When Does the Government Solar Rebate End | Update 2022

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

Renewable Energy Target

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

What is STC?

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

Deeming Period

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

State Solar Rebate

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

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Can I Add a Battery to My Solar System

Can I Add a Battery to My Solar System
With a vast majority of the population opting to go solar to retaliate against the increasing power bills and grabbing the opportunity of declining solar battery prices, it’s safe to say we are heading in the right direction. Many of us already have rooftop solar, and in an attempt to get the most out of the solar system, adding a solar battery should be on top of our priority list. Kudos to you, as you are already thinking about it, judging from the fact you are here in the first place.
So, the topic of discussion is, can I add a battery to my solar system if I wish to? The short and simple answer to that is yes, yes, you can. However, there are some things that you need to double-check before you think about it. Although solar battery prices are indeed falling, they can’t just be labeled as something cheap, not yet.
Before we jump to that, it’s essential to know the basics of how solar battery works.
adding solar battery with panels

How Solar Battery Works?

There are two types of solar battery storage systems to consider when on the topic. One is AC coupled, and the other is DC coupled solar battery.
In an AC-coupled system, solar panels produce DC power, which is then converted into AC electricity via a solar inverter. Your house appliances may then get this AC power, or it may go to another inverter, which will convert it back to DC so that it may be stored in a battery system. Any power that is stored in a battery system for AC-coupled systems must be reversed three times before it can be used back in the house.
On the other hand-
A DC-coupled system means that there is no inversion of solar power from DC to AC and back before the electricity is stored in the battery. Instead, DC solar electricity flows from solar panels to a charge controller that immediately feeds into a battery system. Any solar-generated electricity will only undergo one inversion (from DC to AC), either when it travels from batteries to your home’s electrical system or out to the power grid. With a DC-coupled system, your house is inevitably dependent on the battery for its primary source of energy if not connected to the grid.
Besides that, built-wise, there once again are several types of batteries available in the market. For instance, nickel-cadmium batteries, flow batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lead-acid batteries. Because of their low cost, lead acid batteries are by far the most common option among all of these battery kinds. However, they need regular maintenance and are vulnerable to damage if not handled carefully. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are also growing in popularity lately.
Now that you are familiar with the basics of solar batteries, here is a list of things to check before you can add a battery to your solar system-

Existing Solar Inverter Compatibility

As discussed above, there are two types of solar battery storage systems which work in two different ways. Just like the batteries, there are different types of inverters that do the energy conversion of solar-generated DC electricity differently.
Your existing solar inverter can be a hybrid inverter or a standard inverter. In case you have a standard inverter, you are going to have to go through a bit more trouble. I will explain everything; bear with me.
DC VS AC coupled solar battery
You see, a standard inverter is only capable of converting DC to AC for the house to use. So, when you have a standard inverter, there are about two ways you can go by. The first option is to get rid of this system and add a charge controller, which can regulate the solar energy into going to the battery first, and tie it with a battery inverter that will supply electricity to your house. Needless to say, this is quite the expensive route to take as charge controllers that are able to take such a huge load are not cheap.
The second route to take, in case you have a standard inverter, is to opt for an AC-coupled system. This way, your system remains the same; it just gets an addition of a hybrid inverter with batteries. In this scenario, when the grid is down, the hybrid inverter steps up to keep the entire thing up and going. Without the hybrid inverter, your solar system will shut down if the grid goes down, but with the addition of the hybrid inverter, the sine waves produced by it trigger the standard inverter to keep on generating electricity, which then gets stored in the battery bank. Also used in the house.
Then comes the situation where you have a hybrid inverter. In this case, adding the battery bank will be a breeze as this one is equipped to convert both ways. Thus, saving you the hassle of getting to figure out the whole thing once again.
However, there still remains the question of how much load the inverter is able to handle and so many other things. For all these calculations and figuring out, I believe it’s best to just leave things to the professionals.

Budget

With a minimum value, you can get yourself a working battery or an amazing one. You have to figure out what your needs are and take into consideration your area, your future demands, etc.; with the calculation of everything, you have to map out a budget for the solar battery. There are many companies, including us, who can sort you out a financial plan; also, there are government rebates to help you become energy independent.

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Should I Get Solar Battery for My Solar Panel?

should i get solar batteries for my solar panel
One out of four households in Australia has rooftop solar panels in today’s date. Can you guess why people accepted this change with open arms? To get away from the rising electric bills, of course. Also, with the prevalence of solar rebates at the federal and state level altogether, it made perfect sense for you and I to go solar. Because who wouldn’t like the opportunity to save money while saving nature at the same time, right?
Apart from all those good things, do you know what can make this investment even more fruitful? Adding a solar battery storage system to the whole deal. “But aren’t solar batteries expensive?” this is exactly what you might be thinking to yourself. Well, that is not incorrect, but aren’t cars expensive? What about a house? But we still invest in those assets, don’t we? Just like that, getting a solar battery is also an investment that goes a long way if you make the right calls at the right time.
It sounds a bit confusing with just that much information so let me help you out by answering your question, ‘should I get solar battery for my solar panel’ a bit elaborately.

