Sunpower Solar Panels Review | #1 Residential Solar Panel?

Sunpower Solar Panels Review
When it comes to residential solar panels, Sunpower solar panels have been on top of the consumer choice list. Sunpower solar panels have been called the most efficient and worthy rooftop solar panels, but what makes them special? Many aspects of SunPower solar make them stand out from the crowd but in this SunPower solar panels review, let us dig deep into their technology and solar modules.

SunPower Solar Panels- How it All Started

Early in the ‘80s, SunPower embarked on an unofficial mission. It all started in a lab where they experimented with various solar panel technologies before launching as SunPower- the brand, in 1988. The R&D team’s initial financial acquisition allowed for the formal excursion to take place.
After then, there was no looking back since they collaborated with Honda, the legend of a brand, to build record-breaking PV (photovoltaic) cells utilizing cutting-edge cell technology and went on to win the world solar challenge automobile race, which established them as renowned pioneers of the renewable energy sector.
Over a 25-year period, their presence can be seen in a multitude of NASA programs as well as other aircraft projects. San Jose, California, is where SunPower’s corporate offices are located.
They also have the designation of Bloomberg Tier 1 ranking, which is a sign of the company’s financial soundness rather not necessarily of the high calibre of its panel. If this label is current, it implies that the company is a well-known major manufacturer that has successfully served clients on a worldwide scale for a long time.

About SunPower Solar Cell Technology

On the basis of pure tech advancements, there is no denying SunPower research and development team has been doing the most with the utmost quality assurance. 22.8% panel efficiency is the best in the market and undefeated so far, and that, paired with 420W panels, seems like a match made in heaven. Not only that, their cell technology of Maxeon cells, IBC cells and shingled cells are spectacular.

Let’s get to know them in brief-

Maxeon Cell Technology

Everything is held together by a strong foundation of tin-plated copper on the back of the solar cells. To make their solar panels even more effective, they employ the purest silicon that is created exclusively for solar panels. The Maxeon cells absorb sunlight with their distinctive light-trapping surface, which is also anti-reflective.

The metal gridline that was attached to the front of the solar panels was removed. Because of this, Maxeon cells have fewer shading issues and have a very posh appearance when installed on a rooftop. As said before, they are powered by a solid copper backing, and each cell is joined to the next by thick connectors called strain relievers. These are not always affected by heat; as you know, metal expands in extreme heat.

Maxeon solar cell technology has nearly eradicated the shattering and rusting problem, which historically prevents many solar cells from operating to their full potential. They have a special design that eliminates 85% of the problems that cause conventional cells to fail. SunPower may cost a bit more upfront, but you will enjoy the rewards in the long term.
sunpower maxeon

IBC Solar Cells

IBC, or interdigitated back contact, is a form of solar cell that, in contrast to conventional solar cells, converts energy from the cell’s forward contact to the rear contact. In contrast to conventional solar cells, this technique enables the whole front portion of the solar cell to function as a vessel for absorbing sunlight without wasting even a single inch of space.

One of the main reasons for efficiency loss is shading issues, which are caused by exposure to heat with metal gridlines. SunPower unveiled their market-leading IBC cell technology to completely eliminate this.

Shingled Cells

Just like rooftop shingles, these cell types work in a similar manner. They are laid in shingles that eliminate the need for busbars that accumulate space unnecessarily. More area of the roof is covered with the use of shingled cells that allows more PV cell space to actually work on generating renewable energy. Electrically Conductive Adhesive, or (ECA) is used to stick all the solar cells together while keeping them working.

