Don’t Bet The House On Cheap Batteries – Why 70ways Prioritizes Quality
After 17+ years experiencing the ebb and flow of the solar industry, the sheer number of new battery brands available right now is mind-boggling. To us at 70ways, the only thing more confusing is this: why do people peg their expectations so low when they see a rock-bottom price?
If you’re happy to buy a top-quality Toyota because it’s established, reputable, and reliable, you’d probably sneer at a “Calcutta Cruiser” as a poor substitute. So, when it comes to your home—your most expensive asset—why on earth would you settle for the cheapest hardware installed by a pop-up company? Saving a few bucks upfront on a brand nobody has heard of often leads to damage, roof leaks, and a system that fails when you need it most.
The “ROI” Trap
People often fret about the “Return on Investment” for solar, yet that never enters the conversation when buying a car or a couch. At 70ways, we see people proud to skimp on their energy infrastructure, ignoring the “cheap junk” covered in irrelevant labels and bad conduit work that often hides behind the covers of budget installs.
Do You Have $30,000 Down The Back Of The Couch?
Before you spend thousands on a novelty, oversized battery, you must ask yourself a simple question: Can you afford an additional $30,000 out of your own pocket to replace it if it fails?
Remember, the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a one-off incentive. If your “no-name” hardware stops working and the seller stops answering the phone, you don’t get a second chance at that subsidy. You’ll be left with half a tonne of liability that costs an eye-watering amount to dispose of safely.
What is a Reasonable Price in 2026?
In the past, the rule of thumb for solar was “a dollar per watt.” Today, as we navigate the 2026 rebate shifts, the math has evolved.
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Solar: The annual reduction in STC incentives means your “out-of-pocket” cost is rising.
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Batteries: While the Cheaper Home Battery Program aims to make storage 30% more affordable (offering around $300–$311/kWh), this must not be confused with the CHEAPEST system.
A compliant battery with a quality inverter installed on your wall typically sits around $1,000 per kilowatt-hour before rebates. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it’s because the installer is cutting corners on safety and compliance.
Why Quality Costs More (And Why It’s Worth It)
Building a battery, writing the software, and spending months earning CEC Approval is expensive. At 70ways, we also factor in the long-term:
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10-Year Warranties: We only partner with brands that can actually honor their Australian Consumer Law obligations.
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Real Support: Good installers like 70ways dedicate entire teams to maintenance, commissioning, and solving customer tech issues (like reconnecting WiFi).
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Safety First: We’ve seen “budget” installs with 1000V DC cables draped over roof purlins or batteries settling into the sand because of cheap plastic bases. These are fire and structural hazards.
The 70ways Upshot
Put simply, if federal incentives are paying for more than half of your system, you’re likely buying poor-quality gear from “shonks” who won’t be there when you need a warranty claim.
There are tell-tale signs of a bad provider: phone-only consultations with zero site visits, shirking responsibility for required switchboard upgrades, and failing to provide proper handover documentation.
With 70ways, you get what you pay for: a future-proofed, safe, and fully supported energy solution. Don’t let buyers’ remorse be your story in 2026.