Your Household Electricity Needs

The first step to figuring out if you should go for a solar battery is to know how much electricity you use on a regular day. Calculating that is simple; all you have to do is take a look at your electric bill copy. There you can find a breakdown of your average use in Kilowatts.
solar battery
For an average household of two people, the total consumption of electricity quarterly can be around 950kWh to 1000kWh, with 10kWh to 15kWh daily peak usage. This comes down significantly with the addition of solar panels on the roof and totally disappears with the addition of solar batteries. Since the batteries store electricity for you to use at your convenience, you will be using what you generate through the panels, scratching the grid altogether, and paying zero electric bills.
There is so much more to figure out in this scenario, but with the right assessment and experts working on your property, it’s totally plausible.

How Much Electricity Do My Panels Generate?

Assuming you already have rooftop solar panels, how much electricity they generate is a huge factor to consider. With a smaller solar system that barely fulfills your needs during the day, adding a battery will not be the brightest idea. A battery should be added to such PV systems that are capable of yielding a significant amount of energy.
However, there is an exception to the scenario.
If your area is prone to blackouts, or you get charged a stupidly high rate for energy bills, getting solar batteries in such cases is the optimum thing to do.
Also, if there is room for expansion of your solar array in case you have a smaller system, it’s a smart move if you do so. Because in the end, solar panels are the best way to generate electricity rather than depending on the grid.

When Do I Need Electricity the Most?

Let’s say you do have a smaller solar panel system. As we know, solar panels are able to generate the most electricity during peak hours, which are around 10 am to 3 pm. If you are not around the house at that time, which most people usually aren’t because of work or school, the entire amount of energy generated by even that small system of yours will be exported to the grid. Earning you Feed-it-tariff credits in the process, if applicable, but the credit you get in return is quite insignificant judging today’s market.
What can you do in this case? Get solar batteries so you can store the electricity produced by your panels in the peak solar hours. This way, you will have electricity stored in the batteries to use when the price of grid energy is high. Essentially using free energy when grid users are paying high prices.
solar battery cost

Price of Solar Battery

Recent decreases in solar battery prices are the result of major technological advancements and the availability of resources. Naturally, that doesn’t imply they are suddenly inexpensive, but the decrease is astonishing. A kWh of solar battery storage used to cost anywhere between $3000 and $3600 only for the battery, without including installation. For each kWh of solar battery storage, you can now anticipate paying between $1200 and $1400. It will only get better from here on out—and that’s a price reduction of about 52%.

How Long Do Solar Batteries Last?

A quality solar battery system should back you up for the upcoming 15 years to come after purchasing. But there are also batteries available in the market which last 8 to 10 years, but they cost lesser in comparison. To tell you the truth, if you are planning to invest in solar batteries, there is no need to settle for less; as I already told you, it’s an investment. An investment that can provide you with free energy for as long as it last, obviously, if you pair it up with a quality solar system.
Additionally, by switching to green energy, you not only save a ton of money but also drastically lower your carbon footprint and inspire others to do the same. It’s a crucial measure to protect the next generation from the dramatic and catastrophic effects of global warming.

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What Happens to Unused Solar Power

What Happens to Unused Solar Power
As long as the sun shines on your solar panel system, it will generate electricity, it can be less or more at times, but it’s guaranteed to generate power. Solar panels are versatile pieces of tech that don’t require external assistance to work. That is the reason why there can be times when your panels could generate more electricity than you need to run your everyday chores.
So, what happens to unused solar power? Does it go to waste? Not quite. This power surplus can be directed to many outlets to be stored or exported in a public shared utility grid. Let us explore more on the topic.

Grid Connected Solar System

If you have a solar system that is connected to the grid, you can expect the excessive energy to be transported back to the grid. Solar panels are made in a way that it’s not possible to physically turn them off. So, when the sunlight hits the solar panels, the silicon cells initiate the photovoltaic conversion from sunlight to DC (Direct Current), which eventually gets converted into AC (Alternating Current).
If your solar system yields more energy than your house needs in the case of a grid-connected system, then your solar inverters will dictate the situation smoothly. Your solar inverters determine whether the extra energy should be transported back to the grid or to the battery bank, if any.
off grid solar system
What’s in it for you if the energy gets back to the utility grid? Seemingly it’s electricity generated by your paid system. There is an arrangement in place for situations like these, called Feed-in-tariff (FiT) which compensates solar owners for their contribution to the stream with energy credits.
It is a reimbursement for any extra power that is sent back to the grid. It’s often referred to as a buy-back rate and is typically paid as a credit on your bills at a defined amount per kilowatt hour. The terms and circumstances for your solar rates and your energy rates are different, and it depends on many external factors. Learn more about Fit here.