Top Modules of SunPower Solar Panels

Here are some of the top models to choose from –

Maxeon 6 AC Solar Panel (Datasheet)

  • Factory-integrated microinverter (technology of Enphase)
  • −40°C to +60°C operating temperature
  • 66 Maxeon 6 cells integrated
  • 22.8% efficiency rating
  • Backed up with 40 year product and power warranty
  • Works even in low light conditions
  • Weatherproof
  • 25 year of inverter warranty through Enphase
  • Class II double-insulated, corrosion-resistant polymeric enclosure for the inverters
sunpower maxeon 6
sunpower maxeon 3

Maxeon 6 AC Solar Panel (Datasheet)

  • 22.7% efficiency rate  
  • SunPower warranty of 40 years (power & performance)  
  • High-transmission tempered anti-reflective glass 
  • Can withstand any harsh weather  
  • Ammonia and dessert tested with ISO certification  
  • −40°C to +85°C operating temperature  
  • Class C fire rating per IEC 61730 
  • Maximum power degradation of 0.25% annually  

Performance 6 Solar Panels (Datasheet)

  • 21.1% efficiency rate  
  • 25-years product warranty (complete confidence warranty)
  • Monocrystalline PERC solar cells  
  • IP 68 rating  
  • Black anodized aluminium alloy frames  
  • LID-resistant solar cells 
  • Hot spot resistance  
sunpower performance 6

Specifications At a Glance

SunPower Maxeon 6 ACSunPower Maxeon 3 DCSunPower Performance 6
Power (W)420 -440415-430395-415
Cell TypeMonocrystallineMonocrystalline Maxeon Gen 3Monocrystalline PERC
Efficiency (%)22.822.721.1
Weight (KG)1920.0418.6
Operational Temperature Range?40℃ to +60℃-40℃ To 85℃-40℃ To 85℃
Annual Power DegradationNot More Than 0.25%Not More Than 0.25%Not More Than 0.45%
Product Warranty40 Years40 Years25 Years
Performance Warranty40 Years40 Years25 Years
Weight (KG)21.821.221

Points of Difference and Areas to Improve for SunPower

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of SunPower solar panels.

Pros

  • Their creativity and use of the Maxeon IBC cells to boost panel effectiveness and efficiency are unprecedented. 
  • Peace of mind for decades to come with their 40 year warranty with flagship Maxeon panels and industry-standard warranty of 25 years with value-line solar panels.  
  • No other brand has achieved the highest level of efficiency in the residential solar panel category, which is 22.8% while using the purest silicon in their Maxeon series. 
  • With their latest AC modules, enjoy the perks of microinverters which allows each panel to work individually rather than in a series, reducing their chance of facing shading issues ten folds. This technology has been brought to you in collaboration with the pioneers, Enphase microinverters.  
  • Maxeon series, which also won the first-ever Sustainability Award from PV magazine because of their excellence in participating for the growth of clean energy. 
  • 0.005% chance of you returning your SunPower solar panel, statistically speaking.  
  • Various certifications, such as Cradle to Cradle and ISO, were obtained for their outstanding performance and efficient solar panels. 
  • Aesthetically enticing appearances to provide the homeowners’ roofs with a stylish outlook.  
  • As the solar panels can range up to 440W per panel, with less roof space, you can have twice as much power output in comparison to regular solar panels available in the market.  
  • Bloomberg Tier-1 solar system ranking for the company is present.  

Cons

  • SunPower solar panels come at a higher price point which can be considered a disadvantage; then again sustainable energy source of such calibre is an investment. Investments with insane ROI come at a price.  

SunPower Solar Panel Warranty

With a whopping 40 years of product and performance warranty with all the solar panels except the more affordable performance panels is astounding. As their panel return rate is already only 0.005%, where they sold over 30 million units, the company has confidence in its products which shows with such a long warranty period backup. Also, their degradation rate is 0.25% only which is impressive.  

Certifications and Achievements

SunPower solar panels are proud holders of many achievements and certifications so far, which further strengthens their claim to be one of the best in the category.  

The company has the Bloomberg Tier-1 ranking, which is proof of their financial solvency. This is an important marker when it comes to backing up such a huge warranty claim of 40 years. A bankrupt or soon-to-be broke company cannot provide you with the confidence to keep this promise.  

Also, they are PV evolution labs, one of the top performers. This proves their products are of top-notch quality. It indicates that in various weather conditions and in different situations, SunPower solar panels will still perform as expected. Point to be noted- this is a voluntary test in which SunPower participated at their own accord.  

