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Alpha ESS Battery Review For 2023 By Solar Emporium

Alpha-ESS is one of Australia’s leading solar battery brands. They have competed with global competitors with an impressive 300% annual growth rate.

Their production capacity is also noteworthy. They are producing up to 1 Gigawatt of batteries annually.

Their popularity in the residential market prompted us to make this review. So here goes the Alpha ESS battery review for 2023 by Solar Emporium.

Background on Alpha ESS

Alpha ESS stands out for its commitment to offering comprehensive training and support to installers, engineers, and consultants.

With a user-friendly installation process and a monitoring platform, users can be confident that their battery will seamlessly integrate with their solar system. And it will ensure optimal performance for years.

Alpha ESS, a Chinese energy storage systems manufacturer, primarily caters to residential and commercial markets on a global scale.

The acronym “ESS” comes from “Energy Storage System.” Founded in 2012, the company recently relocated its headquarters to Suzhou, China. Alpha ESS operates through over ten local subsidiaries and offers services in more than 50 countries.

In 2015, Alpha ESS established an office in Australia and quickly became a part of the South Australia home battery scheme in 2018. Soon after, they started production at full capacity.

Alpha ESS produces a range of products. The Smile series is for the residential energy storage market. The Storion series is designed for the commercial sector. And an industrial-scale battery enclosed within a shipping container.

Product Information

Alpha-ESS has a huge range of commercial batteries. On the residential side, Alpha-ESS has the Smile Series with different ranges of solar battery sizes to suit all residential purposes.

Unlike competitors like Tesla and LG, with just one model, Alpha-ESS gives you three size options to fit your energy requirements – 5.7, 10.3 and 13.3 kW.

Alpha ESS Residential Battery System – Alpha ESS SMILE

The Alpha ESS Smile series is designed for residential purposes. This series unifies a hybrid inverter, a battery system, and a storage unit to accommodate separate ‘battery modules’ for capacity expansion.

The hybrid inverter serves a dual purpose. It sends solar power directly to the household. In real-time, it converts battery power to usable AC power. While you buy the batteries separately, they integrate into a single aesthetically pleasing unit.

During a blackout, the Alpha ESS system can supply clean power to a home or business. Importantly, this technology is built into the system, eliminating the need for additional costs or components, contrasting to other battery systems.

Alpha ESS Smile 5 Solar Batteries at a Glance

The SMILE 5 series is equipped with a 5kW hybrid inverter.

It can also be upgraded with four distinct-capacity batteries. Ranges are from 2.9kWh to 13.3kWh. These can also be expanded up to 80kWh.

The Smile-5 series is a complete unit of batteries, an inverter, and a battery management system.
It offers blackout protection and ensures constant power supply during outages.

It has outstanding solar storage capacity and efficiency.
The Smile-5 series features an innovative and stylish design with durability.
After Alpha ESS Wi-Fi setup, the solar battery can receive real-time software updates.
The product is backed by a 5-year warranty, with a 10-year warranty for the battery itself.
Minimal maintenance is required post-installation.

The residential Solar Battery is available in storage capacities ranging from 2.9 kWh to 34.2 kWh.
These Smile-5 series batteries support 24/7 monitoring, ensuring continuous performance tracking.

Whether you want to install a solar panel system in your home or already have one, the Alpha ESS solar battery can seamlessly work with your existing solar panel system.

Alpha SMILE B3 Review

The Alpha Smile B3 Plus has a 3 kW output and a minimum capacity ranging from 5.04 kWh to 30.24 kWh. These ranges make it perfect for homeowners who need to increase their battery storage in the future but want to avoid paying high installation costs.

The Alpha Smile B3 is compatible with both AC and DC energy.

The Alpha Smile B3 Plus is equipped with LFP technology. It is one of the safest Lithium batteries available in the Australian market. It has an IP65 classification.

This Alpha series is suitable for outside installation and has an operating temperature range of -10 °C to 50 °C. That makes it ideal for our harsh climate.

What is the Price of Alpha ESS Batteries?

The price of Alpha ESS batteries can change based on several things. The prices depend on the battery’s capacity, installation type, and location.

Generally, a 10 kWh Alpha ESS battery system is approximately $8,500 to $10,000. On the other hand, systems with a 10-20 kWh capacity cost around $12,000 to $15,000 or more.

These are only approximate values. Contact Solar Emporium and check out our Alpha ESS page to know more.

Alpha ESS Products-

Alpha ESS SMILE5 5.5kWh $8,500 to $9,000 ($AUD)

Alpha ESS SMILE5 11kWh $12,000 to $13,000 ($AUD)

Alpha ESS SMILE5 16.5kWh $15,000 to $17,500 ($AUD)

It’s better to compare the expense of a battery with the potential savings on your electricity bill. Use a Solar Calculator to compare the costs.

Benefits of Alpha ESS Solar Battery

Several factors made Alpha ESS one of Australia’s top residential solar storage solutions.

Installation of the Alpha ESS solar battery is a hassle-free process.
Its German design guarantees durability and high-energy storage performance for residential use.
These batteries are made from lithium iron phosphate, a chemically safe and secure battery choice.
User reviews confirm the eco-friendliness and highlight their absence of toxic emissions.
This battery is compatible with new installations and is versatile for various setups.
Various ranges of products provide complete residential energy self-sufficiency.
It features multifunctionality by offering multiple operational modes to suit diverse needs.
This solar battery protects during blackouts and is a dependable backup power source.
These have customisable battery sizes to align with your specific needs.
Their inverter comes with the system.
Alpha Cloud monitoring platform delivers all the information about your energy consumption.
Opportunity to generate revenue in the electricity market through integrated VPP software

Technical Specification

5kW nominal capacity
5kW surge rating
7.5kW solar capacity
PV current input: normal 15a – short circuit 18a
Warranty period: 5 years
Usable 13.3 kWh.
Battery warranty: 80% capacity remaining after ten years – 38.836Mwh (Approx- 8000 cycles)
Eight years of throughput at one complete cycle per day
The inverter and battery cost approximately $11385 with installation.
$856 per usable kWh
$/warranted-kWh: $0.29 at one cycle per day / $0.146 at two cycles per day (*8000 @ 2/day = 11 years)

The Alpha ESS Monitoring Platform

This platform is the most advanced in their battery range. It has all the features of Tesla and LG, with the added feature of trading on the electricity market via Virtual Power Plant (VPP) software.

With Alpha Cloud Monitoring, your days of physically inspecting the storage system are gone. You just get the Alpha ESS App on your phone or computer and check your system remotely.

Rather than simply use your battery-stored power in your home, you can also sell it during peak hours. Solar Emporium’s energy experts are happy to explain how it works. Get a free solar quote today!

Alpha ESS or Tesla Powerwall 2

Alpha ESS and Tesla Powerwall 2 are the most popular energy storage solutions in the Australian energy market. Both batteries can store and provide solar panels’ electricity or backup power.

But which one should you go for? Let’s try to get to the bottom of it.

Both Alpha ESS and Tesla Powerwall 2 use lithium-ion battery technology. You can install multiple units to increase your storage capacity based on your energy needs.

Alpha ESS and Tesla Powerwall 2 offer blackout protection by supplying power during grid outages. This feature provides peace of mind and continuous electricity in case of power failures.

Both systems offer smartphone apps and online monitoring platforms that allow users to track their energy production, consumption, and battery status.

They come with warranties to guarantee product reliability. Tesla Powerwall 2, for example, comes with a 10-year warranty, and Alpha ESS offers similar warranties. However, the exact terms may vary by region and specific product.

They are designed to charge and discharge energy efficiently. Alpha ESS and Tesla Powerwall are environmentally conscious in their designs and manufacturing, promoting clean and sustainable energy solutions.

While they share these standard features, there are differences in pricing, available capacity, compatibility, and some advanced features.

The choice between Alpha ESS and Tesla Powerwall 2 should be based on your energy needs, budget, and preferences.

Choose Solar Emporium for Storage Solutions

You need to speak with a solar professional regardless of the battery brand you are considering. Contact Solar Emporium for a better understanding.

Choosing the appropriate size and technical specifications for your energy needs will maximise your savings and shorten the time it takes to see a return on your investment.

Solar Emporium offers a variety of batteries to meet even the most specific needs. Also, check out our solar packages and decide for yourself.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

New $750 Tesla Powerwall Rebate For Australia

Tesla has dropped their newest and cheapest $750 rebate for Australia. First-time customers trying to have Powerwall(s) installed can enjoy the rebate.

The registration timeline is from August 11, 2023, to December 31, 2023. So, you have about six months to get the most lucrative offer from Tesla.

