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How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?

Solar panels are a scientific marvel that allows us to cut down on our ever-increasing electricity bills while becoming self-sufficient in all of our energy needs. It also contributes to a reduction in fossil fuel consumption, which is notoriously known for contributing to GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions.

All that sounds amazing; now it’s time to make some decisions before getting solar panels for your rooftop. How many solar panels do I need, you might be wondering this right about now. Don’t worry I am here to help.

Please know that there is no one set number of solar panels that will suffice for every household. One might need more, and someone else might need only a few solar panels.

Also, the dimension of the panels isn’t exactly the determining factor of how much energy they will generate; rather, it’s the unit watt. Each panel is capable of generating a set watt of energy, and together, a whole solar system is able to generate energy in kilowatts. Your solar panel system will create between 3 and 5 kWh (kilowatt hour) of clean, renewable energy per day for each kilowatt.

Solar Panel Size Determining Factors- How Many Panels Do I Need?

What size solar panel system you need will depend on the below factors –

Your Usual Energy Consumption

Suppose you are someone who has a lot of power-hungry appliances and uses them fairly regularly; it’s apparent that you will need a lot of electricity. Air conditioners, hot water systems, washing machines, and ovens to name a fewer considered power-hungry appliances.

The question is, how often and for how long do you use them? Also, different capacities and sizes of devices require more or less energy. A mini-fridge certainly won’t use as much electricity as a double-door one, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Now, rather than going into bits and pieces like calculating how much energy each thing in your house requires, I suggest you look at your electricity bill. If you look carefully, you will see there is a tab for ‘average daily energy use’ in your monthly bill where your consumption is stated in kilowatt hours (kWh). Note down this number and make a yearly average to know how many kWh of energy you consume to determine your solar system size.

The whole process is not as simple as it sounds; that’s why we suggest you seek help from a solar expert to figure out the exact numbers.

Future Proofing – Should I Upsize my System?

If you have plans to expand your household, you must plan accordingly. Solar panels are such technology that lasts about 25 to 30 years. You have to look past your current situation and think about where you see yourself in 5 to 10 years from now. If there is a chance for you to extend your family, for sure your energy needs will increase too. So, future proofing is indeed necessary to be able to make the most out of your investment.

Does that mean there is no way to add more solar panels in the future if needed? That is certainly not the case; however, the newly added solar panels may come with a new set of issues that were not accounted for at the time of initial installation.

Allow me to elaborate.

When I say solar panels generate energy, I mean solar panels generate one form of energy that later needs to be converted into another for us to use it practically.

Solar panels generate DC (direct current) current, whereas our appliances run on AC (alternating current) current. This conversion is done by a solar inverter that has a capacity for conversion. A solar inverter can only convert a certain kW amount of energy beyond which you cannot get AC current no matter how large of a solar panel system you have. (More on the topic – Click here)

Of course, a larger solar PV system will require an inverter of equal power, but adding more solar panels, later on will mean you’ll need to get another inverter to cater to a smaller array of systems. Ultimately you lose money. So, that means if you see that you might be needing extra energy in the future, upsize your solar at the time of installation.

Would You Need Solar Batteries?

An average Australian household consumes the most amount of energy in the early morning and at night. The irony is solar panels work at their maximum capacity between 12 to 3 pm, during which most people are not at home. But you will still manage by importing electricity from the grid at peak hours.

Depending on what is your expectation from your solar PV system, you’ll decide how many solar panels you would need on your rooftop. If you want to lower your electricity bill, not having a storage system isn’t a terrible choice (assuming you live in a place with fewer power outage issues and a grid nearby and your power needs are moderate).

However, if you want to be self-reliant at all times, a storage unit is the way to go. In that case, you would need to upsize your rooftop solar system so that you can store a substantial amount of energy to use at will.

Including these aspects, there are a lot more other things to figure out and factor in. Figuring all these out by yourself is a challenging task. If you have any further questions or need some help, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are CEC (Clean Energy Council) approved solar installers with more than 10 years of experience in the field. Get in touch with us today to take advantage of a FREE consultation session with one of our experienced solar experts.

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Are Solar Batteries Worth it in 2023?

Back in 2010, Australia saw a surge in solar battery installations all around the country. Since then, about 3 million homes have enjoyed the perks of rooftop solar, including lower electricity bills than those with just a grid connection.

To paint a clearer picture, it is estimated that in NSW, per kilowatt of energy generated by solar panels saves you about $400 annually. You have a standard 6.6kW solar system on your rooftop, and your savings for the said year will be about $2640, which is $660 in a quarter!

There is a way in which you could get even more out of your solar panel system; what might that be? Adding a solar battery system is the answer.

However, batteries for solar systems are by no means a small investment, so the question remains: are solar batteries worth it in 2023 as a homeowner? We will find out soon enough. But first, let’s get to know some basics about solar batteries.

Types of Solar Batteries

Solar batteries, also called solar energy storage systems, play a crucial role in solar power setups by storing surplus energy generated during sunny periods for later use, such as during nights or overcast days.

These batteries come in various types, each with distinct characteristics and advantages.

Lead-acid batteries, including Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA) and Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) options, offer durability and cost-effectiveness, with VRLA batteries like Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel batteries being maintenance-free.

Lithium-ion batteries, such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide (NMC), and Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide (NCA), provide high energy density, extended lifespan, and enhanced safety.

Flow Batteries, represented by Vanadium Flow Batteries, offer a liquid electrolyte and are known for their extended cycle life and scalable capacity.

Saltwater Batteries, specifically Sodium-Ion Batteries, are environmentally friendly and potentially cost-effective. Nickel-iron or Edison batteries are durable but have lower energy density. Hybrid Batteries combine different technologies for optimised performance.

Choosing the correct solar battery involves cost, space, maintenance, and intended application, while ongoing advancements in battery technology may introduce newer options.

Reasons Why You Should Get Solar Batteries

Solar battery prices are not low, but the payback period goes down with the price hike of energy in Australia every day, and due to the current economic environment, I can only see energy prices rise.

According to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the wholesale cost of power in the National Electricity Market (NEM) jumped by 141 per cent in the first three months of 2022 compared to the same quarter last year.

That said, storing the surplus of energy generated by your solar panels sounds like a sound investment, doesn’t it?

Here are some more reasons-

End of Net Metering in Australia

Net metering is a system that allows you to send the excess power generated by your solar panels to the grid and get a portion of the exact amount back on demand.

People were utilising the grid practically as a storage facility when the net metering system was still in place, but that luxury is no longer available.

Net metering was available until April 2020 in the Northern Territory; however, the benefit is no longer at one’s disposal for solar systems constructed after that date.

Essentially, with the end of net metering, you no longer have the freedom to get a one-to-one net metering service (a kW received per kW given).

That doesn’t mean you don’t have other means to store the energy in the grid; you do; however, that is not as beneficial as net metering and not certainly as profitable as having your solar battery.

Solar panels can generate a different amount of energy all day, as the sun doesn’t shine as bright from sunrise to sunset.

The maximum amount of electricity generated by the solar panels is between 12 and 3 pm. An average Australian household only consumes a little electricity during that time since they are the majority at work.

Studies have shown that, with the surge of electric prices off the grid, it needs to make more financial sense to store the excess energy in the grid; instead, having your solar battery and using it on demand will be much more profitable in 2023.

Electricity Prices are Higher at Night

As a storage unit does require significant investment, you decided to export the surplus of electricity to the grid.

But, keeping in mind that an average household requires more energy at night than in the day, you will be paying more to buy back that amount of electricity you exported at night.

So, it’s evident that storing the surplus in a solar battery makes more sense than repurchasing it at a higher price point.

Grid Outages

There are occasions in which people suffer from grid outages. It can be during a scheduled check-up of the grid, a devastating storm, or just about any other reason. It’s more common than you would think. In those cases, a solar battery can be your resolve.

We are positive you would prefer to avoid coming home to a fridge full of rotten food. To have an uninterrupted supply of energy that you have all the control over, having a battery storage unit makes perfect sense.

Yes, of course, you could opt for a backup generator, but they are noisy, and it defeats the purpose of having installed solar on your rooftop in the first place. It runs on diesel, a non-renewable energy source contributing to carbon emissions.

Are Solar Batteries Worth It?

It makes sense for a large energy user to opt for solar batteries. They are worth the price, and here is why-

Solar battery cost is significantly coming down as we speak. For instance, back in 2020, a 6kw solar battery cost about $10,000, which now is about $7,700

It is the only way to go for those who live off the grid

Without the benefit of Fit, having one’s storage system saves on power bills even more

Complete control over your energy consumption

Power backup for days in the event of a power outage, and with the addition of solar panels, you can forget the grid.

Solar Battery Storage Price in Australia: How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

It’s tough to figure out solar battery prices because it depends on many variables. For example, it will depend on your power needs, whether you have any power-hungry appliances, household size, geographic location, etc.

