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.

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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.

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When Does the Government Solar Rebate End | Update 2022

When Does the Government Solar Rebate End
Under the federal government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET), there are separate schemes to facilitate the solar rebate in order to encourage  consumers into getting a solar panel system. There are federal as well as state incentives in place to encourage the green energy source usage in people’s lives. This way, Australia can transition into becoming one of the leading countries to emit less and less Green House Gases (GHG) in the upcoming years. The government does not plan on continuing the scheme forever. So, when does the government solar rebate end? All the schemes under the RET will be put to an end by the year 2030. So, as time passes, your chances of claiming the rebate reduce bit by bit.
government solar rebate
There are many aspects of the rebate and adjacent facts about it. Under the RET, there are mainly two schemes that provide small-scale solar owners and large-scale solar owners with a financial incentive that helps keep the prices down.
Keep on reading to know more about the government rebate.

Renewable Energy Target

Australia’s federal government established the Renewable Energy Target (RET) in 2008. Two programs under the RET make it easier for owners of small- and large-scale systems to get Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) and Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), respectively.
These certificates each represent a megawatt-hour of power that was conserved via the use of renewable energy sources. Prices for LGCs and STCs are determined by supply and demand for the certificates rather than by any one body.

What is STC?

STCs are available to households and small enterprises who have or need solar panel systems with a capacity of 100KW or less. Additionally, the yearly electrical products cannot be no more than 250kW. Within a year of installation, certificates must be generated.
Keep in mind that STCs may only be produced by installers who have been certified by the Clean Energy Council (CEC). Additionally, all three components—panels, inverter, and battery—must be included on the CEC list of permitted parts. They won’t be qualified for the program if they don’t.
solar rebate
With this plan in place, the Australian government is attempting to shift some of the burdens away from non-renewable energy sources, which is the main culprit behind increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Deeming Period

In the year 2030, the government intends to abolish the initiative. The financial incentives or the STCs formation permit rate gradually but certainly decrease with each passing year. The deeming period denotes this timeline.
Essentially, it’s the number that tells you how many years are left before the government rebates end, and it’s used to calculate the number of certificates (STCs) to be generated by the approved installers. Simply put, on that premise, a preliminary estimate of STC is produced.
The first calculation of the number of certificates that may be produced is done by adding the estimated amount of MWh of energy that can be obtained from renewable sources up until the year 2030.
But this figure is impacted by the diminishing deeming period, so the earlier one installs an energy-saving technology, the greater the financial incentives one may receive, and vice versa.
small scale technology certificate

State Solar Rebate

Apart from the federal solar incentives, there are also state solar rebates for specific states that make the transition to the greener source even smoother.
The Victorian government is offering up to a $1400 rebate for PV installation to its residents. With that, there is also an option to claim an interest-free loan of the same amount if the residents are proven to be eligible for such a scheme. A set number of rebates are allocated with each release, and currently, there are 9705 numbers of rebates waiting to be claimed by Victorian residents.
Know more about the Victorian state solar rebate here.
There is also a state rebate scheme going on for the residents of NSW. This initiative offers free 3kWh solar energy systems to low-income homes in a few NSW areas. If you reside in one of the Central Coast, North Coast, South Sydney, Shoalhaven Illawarra, or South Coast low-income household rebate regions, you may be eligible for a free solar system from the NSW government.
However, keep in mind that in order to use the scheme, people must own their property and be content enough to give up their low-income household rebate for 10 years.
Know more about the NSW state solar rebate here.

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How Much are Solar Batteries | Cost of Battery

how much are solar batteries
Adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, etc., as the primary energy feeder for a household is the best possible way to become carbon-free. However, if you want to completely eliminate your dependency on the grid and receive zero electric bills at the month’s end, solar batteries are the way to go.
Solar batteries are amazing; there is no room for doubt. Although, the pros of having a battery attached to your solar system is a clear win. Still, the question remains, how much are solar batteries? Here’s a brief discussion.