Whether you opt for a single Powerwall or multiple units, once the Powerwall(s) are successfully installed, connected to the internet, and registered, the rebate can be requested via the Tesla app.

Tesla will transfer the applicable rebate amount to the designated bank account upon verification.

Eligibility and application process

Certain conditions must be met to qualify for this offer:

The Powerwall installation must occur between August 11, 2023, to December 31, 2023.
The Powerwall must be ordered exclusively from Tesla Certified Installers.
The Powerwall must be connected to the internet and duly registered.
Initiation of the rebate request should be carried out through the Tesla app.

You must get the Powerwall(s) through Tesla and install them by a Tesla Certified Installer like Solar Emporium to take advantage of this offer. The rebate was applied to the upfront cost of purchasing and installing a Tesla Powerwall, a home battery system designed to store excess energy generated by solar panels. This stored energy can then be used during peak demand times or low solar production. To claim the rebate, homeowners must meet specific eligibility criteria, including their property’s location, the Powerwall system’s size, and whether it was installed on a residential property. Check out the Tesla AU page for more details.

What Is Tesla Powerwall?

Tesla Powerwall is a cutting-edge home battery system designed to store and manage electricity generated from solar panels or other renewable sources.

It harnesses and stores excess energy produced during peak sun hours, allowing homeowners to utilise it when the sun isn’t shining or during high energy demand.

The Powerwall operates on a simple principle: it stores surplus electricity generated by solar panels or when energy usage is low, such as at night. This stored energy is readily available when energy demand spikes or solar generation is limited.

Components of Tesla Powerwal

Energy Storage: The Powerwall contains lithium-ion battery cells that store electricity. These cells can store significant energy in a relatively compact design.

Inverter Technology: The Powerwall is equipped with an inverter responsible for converting the stored DC (direct current) electricity into the AC (alternating current) electricity commonly used in homes.

Smart Energy Management: Tesla Batteries has intelligent software optimising energy storage and usage. It monitors electricity production, consumption patterns, and energy prices to determine the most efficient times to charge and discharge the battery.

Grid Interaction: The Powerwall can seamlessly switch between drawing energy from the grid and utilising stored energy, depending on energy needs and pricing. It can also provide backup power during power outages, ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply to critical appliances.

Remote Monitoring and Control: Through the Tesla app, homeowners can monitor the performance of their Powerwall in real time, adjust settings, and receive notifications about energy usage and system status.

Integration with Solar Panels: Powerwall can be integrated with solar panels to create a comprehensive home energy solution. Excess solar energy is stored in the battery for later use, minimising wastage and increasing self-consumption.

Tesla Powerwall Functionality

Overall, the Tesla Powerwall enhances energy efficiency, reduces reliance on the grid, and offers a more sustainable energy solution. It’s vital in the transition toward cleaner and more self-sufficient energy consumption.

Expanding solar energy utilisation involves storing sunlight’s power near where it’s needed to minimise energy loss during transmission. Your residence is the most immediate storage location within a home battery system like the Powerwall.

The Powerwall concept is straightforward. During daylight hours, solar panels charge the Tesla battery. It lets you tap into that stored energy at night, decreasing reliance on the grid. Battery storage offers additional advantages, including insurance against power failures and grid instability.

The Key Benefits of Installing a Tesla Powerwall in Australia

Tesla battery installation brings many benefits to Australian homeowners. You can enjoy hassle-free installation by contacting certified Tesla Powerwall installers Like Solar Emporium.

Cost Savings: With the $750 rebate, tesla prices got cheaper. Right now is the cheapest Tesla price in Australia. By storing and using solar energy during peak demand times, you can reduce your electricity bills by relying less on grid-supplied power.

Energy Independence: Tesla Powerwall allows you to store excess energy generated by your solar panels, reducing your reliance on the grid and providing a more sustainable energy source.

Backup Power: In case of power outages, Powerwall can automatically provide backup power to essential appliances, ensuring your home stays powered even during disruptions.

Time-of-Use Optimisation: Powerwall can store energy during off-peak hours when electricity costs are lower and discharge during peak hours when prices are higher, optimising your energy consumption.

Grid Support: Powerwall can support the grid by releasing stored energy during high demand, contributing to grid stability and reducing strain on power infrastructure.

Solar Energy Utilisation: Powerwall ensures that your panels’ solar energy is utilised effectively, even when the sun isn’t shining. Excess energy is stored for use later.

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Utilising stored solar energy reduces the need for fossil fuels, helping you decrease your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Smart Energy Management: The Powerwall has smart technology that learns and adapts to your energy consumption patterns, maximising efficiency and savings.

Remote Monitoring and Control: You can monitor your Powerwall’s performance and control settings remotely through the Tesla app, providing convenience and peace of mind.

Long Lifespan: Tesla Powerwall is designed with durability in mind, with a long lifespan and warranty, ensuring your investment provides lasting value.

Government Incentives: Depending on the time and location, government incentives and rebates may be available to reduce further the upfront cost of installing a Powerwall.

Consult Solar Emporium, a Tesla Certified Installer. We can help determine the best solution for your needs.

Cost of Tesla Powerwall

It is currently priced at $12,990. So how much does a Tesla Powerwall cost after the rebate? The Powerwall 2’s post-rebate cost is $12,150, significantly improving from the $20,000 price point.

The previous Tesla Powerwall cost was one of the reasons why Average Australian households did not choose the product. But now it positions the Tesla Powerwall 2 at a competitive price.

Under the revised rebate initiative, Tesla permits the installation of either one or multiple Powerwall. After installation, internet connectivity, and your Powerwall(s) registration, you’ll receive a notification via the Tesla app to initiate your rebate request.

After legal confirmation, Tesla will transfer the eligible rebate funds to your designated bank account.

Solar Feed-in Tariffs

Solar Feed-in Tariffs, commonly called FiTs, encompass the payments received for the solar power that your Powerwall exports to the electricity grid. The rate of this FiT is subject to variation based on the region or state you reside in.

Simply put, you can buy Tesla Powerwall with this $750 rebate. And you might also be subjected to more solar rebates and incentives if the Australian government offers any.

For those contemplating the installation of a Powerwall, it’s crucial to include all existing incentives in your consideration. This approach effectively lowers the overall expense of the system.

Further details regarding rebates and incentives for solar battery setups can be explored on the Solar Emporium website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Familiarise yourself with the complete eligibility criteria for the rebate. Install Powerwall(s) from August 11, 2023, to December 31, 2023. Once your Powerwall(s) are officially registered with Tesla and connected to the Internet, beginning in November, you can apply for the rebate through the Tesla app. Within the Tesla energy system home screen, navigate to ‘Support’ > ‘Powerwall Rebate.’ You’ll be required to provide and validate your order and installation details so that Tesla can facilitate the transfer.

Commencing November 2023, eligible customers can initiate rebate requests within the Tesla app.

All rebate requests must be finalised by January 31, 2024.

Customers who qualify for the rebate will be responsible for supplying and verifying specific particulars related to their order and installation, such as the installation address.

After submitting your request via the Tesla app, the rebate will be processed and dispatched within 60 days.

The rebate is exclusively accessible to customers who successfully installed their Powerwall(s) and registered from August 11, 2023, to December 31, 2023. It’s advised to review the comprehensive eligibility conditions for the rebate carefully.

Any modifications to your installation timeline will impact your eligibility for the rebate. After December 31, 2023, installations will not qualify for the rebate.

For the rebate to be applicable, your Powerwall(s) must be registered and connected to the Internet by December 31, 2023.

Absolutely. You can utilise this offer alongside other incentives and offers available.

Tesla Powerwall 3 is expected to hit the Australian Markets by the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

tesla powerwall

Ultimate Review of Tesla Powerwall for Australia

As Australia continues to embrace renewable energy, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to store and manage their solar power.

One of the most popular options on the market is the Tesla Powerwall. It is a home battery system storing solar energy during peak demand hours or power outages. And today, we’ll provide the ultimate review of Tesla Powerwall for Australia.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Tesla Powerwall for Australian consumers.

This ultimate review of Tesla Powerwall will help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home. We’ll also discuss optimising your solar energy storage to maximise your investment return.

Tesla Powerwall: An Overview

The Tesla Powerwall is a lithium-ion battery system that stores excess solar energy from your home’s solar panels. It allows you to use solar power during the evening or when the sun isn’t shining.

It will ultimately reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your electricity bills. The Powerwall can also provide backup power during outages, ensuring your home has power even during blackouts.