Depending on these variables, you can determine how much of a storage unit you require. Thus, That’s how the cost of solar batteries is estimated.

But to give you a rough idea, the price of a kWh of residential solar battery storage can hover over the $1000 mark.

These include the cost of installation and GST. Remember that the battery brand and all the other factors mentioned matter in the end, and prices vary depending on those factors.

10kw Solar Battery Price

As of October 2023 in Sydney, NSW, the current cost of a 10kW solar battery paired with a 6.6kW solar panel system is $12,888. This price includes two 5.1 kWh modules integrated with a 6.6 kW solar system. The potential payback time for this system can be less than 4 years.

The Tesla Powerwall, which has a storage capacity of 13.5 kWh, costs approximately $1,150 per kilowatt-hour.

When considering the broader market, solar batteries without the solar component typically fall from $900 to $1,200 per kilowatt-hour. The specific pricing varies based on the brand and model.

6kw Solar Battery Cost

The solar battery storage cost is how much you pay for each unit of electricity it can store, and it’s usually measured in dollars per kilowatt hour ($/kWh).

Typically, these batteries cost between $900 and $2,000 per kilowatt-hour. If you want a solar setup with a 10.2-kilowatt-hour battery and a 6.64-kilowatt solar system, it might cost you around $12,888.

If you just want the battery alone, without the solar system, a solar battery alone can cost $990 per kilowatt-hour. It includes a particular device called a hybrid inverter that connects the battery to the solar system.

For a specific type of battery called the Tesla Powerwall, which has a 13.5 kilowatt-hour capacity and comes with its inverter, the price is $1200 per kilowatt-hour.

Another type of battery, the Sungrow 9.6 kilowatt-hour solar battery, is priced at $1227 per kilowatt-hour. This cost includes a 5-kilowatt hybrid inverter.

If you’re looking at a solar panel system with a 6-kilowatt capacity, and it includes a battery with a capacity of 16.6 kilowatt-hours, the total cost for installing this combined system can range from about $19,935 to an average of $25,235.

The exact price depends on the type and quality of your chosen system. For more details, check out how much a 6kW solar battery costs in Australia.

Solar battery ROI

The return on investment (ROI) for solar batteries in Australia is influenced by various factors, such as the system’s initial cost, local electricity rates, solar generation capacity, and available government incentives or rebates.

Key considerations include the upfront expenses encompassing the battery, inverters, installation, and related components.

The cost of grid electricity in your area is pivotal, with higher rates potentially leading to faster returns, as stored solar energy use during peak periods saves on electricity bills.

Solar panel efficiency, battery performance, and lifespan also impact long-term returns. Government incentives, rebates, and electricity consumption patterns, especially during high-demand periods, contribute to overall ROI.

Monitoring technological advancements is crucial for assessing the economic viability of solar battery systems over time.

Seeking professional analysis and staying informed about industry trends and policy changes are advisable for making well-informed investment decisions in Australia.

How To Choose Solar Batteries?

To choose solar batteries in Australia, consider your energy needs, capacity and performance, compatibility with your solar system, warranty, and cost. Assess the battery’s kilowatt-hours (kWh) storage capacity to match your daily usage.

Look for reliable brands and models with proven performance and longer lifespans. Ensure compatibility with your existing solar system, and check for government incentives or rebates. Compare the cost per kilowatt-hour and warranty terms.

Consider factors like installation requirements and whether the battery supports backup power. Seek professional advice to tailor your choice to specific needs and conditions.

State Rebates for Solar Batteries

State rebates for solar batteries vary across Australia. States like South Australia, Victoria, and Queensland offer specific incentives and rebates for solar batteries.

However, rebate programs and amounts can change, so it’s crucial to check the latest information from your state government or relevant authorities for the most up-to-date details on solar battery rebates.

Solar Battery FAQs

What Size Solar Battery Do I Need to Power a House?

The size of the solar battery needed to power a house in Australia depends on various factors, including your energy consumption, the size of your solar panel system, and your specific energy needs.

On average, a medium-sized household might require a solar battery with a capacity ranging from 5 kWh to 20 kWh.

To determine the appropriate size, consider your daily electricity usage, the sunlight your location receives, and whether you want the battery to provide backup power during outages.

It’s advisable to consult with a solar energy professional to assess your specific requirements and design a system that meets your energy goals.

Is It Worth Getting A Battery for My Solar Panels?

Deciding whether to invest in home battery storage depends on various factors. Your energy consumption, goals, and dependence on the grid play crucial roles.

A battery could be valuable if you experience frequent power outages or seek backup power. Explore your area’s government incentives, rebates, and electricity rates to assess the financial benefits.

A good solar panel system may increase the potential advantages of integrating a battery. Consider the environmental impact, battery lifespan, and technological trends. To make an informed decision, consult with solar professionals like Solar Emporium.

We can tailor advice to your specific needs and circumstances, keeping in mind that the evolving landscape of technology and market conditions may influence the long-term value of a solar battery investment.

If you want to sit down with one of our solar experts and see if solar batteries make sense, contact us today! Reaching out for help is okay; we are here to serve YOU.

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How Long do Solar Panels Last

Solar panels are the ideal vessel for harnessing the power of our solar system’s solitary star, the sun. This ‘magical’ silicon plate catches the sunlight and turns it into usable energy, allowing us to light up our home and power all of our electric appliances.

Just like a good investment, you receive a payback in the long run, and that is exactly the case with a good PV system.

In order to receive a strong ROI (Return on Investment), the solar panels have to last for a long period of time. If you are wondering how long solar panels last on average, the answer is about 25 to 30 years. Some last even longer!

Why Solar is Considered an 'Investment'

Let me give you an example that you may relate to without getting into too much detail. I’m going to compare your solar investments to the average savings bank account to give you a quick rundown on how excellent of an investment a solar PV system is.

A typical household solar panel system which is around 6.6kW would cost approximately $7000 to install, assuming government rebates are available at the time. Consider putting the same amount of money into a personal savings account.

According to mozo, a typical savings account will pay you a maximum rate of interest of roughly 1.60 percent per annum. At the same time, the solar system stated above would save you at least $1,000 per year on your energy bills. (This minimum estimation came from a previously commissioned project of solar emporium)

Let’s suppose your well-designed solar system has a lifespan of around 20 years. So, against your savings of $7000 at a 1.60% interest p.a rate, you get an annual return of $112, which accumulates to $9240 in 20 years. (Includes initial Investment without compounding).

In contrast, you get to save a whopping $1000 on energy bills per annum with solar that accumulates to $20,000 in 20 years. That’s a difference of $10,760!

With this extra amount of savings, think of things you could do. You can enjoy a nice family holiday or get that shed finally fixed or renovate your house and so much more! Regardless, it’s always a treat to have savings no matter what you choose to do with them. With solar power you will be generating guaranteed savings in the coming years, so indeed it is an investment.

Know This Before You Expect the Solar Panels to Last 25 Years

Not just any and every solar panel on the face of the earth would serve you for 25 years. There are some factors that you need to keep in mind before investing in solar. By sticking to these rules, you can ensure 25 years of service out of your rooftop solar. These are-

Make Sure You Choose a Good Brand

That is to say, prior to installation, research the brand of solar panels you intend to install on your rooftop. There are several alternatives available, each with equally tempting price points and packages. In the end, however, the quality of the panels and their efficiency are the most important factors. A good brand has obviously gained that reputation over the years by providing good service; that’s a rule of thumb.

Also, please make sure the PV panel itself is approved by the CEC (Clean Energy Council) because without CEC-approved products, you cannot claim any available government rebates.

Installation & Installers Matter

Not just the panels you install but also who installs them and how they’re mounted on your roof have a big effect on how long your PV system lasts. A good installation job will ensure that you get the desired return on investment.

Without a good installation job, your panels might not yield as much energy as they have the potential to. They may also sustain permanent damage, which will cost you money in the long term. For that reason, you should choose a CEC-approved, competent solar installer like yours truly.

Some Tips and Tricks to a Longer Lasting Solar life

It’s the small things in life that account for the biggest changes. For your PV panels to last a long time, you can follow these tips & tricks and yield the most out of them.

Keep Your Panels Clean

You don’t have to clean your solar panels on a regular basis, although it certainly helps. Make sure there isn’t a lot of dust or dirt on your panels because this might create shading issues. And it’s pretty easy for the panels to get dirty; however, it’s even easier to get them clean. You can do it yourself once every couple of months or call for expert help.

Monitor and Maintain

Keep a close eye on your solar system. There are many applications and EMS (energy monitoring system) that keeps track of the whole ordeal. All you have to do is keep track of any sudden and unexpected changes so that you can respond promptly. Solar panels last longer when you remain alert and informed of their present situation.