SunPower solar panels also have an Australian office which is great for any emergency queries. All in all, they do back up their claim of being an amazing of a solar panel manufacturer. In this SunPower solar panel review, we pretty much covered all aspects of it.  

Want to grab the opportunity to know more about how you can get your hand on such an amazing product yourself? Get in touch with us today and claim a FREE consultation session.  

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

Essendon – Victoria

We Let The Facts Do The Talking

RESIDENTIAL CASE STUDY

ESSENDON, VICTORIA

Download Case Study

INVESTMENT

$17,755.50

PAYBACK PERIOD

95 months

SYSTEM SIZE

6.4kW

CARBON EMISSION SAVINGS

250 tonnes CO2

Est. LIFETIME SAVING

$77,556

We design and install solar for maximum clean energy production to offset your consumption. For this project we used Fronius 5.0-1 inverter and Hyundai HiE for solar panels.

Monthly Savings Summary

MONTHLY BILL ESTIMATE
Solar + Storage
Bill Before
Bill After

Yearly Savings

Current Bill
$2,000.00
After Solar
$920.00
After Solar + Storage
$647.00

Find Your Desired Brand

Alpha-ESS-08
Canadian 05
Fronius 06
Goodwe 10
Hyundai 02
JA Solar 09
LG Neon 01
SolarEdge 03
Sonnen 04
Sungrow 07

YEA – Victoria

We Let The Facts Do The Talking

RESIDENTIAL CASE STUDY

YEA, VICTORIA

Download Case Study

INVESTMENT

$8,986.00

PAYBACK PERIOD

53 months

SYSTEM SIZE

10.375

CARBON SAVINGS

413 tonnes CO2

Est. LIFETIME SAVING

$96,752

We design and install solar for maximum clean energy production to offset your consumption. For this project we used Fronius 5.0-1 inverter and Hyundai HiE for solar panels.

Monthly Savings Summary

MONTHLY BILL ESTIMATE
Bill Before
Bill After

Yearly Savings

Current Bill
$2,440.00
After Solar
$647.00

Find Your Desired Brand

Alpha-ESS-08
Canadian 05
Fronius 06
Goodwe 10
Hyundai 02
JA Solar 09
LG Neon 01
SolarEdge 03
Sonnen 04
Sungrow 07

What Happens to Solar Panels After 25 Years

what happens to solar panels after 25 years

Among all the renewable energy sources, solar panels are the the most accessible one for families all across the globe who are looking to switch to a greener source of energy while decreasing their electric bill.

Solar panels are also becoming less expensive as we speak, making them a perfect candidate for a sustainable energy source for most of us. With easier access, wide availability and government rebates, smart families are switching to solar; however, they last about a maximum of 25 years to 30 years. So, what happens to solar panels after 25 years?

Almost 95% of solar panel are recyclable. That means when solar panels reach an end of life, they can be recycled! Dumping ‘dead’ solar panels in landfill have been completely banned by the Victorian government because any sort of electronic waste is banned.

However, there are far fewer recycling facilities across the country present, making it difficult to recycle at the moment. The good news is multiple initiatives are on the way for establishing recycling facilities in Australia.

At the moment, Lotus energy is the most active in this field, and they already got started with recycling in the past year.solar panel lifespan

Why Recycle?

Australia is expected to produce one million tonnes of waste (solar panels) by 2047; according to Macquarie University, this amount is likely to rise as more families upgrade their systems rapidly. To help photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight into energy, solar panels are mandated to include hazardous substances (if disposed of incorrectly) like lead. These chemicals may seep out when old and damaged panels are dumped, creating dangerous conditions.

That makes it crystal clear, if not dealt with correctly, it can be a task to dispose of outdated panels. So, it makes total sense for panels to be recycled and not just left to be a massive pile of e-waste when the first wave of solar panel dumping starts.

