Everyone in solar is talking about bidirectional charging. It raises an interesting question: should a home battery or your EV battery power your home?
Some call EVs big batteries on wheels. At the same time, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program makes residential batteries extremely affordable.
At PSC Energy, we understand that this mix of ideas can be confusing. Some claim a home battery is the best choice, while others insist EVs will replace home batteries. Many articles talk about V2L, V2G and V2H as if every homeowner already understands the difference. We know it feels hard to make a clear decision when the marketing speaks a different language than you do. That’s where this article comes in.
In this article, you’ll learn about the following:
- How Does Home Energy Storage Work?
- What Is Bidirectional Charging? (V2L, V2G and V2H)
- Home Batteries Working in the Background
- Electric Vehicles as Home Storage with V2H
- Head-to-Head Comparison: Solar Batteries vs Electric Cars
- Other Considerations
- So Which Battery Energy Storage System Should You Pick?
- FAQ: Solar Batteries vs. EV Batteries
By the end of this article, you’ll know how each option works in real Australian homes. You’ll understand what V2L, V2G, and V2H mean, and see how both an EV and a solar battery can support your home.
How Does Home Energy Storage Work?
Solar panels make power when the sun shines; this isn’t exactly new. Your home uses some of that power in real time and then exports the excess back into the grid for a feed-in tariff. When the sun goes down or on cloudy days, your panels might not make enough energy, so you buy power from the grid again.
Residential battery storage changes that pattern.
A battery stores extra solar energy in the middle of the day. Later, your home uses that stored energy instead of grid power. That shift helps you use more of your own solar and less grid power. It can also support you during blackouts, depending on the system.
You have two main storage choices:
- You can install a dedicated home battery that stays fixed in your house, along with solar panels on your roof.
- You can also use the battery in your electric car in some cases.
When you use an EV for storage, you rely on bidirectional charging. The electric vehicle takes energy from your solar system or the grid when it charges.
It can then send energy back to your house (when needed) or the grid for a feed-in tariff.
Solar batteries and EV batteries use similar lithium-ion technology.
A home battery only powers your house. Your EV also needs to be available for driving. This extra role affects how practical Vehicle to Home (V2H) is in everyday life.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about charging EVs, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Much Solar (and Battery) Do You Need to Charge an EV in Australia?
What Is Bidirectional Charging? (V2L, V2G and V2H)
Bidirectional charging means:
- Energy can flow in both directions between your EV and the home or the grid.
- The car can charge from your solar or the grid.
- It can also discharge and power your home or the grid.
People use a few acronyms to describe the different ways this can work.
What is V2L? (Vehicle to Load)
V2L stands for Vehicle to Load. In simple terms, the car becomes a portable generator. The EV has a standard power socket built in or uses a special V2L adaptor.
You can plug in appliances to that socket or adaptor, and the car powers them.
Some EVs in Australia offer V2L. For example, the BYD Atto 3 supports V2L and delivers a peak output of about 3.3 kW, with a lower continuous output.
That amount of power can run: a fridge, lights, laptops, phone chargers, fans and even some higher draw appliances like a kettle, if you stay within the output limits.
Other cars with V2L include some Hyundai, Kia, Genesis and MG models.
V2L does not need extra wall hardware to work. You only need the car and the adaptor.
That simplicity makes it very handy in a pinch.
During a blackout:
- You can plug into the V2L socket and then plug a few key loads into the EV, powering them with your car battery.
- You can keep your fridge cold, charge devices, power lights and maybe boil some water.
V2L also has firm limits:
- The car does not act like part of your house wiring.
- You cannot run your whole switchboard from V2L in a clean and legal way.
- You cannot keep solar panels running during a blackout with V2L.
Anti-islanding rules mean grid-tied solar systems shut down when the grid goes down. A V2L system does not form a stable grid for your solar inverter.
You only have the energy that already sits in the car battery until the grid comes back.