Price Range of Solar Batteries

Prices of solar batteries have dropped down recently due to significant improvements in technology and the availability of resources. Of course, that doesn’t mean they are cheap now, but the drop is astounding. Previously for each kWh of solar battery storage, you would have to pay somewhere around $3000 to $3600 for battery only plus the installation cost. Now, you can expect to pay about $1200 to $1400 for each kWh storage of solar battery. That’s almost a 52% price drop, and it will only get better from here onwards.
solar battery price
To make more sense out of those numbers, imagine a typical family of four. With no extraordinary power usage on average, they would require about 38kW to 40kW to live comfortably. Assuming they are not connected to the grid and have solar as their sole energy source, the majority of that power need will be satisfied with direct solar power. They will only require extra when the sun doesn’t shine, and that can be compensated with solar batteries. That power need can be assumed to be around 12kWh to 15kWh. Note that I am being generous with numbers here; you might not even need this much for a family of four.
Assuming that the family is in need of a 12kWh battery depending on power, that will cost them around 12kWh*$1200= $14,400 to have solar batteries tied with the solar system. Yes, by no means is that a small number, but you have to consider its advantages. Also, don’t forget it is an investment to yield benefits for the upcoming ten years at a minimum with zero electric bills. Now that sounds like a fantastic deal, doesn’t it?

What Influences Solar Battery Cost?

Type of Battery
Many types of solar batteries are available for grabs in the Australian market as we speak. Different battery types come with different pros and cons. However, there are two most popular types used for solar energy storage, which are-
  • Lead-acid battery
  • Lithium-ion battery
Lead acid batteries are cheaper in comparison and are the most popular type of solar battery at the moment. However, they are not the most efficient option out there, as they require regular maintenance. On the other hand, Li-ion batteries are seemingly better alternatives to lead-acid ones as they require little to no maintenance, charge faster, offers a greater DOD (Depth of Discharge), and so much more. But it’s to be noted that li-ion batteries cost more than lead acid batteries.
Installation
Cost is also dependent on installation as that is also a factor that adds more to the initial number. A certified and insured solar installer should oversee the installation of solar batteries, which is non-negotiable in order to achieve power independency. Making modifications to your current solar power system yourself can jeopardize the battery, and the system, so a do-it-yourself approach is discouraged by solar emporium unless you are an approved installer yourself, of course.
With the installation process comes labor cost, and this is also a factor that varies from person to person, depending on the installation site and the work time.
solar battery cost
Size
Of course, the size of the battery hugely impacts the cost. If you want more hours of battery backup, the battery will be more expensive, and vice versa.
Brand
Certain brands are expected to cost more because of the superior quality offered by them, along with the faith that comes with those brand names. For example, a Tesla powerwall will definitely cost you more than any other battery brand for its brand value, and outstanding quality claimed by the company. Other renowned brands also follow the same agenda.
Inverter Type
If you already have a solar system installed on your rooftop, you definitely also have an inverter. Depending on the type of inverter, the cost of the battery may increase as a whole. If you do not have a battery-ready hybrid inverter, your cost of having a battery will significantly go up as you are going to have to get a brand-new inverter with the system.
But that is not the only way around, you may get away with additional wiring and small changes around the solar system, but that is strongly subjective to your inverter type.
So, those are the factors that influence the cost of the battery. Please note that along with these factors, the numbers may fluctuate depending on your needs and your house. To be precise in this journey, and save money in the long run, it’s easier and best to consult with an expert in the field. Also, if you want to claim government rebates, all of your components and installation partners need to be CEC (Clean Energy Council) approved.

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What are the Best Solar Panels in Victoria and New South Wales

What are the Best Solar Panels in Victoria and New South Wales

The title of “Best solar panel” cannot be categorically given to one particular brand or kind of solar panel. In retrospect, there was a time when solar technology was not as prevalent as it is now in the 21st century. Previously, brands did have the upper hand, but now, there are so many brands and types of solar panels available in the market that no one brand has a chance to dominate.

It is not really the brand name but the technology and execution used in the solar panel manufacturing process that can offer you an amazing 25 years of solar. In different locations and scenarios, different types and brands of solar panels will perform the best. All you have to do is figure out which one is the best fit for your case. You can always ask for our experienced solar experts’ help if struggling.