What Other Options are Available Other Than Recycling

Instead of recycling, there are many ways a solar panel can be disposed of. There are many services available that take care of your electronic waste, such as solar panels, and take measurements for proper disposal. Because dumping them in landfills is illegal, many local councils can be tipped off.

Other than that, you can also reuse the panels and make it a part of your camping essentials. Even after solar panels reach its official end of time, they can still produce some electricity if used in bright sunlight and cleaned properly.

Also, there are many offshore facilities for recycling solar panels. You can contact the relevant government departments or the IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency), or your initial installer to talk about your solar replacement options.

renewable energy

How To Make My Solar Panels Last Longer?

To get the most out of your solar panels, you must taking precautionary measures from day 1. You know what they say, precaution is better than cure! In these measures, you can take the installation process itself as the first task. Make sure you go with a team of professionals who knows what they are doing. Please note, they must be approved by the CEC (Clean Energy Council).

The entire rooftop solar system has to be of high quality for it to be long-lasting. Also, check the government rebates, the components used have to be CEC-approved.

Make sure you clean your solar panels at least twice a year, so that excess amount of dirt and debris don’t accumulate on them, creating a barrier for proper sunlight to shine. This is deemed as a shading issue, which lowers the efficiency of solar panels by almost 50%.

So, what happens to solar panels after 25 years is they go through a proper recycling and disposal channel and get a second life. Unfortunately, the unavailability of such facilities results in the panels being dumped unethically. To prevent such occurrences, the Australian government is soon to take measurements in the upcoming years.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

How Long do Lithium Solar Batteries Last

how long do lithium solar batteries last
Solar batteries are the most valuable and rewarding addition to your solar setup. Among many kinds of solar batteries available in the market, like lead-acid and flow batteries, Lithium-ion batteries are considered to be the superior choice. The return on investment in Li-ion batteries is promising, which is why many solar battery companies and EV companies are gravitating towards it.
Now the question is, how long do lithium solar batteries last? Generally, Li-ion batteries are capable of providing you with sufficient backup for 5 to 15 years, depending on the brand, build, and how you have been treating the battery. So, it’s safe to assume once you invest in high-quality solar batteries, you can expect them to be by your side for a minimum of 10 to 12 years on average.
If you are wondering about battery backup in case of a power outage or a blackout of several days, then there are many attributes to take into account in this instance. How big the battery is and what you plan to run using the battery is what will shape the figure in hours of battery backup.

Brief Discussion on How Li-ion Batteries Work

For your ease of understanding, let us discuss the battery on a cellular level in its simplest form. So, in its simplest form, Li-ion battery, the anode (negative side) is made out of graphite, and the cathode (positive side) is made of lithium metal oxide, which is the essence of this battery. Both the anode and cathode are submerged in an electrolyte which in this case is lithium salt. Also, there is a separator in between, which helps in the exchange of electrons.
how long do solar batteries last
While the entire system is up and running, positive ions of lithium flow through the electrolyte to the negative side of the system to the anode to form a bond with the carbon of that side. While this is happening, an electron gets released in the cathode side as a reaction to what’s happening as a whole. So, the lithium metal oxide is now a lithium-ion, metal oxide, and a stray electron. This is what happens at the cellular level when you are charging the lithium cell.
Now let’s see what happens when you discharge electricity from it, AKA using the battery. At this stage, the electron flows in the opposite direction, which is basically what electricity is. A load is connected at this point of discharge, and the flow of electrons keeps the battery working.
Li-ion batteries are generally considered better despite being a tad more expensive than others because they are-
  • Smaller in size
  • Easy to maintain
  • Has a greater DOD (Depth of Discharge)
  • Offers more generic cycles to go through
  • Has a longer lifespan
  • Capable of fast charging

How Long Do Lithium Battery Last in a Blackout – Solar Battery Backup

On average, every Australian household that opts for a solar battery goes for no less than a 10kW battery backup option, which can provide your family with sufficient electricity for an entire day during a power outage. Here is a breakdown of the exact kilowatt-hour usage of a lithium solar battery if used strategically throughout a 24 hours span. Click here.
But if you opt for a battery even bigger, you can go for longer without a grid connection. Off grid homes are the epitome of an example of how a battery backup, along with solar panels, works in synchronization to run a household without any utility grid connection. The battery is charging as you use it or not to form a seamless flow of electricity in such cases.