Electric rules also make some ideas risky. For most homeowners, the safe and legal approach is simple: use V2L to power individual appliances, not the whole house.
What is V2G? (Vehicle to Grid)
V2G stands for Vehicle to Grid. In this case, your car sends energy back into the grid. You use a bidirectional charger to do this.
The charger and software talk to the grid and your car:
- When the grid needs support, the system discharges from your EV into the grid.
- When there is extra cheap or surplus energy on the grid, the system charges your car.
V2G can help the grid in two main ways:
- First, it can supply energy during peaks, like hot summer evenings when many homes use air conditioners. During those times, wholesale prices can spike. A V2G system can export energy from your car and pay you higher rates than normal feed-in tariffs.
- Second, V2G can charge with excess solar when supply exceeds demand. In rare cases, you might even get paid to charge from the grid.
Strictly speaking, V2G does not power your home directly. You still buy and sell energy to the grid through your meter.
In practice, many people use V2G as a loose term that includes home support. V2G serves the grid and pays you for that service. Other parts of your system (like a home battery) handle home backup.
V2G is not grid-forming. That means it does not keep your home or your solar system running during a wider grid blackout.
If the grid goes down, your V2G system stops exporting, and your home sits in the dark unless you have a suitable home battery or another backup option like a generator.
In Australia, V2G is still in its early stages. A small number of EV models support it, and only a few bidirectional chargers exist.
Some trials run in states like South Australia, but national rules and individual Distributed Network Service Providers (DNSP, the companies that maintain the grid) still shape what is allowed.
EVs are moving toward this feature, but changes to grid regulations are happening more slowly than advances in EV V2G technology.
What is V2H? (Vehicle to Home)
V2H stands for Vehicle to Home, a necessary feature if you want your EV to power your home.
In a V2H setup, the EV and a bidirectional charger work together to use the EV battery as a large home battery.
- The charger sends power into the house when the grid is healthy.
- Depending on charger design, it can also form a local grid for your home if the main grid goes down during a blackout.
With V2H, your EV keeps the solar running during a blackout.
Then, the home inverter sends solar energy to the EV and the house, within limits. This behaviour works like a home battery system.
It is the main reason excited consumers want EVs that support V2H.
A key point for Australia today is support.
At the time of this writing, only a few EVs in Australia support full V2H:
- The Nissan Leaf Gen 2 is the main example with proper support and an approved bidirectional charger. The charger for this EV is expensive and still rare.
- And then there’s the Ford F-150 EV, which has the same feature and is newer in the Australian market.
Other EV manufacturers have announced bidirectional chargers with V2H features, but support, warranties, and approvals are limited and may change in the future.
Bidirectional chargers for V2H and V2G cost much more than normal EV chargers. You might pay many thousands of dollars for a V2H-capable DC charger before installation.
A standard one-way EV charger (like the Tesla Wall Connector) usually costs a few thousand dollars or less before installation. As more brands enter the market, prices will fall.
For now, the cost and limited model support matter if you want to use V2H as your home energy storage solution.
Bidirectional chargers translate energy from the EV to the home, the solar on the roof, or the grid. The design must meet Australian DNSP standards and network rules.
Installing a V2H bidirectional charger is not straightforward. It requires a smart meter and a bidirectional charger.
Some EV makers may restrict which bidirectional chargers you can use to keep your battery warranty. Check your warranty’s fine print.
V2H and V2G use the battery more, and this creates extra cycles. How often a battery cycles dictates how long it will last. Remember, batteries lose capacity as they age.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about bidirectional EV charging, you might want to check out the following article titled, Bidirectional EV Charging in Australia Explained: Your Guide to V2G, V2H, and V2L.
Home Batteries Working in the Background
Here’s a quick picture to clearly compare the options.
A home battery installation connects to your house and serves only your home. It connects to your switchboard and solar system.
Your home battery charges with solar or grid power and discharges energy to your home when needed. Most home batteries on the market offer backup during blackouts.