If you are wondering what are the best solar panels in Victoria and New South Wales or what are the best solar panel in Australia please keep on reading.

best solar panels in NSW

Best Solar Panels in Victoria and NSW

There is no such thing as the best solar panel in the residential solar market. The most suitable solar panel is the one that is best suited to your current needs. Even so, there are some solar panels that check all the boxes that an ideal solar panel should have. Among all those, I have selected three solar panel brands for discussion. They are as follows –

Hyundai Solar Panels (UF Series)

Hyundai is a brand that is mostly known for its cars. But they do also manufacture solar panels, which have been claimed to be one of the best in the Australian solar market. Here are some facts about Hyundai solar panels.

Things I Like

  • The UF series offers solar shingled cells. With this type of solar panel, the inter-solar cell gaps are minimized; thus, more silicon cells can be adjusted onto the panel’s body. This can result in a higher yield of electricity.
  • Protecting the shingled cells, there is a layer of tempered glass. Tempered glass is way less prone to breaking, so you can be at ease with its safety. Also, the body is reinforced with a metal frame.
  • As Hyundai is a renowned global brand, you don’t have to worry about them going out of business for the foreseeable future. This should give you confidence in claiming your warranty of 25 years.
  • To ensure a greater actual yield over the course of the product’s lifespan, LID (light-induced degradation) and PID (potentially-induced degradation) are both completely excluded.
  • With different wattages offered for the UF series, you can enjoy the efficiency of 20.5% to 21.3%, which is easily one of the highest in the industry.
Hyundai-390W-solar-panels

Areas to Improve

  • A higher upfront cost can be considered an area for Hyundai to improve. We all want good solar at an affordable price range. 
  • An extended warranty service.

SunPower (X Residential Series)

If you are going to solely focus on the efficiency rate of the solar panels, SunPower solar panels remain unmatched to this day. Their patented technology of the ‘Maxeon’ solar cell has brought revelation into the solar production arena.
Things I Like
  • With more than 21% efficiency in the X-series of residential solar panels, you can enjoy the freedom of solar at its best. Of course, not every house would be able to reap the same benefits; just like with any other panels, it depends on your positioning of the house and other factors as well.
  • For some homeowners, even if solar seems like a great idea, they tend to shy away from it because of the looks that it gives their home. This series of SunPower panels have some aesthetically pleasing all-black models which leave your home looking sleek.
  • SunPower solar panels are constructed with a copper frame, which virtually remains unharmed and is proven to be corrosion-free even if exposed to humidity or hail.
  • They offer 25 years of warranty for their panel.
  • All the solar cells are generation 3 Maxeon monocrystalline solar cells. This is their patented technology that boasts the highest efficiency rate in the industry.
sunpower-X-series
Areas to Improve
  • If connection hampers with the inverter and it fails to do the DC to AC conversion, sometimes SunPower panels tend to overheat. This overheating can potentially reduce the conversion rate for the time being.

Ulica

For those who are looking for efficient solar packages on a budget, Ulica solar panel is an excellent option. They are a giant solar manufacturing company that has a capacity of 800 megawatts of production capacity.

Things I Like
  • Ulica solar panels are manufactured in China, and they are a Tier-1 company. Yes, being a Chinese solar company sometimes is not something that a skeptic would appreciate; however, being a tier 1 company, you can be very sure about Ulica as a company.
  • Ulica solar panels offer about a 21.9% efficiency rate which is up there in the big leagues.
  • Even in low light conditions in case of rain or hailstorm, Ulica solar panels perform amazingly. Not my words; it has been tested and proven.
  • They offer additional solar insurance on top of a 12-year product warranty. They also offer 25 years of linear power warranty.
  • In extreme heat, solar panels’ performance tends to deteriorate, but Ulica solar panels passed the anti-PID (potential induced degradation) test. This means they perform well even under extreme heat.
Ulica-370W
Areas to Improve
  • Most solar panel brands offer 25 years of product warranty, but Ulica offers only 12, which is an aspect they can certainly improve.