Factors that Influence Solar Battery Lifespan – Dod

solar battery lifespan
Every battery on the market has a Dod (Depth of Discharge) percentage that the manufacturer advises. Dod is the maximum amount of solar battery that can be used before it has to be recharged. The more Dod, the longer you can go without charging the battery. If your 10kW solar battery, for instance, has a 95% Dod, you may consume around 9.5kW of the electricity before plugging it back in.
You can use the entire battery at once, but you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep it in excellent condition and extend its lifespan. Otherwise, this costly investment won’t provide the greatest results possible.
More and more individuals are converting to home batteries as technology improves because they are capable of storing excess energy that is produced by fully green sources like solar panels, hydropower, and wind. Being self-sufficient with a home battery is the best approach to eliminating your carbon footprint and becoming totally energy-independent.
By selecting the get help tab down below, you can schedule a free consultation appointment with one of our solar professionals to learn more about your energy usage pattern and how you can also become energy independent.

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Costs and Considerations for Solar- Solar for Beginners

Costs and Considerations for Solar
One of the core incentives that drive the shift to renewable energy is the financial aspect of it and how one can significantly reduce their energy bill with solar. So, that’s two terrific goals met with one move, which is going solar!
We want to help you transition. Before you make the decision to go green with solar, there are so many things to think through. But for starters, the first thought is most probably how much is it going to cost and will that be worth it? We understand your concerns, and for that reason, here is a brief discussion on costs and considerations for solar.
solar cost in australia

Solar Consultation – Get the Perfect Quote

There are a lot of solar installers who are eager to serve you. Not each and every one of the quotes offered by them will be the best fit for you; thus, sift through your options. Get to the CEC (Clean Energy Council) website and search through the list of approved installers. Find the ones nearest to you and compare some of the quotes. Ask the following questions to figure out the best one-
  • What is the cost breakdown of the quote given to me?
  • What is your industry experience and track record?
  • What warranties am I getting, including the products and your warranty as installers?
  • Any post-installation services if needed?
  • Who do I talk to if I face any issues after installation?
  • If replacements or repairing are needed, who is going the bear that cost?
  • How long will the installation take?
  • Am I getting the benefits of federal and state rebates?
These are just the basics, and there will be more questions throughout the entire process as you go by. However, there is no alternative to good research. As this is an investment, we suggest you do tons of research beforehand and then dive in to go with a solar installer. Only then can you ask the right questions.
You can follow our regular blogs to get a good grasp of the entire process piece by piece here.

Know Your Solar System – How Does Solar Energy Work

Knowing the basics of how the solar system works will always work in your favor during the installation process and decision-making as a whole. The solar system is a package that consists of solar panels, solar inverters, and sometimes solar batteries as well.
Silicon, one of the most prevalent elements on earth, is used to make PV systems. Different silicon kinds and alignments are used to create various types of solar panels – Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. The monocrystalline solar panel, which is produced using silicon ingots rather than silicon pieces assembled into a panel like the polycrystalline ones, is the most widely used and better form of solar panel.
A solar inverter is then attached to the solar panels, converting the DC (Direct Current) power produced by the panels into AC (Alternating Current), a type of energy that can be used in your home.
solar for beginners
Your daily activities require the generated electricity, while the excess power is returned to the utility grid. In exchange for your contribution to the grid’s energy, you receive power credits that you may utilize at any time of day. A grid-tied system can always acquire electricity from the grid, just like it always did, if you don’t have enough credits or generated electricity to power your home.
The difference is that today, as opposed to in the past, you pay far less for the electricity you borrow from the grid. It’s a whole other ball game for those who have solar batteries. In that case, you can ditch the grid entirely and live on your solar system completely. Of course, in that case, you will need to have an equally excellent solar system that is not going to be cheap. But hey, you are never going to have to pay a single dime for your power bill while living a carbon-free life.