You can monitor your home energy system with an app. Every home battery includes monitoring software or an app. From there, it can program your battery to charge and discharge at certain times.
You can also join Virtual Power Plant or energy trading programmes in some areas and earn extra value by letting the battery support the grid when it needs more energy. This includes blackouts, brownouts, and times when the grid needs support.
A home battery does one job: it stores energy for the house. It never leaves the driveway.
If you’re interested in solar batteries, you might want to check out the following article titled, Are Solar Batteries Worth It in NSW? PSC’s Ultimate Guide for 2026.
Electric Vehicles as Home Storage with V2H
When you use V2H, your car plays two roles:
- It serves as transportation for you and your family.
- It must also act as your home battery.
You need to understand what this looks like in practice in Australia.
An EV battery is large. A mid-sized EV might have 60 kWh of storage or more. That amount is several times larger than many common home batteries, where the average is 20-28 kWh.
In theory, you can power your house for days on end if you manage loads carefully. You’ll run fridges, lights, fans, devices and even some bigger loads. The exact run time depends on your daily energy use.
If V2H operates in grid-forming mode, it means your solar panels can keep charging the EV during a blackout. During a long outage, this powerful feature keeps a V2H system powered by solar energy for days. Rationing energy is as simple as the sun keeps topping up the system. In that sense, V2H looks like a home battery on steroids.
Now look at the practical limits:
First, your car must be at home and plugged in for V2H to power your home. If you’re a single EV household (and many early adopters in Australia are single EV households), one car leaves early in the morning to go to work and returns late in the afternoon.
In that case, V2H can’t support the home during the day, and it can’t support a midday blackout. It may help during evening peaks or night outages, but not during the hours when you use the car for transportation.
Second, you must plan your driving range. If you discharge the car battery deeply at night, you might wake up with less driving range than you need for the day.
You can charge from solar in the morning if you stay home. If you need to leave early, you may rely on fast chargers at service stations or grid power at home, which costs money and time.
Third, you need a compatible EV and a bidirectional charger. As we mentioned above, not all EVs support V2H today. Some brands do not support any form of bidirectional use and may never support it. Even when hardware support exists, the software and local approvals are dragging their feet.
Fourth, bidirectional chargers still cost a lot and remain rare. You may find it hard to buy one and find a local installer with installation experience. They are slowly improving this situation, but you must base your decision on the current landscape, not future promises or clever marketing.
Fifth, you must understand warranties and battery life. Any time you use V2H or V2G, you add charge and discharge cycles. EV batteries usually handle these loads well, and their cost per kWh is dropping faster than home battery costs.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about public charging stations, you might want to check out the following article titled, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Guide.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Solar Batteries vs Electric Cars
You now have the pieces. Here’s how the two options compare in the areas that matter most.
Reliability and Predictability
A home battery stays connected to your house and serves your home energy system every day:
- It charges when the sun is up and discharges when you need power.
- It doesn’t care about your driving schedule. It’s predictable and reliable.
A V2H system delivers large capacity, but only when your EV stays at home and is plugged in. The battery may be fully depleted when you need it to drive to work in the morning.
Blackouts and Backup Behaviour
A modern home battery with backup can support critical loads during an outage. Some systems support only a few circuits, depending on whether your home is single-phase or three-phase.
V2L can power loads during a blackout, but it will not keep your solar running. You must plug appliances directly into the V2L socket.
V2G does not help during blackouts because it is not grid-forming and only works with the grid.
V2H, if set up in grid-forming mode, can keep your solar system running and power the house during a blackout. Essentially, it behaves like a home battery.
The catch is, again, that this only works when the car is home and plugged in, and when the charger and network rules support backup.
If your primary concern is reliable backup during storms, a dedicated home battery offers a simpler, more predictable solution.
Daily Usage
A home battery is simple:
- It does not change your daily habits.
- It charges and discharges in the background. You might open an app sometimes, but that’s about it.