Remember, we should make a concerted effort to transition to solar power in order to lessen our carbon footprint. At the end of the day, it’s all about survival, and these modest efforts are what will save us from almost certain self-destruction.

That brings us to the end of today’s discussion! Please feel free to reach out if you would like to book a free consultation session with one of our solar experts and discuss your options. All you have to do is just fill out the form below-

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Solar Panels are the Future of Energy

The assertion that as time passes, the world’s population demands more and more energy to meet their daily requirements is without argument. The increasing energy demands mean more electricity production (from mostly coal), and that results in greater carbon emissions, which ultimately poses a threat to our very existence in the long run.

To be more specific renewable energy is the answer and the most attainable option that we can implement at the moment. There are many sources of renewable energy, among which we are going to focus on solar energy for today’s topic.

Solar panels are the future of energy, let’s explain below.

Why Solar?

The sun, the center of our solar system, is a 4.6 billion year old star filled with helium and hydrogen gas that burns and emits light while generating energy. So much energy that, if captured correctly, an hour’s worth of sunlight can power the entire earth for a whole year! This source of energy is free, does not pollute the environment and is not going to run out anytime soon. All we need to harness the power of the sun are solar panels.

Solar Panels- the Future of Energy

The first commercial solar panel was constructed in 1881 by American inventor Charles Fritts, who described it as “continuous, consistent, and of enormous force not only through exposure to sunshine but also to faint, dispersed daylight.” However, when compared to coal-fired power facilities, these solar panels were inefficient.

At the present date, we have commercial solar panels, which are efficient to the point they are able to yield 23% of the received sunlight into usable energy at maximum. Twenty three percent might not seem like a lot, but trust me, it is, as I have already mentioned how just an hour worth of sunlight can power the world for a year!

Here are some more reasons why solar panels are the future of energy

Solar Panels are Usable Everywhere

Solar panels are thin, comparatively lightweight, and easy to install, they can be used anywhere by anyone in any situation. No matter where you live, an electric grid connection may not reach you, but solar will. Solar panels are versatile, and in an off the grid household, people choose solar to power their household because that gives the user the power to self-sustain.

Not only it’s beneficial for those who choose to go off the grid, but also for those who live in an area away from any grid connection that makes financial sense.

Don’t forget that the installation of a source of clean energy is also a point that should be noted. PV systems can be easily installed on the rooftop, whereas that’s not the case for hydropower or wind power. Granted that hydropower is a massive source of energy, but these shortcomings make solar panels a lot more desirable.

One of our recently installed off grid solar projects.

Solar Panel Prices are Dropping

Installing solar on your rooftop is an investment that takes years to pay for itself. However, the prices for solar panels, ultimately the solar system, are falling because of the invention of newer technologies and a better grasp of the process.

Scientists from the University of New South Wales have predicted that by the year 2023, the cents-per-watt price of solar modules will be down by fifty percent of what it is at the moment. To put it into perspective, in 2021-22, the average wholesale price of energy in NSW was $72/MWh, with solar PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) it will be averaging around $40-$50/MWh. For more information – Click here.

On top of the actual price drop, there are many government initiatives that make solar energy a whole lot more desirable. Such as government rebates and interest-free loans.

Carbon Emission Free Energy Production

Around 90% of the world’s carbon emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels, and energy production accounts for most of Australia’s emissions, followed by transportation, agriculture, and industrial operations. Australia released 499 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, according to the December 2020 report. The main culprit behind such immense pollution is coal energy, and to aid the situation; solar energy comes to the rescue.

Solar panels convert the sunlight into DC (direct current) current, which gets used by the household in another form. The entire process does not emit any greenhouse gasses. This doesn’t require any additional maintenance if installed correctly. If you are interested, here’s a detailed article on how solar panels work- click here.

By adapting to the greener alternatives for power generation, Australia managed to lower the total carbon emission by 5.3% in 2021. (Source)

To conclude, there is no doubt that solar energy is a blessing for the human race, that has the potential to help us self-sustain in the long run, without producing any greenhouse gasses. The future of solar energy is bright, but we still have a long way to go.

If you would like to explore your options and take early advantage of the rooftop solar, fill out the form below, and one of our solar experts will reach out to you shortly.

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How Solar Panels Work Step by Step

The science of solar panels is a bit confusing for the most part. However, understanding how a piece of glass can generate enough electricity to power a whole community is an achievement.

Let’s look at how solar panels work.

Solar panels are essentially strategically designed silicon plates that can generate electricity when exposed to sunlight. Well, this may not be an accurate illustration, but this is how solar panels work from a broader point of view.

It’s okay if you have not quite gotten the idea yet. In the below article, I will explain how solar panels work, step by step. Stay tuned.

Before I get into the details, it’s essential for you to first understand how solar panels are made.
Otherwise, the rest won’t make sense. So, on that note, here is a short explanation-

The Science Behind Solar Panels

Solar panels are made of silicone, the most abundant semiconductor on the entire planet. Silicon is perfect for manufacturing solar cells because of its remarkable electrical, optical, thermal, and environmental properties. Along with its accessibility and competitive price point, it’s a wise choice for solar panels.

Also, in order for the solar panels to work, the semiconductor used in the panels has to be the one that has the most light-absorbing nature, as well as must be able to withstand different weather.

Silicone ticks all the boxes in this department.

You might have noticed that I called silicone a semiconductor. In case you are not familiar with what a semiconductor is, let me explain. In broader terms, it’s a type of material that has the ability to easily conduct and keep a steady flow of electricity. The semiconductors are made of two separate regions (p-type and n-type), which together make a p-n junction to keep that steady flow of electricity.

Now that you understand the material and its ability, I will now explain how solar panels work.

Step-by-step How Solar Panels Work

Step 1: Sunlight Hits the Solar Panels – Generates Electricity

You already know that PV panels are made of silicone which is a semiconductor. So, when the sunlight hits the silicon panels, it triggers a photovoltaic effect. Sunlight is a form of energy, and photons (light particles) are powerful enough to break an intracellular bond between electrons and the nucleus. When such a powerful source of energy comes in contact with a semiconductor, in this case, silicone made solar panels, the electrons within are set in motion.

Within the p-n junction area in a semiconductor, the electrons residing in the n-type region start their journey to the p-type region, which is one-directional. This flow of electrons is what we popularly known as electricity.

So, in step one, the solar panels generate electricity.

Step 2: Inverter Converts the Electricity into a Usable Energy

The electricity generated by the panels in the first step is DC (Direct Current) current. It’s not a form of energy that can be consumed by household appliances because it’s one-directional. That’s where the inverter comes into action. It converts DC to AC (Alternating Current) current, which is a usable form of energy for the house.

It’s an essential step in the process without which solar panels wouldn’t be usable.

Step 3: Distribution Through the Switchboard

After the conversion from DC to AC, the entire flow gets connected to a switchboard. It’s like a control panel of the solar ship that routes electricity to where it needs to be. There is no direct routing of energy from the inverter to all the individual appliances of the house; that’s not how solar energy works. In the electrical panel, the energy gets distributed into separate circuits.

Step 4: Utility Meter Rundown

Now that all the installation process is done, you are required to install a bi-directional utility meter that will keep records of your energy consumption. In case you are connected to the grid, the utility meter will keep track of how much electricity you are importing or exporting to and from the grid.

Step 5: Your Own Tracking System

Just like it’s important to track the grid consumption, it’s as equally if not more important to keep track of how much electricity your solar panels generate. For that, there are many EMS (Energy Monitoring System) available in the market. Through them, you can understand the pattern of your energy consumption and tweak changes here and there for a better outcome.

Step 6: Energy Storage- Solar Batteries

In case your solar system generates more electricity than you need, you have two options. One- is to export the surplus of energy back into the grid and two, is to store it in storage units, solar batteries.

If you decide to keep the surplus in batteries, you can use it at any time during the night without any ifs or buts. In my opinion, it’s a convenience that seems more desirable in the current situation of rising energy prices.

Points to be Noted

The amount of electricity generated by the solar panels depends on the positioning of the panels, the type of the panels, the number of panels, and so much more.
Depending on how much electricity is generated, you will have to choose an inverter accordingly.
Only CEC (Clean Energy Council) approved installers and products will make you an eligible candidate for government-provided rebates. (We are CEC approved)

I have explained to you how solar panels work. Although, there is so much more to know about the process and to understand it at its core. If you are interested in knowing more about the process, we can set you up with one of our CEC approved solar experts for a free consultation session.

All you have to do is fill up the form below!

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How Solar Panels Are Installed?

As a homeowner in a rising energy market, making the decision to embrace green energy can be an effective way to not only manage your electricity pricing but also do your part for the environment, lets take a deep dive into how solar panels are installed.

Another key benefit of choosing green energy is the current renewable energy rebates and financing options our government now provides to both VIC and NSW residents.

The Australian government wants to ensure that it is doing its part for the environment and intern assisting in making the switch to renewable energy sources or green energy.