Off Grid Solar System

It’s quite a straightforward deal when your solar panels are installed off the grid. The surplus of energy, in this case, is stored in a battery bank which is typical for an off the grid solar system. One of the main components of an off the grid system is a battery bank because it’s essential to have excess energy to use at night.
But what happens when the batteries are full?
Previously when lead acid batteries were more common for solar energy storage, it was deemed dangerous to overcharge them. As these sorts of batteries release hydrogen gas, overcharging them poses a higher threat of explosion. However, overcharging modern lithium batteries does not harm them to a great extent. Due to the fact that they don’t normally release hydrogen gas, modern lithium batteries provide a far smaller risk. To guarantee the security of the system, they also contain an integrated computerized battery management system.
Learn more about off grid solar systems here.
off grid solar system

Solar Safety – Know When to Stop Exporting

As discussed above, in an instance where the solar system is tied to the grid, the solar inverter can smoothly determine to export the surplus to the grid. This way, you can benefit from FiT and also help reduce the carbon footprint of the mass. This entire process is automated because of the ease of operation and cut back on redundancy.
However, there are times when people work on grid maintenance; also, solar panels continue to produce potentially fatal DC voltage in the case of a short circuit, fire, or water. These are potentially dangerous situations of which we need to be aware of.
Lastly, a well-designed solar system will produce energy in accordance with your needs. However, it’s always preferable to have more than to lack energy when needed. Either you export the surplus back to the utility grid or store it in a solar battery; it’s a win-win case in both circumstances. But refrain from overcharging the batteries to extend their lifetime.
Claim a free consultation session today with one of our solar experts to discuss your solar needs.

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Benefits to The Environment of Going Off Grid

benefits to the environment of going off grid
In Australia, 33.6% of total emissions come from burning fossil fuel. Why is burning fossil fuel essential, you may ask? It’s needed to generate electricity. So, that proves a massive amount of environmental harm comes from our high dependency on grid energy which can be catered for with other renewable sources like solar, wind, hydro, etc.
On the flip side, going off the grid means eliminating that dependency on grid energy, ultimately lesser fossil fuel combustion each year. Off grid living facilitates the lifestyle of ultimate energy independence, leading to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Not only this, but there are also many other benefits of living off the grid.
Here are some of the benefits to the environment of going off grid discussed in brief –

Fight Against Global Warming

Global warming is more prevalent now than ever. As we gravitate towards grid electricity because it’s easy, we are indirectly facilitating the giant electricity retailers to burn more fossil fuels. This repetitive practice has increased the greenhouse gases in the environment. As a result, the heat of the sun gets trapped in the atmosphere, and the temperature rises significantly. This phenomenon is called global warming.
It is granted that not just the electricity retailers are solely responsible for this, all the other major corporations, especially manufacturing facilities, are also contributing to the problem. However, almost one-third of the GHG emission comes from fossil fuel burning, and none other than the energy retailers are to be blamed.
climate change and off grid living
If you choose to live off the grid, you can fight against this by opting for renewable sources of energy. Sources such as solar panel systems, micro hydro energy, and wind energy are some of the ways many people generate power off the grid. Find out more about how you can generate power off grid here.
These are clean power sources for your household, limiting your carbon footprint remarkably.
Not only will you not be emitting harmful gases, but also you can become completely energy independent. This means no power cuts during storms and no power cuts during maintenance at an odd hour.

Become Energy Efficient

As mentioned above, living off the grid will make you completely energy independent, but this also gives you the opportunity to remodel your surrounding in the most energy-efficient way possible.
For instance, you may reduce the likelihood of heat loss and add additional insulation by changing the foundation, form, and architecture of your house. Your dependence on energy and other heat sources will decrease, as a result, allowing you to satisfy your demands with a much smaller solar or wind power system.
  • Installing solar is the easiest of all renewable energy systems.
  • Solar panels are cheaper in comparison to grid connections.
  • It’s a reliable source of power that requires little to no maintenance.
  • Transporting solar and solar equipment is easier.
  • Within a few years, a well-designed system may pay for itself and offer a good ROI.
  • If problems arise, they are quite simple to resolve and, for the most part, do not require professional guidance.
Learn about off grid solar systems here.
benefits of solar energy to the environment

No More Fossil Fuel Burning

Burning fossil fuel such as coal is one of the core reasons why we are suffering from the drastic effects of climate change. The sea level has risen about 8 to 9 inches since the 1980s. These changes will become faster if we don’t take proper measures as soon as possible. Going off grid is one of those measures that we can take.
It’s ultimately the energy we consume to carry out everyday chores that do the most damage. When you choose to live off the grid, you are carrying out these everyday chores, not at the expense of the environment. Rather power sources like solar can give you essentially free energy for the rest of your life (at least the next 25 years) on top of being completely clean.