You’ll need to use some brain power to determine how low you allow the EV battery to discharge to power your home. You’ll need to think about tomorrow’s drive and plan school runs, work, and other long trips like holidays in Byron Bay.
Some of our customers enjoy that level of control, while others might find it tiring.
Availability and Practicality in Australia
Home batteries are available everywhere. Many brands sell them, and installers know how to design and fit them into your home energy system.
Network rules for batteries exist and feel clear enough in most states. Don’t forget the Cheaper Home Batteries Program takes a chunk of change off the upfront price.
V2H, so far, is only supported by a few EV manufacturers. Bidirectional chargers are still pretty rare and expensive. If you want a system that you can buy and install with less in the next year, a home battery is more straightforward.
Cost Considerations
On a per kWh basis, EV batteries are cheaper than home batteries. When you buy an EV, you pay for the battery pack and the car that surrounds it. It might feel like a bargain if you can use that same battery to power your home.
However, you must include the cost of:
- A bidirectional charger.
- Installation of the aforementioned charger.
- Possible electrical upgrades.
All of these costs can be high. You also face limited choice in chargers and EV brands.
Home batteries cost more per kWh. However, the Cheaper Home Batteries Programme can also bring the cost down for eligible homes.
Because numbers vary by state, brand, and installer, the key point is simple: do not assume V2H will always be cheaper in practice.
V2H could be great value in the long run, but only if hardware prices drop and there’s more regulatory support.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the price of solar batteries, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Much Are Solar Batteries? A Full Breakdown of Prices, Rebates, and Value in 2026.
Other Considerations
Your driving habits are at the heart of this decision:
- If you have one EV that leaves early and returns late, then V2H will often not be there when you need it most.
- If you have two EVs and one stays home during the day, then V2H becomes more useful.
- If you work from home and your EV spends most of its time in the driveway, V2H may suit you very well.
Your solar system size matters as well:
- A small solar system may not produce enough power to quickly recharge a large EV battery.
- A large solar system could charge both a home battery and an EV during the day. If you want to use solar for both, you’ll need enough panels and a well-designed system.
You must also think about warranty and battery health:
- All lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. The rate depends on how hard, how often and how deeply you cycle them.
- EV makers have long experience building packs that last for many years. Many offer long warranties. Using V2L, V2H, or V2G will add cycles, but it should still sit within design limits if you use the features sensibly.
- You must still check your manual to see what the maker allows.
Australian regulations matter too:
- V2H and V2G both need green lights from national standards and local DNSPs, and that change takes time.
- Some states may allow more than others in the short term.
- You need an installer who understands the rules and who will design your system with compliance in mind.
Finally, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program can tilt the scales:
- If you can access support for a battery installation, you might bring the net cost of a home battery down to a point where it feels like the cleanest choice.
- V2H does not receive this direct support now, but that gap may change in the future.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the Sigenergy SigenStor Bidirectional EV Charger, you might want to check out the following article titled, Sigenergy SigenStor Bidirectional DC EV Charger: Everything You Need to Know.
So Which Battery Energy Storage System Should You Pick?
There is no single right answer for every home. You need to look at your energy needs and goals.
A home battery suits you if you want something steady and simple.
- It provides backup that’s always connected to your home and your solar. You don’t need to plan whether the car is there or not.
- There is also support from the Cheaper Home Batteries Program until 2030.
V2H suits you if you already plan to own a compatible EV and want to future-proof your energy needs.
- If your car spends a lot of time at home.
- If you feel comfortable managing range and home load together.
- And if you’re okay with paying more for a bidirectional charger and dealing with a market that’s still developing.
V2L is a wonderful feature.
- While it will not replace a home battery or full V2H, it gives you a useful tool during camping trips and short blackouts.
- It makes it easy to keep a few key appliances running without any extra fixed hardware.
V2G may interest you if you enjoy the idea of helping the grid and earning money from your battery. For most households, it remains more of a future option than a core reason to buy an EV today.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how Zappi and Tesla EV Chargers compare, you might want to check out the following article titled, Tesla Wall Connector vs. Zappi EV Charger: Which is Right for You?