What is the Basic Cost of Solar?

The initial cost of solar depends on so many external variables if you are looking for a figure in total. But, if you are looking for prices of the panels only, $3000 is a good starting price for a quality solar panel; however, as we said before, it depends on a lot more.
For example, a bigger house requires more power, thus more solar panels to provide for the needs. A bigger family with more members to cater to will also have a greater demand for power. What about the future? Are you going to expand your family? Do you have any changes planned for the future? Let’s say in 5 years; your life can change for the better and drastically. Would the system that you are choosing right now be able to keep up with you then? Solar panels generally have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. That is a long time, and to get the most out of your system, you have to take these little things into consideration.
As industry experts, we know the challenges of installing solar and how to work through those as we have been doing this for a good ten years. If you would like to know how you can enjoy the benefits of solar minus the hurdles, claim a free consultation session with us today.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

Craigeburn – Victoria

Craigeburn VIC 3064

12KW PV System
“Overall, customer was happy with the service and impressed with our installation team. More importantly, he was happy with the system. It continues to amaze him with the power it generates and the greater savings it delivers. This 12kw project with three-phase meter made all this possible. Solar installation is not just about saving money, but making money in the process. So switch so solar as soon as you can.”

Job Summary

Energy Savings*77% reduction
Payback Period35 Months
Annual Energy Savings*13,711kWh
First Year Return on Investment*35%
Greenhouse Gas Reduction*16,042 kg CO2 per annum
Total 10 Year Energy Usage Cost Saving*$39,760
*All the saving calculatoins are estimated using nearmap. Energy Output is calculated based on historical solar irradiance and temperature data at this location, factoring in panel tilt, orientation, and all of the System Parameters including System Efficiency. Emission reduction assumes full output usage and average savings from National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination 2008.

Background

Customer is very interested in the immediate installation of the Solar Pv system on their residential property. Our free assessment walked the customer through the entire process with care and guided then through the specifications and practicality of installation.

The Project

The 12kw PV system alongside with a 3-phase meter is the most suitable for this property. We ensure that our installation meets the customer’s optimal energy requirement and the desired energy output.

Results

Before customer’s annual energy consumption in kWh from the grid was 18000 but after upgrade, an estimated 3,921.95 annual energy consumption is forecasted. That’s a yearly savings of $ 14,078.05.
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Oran Park – New South Wales

Oran Park NSW 2570

15KW PV System
“ It was not the usual residential pv system installation. It was a 15kw project for a home, obviously made possible because the customer got a three-phase meter and a large roof space. As experts, our BDM provided a tailor fit solution that definitely delivered the right results. There is no such thing as a cookie-cut approach or off the shelf advise. We assessed the property and the best offer was this 15kw system that definitely delivered up to 80% savings and Returns on Investment within less than 48 months. Indeed, our system achieved great value for our customers. Talk to our experts on how to save and make money at the same time.”

Job Summary

Energy Savings*77% reduction
Payback Period*51 Months
Annual Lighting Energy Saving*14,368 kWh
First Year Return on Investment*24%
Greenhouse Gas Reduction*12,500 kg CO2 per annum
Total 10 Year Energy Usage Cost Savings*$40,230
*All the saving calculatoins are estimated using nearmap. Energy Output is calculated based on historical solar irradiance and temperature data at this location, factoring in panel tilt, orientation, and all of the System Parameters including System Efficiency. Emission reduction assumes full output usage and average savings from National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination 2008.

Background

It was a 15KW project for a home obviously made possible because the customer got a three-phase meter and a large roof space. Customer was looking for a solution to more than a thousand dollar a quarter electricity bill.

The Project

Before recommending a solution, we undertook a number of site visits to completely understand the client requirements and ensure we delivered the best possible outcome. The majority of the job involved installing 15 KW system.