Key Features

Capacity: The Tesla Powerwall has a usable capacity of 13.5 kWh, making it suitable for most average-sized Australian houses. The capacity allows you to store enough energy to power your home during peak demand hours or low solar generation.
Scalability: If your energy needs are more significant than what a single Powerwall can provide, you can easily connect multiple units to increase your storage capacity.
Efficiency: The Powerwall boasts a round-trip efficiency of 90%, meaning that for every 10 kWh of solar energy stored, you can expect to use 9 kWh. This high efficiency ensures minimal energy loss during the charging and discharging process.
Backup Power: In a grid outage, the Powerwall can automatically switch to provide backup power for your home. That ensures you stay connected during blackouts.
Smart Monitoring: The Tesla app allows you to monitor your Powerwall’s performance, solar generation, and energy usage in real-time. It gives you greater control over your home’s energy management.

Installation and Compatibility

The Tesla Powerwall is compatible with most solar panel systems and inverters, making it a versatile option for homeowners with existing solar installations.

The installation process typically takes one day and should be carried out by a certified Tesla installer to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Ultimate Cost of Tesla Powerwall and Savings

The cost of a Tesla Powerwall in Australia varies depending on factors such as installation fees and government incentives. You can pay around $12,000 to $15,000 for a single Powerwall, including installation.

The Tesla Powerwall 2 is the most popular for the average Australian house. It also costs around AUD 12,000 to AUD 15,000, including installation. Keep in mind that this price may change depending on your specific condition.

At the same time, this is a significant upfront investment. But the potential savings on your electricity bills can make it worthwhile in the long run.

Using stored solar energy during peak demand hours can avoid paying high electricity rates and reduce your reliance on the grid. Depending on your energy usage patterns and local electricity rates, you could save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the Powerwall.

It’s essential to consider additional costs. Such as the cost of a compatible solar inverter if you still need one and any electrical work required for the installation. Also, check for any available government incentives or rebates that could help reduce the overall cost.

We recommend contacting Solar Emporium, a Tesla-certified installer, for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing. Or visit the Tesla website for more information.

Environmental Impact

The Tesla Powerwall helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels by storing and using solar energy. It contributes to Australia’s efforts to transition to a more sustainable energy future and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Warranty and Lifespan

The Tesla Powerwall comes with a 10-year warranty covering any defects in quality or materials. The warranty guarantees a minimum of 70% capacity retention after 10 years, ensuring your Powerwall remains a valuable asset for your home’s energy management.

The lifespan of a Powerwall depends on factors such as usage patterns and environmental conditions. However, your Powerwall can last well beyond its warranty period with proper maintenance and care.

Maximising Solar Energy Storage and Return on Investment

To get the most out of your Tesla Powerwall and maximise your return on investment, consider the following tips

Optimize your solar panel system: Ensure your solar panels are installed correctly and well-maintained to maximise energy generation.
Monitor your energy usage: Use the Tesla app to track your energy consumption and identify areas to reduce usage or shift usage to off-peak times.
Take advantage of government incentives: Research available government incentives and rebates for solar energy storage systems to help offset the cost of your Powerwall.
Consider time-of-use tariffs: If your electricity provider offers time-of-use tariffs, you can maximise your savings by using stored solar energy during peak pricing periods

What is the Payback Time for Tesla Powerwall In Australia?

The payback time for a Tesla Powerwall in Australia depends on several factors, including the cost of the Powerwall and installation, electricity rates, solar panel production, and any available government incentives or rebates.

Here’s a rough calculation to give you an idea of the payback period:

1. Cost of Tesla Powerwall and installation: The Tesla Powerwall 2 costs around AUD 12,000 to AUD 15,000, including installation.

2. Electricity savings: The amount you save on electricity bills depends on your usage patterns, electricity rates, and solar panel production.

For example, saving AUD 1,500 per year on electricity bills would take 8 to 10 years to recoup the initial investment (AUD 12,000 to AUD 15,000 / AUD 1,500 = 8 to 10 years).

3. Government incentives and rebates: In some cases, you may be eligible for government incentives or rebates that can reduce the upfront cost of the Powerwall and shorten the payback period.

Remember that these calculations are rough estimates and can vary based on your situation. To get a more accurate estimate for a Tesla Powerwall in your home, use Tesla’s online calculator or consult Solar Emporium’s Energy expert.

How Long Does the Tesla Powerwall Last When Fully Charged?

Tesla recently released a Powerwall battery that stores solar or wind energy. It promises to revolutionise energy storage and reduce energy bills for Australians. So how long will a Tesla Powerwall battery last when fully charged in Australia?

Tesla’s Powerwall uses advanced technologies like thermal management, protection circuitry, and active thermal management. It is expected to revolutionise how Australians use renewable energy and reduce energy bills.

The Powerwall battery has a capacity of 10kW-100kW and can store power generated from solar or wind power.

A Tesla Powerwall battery’s ability to provide power depends on the household’s energy consumption and the specific model of the Powerwall. In Australia, the Tesla Powerwall 2 is the most common model. It has a usable capacity of 13.5 kWh.

To determine how long a fully charged Powerwall will last, you’ll need to consider the household’s energy consumption. For example, if a home uses an average of 2 kWh per hour, the Powerwall 2 would last approximately 6.75 hours (13.5 kWh / 2 kWh = 6.75 hours).

Keep in mind that energy consumption can vary depending on factors such as the size of the home, the number of occupants, and the types of appliances being used.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Tesla Powerwall offers numerous benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

High upfront cost: The initial investment for a Powerwall can be significant, making it less accessible for some Australian homeowners.
Availability: Due to high demand, there can sometimes be a waiting period for Powerwall installations in Australia.

Get Tesla Powerwall With Solar Emporium

The Tesla Powerwall is an innovative and efficient home battery system that offers numerous benefits for Australian homeowners. It includes energy savings, backup power, and a reduced carbon footprint.

While the upfront cost can be significant, the potential long-term savings and environmental benefits make it a worthwhile investment for many households. The initial cost can be decreased by monitoring your energy usage and using government incentives.

Solar Emporium’s lucrative solar packages and free quotes can instantly offer you reasonable prices.

Before deciding if the Tesla Powerwall suits your home, it’s essential to consider factors such as your energy usage patterns, solar panel system, and local electricity rates.

You should carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks and implement strategies to maximise solar energy storage and return on investment. And then, you can decide whether the Tesla Powerwall is your home’s ultimate energy storage solution.

Tesla Powerwall is valuable in your journey toward a more sustainable, cost-effective energy future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Tesla Powerwall charge from the grid?

A: While the primary purpose of the Powerwall is to store solar energy, it can also be configured to charge from the grid during off-peak times when electricity rates are lower. This can benefit homeowners without solar panels or during periods of low solar generation.

Q: How long does it take for the Tesla Powerwall to pay for itself?

A: The payback period for a Tesla Powerwall depends on factors such as your energy usage patterns, solar panel system, local electricity rates, and government incentives. On average, homeowners expect a payback period of 7 to 12 years.

Q: Can the Tesla Powerwall power my entire home during a blackout?

A: The Powerwall can provide backup power during outages. The Powerwall’s ability to power your entire home during a blackout depends on its capacity and your home’s energy consumption.

It may not be able to power all appliances simultaneously. However, it can provide backup power for essential devices such as lights, refrigerators, and communication devices.

But the capacity may need to be increased to power your entire home for a long time. Prioritising necessary appliances and devices during a blackout is essential to maximise the Powerwall’s usefulness.

Q: Can I add a Tesla Powerwall to my solar panel system?

A: The Tesla Powerwall is compatible with most solar panel systems and inverters. A certified Tesla installer can assess your system and determine how to integrate the Powerwall best.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

review tesla powerwall

Q Cell Review| Best For Aesthetics And Affordability

Hanwha Q cells have been in the solar market for a long time. The company got their popularity because of their aesthetic panels on a budget. Solar consumers can get a premium and long-term service without losing their fortune. But the question still remains if the company is best for aesthetics and affordability. In this Q cell review, we will precisely look into these rubrics.

So let’s get into it right away!

Is It Q CELLS or Hanwha Q CELLS?

Q cells solar panels have been around for almost as long as the modern solar industry. Since its inception, the company has been sold and rebranded several times. And now the company has grown to become a leading manufacturer.

Founded in 1999 as Q cells AG in Thalheim, Germany, the company quickly became one of the world’s top solar module manufacturers. Unfortunately, the late-2000s global economic downturn and intense competition from Chinese solar companies took a toll on them. And the company declared bankruptcy in 2011. The Hanwha Group, which is a South Korean company, then purchased Q cells.

In the years since, Hanwha has resurrected the Q CELLS brand by bringing together its German engineering team and world-class manufacturing capabilities, becoming one of the world’s top ten solar module manufacturers. In 2018, Hanwha removed its name from the brand, leaving its products simply “Q cells.” In 2022, the brand name was further simplified to “Q cells.”