Final Thoughts: Two-way Power, Two-way Fun
You face a real choice between tried-and-true or emerging technology. A home battery has one job, and it keeps your home charged every day.
V2L, V2H, V2G, and other bidirectional tools turn your car into a more flexible asset, but they still face limitations in model support, charger costs, and regulations.
At PSC Energy, we help you line up the facts so the answer feels clear. We help you find calm and certainty with a home battery. We help you find V2H that fits your lifestyle. Either way, we’ll help you decide with your eyes open.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about solar and battery rebates in NSW, Australia, you might want to check out the following article titled, Ultimate Guide to Australia’s 2026 Solar Rebate and Battery Rebate: Federal and NSW Rebate for Solar.
FAQ: Solar Batteries vs. EV Batteries
Can my electric car really power my home?
Yes, but only if your car supports V2H and you use a bidirectional charger. These systems let your EV send power into your house. Not many EVs in Australia support V2H right now, and bidirectional chargers remain rare and costly.
What is the difference between V2L, V2H and V2G?
V2L lets you power appliances directly from your EV through a socket or adaptor. V2H lets your EV power your home through a bidirectional charger. V2G lets your EV export energy into the grid and support it. Each one does a different job, and only V2H can replace a home battery.
Will V2H work during a blackout?
Yes, if your V2H charger is grid-forming. A grid-forming charger creates a stable local grid for your home. It can also keep your solar panels running during an outage. Not all bidirectional chargers can do this, so you must check the features of the make and model.
Can rooftop solar charge my EV during a blackout?
This only works with V2H and the correct charger. It does not work with V2L or V2G. With V2L and V2G, your solar shuts down during blackouts due to anti-islanding rules.
Which EVs support V2H in Australia right now?
At the time of writing, the Nissan Leaf Gen 2 is the primary EV with approved V2H support in Australia. Some other brands talk about future support, but official approval, warranties and chargers remain limited.
Will V2H drain my EV battery and shorten its life?
All batteries degrade over time, including EV batteries and home batteries. V2H adds extra charge cycles, but modern EV packs are designed to handle heavy daily use. Degradation remains slow for most drivers. Check your EV maker’s rules about approved chargers so you keep your warranty safe.
Can V2L power my whole house?
No. V2L can only power appliances through a socket or adaptor. It cannot connect to your switchboard in a clean and legal way, and it cannot run your solar system during a blackout. It is great for camping or short emergencies, but not for full home backup.
Is V2G worth it for most homes?
V2G can pay you money when the grid needs energy. For many homes, V2G is still early. It depends on your EV, your charger, and your local network rules. It can be promising but not yet simple.
What is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?
It is a government program that helps eligible homeowners reduce the cost of a home battery. It does not apply to V2H systems or bidirectional chargers. This support can make a normal home battery cheaper and easier to choose.
Is a home battery easier than V2H?
Yes. A home battery always stays at home and always works with your solar system. Installers understand them well, and the rules are clear. V2H offers more storage but depends on the car, the charger, the installer and your daily routine.
Will Tesla cars support V2H or V2G?
Tesla cars do not currently support V2L, V2H, or V2G. Tesla focuses on one-way charging and sells the Powerwall as the home storage option.
Can V2H replace a home battery for most people?
It can work for some homes if the car stays home most days and you own a compatible EV. For many people, a home battery still feels simpler and more reliable. V2H may grow in the future, but today it suits early adopters and households with specific routines.
Should I wait for cheaper bidirectional chargers?
You can if V2H is your long-term goal. Bidirectional chargers are expensive today, and options remain limited. Prices should fall as more brands enter the market. If you need backup now and want something simple, a home battery may make more sense.
Is it smart to get solar now, even if I plan to use V2H later?
Yes. The sooner you install solar, the sooner you cut your energy bills. You do not need to wait for V2H. Solar works with both normal home batteries and future V2H systems.