Now that you have made the decision to install solar panels, let’s look at how solar panels are installed.

We have put together a step-by-step guide on how solar panels are installed below:

Step 1: Inspecting the Site and Conducting a Survey

Before the installers even begin with anything, they need to inspect the space first and ask some questions. These are some of the questions an experienced solar installer would ask:

What roof is on your house?
What direction does the roof face?
Is the roof the only space that has the potential for maximum power generation upon installation?
What are your power consumption needs?
How many solar panels are needed to generate the expected amount of energy?
How many PV panels can the roof successfully hold on to?
What is the best angle for space taking the geographical position into consideration?
What are you prepared to spend?

This process of getting to know the space gets done well before the solar panels’ installation day. A thorough examination of the site helps the solar installers to come up with an appropriate plan of action.

Step 2: Marking Out the Territory

In this next step, the installers mark out the roof to know exactly where to install the mounting brackets as well as the solar panels. Getting to know the roof and its holding capacity is the key here. Typically, it is the roof where the panels get installed; however, a separate mounting space can also be chosen if the demand arises and the space accommodates. Process-wise, it’s not that far off from a typical roof-mounted solar system.

Step 3: Drilling the Holes or Not & Getting it All Ready

The installer will drill all the necessary holes to get the power cords in the house. These will connect the solar panels to the solar inverters that need to be tucked away in a space that is away from direct sunlight.

Note that different types of roofs require a different mounting system. If you have hired a highly qualified and experienced installer, they will know what’s your best bet. In order to always be on the safe side, hire people who are approved by the CEC (Clean Energy Council), such as yours truly.

Most installers will install a racking system instead of a direct mount. The racking system leaves much more room for later adjustment as the rails mounted provide installers the freedom to slide the panels down the rails. Once the most effective position is found, they get locked down to their perfect placement for a more secure installation job.

Step 4: The Installation of Solar Panels

This is the step where all the solar panels finally get mounted onto the roof. All the wires are set to be in their positions and connected. Some houses do not allow for the panels to get directly connected to the main switchboard where the metering process occurs. In those situations, a separate sub-board is needed.

Please note that some installers do not offer a consumption meter with the package, which is technically not within the commitment. Without a consumption meter, there is unlikely a way for you to know how much solar power you are using and when you are using it.

To make the whole system work in sync, you would also need a CT coil wrapped around the cables so that you know the amount of energy flowing in all directions.

Step 5: Don't Forget the Inverter

Till step 4, it is pretty much about how solar panels are installed. However, we can’t really forget about the inverter, which is the key to all the magic.

The type of energy generated by the panels cannot be consumed by the appliances directly; they need to go through an inverter that makes the energy consumable for your house.

To tell you more accurately, the DC power generated by the panels gets converted to AC by the inverter, which is a usable form of energy.

Do you want to know more about different brands of solar inverters? Simply follow the link to our detailed review of famous brands that you can choose from – Click here.

There is a lot of information you need to keep in mind when purchasing solar; if you’re unsure about the process, please reach out to an experienced solar provider to assist you with the correct information.

The Solar Emporium team is a qualified, experienced, and loyal group of individuals who have made it a priority from day one to serve nothing but the best to our customers. We do everything in our power to make the best cost-effective choices for our clients, and not only that, we try to stay connected throughout their solar journey for a smoother experience.

If you would like further information on any of the above information or have any questions on solar, please don’t hesitate to contact us on (1300 063 350)

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SMA Inverter Review| Perfect Pick for Off-grid Solar System

Back in 1981, when solar systems were still a new thing to many, SMA started taking baby steps. What about their origin? They are a proud German company, and I’m sure I don’t have to tell you twice that Germans created some of the most exemplary pieces of tech throughout history, and SMA inverters surely hold up that legacy.

Particularly in Australia, there used to be a time when SMA stole all the hype when anyone brought up the topic of residential string inverters. Despite the seemingly high price, people put their faith in SMA because of the high return on investment that other customers experienced. So, SMA is and was the tried and tested trusted solar inverters brand.

SMA has invested a lot in their research and development, which is why they are considered a solar icon within the industry. You may wonder, every other company does R&D, so what sets them apart? Along with winning countless awards for their fascinating solar inventions, they have been awarded the ‘Top employer for engineers’ award a lot of times in consecutive years! Which says a lot about their passion and dedication toward R&D. Wouldn’t you agree?

A quick glimpse of the SMA inverter:

Most Popular Model (Residential)	Sunny boy
Most Popular Model (Commercial)	Sunny Tripower Core1
Tier 1 Status	Yes
Origin	Germany
Price Range	$$$$

Table of content

Where are SMA Inverters Manufactured?
SMA ShadeFix- A Patented Piece of Tech to Tackle Shading Issue
Available Models of SMA Inverter in Australian Market
Side by Side Comparison of SMA Inverter (Table)
Advantages and Disadvantage of SMA Inverter
SMA Inverter Monitoring System
Warranty of SMA Inverter
Conclusion

Where are SMA Inverters Manufactured?

SMA’s manufacturing plants exist in both Germany and China. They are a German brand, so it’s a no-brainer. Also, having a Chinese manufacturing plant makes perfect sense, though it has a little backstory to it.

SMA did not always manufacture in China; in fact, they were almost avoiding it all together. However, the idea was not completely off the table. After they acquired the Chinese inverter manufacturing company ‘Zeversolar’ in 2012, they oversaw the manufacturing process and got to know the true potential of a Chinese manufacturing plant in the span of 5 long years.

After which, they made the decision to make SMA branded inverters in China too. But only the single-phase inverters are being produced there; the 3 phase inverters are still all made in Germany.

Keep in mind that ALL of their inverters are designed in Germany, but only some are manufactured in China.

Wondering if they have an office near you? Yes, they do. The SMA Australia office is located at 213 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia.

SMA ShadeFix- A Patented Piece of Tech to Tackle Shading Issues

ShadeFix is an absolutely FREE optimization technique that SMA developed over the years to provide a hassle-free solar experience. Cloud free day with clear skies all throughout the years is an impossible phenomenon; that’s why SMA inverter found a way to work around the issues and developed ShadeFix as a fix for the shading issues.

SMA ShadeFix has been determining the operating point with the maximum output during shading situations for many years using a clever and proven MPP tracking technology. To maximize yield in shaded systems, SMA solar inverters utilise the greatest possible energy supply from the PV modules at all times using SMA ShadeFix.

Available Models of SMA Inverters in the Australian Market

SMA has some phenomenal inverters to offer; here are some of them in brief. If you want to know about their performance and ROI in detail, follow this link to their website and learn all about them.

Sunny Tripower 8.0/10.0 kW

This is a string inverter that offers incredible yields even in partial shading conditions. If you are looking to power your house or a small office, Tripower can suffice those needs and even surpass them at times. Here are some of the traits of it at a glance-

As the inverter is incredibly lightweight, 20.5kgs to be exact, it’s a one-person job to install it with ease.
Thanks to the patented ‘ShadeFix’ function present in Sunny Tripower, minor shading issues can no longer affect your total yield of energy, which is a common story for others.
Maximum efficiency is as high as 98.3%

This tiny little dude will cram into a comfortable place, as it’s small in size.
You have the option to expand at any given moment as the addition of intelligent energy management, and storage solutions can be anytime.
The inverter will take charge and inform you in case of any failure in the shortest time, saving you diagnosis downtime.
It emits only 30db of noise which is equivalent to whispering.
Initially comes with 5 years of warranty but is easily expandable to 10/15 years.
Comes with an IP65 rated protection, meaning if you accidentally splash the inverter, it won’t be ruined (probably).
It’s either transformerless or employs opticool technology to cool the heating source and decrease energy waste.

Sunny Tripower 8.0/10.0 kW: Specifications

Sunny Boy

The sunny boy is the most famous inverter that SMA has. We will not say that this is necessarily the best that SMA has to offer, but customers have praised its amazing performance. Here is a list of facts about the Sunny boy-

Maximum efficiency is 97%
Maximum transparency ensured thanks to visualization in the Sunny Portal / SMA Energy App.
Comes with a 5-year warranty; however, its expandable to 10.
Weighing about 17.5kgs, Sunny boy can be installed by a single person with ease .

The installation process is pretty easy, and plug & play.
With an IP65 rating, your inverter will be saved from water splashes.
Transformerless topology.
Convection cooling method to ensure high yield.
SMA ShadeFix’s integrated shade control system increases yield without requiring additional installation time.
A compact design that requires minimum space.

Sunny Boy: Specifications

Sunny Tripower Core 1

This inverter is great for a commercial setting as well as an off-grid project because this beast of an inverter stands alone to tackle all your PV needs. With its excellent features and award-wining capabilities that are well talked about, it’s a market leader. Let’s get to know it a little better.