Results

Following installation, customer has saved on their energy bill, which equates to over $3,447.26 in savings in the first year and completely paid back within 51 months.
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How Long will a 10kw Battery Last – Household Energy Basics

How long will a 10kw battery last
Imagine going a day or two without using any power sources; even an hour without electricity feels like a lifetime! That is dreadful! Well to be honest with the rising power prices and increasing political tension between the multiple nations it’s a risky take to not opt for a 10kW battery backup as soon as you can. Likewise, with the availability of government refunds it is simpler now, but there is no assurance for it to be accessible tomorrow! On that subject, how big a battery should you opt for? How long will a 10kW battery last? These are all legitimate questions, therefore we attempted to summarize them for you in this article.

How Many Hours of Backup Can I Get During Power Outage?

An average household uses up to 750W to a 1000W of electricity during a blackout or power outage situation; assuming they are only using what is necessary to keep things up and going. In that case a 10kW AKA 10,000W battery has the ability to back you up for 10 to 12 hours at a stretch. If you don’t draw power constantly then count an hour or two extra in that time crunch.
However, there is something extremely crucial to understand in this conversation. You will be spending a good amount of money purchasing a 10kW battery, so I assume you would expect that to last at least the max guarantee years. To achieve so, you are going to have to abide by some the manufacturers guidelines to keep your battery alive and well for a long time.
how long will 10kw battery last
All the batteries in the market come with a Dod (Depth of Discharge) percentage which is recommended by the manufacturer. Dod refers to what percentage of the solar battery you can use up before recharging it again. The greater the Dod the more of the battery you can use before recharging. For example, if your 10kW solar battery has 95% Dod, that means you can use about 9.5kW of the power before plugging it back in.
You can use up the whole battery at a go, but in order to keep it in good shape and increased longevity you have to abide by the manufacturer’s rules. Otherwise, this expensive of an investment will not be delivering the best it can. Remember, frequently charging and discharging the solar battery will significantly shorten its lifespan.

A Realistic Example – A Days Consumption

For instance, you are experiencing a blackout. You have a 10kW battery with 95% Dod, that means the optimum kW of energy for you to use now is 9.5kW. In this case, let us look at an example of how and where you can use this power.
  • Medium radiator (heating source) uses 1200W and hour meaning 1200*4=4800W 4hrs a day
  • Three 11W LED lights is 33W an hour and 33*12= 396W for the night time
  • A 400L refrigerator uses 68W an hour which is 68*24= 1632W a day
  • A large flat screen TV uses 100W and hour which is 100*3= 300W for a movie and more
  • A vacuum cleaner uses 1200W an hour and I guess that suffices
  • A warm wash cycle in the washing machine uses about 900W of electricity
  • Miscellaneous use let’s say its 500W for power points to charge your phone
In total that comes to 9728W or 9.7kW approximately watts day being very generous in terms of electricity use. Pretty sure vacuuming during a power shortage situation will probably not be your top priority but we still included that in the calculation to paint a realistic day in most of ours lives.
So, How long will a 10kW battery last? You can see a 10kW battery is more than enough to run your household smoothly for a day if you fully charge it once.

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When Does the Solar Rebate End in Victoria | Full Guide 2023

When does the solar rebate end in victoria

Energy experts are confident that the extended solar incentives program launched by the federal government and the state government would accelerate radical departure from gas as it strives to cut carbon emissions in half by the end of the decade. Along with the government rebate, which comes in the form of certificates, there is also a solar rebate in Victoria in place known as the solar homes program for the resident of Victoria.  

The Federal Australian Government solar rebate is set to end by the year 2030. That brings us to the topic, when does the solar rebate end in Victoria? The straight forward answer to this question is, it hasn’t been decided yet. However, the government website does release the rebate amounts allocated for solar, batteries, solar hot water and business every second Wednesday of each month.

Victorian Solar Rebate- What Exactly is Available?