So, those are a few solar panels discussed above among the top ones currently available in the market. You may also look through our well-thought-out solar packages, which are pre-made bundles of an entire PV system for you to enjoy solar right from the get-go.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

ABB Inverter Review 2023 | Rise from the Ashes

ABB Inverter Review
ABB Inverter rose like a phoenix from the ashes; it went through a lot of controversies, its company’s name got tarnished, but it kept on going and reached where it is now today. ABB is a multi-billion-dollar industrial tycoon which manufactures its solar inverters in Italy. They are one of the largest inverter manufacturers with more than 105,000 versatile employees while ruling over 100 countries. ABB inverter was able to attract customers across Australia, China, Italy, Slovakia, South Africa, and the USA.
In this ABB Inverter review, you will not only know about its difficult journey, but also you will know about its outstanding inverters, which are taking the Australian market by storm.
So, let me help you to get to know more about the ABB inverters! And then You decide whether you will want to give ABB a chance to lighten and brighten up your home or your office.

Table of content

Is ABB A Good Brand?

ABB has undergone lots of ups and downs in these 33 years. It’s the perfect example of not giving up at any cost. So, before I give you an answer on whether ABB is a good brand or not, let me give you a quick brief on its company.
ABB was founded in 1988 in Zurich, Switzerland; it was a merger of two companies named ASEA and Brown, Boveri & Cie. These two companies were formed in 1883 and 1891 respectively and were involved with electrical goods like motors, circuit breakers, robots etc.
ABB provides an all-inclusive range of power converters and solar inverters for a variety of applications across all industries. The power converters and inverters of ABB help you to generate and use energy efficiently. It is designed in such a way so that it can withstand any sort of conditions and that too at a low price. You can undoubtedly rely on ABB as its power converters and solar inverters are backed by global support and service.
Furthermore, ABB’s commitment towards technical innovation and manufacturing has been acknowledged, and it has been awarded as the Manufacturer of the Year at the Motion Control Industry (MCI) awards.
This MCI award is proof that ABB is one of the only few manufacturers that offer both VSDs (Variable Speed Drive) and motors that combine the perfectly matched motor and drive packages made just for you!
ABB invests heavily in the development of next-generation motion technology; it offers comprehensive life cycle services to maintain the reliability of its products. And for this very reason, they are known as the market leaders in the supply of motors and drives. More so, ABB won Supplier of the Year at the Pump Industry Awards.
ABB has Ability Smart Sensor for low voltage motors, which offers just the right thing- you can now monitor the condition of most low voltage motors at a very low price. This Smart Sensor converts low voltage motors into intelligent, connected machines. The predictive maintenance based on data from this sensor can help you to reduce the downtime by up to 70%. It can also extend the motor lifetime by 30 %, and it can cut energy consumption by up to 10%.
And then there’s the Smart Sensor which is part of the ABB solar inverters portfolio that includes more than 180 digital solutions! It uses the industrial internet to create digitally connected devices, systems and services that increase productivity, cut maintenance costs and reduce energy consumption. ABB is definitely an all-in-one package.
ABB Inverter Review
Oh, wait! It doesn’t stop here; ABB has world-leading manufacturing facilities; for instance, its 25,000 sq.m Helsinki factory is home to VSD (Variable Speed Drive) and R & D initiatives.

There are over 20 different laboratories at the site supporting production, R&D and customer applications. And you won’t believe it, but the factory produces some 200,000 variations of frequency converters and solar inverters each year! Unbelievable, isn’t it? 

Additionally, ABB has its own field service engineer network, backed up with local support through its authorised value provider channel to support its drives and motors in the field.
Therefore, ABBs hard work and willpower earned them these awards, which is a testament to their success serving these diverse industries as ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalisation. I am sure by now you got an answer of whether ABB is a good brand or not. Because it indeed is, and no matter what its past was, I can assure you that ABB won’t disappoint you.