The Sunny Tripower CORE1 is the world’s first free-standing string inverter for rooftop and ground-based photovoltaic installations.
6 MPPTs with two strings per MPPT for better optimisation.

Even under difficult conditions, SMA’s sophisticated “OptiCool” cooling technology is dependable and provides optimal energy output. It’s also cheap to maintain.
The smart inverter screen allows for quick commissioning, saving both time and money.
Fixes the shade issue with their patented tech ShadeFix.
The capacity ranges from 50kW to 1000kW.
It’s 60 percent faster to install because it doesn’t require any wall mounting.
Maximum efficiency is 98.1%
IP65 rated protection provided.
AC/DC overvoltage protection.
Integrated Wi-Fi access with any mobile device.
2017 solar award winner

Sunny Tripower Core 1: Specifications

Sunny Island- Battery Inverter

SMA inverters are one of the best choices you can make for your off-grid solar system project, and the sunny island battery inverter is one of those models that do justice to the cause. Here are its features

The Sunny Island can be quickly and easily configured and monitored using Smartphones or tablets thanks to its integrated user interface and standard WLAN and Ethernet connections.
It stores some self-generated power to be used at a later time.
Maximum efficiency rate is 95.8%

The operating temperature range is −25°C to +60°C, meaning the energy generation won’t be harmed in extreme weather conditions.
10 years of warranty provided.
High-quality li-on and lead-acid batteries are used in different variations of the SMA inverter.
For off-grid operation, it takes less than 20ms to switch to the battery backup on a bad day and about 0ms any other day.

Sunny Island- Battery Inverter: Specifications

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Side by Side Comparison of SMA Inverter (Table)

Category	Sunny Tripower	Sunny boy	Sunny Tripower Core1	Sunny Island
Max apparent power	10000 VA	6000 VA	50000 VA	6720 VA
Efficiency	98.30%	97%	98.10%	95.80%
Weight	20.5kg	17.5kg	84kg	63kg
Noise emission	30dB	25dB	<65dB	-
Topology	Transformerless	Transformerless	Transformerless	-
MPPT	2	2	6	-
Ethernet	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Degree of protection	IP65	IP65	IP65	IP54
Warranty	5-15 years	5-10years	5-20 years (guarantee)	10years

Advantages and Disadvantages of SMA Inverter

Let’s take a look at SMA inverters to judge the big picture at a glance

Pros

The ShadeFix technology of SMA that they developed and improving as we speak is something exceptional that only SMA offers. With this, they can tackle the shading issues, which is a huge factor that affects ROI directly.
Off-grid projects are one of the specialty fields as SMA inverters (selected models) are built that way.
Their Opticool technology lowers the temperature significantly to keep the mechanism going at its full capacity. Yes, it’s exclusive to them.
Most of the inverters come with a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 15 years of warranty. And the tripower core1 even guarantees a 20-year service which is a huge claim.
Having an Australian office to connect to offline is a massive advantage.
Most of all, they have been reviewed positively by many customers, which makes their words weigh more than others.

Cons

SMA inverters are not cheap by any means. Only if budget isn’t an issue for you, I would highly suggest you give SMA a go.
Without a screen on some models, it’s harder to take a look on the go.

SMA Inverter Monitoring System

Here are the different ways you can keep track of the performance of your solar system-

Sunny Portal

SMA Sunny Portal is a one-of-a-kind monitoring solution that works with any Wi-Fi network. Following the installation of the system, you as a customer may wish to keep track of your daily use, including domestic energy consumption, to see how much electricity you are saving at the end of the day. The Sunny site may display a series of graphs depicting normal use as well as the solar system’s performance.

Sunny Boy and Sunny Tripower inverters are examples of inverters that do not have a digital screen thus cannot show you a stat of energy usage. As a result, the necessity for this program that uses the inverter’s firmware is critical.

SMA Energy App

Starting from optimizing your energy sources to charging your electric vehicle, the brand-new energy app can do it all. The SMA energy app is a one-stop solution to keep track of everything through the phone screen.

Warranty of SMA Inverter

Roughly all of the models of SMA inverters come with a minimum warranty period of 5 years, which can be extended to 10,15 or 20 years depending on the model of the inverter. With the extended warranty comes many benefits starting from replacing the faulty unit to 24/7 support from professionals.

Conclusion

SMA inverters are a one-of-a-kind piece of tech that is excellent at any setting let it be residential, commercial, or off-grid solar. If you do not have any budget concerns, then SMA inverters can be an excellent choice. As a solar installer ourselves, we have many happy clients who have been getting excellent ROI using SMA. On that note, if you want to know in detail about the inverter or want to get a customised quote, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Fronius Inverter Review 2022 | Is The Hype Real?

In the quest for a perfect solar inverter, you may have come across way too many names to even remember. We understand your frustration, and to aid that decisional dysphoria we bring you Fronius inverter review. In this piece of content, you will find all the authentic information about Fronius inverter coming from an unbiased perspective, all the pros as well as the limitations of Fronius. So, without further ado, lets hop right in to the review.

In this blog post:

Where are Fronius Inverters Manufactured?

One of the most talked about fact of Fronius is probably this, where are these one-of-a-kind inverters manufactured? You would be delighted to know that this is an all European ‘born and raised’ inverter. Fronius is extremely proud of their roots in Austria (not Australia) which is where it all began, and till this date they are manufacturing their extremely popular inverters there.

Also, their inverters are CE Certified. Is it mandatory to be CE marked in Australia? Not really, but the CE certification proves that those products have gone an extra mile for their consumers and proved their claim of being premium quality. Being CE marked means that the certified product meets the EU environment, health and safety precautions. That’s always a plus.

In addition, they have been carefully assessed by the manufacturer to meet all the requirements to be CE marked. To keep it concise, to be CE marked means the product checks all the boxes to be marketed within European Union, it means the product passed a certain quality check that is not a mandatory box to check off, but it gives the consumer- meaning YOU, assurance.

Did you know they have an office in Australia too? Yup! They do, and it’s situated in 3043 VIC Tullamarine, Melbourne. Having an office within the country means you will be sure to have a solution ready for you, that too in a short period, in case anything goes wrong, which is very unlikely with Fronius.

What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?

PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) is the leading independent test lab for the global downstream solar industry, and it works in partnership with DNV GL. Solar panels, solar inverters and other solar products are eligible to get tested and they have to meet a certain set of strict criteria to be called one of the top performers.

Fronius has also gone through the same procedure and emerged victorious. Afterwards they were rightfully crowned as one of the PV evolution labs top performers. Let me remind you that it is no easy task to be recognized in this list, only those who prove their superior quality and are able to withstand the harsh environment get called the top performer.

Available Models of Fronius Inverter in The Australian Market

Here’s a list of available models of Fronius inverter in Australia, ready to be picked up by you.

Fronius GEN24 Plus- The Versatile Inverter

The Fronius GEN24 Plus is a comparatively new addition to the product line. Within this line they have some excellent inverters which are mostly similar, only distinguishable in size and connectivity. The GEN24 Plus complies perfectly with their vision of 24 hours of sun – a world with 100% renewables, which is one of Fronius’s noble missions.

The GEN24 Plus line offers you-

PV Pont- Integrated basic backup power supply up to 3kW in an event of power outage. It’s a low-cost backup power solution.
The power with which the storage system can be charged and discharged is one of the most critical selection factors for a hybrid inverter. The GEN24 Plus’s battery input has a large current carrying capability, allowing charging and discharging power of up to 9 kW depending on the storage system attached.
An integrated active cooling system that results into higher yield, also makes the installation process fairly easier. Additionally, the active cooling allows you to spend less on maintenance eventually saving you money in the long run.
The specialty of this model is its ability to be mounted easily. Thanks to its quick release screw and well sought-after mounting system, the cost of installation is very low.
Upgrade system without any hassle as it’s easy to open and close back down in one piece.
Different roof orientations and shading of strings do not pose any problems, thanks to its Superflex Design.
Sophisticated backup power solution works in combination with an energy storage system.

There are essentially two different versions of the GEN24 plus inverter, differentiating in the following factors –

Symo GEN24 Plus (6-10 kW)

Three-phased.
Hybrid inverter, meaning it comes with backup facilities.

Symo GEN24 Plus (6-10 kW): Specifications

Primo GEN24 Plus (3-6 kW)

Single-phased
Hybrid inverter, with full battery backup.

Primo GEN24 Plus (3-6 kW): Specifications

Fronius SnapINverters

The key feature in the name, it’s a snap-in-inverter. Which means, the installation is as easy and quick as snapping your fingers.
The installation process is safer than ever in comparison to other brands.
The inverters contain a number of built-in open interfaces that allow third-party components to be easily connected.
Integrated energy management function
Would generate maximum yield even in the events of partial shading
MPP trackers
Easy connection of the inverter to the internet via LAN/WLAN
Selected loads, such as a heat pump, an electric car, or an air conditioning system, could be efficiently regulated using spare PV energy thanks to integrated energy management system.