You could, however, get away with using any format of the brand name. Hanwha still owns the company. Q cells now have manufacturing facilities worldwide, including the most prominent facilities in Australia and USA.

Q Cells Solar Panels Quick Summary

For residential, commercial, and industrial use, Q cells are among the top ten brands in the world, producing high-quality monocrystalline silicon solar panels.
Q.ANTUM DUO Z technology is a novel method of constructing solar cells into panels that produce abundant electricity in the same space as less efficient panels.
Q cells are among the best panels you can buy for your home, offering comparable performance, cost, and warranty to other Tier 1 solar panels.

Q Cell's Technology

Q cells have been a leading innovator in solar cell technology since its inception in 1999. It has grown its business by wiring those cells into the solar modules discussed below. They recently expanded their offerings. It includes Q.HOME solar batteries and hybrid solar inverters. But their main product remains solar modules.

The company has dabbled in various solar cell technologies, ranging from polycrystalline silicon to CIGS thin-film. Still, beginning in 2012, it focused on a technology known as PERC, which stands for “passivated emitter and rear contact.”

PERC solar cells have an extra layer of conductive material on the backside. It can be built into a solar panel with a reflective back sheet to capture a small amount of excess energy from photons. Otherwise, it would reflect in the sky.

Some technology used in Q Cells includes

Q.ANTUM DUO PERC Technology

Traditional PERC solar cells are vulnerable to two issues: light-induced degradation (LID) and potential-induced degradation (PID) (PID). Simply put, exposure to light and electricity can cause cells to degrade faster than they should. Qcells treats its PERC cells with a proprietary process that reduces these issues to almost none.

The duo in Q.ANTUM DUO refers to the most recent advances in Q cells modules. Each panel is wired in two parts with a cut in half in this technology.

Tron Solar Panels

Q Cells’ most efficient offering is Tron solar panels. They are N-type solar panels. And because of their increased efficiency, they are ideal for small spaces such as residential rooftops and smaller industrial buildings. Q Cells’ Q. Tron technology is backed by a 25-year warranty and a 10% higher energy yield performance guarantee than other solar products.

Antum Duo Z Solar Panels

Q. Antum Duo Z is Q Cells’ most innovative cell technology, allowing solar cell interconnection and eliminating gaps between individual cell rows. This zero-gap interconnection enables increased power generation. Combine this with their Q. Antum technology, and the two work well together to provide a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly electricity solution.

Panels Available in Australia

The Q.BOOST and Q.PEAK series of solar panels are available in Australia from Q CELLS. Q.BOOST is the lower-cost or budget-friendly option for those looking for dependable performance without breaking the bank, whereas the Q.PEAK series is the best-performing solar panel range from Q CELLS.

Q Boost Series

Q.BOOST Q CELLS solar panels provide an affordable solution. This solar panel range is less expensive, allowing more households to use renewable energy in their homes.

Features:

132 Half-cell Monocrystalline PERC Cells
375~395Wp Nominal Power
4000 / 5400 Pa Wind/Snow Load
Module Efficiency up to 21.1%
Temperature Coefficient -0.35
Temperature Tolerance -40℃ up to 85℃
25-year product warranty
25-year linear power warranty
Black anodized aluminum Frame

Q.BOOST Q CELLS solar panels are available in the following configurations:

Q.BOOST
G2 Q.BOOST
Q.BOOST ML-G2

Q Peak Series

Q.PEAK is the high-end solar panel series from Q CELLS. The Q.PEAK solar panel line includes higher kw models that can absorb and convert more sunlight into energy faster. Although these solar panels are more expensive, the trade-off is that they generate more energy.

Features:

Monocrystalline Q.ANTUM solar half cells
Q. ANTUM DUO technology
25-year product warranty
25-year linear power warranty
Up to 21.1% module efficiency
Black anodized aluminium frame
Ideal for commercial and residential installations
High snow (5400Pa) and wind loads (4000Pa)

The Q.PEAK solar panel line includes the following products:

Q.PEAK DUO ML-G10.a+
Q.PEAK DUO ML-G10+
Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+
Q.PEAK DUO XL-G9.2
Q.PEAK DUO XL-G10.2
Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11.2
Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11.3

The efficiency of Q Cells

The efficiency of Q cells’ current solar panel lineup ranges from 20.9% to 21.6%, which is higher than the industry standard of 15% to 20%. As a result, Q cells solar panels are among the most energy-efficient on the Australian market.

But what do these numbers mean anything to you as a customer? To put things in context, most solar panel manufacturers offer panels with efficiency ratings ranging from 15% to 20%.

Q cells’ solar panels start at 20% efficiency for the Q.PEAK DUO-G5, and the Q.PEAK DUO XL-G9 offers 20.9% efficiency, putting Q cells in the same league as solar industry leaders LG and SunPower.

Product name	Q Cells Q. PEAK Series	LG NeON R series	SunPower Maxeon 5 AC
Cell Number	60 cells	60 solar cells	66 solar cells
Cell Type	Monocrystalline Q.ANTUM half cells	Monocrystalline/ N-type	Monocrystalline Maxeon Generation 5
Power Output	390W	380W	415W
Solar Panel Efficiency	20.80%	22.00%	22.20%
Company average turnover (USD)	$2.42 billion	$47.91 billion	$2.7 billion
Annual Power Degradation	0.54%	0.30%	0.25%
Number of busbars	12	12	N/A
Approximate cost per watt (AUD retail incl GST)	$1.00	$1.25	$1.80
Approximate cost per module (AUD retail incl GST)	$375	$468	$750
Dimensions	1840 x 1030 x 32mm	1,700mm x 1,016mm x 40 mm	Not Mentioned
Weight	19.5kg	17.5kg	21.1kg
Product Warranty	25 years	25 years	25 years
Performance Warranty	25 years	25 years	25 years
Operational Temperature Range	-40℃ –85℃	44 ± 3℃	?40℃ to +60℃
Made in	South Korea	South Korea	Malaysia/Philippines/Mexico
Datasheet supplied?	Yes	Yes	Yes

The temperature coefficient and temperature tolerance factors also influence solar panel efficiency ratings.

Temperature Coefficient – The percentage of power output lost by a panel due to a temperature increase greater than 25 degrees Celsius. This diagram depicts how heat affects solar module power and how much energy is lost when the ambient temperature exceeds normal operating levels. Q CELLS solar panels typically have a temperature coefficient of -0.39 to -0.34, outperforming most competitors.

Temperature Tolerance – The expected average operating temperature is shown as a temperature range. The modules can operate indefinitely if the temperature does not exceed this range. And with temperature tolerance, high performance is also expected.

All in all, it is a high-efficiency solar company.

Warranties Provided by Hanwha Group for Solar Products

Q cell warranty services are among the best in the world. They have different warranty policies for each product.

Most high-quality solar panels of Q cells are covered under a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance warranty. This linear performance warranty guarantees a minimum power output of 97% in the first year. In addition, it also ensures 83% power output in the 25th year, with a reduction rate of 0.6% every year.

But What About the Cost?

Q CELLS solar panels will cost an average of $1.05 to $1.12 per watt for overall-sized systems in 2022 or $0.89 to $1.07 per watt for a 10kW system. After federal and state rebates, these are the out-of-pocket costs for fully installed solar PV systems with inverters.

These prices include complete installation, a solar inverter, and state and federal government solar rebates. To get premium installation service along with experienced solar installers, get in touch with us immediately!

Size	Average Price Per Watt	Average Price�
All Systems	$1.02 to $1.12	$6,950 to $8,505
10KW	$0.86 to $1.1	$8,646 to $11,013

Solar Emporium’s most recent solar panel packages and quotes provide up-to-date statistics on the cost of Q CELLS solar panels in Australia.

So are the Panels Aesthetical and Affordable?

According to many independent solar reviewers, Q cells’ panels are the most aesthetical looking among all the panels in the market. Their panels are premium-looking on an affordable budget. Q cell would be the right choice for people who prefer to make their houses more aesthetic with solar panels.

Panels that are available in the Australian market are incredible value for money. No wonder they are the second-largest solar industry in Australia. The company holds more than 10% of the entire market share.

If you are still confused about purchasing Q cells, head to Solar Emporium and get a FREE QUOTE!

For regular updates about energy solutions and more solar panel reviews, keep an on our website.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

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Is Trina Solar The Best Option? Solar Emporium Review

Is Trina The Best Option? Solar Emporium Review For Solar Emporium

The world is going solar, so what are you waiting for? With the growing threat of climate change caused by excessive carbon emissions, many countries are looking for clean energy alternatives to replace traditional fossil fuels. After weighing the pros and cons, the future of solar energy is considerably bright.

