable backup power during blackouts.
How much battery storage is needed for blackout protection?
The required battery size depends on household electricity consumption, solar generation, and how long homeowners wish to maintain power during an outage.
Key takeaways
✅ RESINC Solar & Batteries expanded battery storage in Roshan’s Gold Coast home.
✅ Additional storage improves whole home backup capability where available.
✅ Larger battery systems provide greater blackout protection during prolonged poor weather.
✅ Energy resilience is becoming increasingly important for Australian households.
✅ Battery storage is now about both savings and security.
As episode nine of Open Homes Australia demonstrates, preparing for the future is no longer just about creating a beautiful home.
It is also about creating a home that can continue operating when the unexpected occurs.