ABB and FIMER Partnership

ABB was a premium manufacturer that offered a wide range of high-quality string solar inverters; in 2014, ABB bought forth one of the smallest yet famous companies called ‘Power One’, which was known as ‘Aurora’.
Unfortunately, things got out of hand, and it gained a poor reputation because of the ‘Aurora’ solar inverters. The customers were facing issues such as technical problems and poor customer support; as a result, ABB’s solar inverter began to lose its reputation. And just for this one mishap of ABB Aurora solar inverter, it had its negative impact on their other standard quality type inverters as well.
Thus, in July 2019, ABB decided to opt out of the business. And just in time, FIMER came to the rescue in early 2020. FIMER solar inverter is the fourth largest Italian based solar inverter distributor. It has a production capacity of 4.12GW with a string inverter range from a few kW to 7.8 MW; held the hands of the ABB’s business and finalised the acquisition.
ABB, in spite of having a terrible startup, with their years of playing around the Aurora inverters, finally got through all the infamy by starting from scratch. It reintroduced their technically advanced inverters called the UNO inverter series. And it was only possible with the help of the FIMER, the guardian angel of ABB.

Where Is ABB Solar Inverter Manufactured?

ABB’s inverter, as mentioned earlier, are manufactured in Italy. You might worry about the pricing of the inverters, as ABB is a multi-billion-dollar industrial giant, but that is the last thing you should worry about. As these top-notch inverters are cheap and come with great customer support.
Although ABB’s solar inverters are manufactured in Italy, but you will be amazed to know that it has got not one, but four offices in Australia- situated in 4 states, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth and their head office is situated in Sydney, NSW. So, without any hesitation, you can drop in your queries, and within no time, ABB’s correspondents will be solving your problems.
ABB Inverters Manufactured

Different Types of ABB Solar Inverter Available in the Australian Market

ABB, powered by FIMER, has a variety of solar inverters available in the Australian market, which you can use for both residential and commercial properties. So, without any further ado, let’s take a look at the five most desirable ABB inverters:

ABB UNO-2.0/3.0/3.6/4.2-TL-OUTD

  • It is a single-phase solar inverter that is best for residential systems.
  • Each inverter is set to specific grid codes, which can be selected in the field.
  • Wide input range and high-efficiency values.
  • Natural convection cooling for maximum reliability.
  • Maximum voltage range is up to 600V-800V.
  • The maximum efficiency rate is up to 97.30% to 98.40%.
  • The Euro inverter efficiency rate is 97.5%.
ABB-UNO-2.0-3.0-3.6-4
  • It is IP65 rated best suited for Australia’s weather.
  • The user interface is Display (2×16 line LCD).
  • The weight of these inverters is 12 kilograms.
  • It is easy to install; the Plug and Play connectors, both on the DC and AC side as well as on the RS485 communication port, makes a simple, fast and safe installation.
ABB UNO-2.0/3.0/3.6/4.2-TL-OUTD: Specifications
ABB-UNO-DM-3.3-4.0-4.6-5

ABB UNO-DM-3.3/4.0/4.6/5.0-TL-PLUS

  • It is an extremely lightweight and compact single-phase string inverter, weighing only 15 kilograms.
  • Power rating from 3.3 to 5.0 kW
  • It has got an environmental protection rating of IP65.
  • Maximum efficiency rate is 97% to 97.4%.
  • The Euro efficiency is 96.5% to 97%.
  • It’s easy to install; the presence of Plug & Play connectors makes the installation hassle-free.
  • It has an improved user experience because of a built-in User Interface (UI). Which allows access to features such as advanced inverter configuration settings, dynamic feed-in control and load manager from any WLAN enabled devices- such as smartphones, tablets or PC.
  • Dual input section with independent MPPT.
  • Remote monitoring via Aurora Vision® cloud.
  • Wireless access to the embedded Web User Interface.
ABB UNO-DM-3.3/4.0/4.6/5.0-TL-PLUS: Specifications