Recycling & Upcycling- A Sustainable Habit

You may develop the practice of recycling and upcycling if you live off the grid. It is conceivable in any sort of living situation, but they become simpler if you have access to a large property. For instance, many people who live off the grid make use of the property by setting up recycling areas where they can turn food scraps into compost. Additionally, there are many opportunities for upcycling as it is not as simple to dispose of what we generally regard to be rubbish in this situation. Using a pickle jar as a cookie jar or flowerpot, for instance, is upcycling.
Growing your own vegetables and herbs is another fantastic option for lowering your carbon footprint. As you grow your own food, you become less dependent on large-scale producers, who actively contribute to GHG emissions by utilizing expensive machinery and equipment.

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How To Generate Power Off Grid

how to generate power off grid
If you are looking forward to starting to live off the grid, sorting through different options for power generation is extremely important. There are many stand-alone systems that can generate energy for your household which are completely green, sustainable and carbon emission free. Although all these options may seem attractive, you are going to have to make the call to choose the one that is suitable for your house, keeping all the other aspects in mind.
The article is intended to help you through the process. On that note, here’s how to generate power off grid explained.

Different Renewable Energy Sources for Your Home

As we are mainly looking into powering a residential property or a small farm or business, this suggestion will strictly be catered to that. Solar emporium does not favour the non-renewable options of power generation for any off the grid property because of the extreme effects on the environment happening right now.
To power your off the grid home, you can choose the following power generation options (renewable)-
  • Solar panel system
  • Wind electricity
  • Micro hydro electricity

Solar Panel System

There are many ways to be energy independent and have no carbon footprint, like using wind and water electricity, but the process is time consuming and needs ongoing maintenance. A residential off-grid house that uses a power source other than solar is therefore uncommon. Without much effort on your part, solar energy can give your house the constant electricity it needs to run and store some more.
Wondering how solar panels work? Solar panels function by reacting when sunlight strikes them. The amount of energy generated depends on the angle and intensity of the sunlight, but solar panels will continue to produce energy for as long as they receive sunlight. After that, a solar inverter transforms it into useable electricity, which you may use to power your house.
off grid solar panels
In an off grid home, you are required to have solar batteries tied to the system. This way, you can reserve the surplus of energy generated by your panels to use later. Also, a charge controller is essential, which can determine the flow of electricity either to the house or the battery, also control when to switch to the backup generator if required.
Kilowatts, or kW, are the unit of measurement for a solar system’s power rating. It is a measurement of the size of your solar system, not the amount of energy it will generate. The size of your system (x kW) is multiplied by the Peak Sun Hours unique to your area, which vary between summer and winter, to get the kWh (kilowatt hour). The generated energy, measured in kWh, will initially be used to power the house’s daytime loads before being used to charge the battery bank.
Solar panels are the ideal choice for your off grid home among the other power generation alternatives.
Here is why-

Advantages of Solar Power

  • Easy installation process.
  • Requires little to no maintenance and labour.
  • Solar panel prices are dropping at an astonishing rate with recent technological advancements.
  • Government rebate under the Renewable Energy Target (RET).
  • A well-designed system can provide excellent ROI and pay for itself within a few years.
  • No additional establishment is required to maintain the system.
  • Sustainable and independent energy source.
  • Fixing any issues, if faced, is extremely easy and can be done without any expert supervision in most cases.
  • Does not require any additional connection fees or permissions.

Areas to Improve

  • If solar panels could work at a 100% efficiency rate, the entire world could be powered by only 1 hour of peak sunlight hours. Which is a rather imaginative scenario but the system’s efficiency can always approach growth.
  • With scientific revelations and effective supply chain management, the prices of a solar panel system have the potential to drop even more.

Wind Electricity

This is another option to generate power off the grid. It might not be the most feasible option if you do not have a lot of space in your off grid property. However, a 5 to 15 kW system is sufficient to provide for an average household’s monthly electricity needs. The efficiency rate of a wind electric system depends on the wind speed of the area, which can vary in different seasons.
A typical wind electric system which is enough to generate power for a single residential house can be at least 23-25 feet in diameter and 100 feet tall.
The rotor blades of a wind turbine, which function similarly to a helicopter rotor blade, convert wind energy into electricity using aerodynamic force. The air pressure on one side of the blade falls as the wind passes by. Both lift and tug are produced by the different air pressure on the blade’s either side. The rotor spins because the force of the lift is greater than the force of the tug.
If the generator is a direct drive turbine, the rotor is connected to it directly; otherwise, a gearbox that speeds up the rotation and permits a physically smaller generator is used. Electricity is produced as a result of the conversion of aerodynamic force into generator rotation.
micro hydro energy renewable