All the government rebates on purchasing and installing solar panels provide Australia with the perfect time to go entirely solar. There are many solar companies with a competitive price range. This Solar Emporium review will take a deep dive into Trina Solar Panel. Is Trina Solar the best option? Let’s explore the possibilities of Trina.

Inception & Overview of Trina Solar

Trina solar’s journey dates back to 1997. It is a Chinese manufacturing company. Jifan Gao brought out the company’s inception.

Soon after its inception, the company made a name for itself for being the first photovoltaic manufacturer in China. Since then, Trina solar has become one of the popular names worldwide. They have become one of the largest solar panel manufacturers in the world. Till now, this solar company has won over 20 world records for their cell efficiency and solar module power output. 

A Tier 1 Manufacturer

Trina Solar received a perfect score of 100 percent in the 2021 Bloomberg New Energy Finance Bankability Survey, making it the only module manufacturer to do so for six years in a row. So it’s a financially sound company. But what about their solar quality?

Trina is a well-known brand in the solar panel industry. It manufactures high-quality tier 1 solar panels and provides a 15- to 25-year product warranty, depending on the module. 25-year product warranties were once exclusive to high-end panel manufacturers. So Trina solar, a budget-friendly but high-quality solar manufacturer providing impressive warranties, indicates better quality products.

Power Ratings 

The wattage of the solar panel is referred to by the power rating. A typical solar panel can range in power from 275W to 400W. This wattage represents how much power solar panels can produce under ideal conditions. Trina Solar panels have a competitive range of 310W-380W. Therefore, you get the best possible productivity with Trina solar. Whether residential, utility or commercial, Trina solar panels will be sufficient to power your purpose. 

Maximum Efficiency Ratings

The efficiency rating of a solar panel shows how much of the sun’s energy is absorbed by the panel and converted into electricity. Some exclusive brands offer solar panels module efficiency ratings between 21% – 22%. Trina solar offers an average efficiency between 19% – 20%. Trina solar panels are an excellent choice based on that metric, with high-efficiency ratings of 19.9% and 21.6%, respectively.

How Much Does Trina Solar Cost? 

Do you want high-quality solar power with a high power output? Trina Solar offers some of the best solar panels on the market in Australia at a reasonable price. The average cost of panels comes with STC solar rebate and GST installation. Trina solar panels provide a complete solar system installation. 

System Size (kW)	Average cost (fully installed)
5kW	$5,130
6kW	$5,992
7kW	$6,607
8kW	$7,274
9kW	$7,851
10kW	$8,429
12kW	$11,550
15kW	$13,339

More accurate cost depends on your area and the solar quote you go for. Solar installers will inspect your house and suggest the best solar system per your need. To get the best quotes and packages, get in touch with Solar Emporium TODAY!

Trina Solar Modules 

Trina solar panel modules have Utility, Residential and Commercial sectors, which works for your convenience. This solar can basically serve all your solar energy needs. Inside these modules, they have many popular series like Vertex, Honey M, Tall Max, and Duo Max. All the series have high-efficiency ratings and are compatible with utility, residential, and commercial modules. 

Trina Vertex Series- 

monocrystalline PERC cells
Up to 21.2% panel efficiency
Split-cell/MBB/Bifacial/dual-glass technologies
Compatible with tracking systems and mainstream inverters
0.55% annual degradation rate
12-year product warranty
25-year performance warranty
Ideal for residential settings
Models – Vertex 550W TSM-DE19 MBB / 535 – 555W, Vertex 550W TSM-DEG19C.20 MBB / 530 – 550W, Vertex 600W TSM-DE20 MBB / 585 – 605W, Vertex 600W TSM-DEG20C.20 MBB / 580 – 600W, Vertex TSM-DE18M(II) 1/3-cut, MBB, 480-505W, Vertex TSM-DEG18MC.20(II) Bifacial, 1/3-cut, MBB, 485-505W

Trina Honey Series- 

Half-cut monocrystalline cells
MBB/ half-cut PERC cell technology
Up tp 21% module efficiency
– 0.34%/℃ temperature coefficient
0.55% degradation rate
0/+5W positive power tolerance
– 0.34%/K temperature coefficient of Pmax
Model – Honey M, Honey Black

Trina TallMax Series-

Monocrystalline
Half-cell/MBB cell technology
Up to 21% module efficiency
0.55% annual degradation rate
12-year product warranty
25-year power warranty with 80% power output guarantee
Resistant to ammonia, acid, and salt
Ideal for commercial projects
Models- Tallmax 350-385W – TSM-DE14H(II), Tallmax 5BB, 385-410W – TSM-DE15H(II), Tallmax 9BB, 390-415W – DE15M(II)

Trina Duomax Series-

Big Cell, 390-415W – DEG15M.20(II)
Monocrystalline solar cells
Double-glass/ MBB/ half-cell technologies
Up tp 20.2% module efficiency
0.5% annual degradation rate
12-year product quality warranty
30-years power warranty with 83% power output guarantee
Models – Bifacial, MBB, 390-410W -DEG15MC.20(ii), Bifacial, 380-405W – DEG15HC.20(II)

Trina Solar Panel Specifications

	Vertex Series	Honey M Series	Tall MAX M Series	DUOMAX Series
Power (W)	485-510W	375W	435-460W	390W
Cell Number	150	120	144	144
Cell Type	Monocrystalline PERC	Monocrystalline N-Type	Monocrystalline N-Type	Monocrystalline N-Type
Efficiency (%)	0.212	0.207	0.21	0.192
Size	2187 × 1102 × 35 Mm	1763 × 1040 × 35 Mm	2102 × 1040 × 35 Mm	2024 × 1004 × 35mm
Weight (KG)	26.5	20.04	24	29.2
Features	Monocrystalline PERC Half-Cut Cell Technology For High Efficiency	Monocrystalline Half-Cut Cell Award-Winning Cello Technology For High Efficiency	Monocrystalline Half-Cut Cell Technology For High Efficiency	Monocrystalline Half-Cut Cell Technology For High Efficiency
Operational Temperature Range	-34℃ To 90℃	-34℃ To 90℃	-34℃ To 90℃	-34℃ To 90℃
Annual Power Degradation	Not More Than 0.55&percnt;	Not More Than 0.55&percnt;	Not More Than 0.55&percnt;	Not More Than 0.55&percnt;
Product Warranty	12 Years	12 Years	12 Years	12 Years
Performance Warranty	25 Years	25 Years	25 Years	30 Years

Performance & Quality

The annual PV Module Reliability Scorecard Report is produced by PVEL (DNV-GL), a German-based testing facility and one of the world’s leading independent solar module testing and performance services. Various Trina solar panels have consistently scored as a top performer among 20+ of the world’s leading solar brands tested over the last six years. Although Trina solar is not ranked first, instead, it was found among the highest-performing modules in the group, with no degradation or failures. 

Improved Quality Control of Trina Solar 

Trina Solar, like many other large manufacturers, has had some quality issues over the years. These have mainly resulted from back-sheet degradation and failure, which has resulted in water ingress or PID issues. Fortunately, this is limited to panels sold between 2011 and 2014 and is related to using an alternative back sheet or EVA material during manufacturing. 

Recent panels do not appear to have any recorded issues, but this does not rule out the possibility of future flaws. With any large-volume manufacturer, occasional malfunctioning of some panels are inevitable. 

Warranty & Better Warranty Support

With every Trina product, you get a standard 12 year product warranty and 25 years performance warranty. This protects against any defects for the first 12 years, as well as the 25-year performance warranty that guarantees an 84% power output rating after 25 years of use. The Vertex and Vertex S panels have a 15-year product warranty with the option to extend it to 25 years, whereas the Vertex S+ panels have a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty. 

Trina Solar has numerous customer service centers worldwide. Their Australian service office is based in Sydney. Trina’s warranty support has significantly improved too. It came with a much higher level of service in case of a warranty claim. Trina’s service and support service were average a couple of years ago. The most recent feedback from solar professionals reviewed Trina as one of the top performers for warranty claims. 

Comparison between Trina, Jinko & REC solar panels

Product name	Trina Vertex Series	REC Alpha Series	Jinko Tiger series
Cell Number	110 – 150 solar cells	120 half-cut solar cells	156 half-cut cells
Cell Type	Monocrystalline	PERC Heterojunction	Monocrystalline/ N-type
Power Output	480 – 600W	380W	450 – 470W
Panel Efficiency	0.212	0.217	0.2065
Company average turnover (USD)	$3.15 billion	$820 million	$3.2 billion
Annual Power Degradation	0.45 – 0.55&percnt;	0.0025	0.004
Number of busbars	Multi-busbar	16	9
Approximate costs per watt (AUD retail incl GST)	0.65	1	0.73
Approximate cost per module (AUD retail incl GST)	200	371	258
Dimensions	2,394mm × 1,096mm × 35mm	1,721mm × 1,016mm × 30mm	2,205mm × 1,032mm × 40mm
Weight	28.6 – 35.3kg	19.5kg	26.5kg
Product Warranty	12 years	20 years (25 if installed by a REC certified installer)	15 years
Performance Warranty	25 years	25 years	30 years
Operational Temperature Range	-40~+85℃	-40℃ – 85℃	45 ± 3℃
Made in	China	Norway	China

Is Trina Solar the Best Option? 