ABB React 2 PV + Storage

  • The AC grid type is a single-phase inverter.
  • It’s ‘battery ready’; you can turn your regular inverter into a hybrid one whenever you want to.
  • It’s photovoltaic energy storage system that allows to store the excess amount of energy and optimise that energy use in residential applications.
  • Power rating is up to 3.6 kW to 5.0 kW.
  • Its Li-Ion battery offers a wide storage capacity; that can be expanded from 4 kWh to 12 kWh.
  • Battery units can be upgraded anytime during the lifetime of a system.
ABB-React-2-PV-+-Storage
  • Quick and easy to install both on inverter and battery side due to the simple plug and play connection.
  • The operating DC voltage range is from 170-570V.
  • It has got IP65 rating for protection against harsh weather.
  • Can be monitored remotely with a dedicated mobile app.
  • The temperature range is from -20֯ C to +50֯ C.
ABB React 2 PV + Storage: Specifications
ABB-TRIO-20.0-27

ABB TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL-OUTD

  • It’s a three-phase bridge topology for DC/AC output converter.
  • MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) voltage ranges from 440-800 V.
  • IP65 verified.
  • Its weight is 70-75 kilograms.
  • Compatible with ABB 15/25kW WIND-INTERFACE.
  • Max efficiency is 98.2%; Euro efficiency is 98%.
  • Noise Level is < 50 dB(A).
  • The operating temperature is -25 ~ +60 ℃.
ABB TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL-OUTD: Specifications
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Side by Side Comparison of ABB Inverters

ModelsABB UNO -2.0/3.0/3.6/4.2-TL-OUTD ABB UNO-DM-3.3/4.0/4.6/5.0-TL-PLUS ABB React 2 PV + Storage ABB TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL-OUTD 
Inverter TypeStringStringStringString
Battery Ready OptionNoNoYesNo
Display TypeLCDNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specified
Rated AC Power Output2000-4200 Watt3300-5000 Watt3600-5000 Watt20000-27600 Watt
Maximum AC Output Current10-20A14.5-22A16-22A33-45A
Maximum DC Voltage600-850360575620
Maximum Inverter Efficiency97.50%97.00%97.70%98.20%
Dimensions(W’D’D)553*418*175 mm553*418*175 mm740*490*229 mm1061*702*292 mm
Weight (KG)12152270
Water and Dust Proof CertificationIP65IP65IP65IP65
EthernetNoOptionalYesNo
WiFiOptionalYesYesOptional
AppNot specifiedNoYesNo
Warranty5 Years5 Years5 Years5 Years

Advantages and Disadvantages of ABB Inverter

ABB’s biggest drawback was its Aurora inverter, which mainly tarnished its reputation. But it made sure to make a grand comeback and definitely made its mark. However, it still has got some minor disadvantages which I will not let you overlook. But before I go to the disadvantages, let me show the advantages first.

Advantages:

  • Great efficiency of about 97%, and that too at an affordable price. Best for those who are looking for quality on a budget. 
  • Higher efficiency leads to less heating, and my friend, it increases the longevity of ABB inverters. 
  • It’s lightweight and compact, which makes it easier for you to install. 
  • All of the ABB inverters are IP65 rated, which is perfect for the rainy weather in Australia. Also, the Plug-in connectors stop the water or condensation from entering through the defective channel. 
  • The inverters are equipped with built-in Wi-Fi enabling system or its dongle based, therefore it makes your life so much easier. 
  • The inverters are CEC (Clean Energy Council) approved. 
  • There are a variety of models for you to choose from. 

Disadvantages:

  • ABB inverters get a bit warm as the cooling system operates through natural convection. Therefore, it relies heavily on the heat sink on the back. 
  • ABB’s monitoring system is not that precise and detailed. It merely shows you information of individual string outputs and voltage. 

Monitoring System in ABB inverter

The monitoring system is really essential for you guys as it makes your life so much easier. The ABB inverters monitoring system lets you control the export power; it helps you to identify self-consumption, it detects the shading issues using the MPPTs. Also, assists you to adjust the grid parameters, remotely adjusting the hot water relay parameters, and also updates the microprocessor automatically.
There are quite a few of ABB’s monitoring systems for your convenience. First and foremost, there’s a website called “Aurora Vision Plant Management” for you to monitor your solar inverter. It requires you to use your integrated Wi-Fi system or plant viewer monitoring portal and Energy Viewer mobile app.
Monitoring System in ABB inverter
ABB VSN730
Furthermore, the ABB inverter has a data logger for you to monitor your inverters, and also, if you want to get the taste of rigid monitoring, then you should definitely give this a shot.
The VSN730 System Monitor is a high-performance data collection and communication system that is ideal for small to medium commercial PV plant applications. It can monitor and provide data management for up to 10 ABB string inverters. Furthermore, the VSN730 provides RS-485 surge protection, which on the RS-485 communication lines is a must-have, as it offers protection against logger damage in electrically “dirty” environments.
There’s also a VSN700 data logger, which provides simple and quick commissioning that come with device discovery and automatic IP addressing as well as remote management features. And it has got three performance levels that best suits your budget and functionality-