Micro Hydro Electricity

As the name suggests, the micro hydro electricity generation system requires water, a steady flow or stream of water. Using the kinetic force of a water stream micro hydro system can produce electricity to power any off the grid residential property. These off grid systems are usually the cheapest solution for any off grid home but with that comes some difficulties as well. It’s a high-maintenance system that requires quite a lot of attention.
Besides that, this is the most cost-efficient green energy source that can run 24/7 if designed properly. There are many commercial power plants that run on hydro electricity using a massive water stream, either man-made or natural, but a micro one is a miniature version of such systems.
The impact of the high-pressure water on these cups rotates an alternator, which produces energy. Batteries are typically charged by the alternator.
Maximum electrical output for hydroelectricity is determined by the formula: flow rate (litres per second) x head (meters) x 10. (watts). Therefore, a stream descending at 20 litres per second down a 10-meter head would have a 2000-watt maximum output.

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Off Grid Solar Power Simplified – Off Grid 101

off grid solar power simplified
An off the grid solar system is simply a set-up that is not connected to any utility grid; thus, it’s an autonomous solar system that can generate enough power for an entire household, small office, or farm etc. However, putting together some panels and inverters without any prior assessment is a sure-fire way to waste money in exchange for a lousy PV module.
That brings us to today’s topic, how does the off grid system work in its true essence and how you can get the most out of it? Here’s off grid solar power simplified for your convenience, take a look.

What Is an Off Grid System Comprised Of 

There are 5 main components that work together to create an excellent off the grid solar system.
off grid solar system
Solar Panels– Solar panels, also known as PV modules, are the ones responsible for capturing sunlight and generating direct current, which is essentially electricity in its raw format. How much sunlight can the panels capture and effectively convert into electricity depends on module quality, quantity, amount of sunlight exposure, roof angle and geo-location.
Solar Inverters– The solar panels have generated electricity in the DC format, and that remains unusable until its run through the solar inverter. It converts DC into AC (alternating current) for the appliances to use and operate. There are many types of solar inverters, some of which are even capable of storing energy for later use. In an off grid house, you will be using a standalone inverter which is not connected to the grid.
Solar Batteries– Solar panels are designed to operate using the power of the sun, but for a majority of the households in Australia, electricity is most needed in the evening hours or at nighttime. To store the surplus of energy generated at midday (the most optimum solar hours), you will need solar batteries. It’s an essential component for an off grid solar system.
Solar Charge Controller– It’s not a feasible arrangement if you always have to manage the energy flow in the correct direction. To aid in that issue, a charge controller is necessary. It controls the direction of energy flow to the correct path according to the situation and prevents the solar batteries from overcharging, essentially extending their life.
Backup Generator– If all things go south, a diesel-powered backup generator will come to your rescue. It is not an everyday event with a quality system, but on the off chance you do experience a power outage through solar, it’s best to have an off grid solar system with a backup generator.
If you want to know more about how an off grid solar system works visit here.

Why Go Off the Grid?

Off grid solar is not for everyone that is true. But if you look at the electricity price hike in recent years, it makes total sense why people chose alternative energy sources like solar, wind etc., over the grid.
Because of the changes that happened on July 1st 2021, this year by the Australian Energy Regulator, using grid electricity has become more expensive when it’s a fact that this entire procedure actively participates in GHG (Green House Gas) emission.
Check out the exact price changes for the 2022-23 financial year here- Click me.
Besides the negative impact on the environment and increased prices of energy, it’s not a lucrative option for you to choose grid connection if you live in a remote area. While it almost costs a fortune to pay for a grid connection in remote areas, you will have to pay a hefty amount in electric bills each year.
On the other hand, choosing an off grid solar system will cost you less than a grid connection, and after installation, you will never have to worry about paying electric bills again (not at least in the upcoming 25 years). Not to mention the freedom over the system as well as the serenity that comes from living amid nature.
how to go off the grid

Pro-tips: Off Grid Solar System Basics

Here are some of the facts that you need to know before you go off the grid, along with some tips from our off grid solar experts-
  • It’s almost always better to upsize the solar system. As you will be living off the grid, an essence of uncertainty can make you nervous; we are only human. So, experts suggest you upsize your solar system to the point where you can go without charging your batteries for at least 2 days if necessary. You might not need it, but it doesn’t hurt to have it.
  • MPPTs (Maximum Power Point Tracker) are important. Your solar panels might struggle to operate at their maximum efficiency without MPPTs. For an off the grid solar system, its essential that you get the most out of your system, so it’s suggested that your system has MPPTs, yup multiples of them.
  • Some might say that cleaning your solar panels does not do much, but experts may tell you otherwise. It has been proven in many studies that not cleaning your solar panels can decrease their efficiency by up to 30%. So, please do keep your panels clean. Here is how you can clean your panels yourself- How to clean solar panels.
  • Be very aware of the local government rules and regulations. Different councils may have different legislations; you must be aware of them along with any changes while in the process of shifting to your off grid property. Your chances of claiming the government rebate depend on it. Learn more here.
Going off the grid is not only an attractive option for those who live in a remote area but also for those who are experiencing an unexpected surge in power bills.
Is going off the grid the right call for you? You will have to consult an energy expert to answer this question tailored to your circumstances. We can arrange a FREE consultation session for you with one of our solar experts; all you must do is click the get help button below.