Trina Solar can be the best option for residential and commercial purposes. The company thrives on reducing waste and creating a more efficient manufacturing process. That is only making their company’s sustainability stronger. In addition, the SVTC scoreboard granted Trina solar a top score of 99 out of 100. The company also received a rating higher than 4.5 on the top manufacturer list. 

Their revolutionary technology of half-cut panels boosts solar production. Cutting the panel in half allows the top and bottom halves to operate independently. Meaning shade cover on one half will not affect the other. Trina’s residential panels are both half-cell panels, making either one ideal for your home. 

Trina Solar is the best option for all purposes. Their cost-effectiveness is the best example of value for money. But don’t just go with our words. Let the facts speak for themselves. 

To buy Trina Solar Panels go to Solar Emporium and get a free quote. For more in-depth content like Trina solar panel review, visit our page. 

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

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Jinko Solar Panel Review | Is It Worth Purchasing Jinko?

The popularity of solar panels is sky-high right now. People consider solar homes as smart homes. Solar panels don’t only increase your home’s value; they also serve an aesthetical purpose.  

Jinko Solar Panels have been in the market for years. Ever since they entered the market, there was always hype for their product. But is it worth purchasing Jinko? We will try to answer that in this Jinko Solar Panel review.  

Quick Summary  

Jinko Solar is a Tier 1 brand from China. 
One of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers. 
Jinko Solar is ranked fifth-best overall by the Solar Reviews solar panel scoring system. 
U.S. homeowners can choose between the high-end Eagle G4 or entry-level Eagle G2 models. 
Very high module efficiency (21.6%). 
Panel warranties could be better. 
High-quality and cost-effective 
Cost ranges from low to mid to range

Company History

Jinko Solar was founded in 2006 and has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of solar panels only a decade later, in 2016. With global shipments of 14.3 GW in 2019, the company has held the top spot for the last six years in a row. Jinko Solar, headquartered in China, is a massive multinational, vertically integrated corporation that employs over 15,000 people in 70 countries and has manufacturing facilities in China, Malaysia, and the United States. 

Jinko Solar’s success appears primarily due to its emphasis on research and development, performance testing, quality control, and rigorous durability testing. This is evidenced by numerous record-breaking accomplishments over the years, including several efficiency records and consistent top score results from several independent testing companies, including the well-known PVEL scorecards. 

Jinko Solar was at the forefront of innovation only recently, preferring to stick to tried-and-true cell architectures like traditional P-type PERC and half-cut cells. Jinko, on the other hand, has begun to push the boundaries with the release of the new Tiger series panels, which are described in greater detail below.  

Range of Panels 

Jinko solar panels have been on the market for a while. With time, their solar panel range has developed and become more affordable for all structures like residential, commercial, and utility-scale installations.  

They also design custom solar panels for larger solar systems for owners who require panels for specific applications.  

Their most popular solar panel series are mentioned below:  

Cheetah HC series 
The Cheetah series 
Swan series 
Tiger series 
Tiger Pro Series

The Cheetah HC module efficiency is also much better at 20.48%, and the temperature coefficient has improved to -0.35%. Much more energy can be yielded under higher temperatures than conventional panels. 

The Cheetah Series: Jinko Cheetah series penetrated the market in 2018. Soon, it became very popular. The series of the panel ranges from 325W to 340W for half-cut size and up to 410W for the full-size solar panel. 

Features:  

Integrates the newer Five Busbar solar cell technologies to boost the solar module’s efficiency and improve the panel’s aesthetic appearance. 
Amazing anti-PID performance guarantees reduced power degradation, which is great for mass production. 
PERC technology usage increased module efficiency by up to 20.38%.  
Advanced glass and cell surface textured design, significantly enhancing performance in low-light conditions. 
The panel got TUV Nord certification for its high salt-mist and ammonia resistance. It’s also certified to tackle extreme weather conditions, including wind load and snow load.

All panels have a 25-year performance warranty and 15 years of product warranty. The degradation rate is at 1% in the first year and 0.4% in the subsequent years until the 25th year.

Tiger Series: Jinko Tiger series is the newest and one of the most impressive addition to Jinko Solar. This series features two shingle-cell solar panel types; The Tiger monofacial and the Tiger Bifacial. 

This next generation uses the N-Type monocrystalline silicon cells. As it boosts the efficiency output. It consists of a 78-cell design and the tiling of ribbon technology. Jinko’s Research and Development team developed this technology to increase power generation by facilitating light absorption.  

The panels can generate up to 475W with a 21.16% efficiency.  

Tiger Pro Series is considered one of the most powerful utility solar panels. Solar panel market entirely shifted after this series of Jinko entered the space. The panel can deliver up to 580Wp with an Ultra-high p-type mono-module efficiency of around 21.6%. 

Features:  

This series uses tiling Ribbon tech + half-cells. Combining the TR and half-cell technologies helps eliminate cell gaps and increase efficiency. 
Light-induced degradation is much lower with N-type cells than P-type cells.  
Tiger series panels use 9 busbars instead of 5 busbars. To reduce the distance between the bars and the finger grid line. It helps decrease the resistance of power losses and improves efficiency. 
Panels utilize the Half Cell technology and improve shading tolerance by splitting the full cells. Hence, the panels perform well on cloudy, early mornings and dusk. 
The panel modules degrade by 1% during the first year, then maintain a 0.4% linear degradation.

Best warranties – This series has the best warranty periods from Jinko, with a 15-year product warranty and the 30-year linear power warranty. 
Weather resilience – The panels come certified to withstand snow load of 5400pa and wind load of 2400pa.

Swan Series: Jinko Solar’s Swan bifacial series has been the talk of the industry for a while after scooping the European Intersolar Award for innovation. 

These panels incorporate the Cheetah HC, half-cut cell technology with a transparent back sheet that makes it more lightweight than other glass modules. 

Their power output is estimated to be 20-30% more than the regular monofacial modules. It generates up to 400W from the front side, with around 20% coming from the rear side. 

Features:  

Implements five busbar solar cells to improve the module’s efficiency and enhance its aesthetics.

Module power increases by 5 – 25% per the different reflective conditions. Its efficiency goes up to high as 19.78%. 
Panels offer a lower LCOE and a higher IRR, ensuring excellent performance under low-light conditions.  
Their power degradation annually stands at 0.5% with a 30-year linear power warranty. 
The Anti-PID performance guarantees limited power degradation for mass production. It’s also designed to handle high-voltage systems of up to 1500VDC, saving BOS costs. 
Panels are manufactured with enough strength to support 5400pascal snow load and a 2400 pascal wind load.

Jinko solar panel specification 

	Cheetah	Cheetah HC	Swan	Tiger
Cell Number	132	120 half-cut cells	144	156 half-cut cells
Cell Type	Mono PERC 158.75 x 158.75mm	N-Type Monocrystalline	Mono PERC 158.75 x 158.75mm	Mono PERC 158.75 x 158.75mm
Power Output	335W	350Wp	400Wp	580Wp
Nominal Power Voltage	1500VDC	1500VDC	1500VDC	1000/1500VDC
Power Density	23.34w/m3	25.40w/m3	24.42w/m3	11.13/16.70w/m3
Panel Efficiency	19.88%	20.48%	19.78%	21.16%
Annual Power Degradation	0.4%	0.55%	0.5%	0.4%
Dimensions	1840 x 998 x 35mm	1684 x 1002 x 35 mm (1.68m2)	2031 x x1008 x 30mm	2182 x 1029 x 40mm
Weight	20.7kgs	19.0 kg	26.6kg	26.1kg
Product Warranty	10 years	15 years	12 years	15 years
Performance Warranty	25 years	25 years	30 years	30 years
Operational Temperature Range	-40℃ to 85℃	-40℃ to 85℃	-40℃ to 85℃	-40℃ to 85℃
Made in	China	China	China	China

Jinko Solar Panel Cost 

A solar energy system built with Jinko solar panels typically costs around $2.25–$2.50 per watt. That means a 6 kilowatt (kW) system will cost you between $13,500 and $15,000 before incentives. 

