Apricus Company Background

Apricus is an Australian company established in 2005. They were a pioneer in the solar hot water market specialising in evacuated tube technology which have been installed in hundreds of thousands of homes across Australia.

The solar components of the evacuated tube technology is manufactured in their Australian production facility. In recent years Apricus have expanded their range into hot water heat pump systems. They sell an Apricus branded all-in-one solution through a third party manufacturing agreement.

Apricus’ headquarters are located in Byron Bay, NSW and they have a local team to assist with technical support and warranty claims.

Apricus Heat Pump Models

Apricus currently have a one sized fits all solution for the market. We expect over time they may release additional options for customers looking for larger or smaller tanks.

Apricus APHP-R290-260 All-In-One Heat Pump

The Apricus APHP-R290-260 is called an all-in-one system as the heat pump is built in above the water tank. The alternate option is to have the heat pump as a separate device in a split system. Read more about the different types of systems in our heat pump buyers guide.

The heat pump can be managed through a built-in smart touch screen or through a free mobile application. The option for remote monitoring and controlling via the app is handy functionality and a point of difference from many of the heat pumps available in Australia.

The solution comes with a variety of operating modes which can cater to the preferences of the homeowner. The boost setting allows for an inbuilt traditional heating element to be used as back up to accellerate the heating process. You can also program the heater on a timer to run at low cost times such as off-peak or when solar power is being generated if you have solar panels installed.

The Apricus heat pump is 1.8m tall with a diameter of 62cm and weighs 118 kilograms which is typical of the all-in-one heat pump solutions. Installers will need to consider how to wheel the heat pump into position which in some cases can require special lifting equipment.

The heat pump system comes with a 260 litre tank which they estimate can cover a home with up to 6 people. Our general rule of thumb is that a person will use 50 litres of hot water per day and you should size your tank for 1.5 days to be safe – so these claims might be a bit ambitious. We would suggest their 260L solution could cater to homes of up to 3-4 people.

How Much Does An Apricus Heat Pump Cost?

Apricus’ heat pumps are competitively priced at around $3,200 to $4,000 for their 260 litre all-in-one solution. This price excludes freight, installation and any applicable rebates. In NSW and Victoria this usually means the end customer price would be cheaper than these figures.

Apricus’ Warranty Offer for Australian Customers

Apricus state they have a 6 year warranty on their heat pump solution. This 6 years covers replacement of parts only and they separately cover the labour involved with the replacement during the first year.

At present, we were unable to find the Apricus warranty document on their website. We have requested a copy from their service team and will update this section with our analysis of their offer once it is received.

Apricus do have a local office based in Byron Bay, NSW to support customers with technical issues and a clear process on their website for launching a claim. They can be contacted on 1300 277 428.

Pros and Cons of Apricus Heat Pumps

Pros

• One of the few options on the market with the ability to monitor and control system with an App
• Well-backed Australian company with proven track record in a variety of different hot water solutions
• Competitive pricing

Cons

• Only 1-year coverage for any labour costs associated with replacements under warranty
• Only 1-size fits all. System could be too small for households with 5 or more people.

Read more of Solar Choice’s heat pump reviews here.

The post Apricus Heat Pumps: An Independent Review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

Looking into heat pump hot water systems? Our comprehensive guide makes it easy, covering potential rebates, the real costs of hot water heat pumps, and the truth about ‘free’ upgrades. Learn about energy savings and understand the benefits and drawbacks with clear expert advice. For all you need to know before making a decision, check out our Heat Pump Hot Water Systems Buyers Guide.

Company Background

The Sanden company is headquartered in Japan and has established itself in the Australian market over the past 45 years. The company was founded in the automobile air conditioning industry and specialised in heating and cooling technology.

In Australia, Sanden has focused on offering a range of heat pump hot water systems under the Eco Plus brand. Sanden has a product array that includes Eco Plus Hot Water Heat Pump systems with varying tank capacities to suit a variety of home sizes.

The company operates from a warehouse in Condell Park in Sydney and have local staff to help with sales, technical information and warranty support. 