So, under the solar homes program, there are several rebates for different needs of the house that ultimately contributes to lowering your electric bills and decreasing your carbon footprint. Which are-

  • Solar panel (PV) rebate – Current rebate value is a maximum of $1400
  • Solar for rentals rebate – Current rebate value is a maximum of $1400
  • Solar battery rebate – Current rebate value is $2950
  • Solar hot water rebate – Current rebate value is $1000
  • Solar for business rebate- Current rebate value is $3500

NB- the aforementioned amounts are subject to change. To be informed on the subject at all times, please follow the government website or get in touch with us.

solar rebate vic

The Nitty-gritty of The Solar Homes Program- VIC Solar Rebate

The Victorian government is providing with this phenomenal opportunity for your household to take full advantage of solar. Wondering if you can embrace both the federal (STC solar rebate) and the state rebate at the same time to double the benefits? You absolutely can. But keep this mind that you can only grab one incentive from the solar homes program.

Not just the $1400 PV rebate, you can also claim an equal amount in the form of an interest-free loan. This loan shall be paid off in the span of 4 years. That means if your solar system costs around $2800, initially, you will have to pay $0 upfront cost.

You cannot just claim the monetary benefits and the interest-free loan directly from the government. You will have to make a deal with a government-approved installer like us, who will claim the rebate by going through all the official processes on your behalf and adjusting the amount from the cost of installation.

In this context, there can be many situations one could be facing. Those who are homeowners and those who are not; those who already have a rooftop solar system and those who don’t; those who are looking forward to installing a home solar battery, all of these situations require different actions.

Firstly, the ones who do not have a PV system. In this case, the government rebate on solar, the rebate comes in a straightforward manner. Upon meeting all the eligibility criteria, you can claim the solar rebate, which will be calculated on the basis of your system size and cost, amounting to $1400 max. Along with this, you are also free to claim the $1400 interest-free loan. If you already have a PV system, it has to be 5kW or greater to claim one of the incentives from the solar homes program. Under-construction houses are eligible to claim the PV rebate upon meeting the criteria.

That is general business when it comes to installing solar panels.

There are also incentives for installing the solar battery, but when you have already claimed another rebate under the solar homes program, the battery rebate will not be available.

Houses that are connected to the grid can only claim the Vic solar battery rebate, not the off grid houses, unfortunately. Also, the homes which are under construction are also not eligible to claim the battery rebate amounting to $2950 max.

Keep in mind that you will have to apply for pre-approval from the Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) before adding solar batteries, as they will be grid connected to be qualified under the VIC rebate program.

How Does the Process go of Claiming the VIC Solar Rebate – Step by Step

authorised installer

The process is not that complicated. But you must appoint a government-approved retailer and also use all the approved components (solar panel, battery, inverter) to claim the rebate. Here is how the process goes from start to finish-

Step 1: You have to get in touch with an authorised solar retailer and get a quote from them.

Step 2: Upload the received quote in the Solar VIC portal.

Step 3: Check your eligibility to receive the solar rebate.

Step 4: You will receive confirmation from them after a while. Be patient in this step and avoid any monetary deals until you receive the final confirmation from the government.

Step 5: If you are proven to be eligible, you will receive a unique eligibility number and a QR code.

Step 6: Provide the QR and code to the installer to scan, and they can proceed with the installation.

Am I Eligible?

Here are some general eligibility criteria to receive the VIC solar rebate-

  • Your combined taxable household income shall not surpass $180,000 per annum
  • The property on which the system will be installed must not be valued at more than 3 million AUD
  • No rebates/incentives were received prior to this one under the solar homes program
  • Only those who have installed solar before 1st November 2009 can apply for VIC solar rebate to install or expand the existing system
  • Required documents – proof of income, proof of property ownership, council rates notice etc.

You can be eligible for both the federal and state rebate at the same time. There are several online STC certificate calculator online to get a rough idea too. However, if you want to know specifics we can help.   

In conclusion, the entire process of claiming the VIC solar rebate might look challenging; however, with the help of experts in the industry, you can rest easy. Go solar and grab this amazing opportunity that our government is rewarding us with before it’s too late.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!