No, a battery is not required. Under Solar ATAP a solar-only system works well if you use most of your power in the daytime, because surplus exports earn bill credits. A battery energy storage system (BESS) suits households that use power mostly at night or want backup during outages.
Key facts
- A battery is optional; Solar ATAP works with solar-only systems.
- Solar ATAP domestic limits: 5 kW single-phase, 15 kW three-phase.
- Domestic export credits follow the prevailing energy charge.
- A BESS stores daytime surplus for evening use and can provide backup, depending on system design.
- ERS Energy residential packages range from 4 kWp to 20+ kWp.
Do I need a battery to go solar?
No. A solar-only system and a solar plus battery system both work; the right one depends on when you use electricity, your priorities and your budget.
Under Solar ATAP, effective from 1 January 2026 (Bernama), surplus energy is exported to TNB and earns credits against your bill. That export path is what makes a solar-only system workable without storage.
What does a solar-only system do well?
It offsets the electricity you use while the sun is shining and sends the surplus to the grid for credits. It costs less upfront, has fewer components to maintain, and suits households that are active in the daytime, such as home offices or homes running air conditioning through the afternoon.
What does a battery add?
A battery energy storage system (BESS) stores surplus solar energy and lets you use it after sunset. Depending on the design, it can also power selected circuits during an outage. Not every hybrid setup does this automatically, so ask for backup by name.
Domestic export credits are set at the prevailing energy charge (The Star). A battery therefore mainly changes when you use your solar power, not how much the grid pays you for it. The value of a battery lies in evening use and resilience, not in extra credits.
A battery also adds to the price of the system. Battery cost varies with capacity, brand and inverter type, so ask for solar-only and solar plus battery quotes itemised side by side.
Solar-only or solar plus battery: how do they compare?
| Factor | Solar only | Solar plus battery (BESS) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Daytime use | Evening use, backup needs |
| Exports surplus to grid | Yes, all surplus | Yes, usually after the battery is full |
| Backup during outage | No | Possible, depending on design |
| Complexity | Simple | More components |
How do I decide?
Look at your TNB bill and your daily routine. If you are away most of the day, a battery lets you capture midday generation for the evening. If you are home in the daytime, solar alone may capture most of the value.
Then think about the 10-year Solar ATAP contract. An electric vehicle or extra air conditioning will change your pattern. Read Solar ATAP explained and check your eligibility first.
What should I compare in the warranties?
Ask for the module performance warranty, the inverter warranty and the battery warranty in writing, including cycle life and capacity retention for the battery. Terms differ by manufacturer and the periods are not the same across components, so compare them line by line.
How ERS Energy helps
Our residential packages run from 4 kWp to 20+ kWp, covering terrace, semi-detached and bungalow homes, with or without storage. We size the system to your bill and put solar-only and solar plus battery options in front of you together. We can also specify a hybrid-ready inverter if you want the option of storage later. See our residential solar solutions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a battery to my solar system later?
Often yes, if the inverter is hybrid or battery-ready. Raise it at the design stage, because fitting a battery to a standard inverter may mean replacing equipment.
Will a battery power my home during a blackout?
Only if the system is designed for backup. A basic solar system shuts down when the grid fails, for safety reasons. A battery system with backup capability can keep selected circuits running.
How big should the battery be?
Size it from your evening consumption, not your panel rating. Your installer can read the evening load from your TNB bills and propose a capacity that covers the hours you want to shift.
Does a hybrid inverter cost more than a standard one?
Quotes differ by brand and capacity, so ask your installer to price a standard inverter and a hybrid-ready one separately. That shows exactly what keeping the battery option open would add.
Sources
Facts and figures may vary by the time you read this. This article is for general information only and is not financial, legal, tax or engineering advice. Always double-check key facts and figures with the relevant official source before relying on them.
Not sure which suits you? Send us your TNB bill and we will review your options.
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