Sanden Heat Pump Models Available in Australia

The Eco Plus Hot Water Heat Pump system models from Sanden include variants with tank capacities ranging from 315 to 160 litres.

• GAUS-315FQS: With a 315L tank, this model is ideal for larger homes and provides a sufficient supply of hot water.
  
• GAUS-300FQS: It balances capacity and efficiency to serve medium-sized to big families with a 300L tank.
  
• GAUS-250FQS: Providing a dependable hot water solution, this 250L tank model is intended for average-sized households.
  
• GAUS-160FQS: This model is designed for smaller households or those with reduced hot water demands; it has a 160L tank.

The primary distinction between these variants is the size of the tanks, which are designed to meet the varying hot water and space requirements of Australian homes. As a general guide, an average person uses around 50L of hot water per day and it is normal to size a hot water tank to cover 1.5 days worth of hot water.

Sanden Hot Water Heat Pump Key Features

• High Efficiency: With a coefficient of performance (COP) of 6, the Eco Plus system is hailed as one of Australia’s most efficient heat pumps. Most heat pumps on the market that disclose their COP have a rating between 3 to 5.
• Silent Operation: Sanden’s system is also one of Australia’s quietest hot water heat pumps, with a minimal noise level of 37 dB. This makes it a good choice if the heat pump will be located near or in an regularly used area of the house.
• Durability and Warranty: Sanden is confident in the longevity of the system and gives a pro-rata 15-year warranty on the stainless steel water tank and a 6-year warranty on the heat pump components. 
• Environmental Impact: The Eco Plus system reduces its environmental impact by using R744 (CO2) refrigerant which is considered “ozone friendly.”.

Sanden Hot Water Heat Pump Wi-Fi Controller

With the release of their wifi controller, Sanden have one of the few heat pump solutions where users can remotely control the GAU-A45HPD Heat Pump unit using a tablet or smartphone. With features like One Touch Boost for instant hot water, Multiple Timer Programming for peak time scheduling, and an Energy Saver Mode to reduce energy use, this tool improves control over your hot water system.

By integrating with the Sanden Eco Plus app, this gadget offers an easy-to-use interface for changing settings and keeping an eye on the health of your system, including getting alerts when maintenance is required. It’s intended to maximise energy utilisation, which could result in lower energy costs and support a more environmentally friendly way of living.

How much do Sanden Hot Water Heat Pumps Cost?

The Eco Plus hot water heat pump tends to be priced higher than many of its competitors, reflecting its premium positioning in the market.

The below cost estimates exclude installation, freight and any rebates that may be applicable in your instance.

Sanden also have a 300L and a 160L option with pricing moving in line with the capacity of the hot water tank.

Don’t forget to check out government rebates and incentives for energy-efficient systems like these. They can really help lower the upfront cost. Plus, some installers might offer you a better deal, especially if they’re putting in orders in bulk. 

Warranty and Support

Sanden’s heat pumps come with one of the best warranty offers available in Australia as you would expect from a premium product. 

Notably their warranty is broken down into 3 parts of their solution

What is the pro-rata scaled warranty for the Sanden stainless steel tank?

The Sanden warranty provides a full 10 year replacement for stainless steel tanks excluding labour costs. After that the the warranty drops off in a scale to 0 at the end of 15 years. Sanden’s warranty policy doesn’t disclose the scale on their website so it is unclear what warranty recourse will be available to customers in years 10 to 15. 

Sanden do have a local support office in Australia in Condell Park who you can support to process warranty claims. You can contact them on (02) 9791 0999 or 1800 146 123 and see their website for full warranty details. 

Sanden Eco Plus Hot Water Heat Pump – Pros & Cons

Advantages: Significant energy savings, quietest operation in its category, strong warranty support, and eco-friendly technology. Disadvantages: Higher initial costs compared to traditional systems and the need for space for outdoor installation due to the split system design. 

What is a good coefficient of performance (COP) for heat pumps?

A heat pump should have a minimum COP of 3.0 to 5.0 and a SCOP of at least 3.5, meaning that it should be able to offer comfortable, year-round heating and cooling.

The Coefficient of Performance is a key measure of a heat pump’s efficiency, indicating how effectively it converts electricity into heat.