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How to Live Off the Grid | Off Grid Living 101

how to live off the grid
With the ever-rising cost of living in Australia, living off the grid is becoming more and more popular every day. However, it can be challenging to live off the grid for some. It requires you to follow through with certain procedures and be consistent with them.
Let’s jump right into how to live off the grid and sustain the lifestyle.

Double Check Legal Matters Before You Go Off the Grid

There are two ways you can go by when deciding to go off the grid.
First, you can convert your current residence into an off grid system. Technically, off grid living means cutting off your reliance on the power grid that is used by mass.
As energy prices are at their peak at the moment and it only seems to be getting worse, you can cut off your reliance on the public shared grid and generate your own power through sustainable and renewable sources like solar, wind, water, etc.
Before you do that, you will have to check with the authorities as different councils may have different regulations in place. Also, when you decide to go for certain renewable energy sources like solar, you may be eligible for government rebates for an off grid solar system as well. Make sure you explore all the benefits of off grid solar living like the rebates or consult a solar expert.
legal regulations for off grid
The second way to live off the grid is to relocate. That comes with a completely different set of challenges, as not only power, but you may also need to build every repetitive cycle management like power generation from scratch. There are many remote locations in Australia that do not need a permit to live or build; you can relocate to those areas to build your own sustainable lifestyle
In short, there are three aspects in which you need to look out for in regard to legal obligations, which are-
  • Zoning and housing permits
  • Land allocation and ownership
  • The government provided rebates and incentives
Keep in mind that relocating somewhere remote does give you complete freedom and being one with nature may seem tempting. However, if you are heavily reliant on city life and the convenience of a town, this might just not be your call.

How to Live Off the Grid- Essentials 

Without some basic essentials living off the grid is impossible. Here is a list of things you need to think about before you go ahead with the decision-

Daily Nutrients- Food and Fresh Drinking Water

It goes without saying you will need food and fresh drinking water to survive. When living in a remote area, you will not have easy access to them, so it’s better to stock up. But that is not a permeant or sustainable solution. It’s best if you do your own farming for fresh veggies, herbs, and livestock. Also, collecting rainwater and a deep well can be your source of fresh drinking water.
government rebate for off grid

Power Generation – A Sustainable Power Source

This is a major undertaking and could be the most crucial part of living off the grid. There are numerous methods to be energy independent, leaving no carbon footprint, such as using wind and water, but the process is labor-intensive and requires constant upkeep. As a result, you are unlikely to find a residential off grid home that uses any other power source beyond solar. Solar energy can provide your home with the constant electricity it needs to function without much work on your part.
  • How does off grid solar system work?
Solar panels, solar inverters, inverter chargers, battery banks, and backup generators are the key components of an off grid solar system. How do all these elements combine to form the ideal off the grid home?
First, when sunlight strikes the solar panels, a photovoltaic reaction occurs, producing energy. The quality of the panels will determine how much power is produced in “x” duration. The solar inverter transforms the produced power into a useful type of energy after that. To put it simply, the electricity produced by the panels is DC (Direct Current) electricity; however, what we want is AC (Alternating Current). This conversion gets handled by the trusty solar inverters with 99% efficiency in the best cases.
After use, the extra energy is kept in the solar batteries. However, there is a catch—the battery bank can only be used to store DC. In order to do the reverse conversion and communicate when to stop the conversion and run it the other way, a charger inverter is used. On the rare occasion when your batteries run dry, you may resort to diesel generators.
off grid solar system

Hot Water Supply 

Water heating is the second largest energy-consuming task in the residential sector in Australia. That means you will have to ensure an off the grid heating system that runs without the help of traditional coal-burning grid energy. There are some pollution-free and sustainable solutions like a heat pump for your hot water needs that needs less electricity to run, and production gets multiplied with their use.
Check out some energy-efficient water heating systems here.
Also, there are solar hot water systems that runs using the power of the sun. They are energy efficient and do not emit any harmful gases. Aside from these hot water systems to rely on, you can always opt for a handy wood stove, but convenience is questionable in this method.

Waste Management 

This is something that you would think is easy to manage; however, it’s quite a chore to manage. An off the grid house does not have a central waste management system access provided by the government, so in order to manage your waste and grey water, you will have to build a cohesive system that takes care of it efficiently and hygienically.
You can turn your food wastes into self-made compost in this manner; your waste can become your resource.

Do People Live Off the Grid in Australia?

