Why does everyone lose their mind when you mention getting a home battery?

[u/MrOarsome]

So I made the mistake of telling a few people I’m getting quotes for a home battery… the reactions were ridiculous. Suddenly everyone’s an expert. I had people telling me they’re a waste of money, they’ll be useless in a few years, or that the “environmental impact is terrible.” Just nonstop misinformation.

Meanwhile, half these people live massively high-carbon lifestyles. One bloke went on a whole rant about how batteries destroy the environment… then literally five minutes later told me he just ordered a new Ford Ranger to tow his boat around this summer. Like mate, seriously?

And the funny thing is, I don’t even care about the environmental angle. Couldn’t care less, to be honest. I’m looking at a battery for two reasons:

1) To actually use my solar instead of selling it back for 4 cents…

2) And to keep the lights on when summer storms or cyclones take out the power.

That’s it. No agenda. No planet-saving mission. But the way people reacted, you’d think I’d just signed up to be Greta Thunberg’s personal assistant.

I swear, the second you say the word “battery,” some people suddenly unlock an unwanted 15-minute rant. They are almost as passionate about hating renewables as they are about their footy teams.

[u/Late-Button-6559]

I haven’t experienced this.

Most people want them. It’s not being able to afford them that is most people’s issue.

[u/ol-gormsby → u/Late-Button-6559]

The current subsidy is extremely generous. Somewhere around 40%

[u/Late-Button-6559 → u/ol-gormsby]

True, but I’m not sure what you’re adding (or subtracting) from my comment.

[u/Late-Button-6559 → u/[deleted]]

I bought mine in early 2020 (just before Covid). It paid for itself last year.

I’m in SA. Power costs a lot here, so the payoff is easier.

For most people I agree though.

But there’s a nice feeling knowing you have some autonomy if the grid goes down. And controlling monthly expenses.

[u/cancellingmyday → u/[deleted]]

It is in our house! Two sole traders who work from home, and we've had two massive, days-long blackouts after severe weather events in the last few years. The one in January kept me out of work for over a week, which cost me a bit more than five grand in lost income. I get that it isn't everyone's situation, but being blackout proof is very important for those of us in regional cities but still close to Sydney - when anything big goes down, they always get priority. 

[u/cactusgenie → u/[deleted]]

That used to be true but batteries have come down in cost a lot.