After applying the 30% federal tax credit – available till the end of 2032 – the total installed cost for a 6 kW Jinko solar system is between $9,450 and $10,500. 

Among the leading Tier 1 solar brands, Jinko Solar can be considered a ”value” choice. Their solar panels usually cost $0.25–$0.50 cheaper than more premium rivals. On a 6 kW system, that’s a savings of $1,500–$3,000. 

Remember that many factors can affect solar panel installation costs, so the figures above are only indicative. Get in Contact with Solar Emporium to get the best solar packages. 

System size	Number of solar panels*	Average cost per watt	Average total cost (after tax credit)
4 kW	11	$3.25	$9,100
6 kW	16	$2.95	$12,390
8 kW	22	$2.85	$15,960
10 kW	27	$2.75	$19,180
12 kW	32	$2.75	$23,100
14 kW	39	$2.60	$26,936
16 kW	43	$2.60	$29,860

Jinko Solar Panels: Pros & Cons 

Pros 

Good quality control – Jinko owns the entire production process, from making the silicon ingots to assembling the panels. 
High efficiency – Jinko technology offers some of the highest efficiencies of any manufacturer, with some models over 21% efficient. 
Billion-dollar company 
Strong Australian presence 
A strong brand that the company will want to protect 
Well-priced 
Excellent durability  
Competitive warranties

Cons 

The company is newer than other brands  
Product warranty is shorter than some premium brands. 
Jinko’s financial stability has been rated as “at-risk” by SinoVoltaics

Efficiency 

Jinko may not have been the most efficient solar panel before, but it’s on its way now. The Chinese solar manufacturer recently announced that it achieved a world-record 24.79% efficiency on its newer n-type monocrystalline cell. 

They also recently unveiled the 610W n-type solar modules. Therefore, solar panel efficiency will soon steal the show concerning efficiency. 

Battery Storage System 

Jinko Solar has joined the ranks of other well-known panel manufacturers, such as Sunpower and Q Cells, by releasing various battery storage systems. However, unlike the other manufacturers mentioned above, Jinko has gone further and developed a wide range of energy storage systems, including large commercial and utility-scale systems. 

The new Jinko residential battery line comes in various sizes and configurations to meet the needs of different households and energy demands. The smallest and most compact system (shown below) is an all-in-one system with a power output of 5kW and a battery capacity of 10.2kWh.  

The modular JKS series is the next step up, built around the well-known Deye hybrid inverter platform and available in sizes ranging from 7.2kWh to 19.2kWh – Download the full system datasheet. All Jinko battery systems are constructed with the safer lithium Ferro phosphate (LFP) cell technology, which has a longer cycle life and better performance in a wide range of temperatures. 

Sustainability

As part of the RE100 initiative, Jinko Solar has committed to sourcing 100% of its electricity demand from renewables by 2025. RE100 is the global corporate renewable energy initiative.  Bringing together hundreds of large businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity. 

Warranty 

All Jinko solar panels generally come with a 10-year product warranty and a 25 – 30 performance warranty. The Tiger series is the only service with a longer product warranty of 15 years.  

Although with the latest Tiger Neo product, they applied a warranty reduction from 15 years back to 12 years. This is very unusual for most manufacturers, including Jinko. Typically, product warranty increase is more common.  

Dominance in Australia 

Jinko holds the largest share in Australia. They have a registered overseas subsidiary company based in Sydney. Here they have a full sales team and full support team on hand. This is critical because it means Jinko can resolve warranty issues quickly and effectively. 

It also helps us by allowing us to stay up to date on any new products or changes. Having offices in Australia is a huge advantage. It’s not just a sales center; it’s also a business. It also eliminates the need to rely on your solar installer. 

You can simply contact Solar Emporium and have your problems resolved quickly. 

Is It Worth Purchasing Jinko? 

Based on continuous feedback from solar installers and industry professionals, Jinko Solar has a good track record for dependability. Jinko had some panel failures over the years. But their production facilities have improved with their products.  

PVEL categorized Jinko Solar as one of the world’s leading independent solar module testing and performance services. In Module Reliability Scorecard Report, Jinko Solar has performed admirably in the last five years of testing. Each year, they earned a ”Top ‘performer’ rating and ranked first among the group’s highest-performing modules. 

Jinko Solar did not become the world’s largest producer of solar panels by chance. Until recently, the company’s primary focus was not on producing the most efficient panels but on mass-producing the most cost-effective and dependable panels based on tried and tested PV cell technologies. However, Jinko Solar’s emphasis on R&D is now assisting in pushing the solar industry toward new high-performance cell technologies. 

The introduction of the Tiger N-type and Neo TOPCon panels with tiling ribbon technology exemplifies Jinko’s innovative manufacturing techniques for increasing efficiency while lowering costs.  

With a good track record and a strong market position, Jinko Solar is undoubtedly one of the better options for dependable, cost-effective solar panels. Particularly popular are the Tiger panels, which have already proven to be a popular choice for residential and commercial installations. 

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

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Sunpower Solar Panels Review | #1 Residential Solar Panel?

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

SunPower Solar Panels- How it All Started

Early in the ‘80s, SunPower embarked on an unofficial mission. It all started in a lab where they experimented with various solar panel technologies before launching as SunPower- the brand, in 1988. The R&D team’s initial financial acquisition allowed for the formal excursion to take place.

After then, there was no looking back since they collaborated with Honda, the legend of a brand, to build record-breaking PV (photovoltaic) cells utilizing cutting-edge cell technology and went on to win the world solar challenge automobile race, which established them as renowned pioneers of the renewable energy sector.

Over a 25-year period, their presence can be seen in a multitude of NASA programs as well as other aircraft projects. San Jose, California, is where SunPower’s corporate offices are located.

They also have the designation of Bloomberg Tier 1 ranking, which is a sign of the company’s financial soundness rather not necessarily of the high calibre of its panel. If this label is current, it implies that the company is a well-known major manufacturer that has successfully served clients on a worldwide scale for a long time.

About SunPower Solar Cell Technology

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

Let’s get to know them in brief-

Maxeon Cell Technology

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

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

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

IBC Solar Cells

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

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

Shingled Cells

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

Top Modules of SunPower Solar Panels

Here are some of the top models to choose from –

Maxeon 6 AC Solar Panel (Datasheet)

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

Maxeon 6 AC Solar Panel (Datasheet)

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

Performance 6 Solar Panels (Datasheet)

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

Specifications At a Glance

	SunPower Maxeon 6 AC	SunPower Maxeon 3 DC	SunPower Performance 6
Power (W)	420 -440	415-430	395-415
Cell Type	Monocrystalline	Monocrystalline Maxeon Gen 3	Monocrystalline PERC
Efficiency (%)	22.8	22.7	21.1
Weight (KG)	19	20.04	18.6
Operational Temperature Range	?40℃ to +60℃	-40℃ To 85℃	-40℃ To 85℃
Annual Power Degradation	Not More Than 0.25%	Not More Than 0.25%	Not More Than 0.45%
Product Warranty	40 Years	40 Years	25 Years
Performance Warranty	40 Years	40 Years	25 Years
Weight (KG)	21.8	21.2	21

Points of Difference and Areas to Improve for SunPower

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of SunPower solar panels.

Pros

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

As the solar panels can range up to 440W per panel, with less roof space, you can have twice as much power output in comparison to regular solar panels available in the market.
Bloomberg Tier-1 solar system ranking for the company is present.

Cons

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

SunPower Solar Panel Warranty

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

Certifications and Achievements

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

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

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

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

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

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

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Canadian Solar – Solar Panel Review

Many countries have realized the harmful effects of fossil fuels and are trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Technology is improving, and countries are adapting to new ways to use renewable and sustainable energy. Consequently, the entire renewable market is on the rise.  Especially, the Australian renewable industry is booming because of multiple government rebates and incentives to encourage energy efficiency. As a result, solar energy solutions have seen a positive shift since solar is a huge part of renewable energy. This brings us to the “Canadian Solar – Solar Panel review.”

In this article, we will discuss the leading global manufacturer of solar panels.

Quick Summary

Power ratings (Watts): 350W – 665W
Panel Efficiency %: High – 19.4% – 21.3%
Most efficient panel: HiKu7 with 600W
Cell technology: P-type and N-type TOPCon
Price range: Low-med
Product Warranty: Standard 12 years (25 years for 370W and below panels)
Service and support: Good 4/5
Overall rating: 8.5

Overview of Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar is a Tier 1 solar panel company. This company has been in business for over 20 years. Dr. Shawn Xiaohua Qu established Canadian Solar in 2001. He remains the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. Canadian Solar was listed on the NASDAQ in 2006. Although the majority of its production is in China, Canadian Solar has two manufacturing facilities in Ontario, Canada.