Definitely! There are communities like Chewton Bushlands that have lived off-grid for decades if you’re seeking for like-minded people who have cut themselves off from the grid. Additionally, organizations like the Cohousing Australia Initiative and Tiny Homes Australia provide in-depth instructions on how to live off the grid.
In conclusion, living off the grid is challenging yet rewarding, and as time passes by, more and more people are opting to live off the grid for its convenience. Talk to an expert today to know more about how to live off the grid.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

What is the Best Off Grid Solar System

What is the Best Off Grid Solar System
There are 5 main components that make up a perfect off the grid solar system. Here is what makes up an off grid solar system –
Solar Modules: In solar modules, photovoltaic conversion transforms solar energy into usable electricity (DC).
PV Inverter: To use in the house or to charge the battery bank, a solar inverter transforms the DC electricity generated, into AC.
Charger Inverter: This device converts AC power to DC so that it may be stored in batteries for later use. A battery bank is only able to store energy in DC.
Battery Bank: To store the power produced by the modules for later usage, lithium-ion batteries can be used. However, lead-acid batteries and nickel cadmium batteries are also used to achieve the same goal.
Backup Generator: Just on the off chance there is no stored energy in the battery bank, a diesel generator is used as a backup power source if needed.

How Does it All Work?

How do all these components come together and create the perfect off the grid house?
Firstly, the solar panels generate electricity through a photovoltaic reaction when sunlight hits the solar panels. The amount of electricity generated in ‘x’ amount of time will depend on the quality of the panels. Then the generated electricity travels to the solar inverter to convert into a usable form of energy. To explain that, in simple terms, the energy generated in the panels is DC (Direct Current) electricity and what we need is AC (Alternating Current) electricity.
After the conversion, the surplus amount of energy gets stored in the solar batteries. But there is a catch; you can only store DC in the battery bank. And this is where the charger inverter comes into play to do the conversion and also send signals across when to shut off the conversion and run it the other way.
With all that being said, there can be extremely cold days when the sun does not shine, and your solar panels can’t process to render a surplus for you to use later. In these rare occasions, you just might want to be safe with a backup generator that runs on diesel.
And that is about it, on how an off grid solar panel system works.
off grid solar

Some Well Performing Off Grid Solar Component

We suggest products to prospective clients by thoroughly investigating the property, and these products might not suit your needs or be more than what you need.
Please see below our top 4 solar systems-

Solar Panels

Hyundai Solar Panels- With about a 21.3% efficiency rate offered with 25 years of warranty, the Hyundai solar panels are spectacular. Also, their shingled cell solar panels allow more room for PV conversion on the same size of rooftop.
Check out their different ranges here.
SunPower Solar Panels- One of the best in the market right about now. Their signature Maxeon solar panels are what sets them apart from the crowd. They offer about 21% efficiency rate.
Check out their different ranges here.
Jinko Solar Panels- 23.1% is the highest efficiency rate that Jinko offers, which certainly sets the bar for quality. They also include N-type monocrystalline cells in the blend of variety models, which gives you an awesome range of models to choose from.
Check out their different ranges here.
off grid solar system

Solar Inverters

SolarEdge Solar Inverter- This inverter provides individual panel monitoring and shut-off technology despite not being a microinverter. Their string inverters provide almost 12 years of warranty which is standard for inverters.
Check out their different ranges here.
Enphase Micro Inverter- Micro-inverters work with each panel individually which allows them to control every aspect of the panels down to the smallest details. Enphase is an inverter brand that has gained unmatched popularity in the category.
Check out their different ranges here.
Growatt Solar Inverter- Over the course of their little over ten years in business, Growatt has established itself as a major player in the solar market by inventing technical marvels. They have successfully attained an efficiency rate of up to 98%, which is commendable.
Check out their different ranges here.

Solar Batteries

Check out these options for solar battery banks in your off grid system.
BYD Battery- BYD – which stands for Build Your Dreams, is a Chinese battery manufacturing company. They have been focusing on producing li-ion batteries. The BYD battery boxes are known for their impressive power output, which is about 12.8kW. 
Check out their different ranges here. 
Tesla Powerwall- Powerwall is such a battery that can store energy, detect outages, and take over as your home’s energy supply when the grid is down. It, as opposed to generators, keeps your lights on and your phones charged without maintenance, fuel, or noise. To keep your appliances operating for days, pair them with solar and use the sun’s energy to recharge.
Check the Tesla power wall here.
Huawei LUNA2000 - Huawei is a leading brand in the solar industry manufacturing solar panels and batteries. The LUNA model has a 5kWh to 15kWh capacity to offer. It’s a Lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery with claimed 100% DOD (Depth Of Discharge).  
Check out Huawei LUNA2000 here.
To make things simple, we also have a range of bundled offers for solar. Click this link to know more about them.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