There are essentially two different versions of the SnapINverters inverter, primarily differentiating in the following factors –

Primo SnapINverters (3.0-8.2 kW)

Single-phased
Transformer less

Primo SnapINverters (3.0-8.2 kW): Specifications

Symo SnapINverters (3.0-20.0 kW)

Single-phased
WLAN ethernet connection

Symo SnapINverters (3.0-20.0 kW): Specifications

Fronius Symo Hybrid – Flexible Hybrid Inverter

Integrated multi flow technology ensures intelligent management of the various energy flows such as solar, wind, power plant etc.
Enables DC or AC coupling of battery storage.
Offers numerous open interfaces
Fully integrated backup feature, enables your house to stay lit up in the event of a power failure (possible with BYD)
MPP tracking algorithm with tolerance for shading.
Easy connection to internet via LAN or WLAN
Easy to install and maintain

Fronius Symo Hybrid – Flexible Hybrid Inverter : Specifications

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Side by Side Comparison of Fronius Inverter

Models	FRONIUS PRIMO GEN24 PLUS	FRONIUS SYMO GEN24 PLUS	FRONIUS PRIMO	FRONIUS SYMO
Inverter Type	String	String	String	String
Battery Ready Option	yes	yes	yes	yes
MPP Trackers	2	2	2	1
Rated AC Power Output	3000 Watt	6000 Watt	5000 Watt	3000 Watt
Maximum PV input power	22 / 12 A	25 / 12,5 A	18 / 18 A	1 x 16 A
Maximum Inverter Efficiency	97.60%	98.20%	98.10%	97.70%
Dimensions(W’H’D)	474530165 mm	595529180 mm	431645204 mm	430654204 mm
Weight (KG)	19	28.5	21.5	19.9
Water and Dust Proof Certification	IP66	IP66	IP65	IP65
Ethernet	yes	yes	yes	yes
App	yes	yes	yes	yes
Warranty	Up to 10 Years	Up to 10 Years	Up to 10 Years	Up to 10 Years

Advantage and Disadvantage of Fronius Inverter

Now that you know about all the individual models, let us take a look at the entire Fronius inverter arrangement and see their pros and cons at a glance for a better understanding.

Advantages

Fronius inverters are known for their ease of installation and repairing methods to make your life easier.
They have a variety of options for you to pick out from.
To yield the most out of the inverters all of them have integrated MPP trackers.
Integrated LAN/WLAN for easy connection to the internet, to be able to monitor the activities from anywhere you want.
Active cooling system for your inverters to stay cool to give you a higher yield.
An Austrian brand, this info is for those who are skeptical of the quality.
Maintains EU standards.

Disadvantages

The fan noise can be something where Fronius has room for improvement.

Fronius Inverter Monitoring System

In order to monitor the inverter, Fronius has an app that gives you excellent insight of the inverter on a real time basis. Starting from the PV energy consumption to daily energy yield everything will be there presented to you in the Solar web app.

Fronius Solar.web makes it possible to address service cases swiftly and despite of location: Solar web’s automatic service notifications notify you of system faults quickly. The online tool can do the initial mistake analysis right away. SOS could well be utilized for further in-depth mistake investigation as well as requesting replacement parts.

The current energy flows are displayed in a user-friendly manner.
Regular reports and automatic reminders
Over the life of the PV system, production and consumption are displayed on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis.
The latest three days’ daily production and consumption graphs are displayed.
All Fronius system components receive automatic upgrades.

Warranty of Fronius Inverter

Fronius has rarely failed to impress its customers with their excellent customer service. Usually their fail-proof mechanism doesn’t require much attention, however, if an incident occurred where the inverter fails, Fronius has promised its consumers to arrange a replacement within 3 to 5 business days. Of course, we have to take the current situation into consideration in this case.

You as an Australian customer have access to an additional 5 years of warranty on top of the standard 5-year warranty that Fronius offers. All you have to do is just register here- www.solarweb.com.

Are Fronius Inverters Any Good?

If you want a short answer to the question then yes, a big yes from us. They are not just good but excellent in our opinion. Their Austrian origin and EU check mark makes them all that more attractive for those who are genuinely looking for good options to make a switch to the renewable energy.

Please note that, while Fronius is a quality option for everybody but they can be on expensive side of the spread. Don’t forget that, a solar system is an investment so, a little splurge now can save you a lot in the longer run. My duty as a reviewer is to tell you both sides of the stories so that you can make an informed decision. So, are they good? Indeed, but are they good for you specifically? that you have to find out by yourself.

Conclusion

With that we have reached to the end of the Fronius inverter review blog. We have tried to give you an honest insight of the inverter from an unbiased point of view. If you want to know in greater details about the product or the process itself, we can arrange a free consultation session for you with one of our solar experts at your convenience. What do you have to do? Just reach out to our email or leave a comment down below!

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All About Solar Batteries in Australia

It’s been forever since Australia is facing the critical issue of energy price hikes. In order to aid that wound, the government is also trying to compensate with several schemes, encouraging common people to switch to renewable energy sources. But there’s always a new level of reach to up our savings; getting solar batteries is one of them. They help you store energy from the grid or from your renewable sources so that you can enjoy higher savings at a lower price point & reduce your carbon footprint simultaneously.

Still, you have to consider how expensive these batteries are and calculate your ROI to see if they are worth the investment. In this article, I am going to address the adjacent factors to help you make an informed and sound decision.

Why Should You Get Batteries? Are Batteries Improving?

Before I answer why you should consider getting solar batteries, allow me to elaborate on how they have been improving over the past decade.

Yes, lithium ion batteries (the most common type used for solar energy storage) are improving, in terms of capacity, energy density, life-cycle, etc.. Also, increases in the amount of energy they can store have been on the rise of 5% per annum. That implies your present batteries have a capacity that is more than 1.5 times that of a decade ago. The new and improved batteries allow you to enjoy their benefits in a convenient space, and there has been significant improvement in thermal management that needs to get addressed.

Even better news for you because Australia is the world’s largest producer and exporter of lithium. Sure enough, there is reason for you to be hopeful; however, most of the raw material gets exported, but there are companies like sonnenBatterie who’re utilizing such blessings to make batteries a little more accessible to you.

With a significant rise of the energy prices, common people are opting for a renewable source of energy which is the smartest move to make here. But to take that up a notch, batteries are important. In comparison to the low feed-in-tariff, only allowed in certain states, it’s definitely beneficial to store the surplus at your disposal, generated by your solar panels.

Also, using the grid power to charge up your batteries to use at night when the unit price is high is a good option. But I completely understand if you are questioning getting solar batteries because of the high upfront cost, which makes you wonder if they are worth the investment.

Sourcing lithium, which is apparent that it is the main ingredient of lithium batteries, has not been a simple path. The cost at which this has to be sourced, especially a greener way of doing so, is not easy to manage, and scientists all around the globe have been looking for greener options.

So, to tell you the truth, there is no black and white answer to this question if you should consider getting solar batteries. Consider the above-mentioned factors and get to know your energy usage pattern in detail first. Then evaluate if getting an expensive solar battery is worth it or not.

Are Batteries Made in Australia?

There are only a few companies which are currently manufacturing in Australia. Companies like Century Yuasa Batteries Pty Ltd, Sonnen Australia Pty Limited, Enersys Australia Pty Ltd, Exide Technologies, Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd are the key players in the Australian battery market. But Australia has so much more potential when it comes to this sector. There are strong barriers as well to be addressed, which are a lacking supply chain, negative environmental impact, high labor cost, etc.

Lithium is produced and exported in considerable quantities in Australia. It is the most significant component in the production of energy storage and electric car batteries. However, the majority of the lithium is shipped as spodumene concentrate, which must be processed further to use them at all. Several Australian mining corporations are collaborating with international businesses to commercialize lithium extraction and improve operations in Australia, with the goal of producing battery-grade lithium.

As the worldwide focus on ethically and sustainably produced minerals heats up, Australian firms are increasingly looking at how to recover resources for battery storage. A number of Australian organisations are moving forward with promising proposals ranging from recovering storage materials from tailings (basically mining waste) to developing scalable, efficient, and ecological recycling techniques, as well as low-emission lithium extraction.

Governments Initiatives to Make Battery Installation Easier for You

What if I told you there is an ongoing rebate on solar batteries to end all the debate at once about them being expensive? Yes, there is an ongoing rebate for the Victorians on solar battery installation upon meeting specific criteria. If you are a Victorian, then you can enjoy a $3500 solar home rebate on top of all the savings that you’ll be getting through your existing solar panels.

Lily D’Ambrosio, the Minister for Solar Homes, stated the government’s amendments mean consumers won’t have to wait until they have solar panels installed to get the battery incentive.