According to Bloomberg NEF, Canadian Solar has the world’s fifth-largest solar panel manufacturing capacity and is expanding its presence in Australia. They have four warehouses across Australia and employ 50 locals in solar panel sales and service, as well as large-scale solar farm projects.

In March 2020, the Canadian Solar research and development team created an n-type poly-crystalline silicon solar cell with a world record efficiency of 23.81%. The world’s most efficient residential solar panel currently has an efficiency of 22.6%. 

Over the years, they have grown to be one of the biggest solar panel manufacturers in the world. Their production capacity is almost 2.5 gigawatts per year. Their panels are popular among homeowners and businesses because they are high-quality, affordable, and because they have the Tier 1 title. 

What is a Tier 1 Solar Panel?

You may have encountered the term Tier 1 while researching solar for your home and wondered what it meant.

Solar panels have 3 categories – Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Tier 1 is the more efficient and reliable. Therefore, you should always choose the Tier 1 category. Tier 1 solar panels are known for their long lifespan, so their 25-year performance warranties will be honored. Their automated manufacturing techniques reduce the possibility of defects, and their long-standing reputation ensures that any problems arise are resolved.

A variety of factors are considered when determining Tier 1 solar panels. 

At least 5 years of experience: This ensures that they are a reliable source of solar energy and are respected enough to withstand the test of time while remaining financially secure.
Public trade and strong balance sheet: These companies are more reliable because they have previously been subjected to specific standards and have been declared worthy of investment.
Strong manufacturing techniques and strong vertical integration: This results in increased productivity and more efficient material utilization. Also, it ensures safe and high-quality solar products.
Invest heavily in marketing: A growing market reflects brand confidence and a desire to invest in quality control.

Range of Panels 

Canadian Solar manufactures solar panels for residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications that are reasonably priced and have a good reputation for quality and dependability. Like most large-volume manufacturers, Canadian Solar has switched to higher efficiency mono PERC half-cut cells in almost all new generation panels. The HiDM module, manufactured in Canada, is the sole exception, employing a special shinged mono PERC cell configuration. 

Various Series of Panels Available in Australia 

All-Black series

Higher efficiency with 120 Mono PERC cells 
Response significantly well in extreme hot weather 
Highest efficiency 20.4%
On average power (W) ranges between 335W—340W
Tackles shading better than other panels
12 – 15 years of product warranty, with 25 years of service and power output warranty 
Better for residential purpose 
35 mm coated aluminum alloy frames

HiDM series

Monocrystalline cells
PERC and shingle cell technology
Module efficiency of up to 20.4%
0.55% annual degradation rate
25 years linear power output warranty, 15 years product warranty
Ideal for residential installations
HiDM solar panels can output a maximum of 420W on peak condition

Ku series

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline cells
PERC cell technology
Designed for residential purposes
New panels can also work on commercial site
Module efficiency ranges between 17.8% to 19.9%
0.5% annual degradation rate
6000/4000pa snow/wind load
25/30 years linear power output warranty
12 years product warranty

HiKu Series 

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline cells
Can generate a maximum of 450W of energy
Split-cell/multi-busbar technology
Module efficiency of up to 20%
But HiKu5, HiKu6 and HiKu7 panels are able to output more power. Ranges between 665W output with a module efficiency of up to 21.4%.
0.55% annual degradation rate
25 years linear power output warranty
12 years product warranty
Ideal for both commercial and residential installations

	HiKu	Ku	HiDM	All Black
Power (W)	320-460	430-450	400-420	320-340
Efficiency (%)	19.5	20.4	20.4	20.4
Size (Inch)	83×41.3×1.6	85.4×39.2×1.38	66.9×39.1×1.38	65.0×39.1×1.38
Weight (LBS)	54.9	52.2	42.3	40.1
Features	High Output Poly Module	Bifacial Modules Add 30% Power	High-Density Mono Module	Better Shading Tolerance & Minimizes Micro-Crack Impacts
Operational Temperature Range	-40°C To 85°C	-40°C To 85°C	-37°C To 85°C	-37°C To 85°C
Annual Power Degradation	No More Than 0.55%	No More Than 0.55%	No More Than 0.45%	No More Than 0.45%
Product Warranty	12 – 15 Years	12 – 15 Years	12 – 15 Years	12 – 15 Years
Performance Warranty	25 Years	25 Years	25 Years	25 Years

Cost 

To get the best price, you should get multiple quotes from Canadian Solar. Checking out different products might help too. The final price depends on the equipment you get, based on your product. More specifically, the kind of inverter or battery you need with your panel depends on what panel you get. Most Canadian Solar PV systems are priced between $2.70 and $3.20 per watt, making them an excellent value in the home solar market.

This means that the gross cost of a 6 kW system (before any tax credits or other incentives) would range between $16,200 and $19,200.

Furthermore, most homeowners pay far less than the total gross cost. With the federal solar tax credit of 26 percent, a 6 kW system with Canadian Solar panels would cost between $11,988 and $14,208. And everyone is eligible for the said credit. Numerous state-level solar incentives and rebates are available to help you further reduce your upfront costs. 

The table provides below is not an exact amount. Rather, it’s an approximate amount. Check out the best solar packages here. 

System Size (kW).	Average cost (with installation)
6kW	$11,988 – $14,208
8kW	$13,500- $15,650
10kW	$16,550- $17,900

Efficiency

“Solar panel efficiency” refers to how effectively a solar panel captures and converts sunlight into usable electricity. A high-efficient solar panel can produce more electricity than a lower-efficient panel of the same size under the same conditions. As a result, a higher efficiency rating is generally preferred.

The efficiency of your Canadian Solar panels will differ depending on the model you select for your system. The efficiency rating of Canadian Solar panels ranges from 15.88% to 20.60%.

Performance (temperature coefficient) 

The temperature coefficient indicates how well your solar panel will perform in less-than-ideal conditions. Like other electronic equipment, solar panels perform better when kept cool (ideally at temperatures around 25° C/77° F). The temperature coefficient indicates how much your panel performance will change during hot, sunny summer days.

Your solar panel’s electricity production decreases by a temperature coefficient for every degree above 25° C (77° F). The temperature coefficient of the Canadian Solar CS1H-325MS panel from their HIDM residential series, for example, is -0.37%/°C. This means that if the temperature of the panel rises by one degree, from 25° C (77° F) to 26° C (79° F), electricity production will fall by 0.37%. If the temperature rises to 35° C (95° F), electricity production will fall by 3.7%.

Your solar panels will most likely see a few hot and sunny days throughout the year, so they should have the lowest temperature coefficient possible.

The temperature coefficient of Canadian solar panels ranges between -0.41 and -0.35.

Warranties

Whether you’re purchasing a television, a car, or solar panels, the manufacturer should provide a strong warranty. The materials warranty (also known as the product or equipment warranty) of a solar panel is a guarantee from the manufacturer that they will replace your panel if it fails due to manufacturing defects or environmental issues.

Depending on the product line, Canadian Solar provides a warranty of up to 15 years for defects in their solar panels. Warranty claims were also made easier by the government of Australia. 

Pros and Cons of Canadian Solar 

Canadian Solar panels provide various options for solar systems. There are solar panels that range from average to extremely well-performing. However, it depends entirely on the user and what they are looking for in a solar panel; this determines whether it is worthwhile.

Everything has positive and negative aspects, and Canadian Solar is no exception. Here are some of the brand’s benefits and drawbacks:

Pros

Canadian Solar Panels offer an excellent price-performance ratio.
These panel manufacturers are less expensive than competing brands on the market.
Split-cell technology is also included in most models’ modules.
They have an average efficiency rating ranging from 16.88% to 20%.
Customer service is available all over the world, including Australia.
The majority of residential models include dual-cell PERC technology.
Panels come with Tier 1 performance but offers a competitive price of Tier 2 models. 
Depending on the product, the warranty ranges from 15 years- 25 years. 
Government rebates and incentives are available

Cons

Names of the solar modules can be confusing for native English speakers 
Efficiency may drop up to 0.55% yearly.

Are Canadian Solar Panels Worth Buying? 

The decision to install Canadian Solar Panel is totally up to you. However, choosing Canadian Solar can provide value for money. Considering the efficiency, prices are quite competitive and better than other companies. For residential purposes, choosing Canadian Solar would be worth it. 

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

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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

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

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.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

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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.

Table of content

Where Are Fronius Inverters Manufactured?
What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?
Available Models of Fronius Inverter in the Australian Market
Side by Side Comparison of Fronius Inverter
Advantage and Disadvantage of Fronius Inverter
Fronius Inverter Monitoring System
Warranty of Fronius Inverter
Are Fronius Inverters Any Good?
Conclusion

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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