What Is the Best Battery for Off Grid Solar

What Is the Best Battery for Off Grid Solar
People often think the most important component of a solar system is the solar panel. Yes, you definitely need a top-notch quality solar panel; however, for a solar system that will complete your energy requirements, especially when you live off the grid, you will require a quality system that includes an impeccable battery storage unit.
Without a good battery living off the grid can become an extremely challenging task because your chances of being energy independent highly depends on how much disposable energy you have at any point in time. So, it’s clear as a day that you have to have an excellent battery to live off the grid. So, what is the best battery for off grid solar? Before we answer that question, let’s quickly go through the different types of batteries for a better understanding.
solar panels

Different Types of Battery for Solar Energy Storage

Are you searching for the best batteries for solar off grid? Here are a few different types of batteries popularly used for solar battery storage-

Lithium-ion Battery

Li-ion batteries have a variety of benefits over the other premium rechargeable battery technologies (nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride). The energy density of these batteries is among the greatest available (100-265 Wh/kg or 250-670 Wh/L). Additionally, compared to Ni-Cd or Ni-MH battery technology, Li-ion battery cells have a voltage output of up to 3.6 Volts. They can thus supply substantial current for high-power applications.
Li-ion batteries are also portable, and their high DOD (Depth of Discharge) allows you to draw out more energy without threatening the battery life. They require a small space to sit and provide you with a huge power load in comparison to other batteries.
It is also popularly used in many cases alongside solar energy storage because of its usefulness and reliability.
off grid solar

Lead Acid Battery

These batteries are tried and tested veterans of the category. The most popular battery type in solar systems is the lead acid battery. In contrast to other battery types, lead acid batteries have a longer lifespan at a reasonable cost. There are two types of lead acid batteries which are –
  • Flooded lead acid battery
  • Sealed lead acid battery
Of the two types, sealed batteries are used for the most part because the flooded ones require constant maintenance; even so, you risk leaking. With a low DOD and high maintenance, sealed batteries are more often chosen over flooded ones.

What to Look For - Best Off grid Solar Battery

In order to find the best battery for your off grid solar home, you will need to look for the following attributes in your battery of choice-

Depth of Discharge

DOD signifies a battery’s capacity or energy held in them. Manufacturers provide you with a number in the form of dod below which your battery level should not drop down if you want to elongate its lifetime. This is one of the most important attributes that you need to know about. Remember, the higher the DOD, the better the battery is, and it will serve you for a longer time.
Usually, li-ion batteries provide a higher DOD than the lead acid batteries, which usually do not go beyond 80%. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s advice in this case.

Capacity

It is usually advised to upsize your off grid solar system so that you can yield more energy and keep that at your disposal. Also, to future-proof the house, you are required to upsize your solar system. In this case, you will also have to consider the capacity of the battery. Your solar system’s electricity generation ability should be on par with the battery.
Review your previous bills and know how many kilowatt hours of energy did you need on average. This will give you an idea of what capacity battery you will require. My advice would be to leave a little wiggle room and estimate a bit higher than you need just to be on the safe side.

Warranty

As your typical solar system comes with almost 25 years of official warranty, the solar battery of your choice has to suffice for that. Typically, solar batteries come with 10 to 15 years of warranty, depending on some criteria. You have to be careful when you choose your battery for your off grid home and abide by the manufacturer’s advice for prolonged battery life.

Off grid Solar Battery Examples

Here are some of the best off grid battery brands that have proven to win a lot of customers’ hearts with their performance in a short while –
off grid solar battery

BYD Battery

BYD – which stands for Build Your Dreams, is a Chinese battery manufacturing company. They have been focusing on producing li-ion batteries. The BYD battery boxes are known for their impressive power output, which is about 12.8kW.
Check out their different ranges here.

Huawei LUNA2000

Huawei is a leading brand in the solar industry manufacturing solar panels and batteries. The LUNA model has a 5kWh to 15kWh capacity to offer. It’s a Lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery with claimed 100% DOD.
Check out Huawei LUNA2000 here.

Tesla Powerwall

Powerwall is such a battery that can store energy, detect outages, and take over as your home’s energy supply when the grid is down. It, as opposed to generators, Tesla Powerwall keeps your lights on, and your phones charged without maintenance, fuel, or noise. To keep your appliances operating for days, pair them with solar and use the sun’s energy to recharge.
Check Tesla battery for off grid solar here. 

Redback Smart Hybrid

With 4.8kWh – 28.4 kWh battery storage capacity and a 10-year Australian-supported warranty, Redback is one of the spectacular choices available in the market. They also provide optional expansion cabinet, which is amazing for those who might need to do so in the future.
Check out Redback Smart Hybrid here.
That sums up the discussion about what is the best battery for off grid solar. If you want to discuss your options for going off the grid, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Learn more about Solar Emporium’s off-grid solar system packages with batteries- here.    

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!