VSN700-01 data logger is for residential purposes and is good only when you will need to monitor up to 5 single-phase inverters. 

VSN700-03 is a cost-effective data logger for small commercial installations up to 10 single and three-phase string inverters.

ABB VSN700

VSN700-05 data logger offers you both data management and inverter command and control for commercial and utility PV system operations.

Therefore, this VSN700 data logger supports all ABB inverters, weather stations; Modbus TCP gateway for SCADA integration; two RS485 inputs, two Ethernet interfaces; external power supply (wall plug) for Australia. And 30 days of local data storage; lifetime standard level access to Aurora Vision monitoring portal and what not!!

Performance and Efficiency of ABB Inverter

It’s a misconception that the more money you spend, the better quality you get. It’s not true always, as you can get an outstanding inverter that is affordable.
I can assure you that ABB doesn’t compromise with its quality for its reasonable pricing. That being said, the efficiency of ABB inverters is whopping 97%! If that doesn’t make you happy, what will!
Hats off to ABB’s performance; its solar inverters make sure that you get more energy out of every day. Furthermore, ABB has used an extensive system for their Energy Storage Module (ESM) as it gives a lot of importance to its storage system. This ESM also ensures the provision of both battery enclosures and Connection Equipment Modules (CEM) individually.
ABB is continually investing in R & D with extensive testing and development of its portfolio to deliver combined technology and service solutions. Which will optimize its performance, reliability and return on investment of any solar system installation and fulfil the requirements of local markets.
In a nutshell, the ABB inverter provides you with high power density, which offers up to 65% savings on installation and logistics costs; it’s installer-friendly, it has great capacity and much more. So, I can guarantee you that ABB inverters are the brightest choice for your home and your office.

Warranty of ABB Inverter

Dear Aussies, great news for you! ABB inverters provide Standard Manufacturer and Assure Manufacturer Warranty. The warranty period of both the Standard Manufacturer and Assure Manufacturer by default is 5 years which by the way you can extend to 10 years. But that can be done from the date of purchase by the warranty holder, and it cannot be any longer than 66-132 months from the manufacturing date.
However, the Standard Manufacturer Warranty covers the repair material and repair labour in the repair centre or on-site. And the Assure Manufacturer Warranty covers advance replacement inverter or power module, the freight costs and on-site removal and reinstall labour. And, you can surely speak to our solar inverter experts for more detailed information, so without any hesitation, let us know your queries.

ABB Inverter- Is It Any Good?

If you want a straightforward answer without me being biased or anything- then I can tell you for a fact that the ABB inverters are compared to SMA and even Fronius inverters. Yes! You heard that one correct. ABB inverters are one of the most preferable inverters in the Australian market.
I agree they had their share of loss because of that one inverter. But it’s high time we see the progress, hard work and dedication towards the best. This inverter has an efficiency of 97% with an impeccable amount of features solely for your benefit.
Furthermore, it has a switch called “DC isolator” that needs to be operated manually. It works as a safety mechanism, as the switch shuts off the DC current between the solar panels and the solar inverter. If any problem arises in your solar panels and someone comes to fix them, they will be safe from being electrocuted.

Conclusion

ABB Inverter infographic
I would like to conclude by saying that ABB rose like a phoenix from the ashes, and it will brighten both your residential and commercial property up with its solar inverters. Furthermore, it will help you get more energy out of every day; it surely is the brightest choice for your home and offices. So, if you want to go green and save your planet, you should give ABB a shot.

Our Solar Experts are here to help!