Over 4,000 Victorians have already taken advantage of the excellent opportunity. This government project is worth over $1.3 billion, revolutionizing the solar battery storage game for the foreseeable future of the Victorians. Nevertheless, I must give you a much-needed reminder that this rebate is not going to last forever.

Also, there is a strict benchmark set by the government that you have to reach before being eligible to enjoy this golden opportunity. Click HERE to know how you can be eligible for this rebate.

“This change will make it easier for more households to reap the benefits of combining a battery with solar PV as part of their home energy system.”

– Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister, Solar Homes.

Fret not, my fellow Welshmen; there are amazing opportunities for you too. The NSW government is not falling behind in serving their people because they also have introduced an interest-free loan facility of up to $14,000 for a PV and battery combo and up to $9000 for home battery installation with an existing PV system. In both cases, the interest-free loan is repayable in over a range of terms up to 8 & 9 years, respectively. To know if you are eligible to benefit from this scheme, follow this LINK.

On that note, a key point should be addressed that we should not be stuck in myopia. Not only installation benefits but also to help the Australian battery industry reach its true potential, the government has to encourage and support it in every shape and form.

To this date, Australia is focusing strongly on mining rather than manufacturing batteries due to lack of expertise, higher cost, lack of incentives, and proper supply chain infrastructure. Grid-scale battery deployment has received considerable backing from the Federal Government’s primary renewable finance entities, ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency) and the CEFC (Clean Energy Finance Corporation). Lithium mining initiatives have also been sponsored by the CEFC. However, they have not made the midstream industry a priority.

By 2030 Battery Industry Could Add 34,700 jobs for Aussies

In these trying times, after the whole world has been severely hit by the pandemic, the battery industry can help save thousands of lives by creating more jobs. In a recent report, it was shown that the battery industry of Australia has the potential to add $1.3 billion to our GDP. This magnificent growth comes only from mining the raw materials, which are abundant in our lands. If we take advantage of our fortunate situation and start manufacturing, then $7.4 million in gross value can be successfully added to the economy.

What Does the Future Hold for Solar Batteries?

The future of solar batteries is shining bright, like a diamond, just like Rihanna once said! LOL. All jokes aside, there is a latent demand for it. Thus scientists are researching for a better and economical way to tackle the rising demand. Sure enough, we are heading towards a future where people will opt for renewable sources of energy more. And when the switch happens, we will be in a place where batteries will hopefully be accessible to the mass.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

Solar Batteries Solar Battery Solar Battery in Australia

SolarEdge Inverter Review | Anything and Everything You Want

SolarEdge offers you a solar inverter that is anything and everything you have dreamt of. In these 15 years, SolarEdge managed to climb up the ladder and gained popularity by being the third most desirable solar manufacturer in the solar industry.

SolarEdge supplies a variety of solar inverters for residential, commercial and small utility-scale solar installations, it also provides a range of power optimisers and smart energy solutions. Therefore, in this SolarEdge inverter review, you will find out more about the company, its solar inverter- which you require. So, sit back, relax and enlighten yourself with this SolarEdge inverter review.

SolarEdge provides an intelligent inverter solution that has changed the way power is gathered and managed in solar photovoltaic systems.

And for its uniqueness, it has bagged many awards such as SolarEdge was selected by Green Builder Media as a 2021 Innovation Award Winner for its SolarEdge Energy Hub Inverter with Prism Technology, and in 2019 SolarEdge’s EV charging single phase inverter won the Top Product of the Year award in the Mechanical/Materials Category.

Table of content

Where are SolarEdge Inverters Manufactured?
Available Models of SolarEdge Inverter in the Australian Market
Comparison Between Different SolarEdge Inverter (Table)
Advantages and Disadvantages of SolarEdge Inverter
SolarEdge Inverter Monitoring System
Performance and Efficiency of SolarEdge Inverter
Warranty of SolarEdge Inverter
Are SolarEdge Inverters Any Good?
Conclusion

More so in 2018 SolarEdge’s inverters with HD technology has been honoured with one of the most prestigious awards- Edison Awards for its game-changing innovation.

All these awards won by SolarEdge proves that it provides one of the best solar inverters which maximizes power generation at the individual PV module-level while lowering the cost of energy produced by the solar PV system.

SolarEdge began to gain fame as soon as they established which was in 2006, but in 2010 it has sold its first solar inverters, and because of that its sales growth sky-rocketed with an estimated shipment of 250,000 power optimisers, along with 12,000 solar inverters alone! And it has got about 2400 employees all over the world with a monitored site in over 130 countries. SolarEdge has definitely made its mark, so you can undoubtedly trust its quality solar inverters.

Where Are SolarEdge Inverters Manufactured?

SolarEdge is an Israel based manufacturer but it has got its offices located all over the world, such as here- in Australia, also in the USA, France, China, Japan, India and Germany. SolarEdge has its’ headquarter situated in Israel along with a manufacturing plant.

And to make its solar inverter affordable all over the world SolarEdge has opened its manufacturing plants in China, Hungary and recently it is launching PV Inverter Production Line in Ontario, Canada, to supply in North America! All these are efforts are given so that you can get great solar quality inverters at a reasonable price. And for your convenience, I am giving you the address of the Australian based office of SolarEdge, where you can drop your queries without any hesitation.

Available Models of SolarEdge Inverter in the Australian Market

As we know that string inverters have always been an ideal choice in the solar industry. The job of the string inverter is to send the power produced by solar panels to a central inverter, which later changes from DC to usable AC power for your home.

And on the other hand, microinverters job is to convert DC to AC power at each individual solar panel and allow for monitoring and power regulation at the solar panel level. This is perfect for those homes that are situated somewhere with shading issues.

Now comes SolarEdge with its’ unique solar inverter, which is somewhere between a string inverter and microinverter, as it matched the string inverters with individual DC optimisers on each solar panel, which gives you the best of both worlds.

So, let’s take a look at some of the outstanding solar inverters best suited for your home in Australia:

SE5K-AU/SE7K-AU

These are three-phase inverters best for residential installations.
It has got maximum efficiency of 98%.
European efficiency is up to 97.6%.
The AC output voltage is 5-7kW.
Equipped with an internal fan for cooling.
IP65 rated, perfect for Australia’s harsh weather.
Specially designed to work with power optimisers.
It is small, weighs only 22.2 kg thus, making it easy to install.
Noise level is <40 dba, perfect for a residential environment.

It has got no external fan.
Equipped with built-in module-level monitoring.
Has got internet connection through Ethernet or Wireless; via Wi-Fi/ cellular plug-ins.
Integrated with DC safety unit.

SE5K-AU/SE7K-AU: Specifications

SE3000H/ SE4000H/ SE5000H/ SE6000H/ SE8000H/ SE10000H

It is a single-phase solar inverter with HD-Wave Technology.
Integrated with arc fault protection.
IP65 rated which is splash and dustproof.
It has got a record-breaking efficiency of 99.2%.
The European efficiency is up to 99%.
The output AC is 3-10kW.
It weighs around 10-17.6 kg, which makes it extremely lightweight and super easy to install.
Allows you quick and easy commissioning directly from a smartphone by using the SolarEdge SetApp.

It also supports RS485, Ethernet, ZigBee for Smart Energy and has got optional Wi-Fi too for monitoring purposes.
It has got a warranty of up to 12-25 years.

SE3000H/ SE4000H/ SE5000H/ SE6000H/ SE8000H/ SE10000H: Specifications

SE8K-AU

It’s a three-phase inverter for residential installation.
Has a warranty of 12-25 years.
Built-in thermal sensors detect faulty wiring ensuring enhanced protection and safety.
It has a DC safety unit that eliminates the need for external DC isolators.
It has got AC output of 8kW.
Equipped with an internal fan for cooling.
The maximum efficiency is 98%.
The European efficiency is 97.4%.
Built-in module-level monitoring with Ethernet/ Cellular/ RS485/ Wi-Fi/ IP65 rated which is suitable for Australia’s harsh weather.
Noise emission <40 dBA.

SE8K-AU: Specifications

SE30K/ SE33.3K

It is a three-phase solar inverter best for the Australian residential sector.
Has got a fixed voltage inverter of 30-33.3kW.
The efficiency is 98.3% and European efficiency 98%.
Equipped with IP65 rating which makes splash-proof.
Noise emission is <62 dBA.
Equipped with a fan for cooling, which is replaceable.
It weighs only 35kg, which makes it lighter and easier to install.
Built-in module-level monitoring with Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Integrated with DC safety unit.

Equipped with optional Type 2 DC and AC surge protection to withstand lightning events.
Smart Energy Management control.
Warranty of 12-20 years.

SE30K/ SE33.3K: Specifications

Like what you see? Then click here to buy now!

Comparison Between Different SolarEdge Inverter (Table)

Models	SolarEdge SE5K-AU/ SE7K-AU	SolarEdge SE3000H/ SE4000H/ SE5000H/ SE6000H/ SE8000H/ SE10000H	SolarEdge SE8K-AU	SolarEdge SE30K/ SE33.3K
Inverter Type	Three Phase	Single Phase	Three Phase	Three Phase
Battery Ready Option	No	No	No	No
Display Type	No Display	No Display	No Display	No Display
Rated AC Power Output	4985-7000 Watt	3000-10000 Watt	8000 Watt	30000-33300 Watt
Maximum AC Output Current	8-13A	14-45.5A	13A	43.5-48A
Maximum DC Voltage	600	480	600	415
Maximum Inverter Efficiency	98.00%	99.20%	98.00%	98.30%
Dimensions(W’H’D)	775315191 mm	540370185 mm	775315191 mm	808317300 mm
Weight (KG)	22.2	10-17.6	22.2	35
Water and Dust Proof Certification	IP65	IP65	IP65	IP65
Cellular	Optional	No	Optional	No
WiFi	Yes	Optional	Yes	Yes
App	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Warranty	12 Years	12 Years	12 Years	12 Years
Extended Warranty	upto 25 years	upto 25 years	upto 25 years	upto 20 years

Advantages and Disadvantages of SolarEdge Inverter

SolarEdge inverter is unlike any other solar inverter, it is unique with some astounding aspects but it isn’t perfect, it needs a bit of improvement too. So, let’s get a clear picture by seeing some of the advantages and disadvantages of SolarEdge’s inverters below:

Advantages:

Individual solar panel monitoring; which means you can see panel production through your smart device such as laptop, mobile phone etc.
It gives you individual solar panel optimisation, for instance, any dirt or shading on one panel will not impact the other solar panels like a conventional setup.
Rapid shut-down in case of any sort of emergency; and in the case of any grid or inverter shutdown it will reduce the DC voltage up to 1V.
The SolarEdge inverter along with the power optimiser has a maximum efficiency of 99.5%.
Apart from soiling or shading issues, SolarEdge inverters help you to identify solar panel mismatch, solar panel micro-crack damage, a thermal mismatch at different times of the day, last but not least it helps you to identify potential voltage leakage issues as well.
A small sized string inverter because the Multi-Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is all done at the solar panel.
Equipped with remote troubleshooting.

Disadvantages:

SolarEdge inverters are a bit expensive, as installing the power optimiser will naturally increase the cost of your PV system.
Complex installation due to a lot of components- but you don’t need to worry about installing as you will have an experienced installer for you to do the job.

SolarEdge Inverter Monitoring System

A monitoring system makes your life a lot easier as it keeps you updated about the inverter, condition and power output or any sort of issues. SolarEdge’s monitoring system comes with the solar inverter you purchase, but if you want a thorough inspection of your self-consumption, you can pay a little bit more cash which will get you this decent monitoring system.

This monitoring system will allow you to track each and every solar panel installed with the power optimizer, and also it will let you know which solar panels are working and which aren’t. You won’t need any hardware or wiring to transmit data from the power optimizers to the inverter; the monitoring sensors and transmitters are built into the SolarEdge power optimizer and solar inverter, and measurement data is transmitted over the regular power lines- all you need to do is to download mySolarEdge app to enjoy its benefits.

And to know more about the monitoring system that you will use for your home, you can take a look at this YouTube video which will just take 5 minutes of your time.

Performance and Efficiency of SolarEdge Inverter

SolarEdge is the epitome of all the inverters out there, it sets an example when it comes to efficiency, as it has the highest efficiency of 99.5%! I mean how cool is that?

SolarEdge’s innovative idea of using DC optimizers are the key to its success, this is one of the reasons for such an excellent performance. I mean Tesla has collaborated with SolarEdge! That alone should be enough proof of its outstanding performance.

SolarEdge- the global leader in PV inverters, power optimizers, and module-level monitoring services, collaborated with Tesla Motors to provide an inverter solution that allows the grid and photovoltaic integration with Tesla’s home battery solution, known as the “Powerwall”.

The reason behind this collaboration is to enable more cost-effective residential solar generation, storage and consumption of the global market. Not only SolarEdge tries hard to give its best performance but also it is very thoughtful towards you guys so that YOU get the best solar inverter and that too at reasonable pricing.

Warranty of SolarEdge Inverter

SolarEdge, unlike other solar inverters, doesn’t follow the regular norm of giving 5-10 years of warranty, rather it sets its own record by giving its product the warranty period of 12-25 years!

I mean, could it Be any more exciting! SolarEdge provides you with the best warranty offer that has the longest period of time. SolarEdge offers 25 years of warranty for its Power optimisers, 12 years for its solar inverters.

You can also extend the inverters’ warranty to 20 or 25 years. In case of any issues or any faulty solar inverters, you have to first contact your installer, who basically installed your solar inverter; if the installer isn’t available or nowhere to be found you can contact SolarEdge by following the link; they will manage an installer for you and thus solve your problem.

Are SolarEdge Inverters Any Good?

SolarEdge inverter cannot be any better than it already is. It has got a low failure rate with more warranty, and the best part is all these are at very reasonable pricing. It’s the perfect quality solar inverter with an unbelievable efficiency rate of 99.5%.

SolarEdge has won an innumerable number of awards, it collaborates with Tesla, and it offers the best of the best solar inverters to you guys. So, you tell me- are SolarEdge inverters any good? In my opinion, it’s one of the best inverters that you can purchase. I assure you that you will be able to rely on SolarEdge’s inverter blindly.

Conclusion

Last but not the least, SolarEdge undoubtedly gives you top-notch solar inverters for your home, and through this SolarEdge inverter review, I am sure you have got a clear picture of SolarEdge’s inverter.

But if you have any further queries then I would recommend you to reach out to our solar experts who will solve your issues or confusion in a jiffy. So, if you are looking for a solar inverter for your home then without waiting any longer just go for SolarEdge, as it is everything you are looking for in a solar inverter.

Our Solar Experts are here to help!

Inverter Review SolarEdge Inverter SolarEdge Inverter Review

Author: sagor

Solar Panel Size Determining Factors- How Many Panels Do I Need?

Your Usual Energy Consumption

Future Proofing – Should I Upsize my System?

Would You Need Solar Batteries?

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

Types of Solar Batteries

Reasons Why You Should Get Solar Batteries

End of Net Metering in Australia

Electricity Prices are Higher at Night

Grid Outages

Are Solar Batteries Worth It?

Solar Battery Storage Price in Australia: How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

10kw Solar Battery Price

6kw Solar Battery Cost

Solar battery ROI

How To Choose Solar Batteries?

State Rebates for Solar Batteries

Solar Battery FAQs

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Why Solar is Considered an 'Investment'

Know This Before You Expect the Solar Panels to Last 25 Years

Make Sure You Choose a Good Brand

Installation & Installers Matter

Some Tips and Tricks to a Longer Lasting Solar life

Keep Your Panels Clean

Monitor and Maintain

Get FREE Consultation With a Solar Expert

Why Solar?

Solar Panels- the Future of Energy

Solar Panels are Usable Everywhere

One of our recently installed off grid solar projects.

Solar Panel Prices are Dropping

Carbon Emission Free Energy Production

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

The Science Behind Solar Panels

Step-by-step How Solar Panels Work

Step 1: Sunlight Hits the Solar Panels – Generates Electricity

Step 2: Inverter Converts the Electricity into a Usable Energy

Step 3: Distribution Through the Switchboard

Step 4: Utility Meter Rundown

Step 5: Your Own Tracking System

Step 6: Energy Storage- Solar Batteries

Points to be Noted

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

We have put together a step-by-step guide on how solar panels are installed below:

Step 1: Inspecting the Site and Conducting a Survey

Step 2: Marking Out the Territory

Step 3: Drilling the Holes or Not & Getting it All Ready

Step 4: The Installation of Solar Panels

Step 5: Don't Forget the Inverter

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

Table of content

Where are SMA Inverters Manufactured?

SMA ShadeFix- A Patented Piece of Tech to Tackle Shading Issues

Available Models of SMA Inverters in the Australian Market

Sunny Tripower 8.0/10.0 kW

Sunny Boy

Sunny Tripower Core 1

Sunny Island- Battery Inverter

Like what you see? Then click here to buy now!

Side by Side Comparison of SMA Inverter (Table)

Advantages and Disadvantages of SMA Inverter

Pros

Cons

SMA Inverter Monitoring System

Sunny Portal

SMA Energy App

Warranty of SMA Inverter

Conclusion

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

In this blog post:

Where are Fronius Inverters Manufactured?

What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?

Available Models of Fronius Inverter in The Australian Market

Fronius GEN24 Plus- The Versatile Inverter

Symo GEN24 Plus (6-10 kW)

Primo GEN24 Plus (3-6 kW)

Fronius SnapINverters

Primo SnapINverters (3.0-8.2 kW)