Sanden Eco Plus models stand out with a COP of 6, meaning they’re very efficient, turning each unit of electricity into 6 units of heat. This makes them great for saving on energy bills and is better for the environment because they use less electricity and have an eco-friendly refrigerant. In simple terms, they’re a top choice for efficiency and eco-friendliness.

Are Sanden Eco Plus Hot Water Heat Pump Systems Worth it?

The Sanden Eco Plus Hot Water Heat Pump system represents a good investment for customers looking for a premium heat pump solution that has a top tier COP and one that will last for a long time.

It comes with key advantages over typical heat pumps on market like the ability to control system through an app, its high energy efficiency rating and quieter operation at 37 dB. It also utilises eco-friendly refrigerant, aligning with environmental sustainability efforts. 

The system is also backed by some of the most robust warranty terms we’ve seen, reflecting confidence in its durability. However, the premium cost and the need for a slightly larger outdoor installation space are considerations for potential buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The post Sanden Eco Plus Heat Pumps: Independent Review appeared first on Solar Choice.

Reclaim Energy – Company Background

Reclaim Energy (ABN: 90 619 559 536) has been trading since 2017 and is an Australian-owned private company. The company was borne from Apricus Australia who have a well-known reputation in solar evacuated tube hot water systems. Reclaim Energy is well-known for designing top quality hot water systems for Australian conditions.

Reclaim Energy’s heat pumps are manufactured in Japan by Panasonic and Chofu. The tanks themselves are manufactured locally in Australia.

The company’s headquarters are located in Byron Bay and they have developed a dealer network covering all of Australia.

Reclaim Energy’s Model Range in Australia

Reclaims product range combines the heat pump with a controller and a separate tank in what’s referred to as a split system. See image to the left.

The heat pump units which perform the heating of water can be paired with either a stainless steel or a glass lined enamel tank. The stainless steel tank is more durable but is not suited to high mineral or bore water applications and comes at a higher cost. Both versions of the hot water tank come in sizes ranges from 160 litres to 400 litres to match the requirements of the household.

MODEL HE-UM60AR Heat Pump

This model is manufactured by Panasonic and can be connected to Reclaim Energy smart controller v1.1.

The compressor is roughly 67cm by 80cm and requires a standard single phase 240V power supply. This is typically connected directly from the switchboard via on a dedicated circuit with a safety switch.

The compressor has a rated noise level of 37DB which is the lowest rating achieved by any heat pump offered in Australia.

The co-efficient of performance (COP) rating is 6.02 at 32.6°C which compares favourably to most other brands. This rating effectively tells the consumer how efficient the heat pump is at heating water.

The accompanying smart controller would usually be wall mounted near the heat pump and can be used to control the system. The controller has 6 different modes which enable the user to set the time of operation to line up with solar panel production or off-peak energy rates.

MODEL EHPE-4550P-A Heat Pump

The model EHPE-4550P-A heat pump is manufactured by leading Japanese company Chofu Seisakusho and feature some impressive performance characteristics. The heat pumps have a coefficient of performance of 6.02 which means the heat output is over 600% of the electricity input. This matches the other heat pump model offered by Reclaim Energy and is unmatched in the market.

One benefit of this heat pump model is that it can be matched with the wifi-enable smart controller v2.0. This means you can monitor and control your heat pump via an accompanying app.

This heat pump is slightly larger and heavier than the Panasonic model HE-UM60AR measuring 68cm by 83cm and weighing 48kg.

How much do Reclaim Energy Hot Water Heat Pumps Cost?

Reclaim Energy’s heat pumps are amongst the most expensive options as they’ve put together a top end solution using premium components from top to bottom.

The Reclaim Energy REHP-CO2-400GL which uses their latest Chofu Heat Pump, wifi-enabled controller and a 400L stainless steel tank will set you back around $6,300 to $6,500 excluding freight, installation and any rebates which might apply.

Solar Choice’s heat pump buyers guide will give you an idea of how much you can save on your electricity bills by upgrading to a heat pump.

Reclaim Energy’s Warranty Offer

Like most heat pump seller’s in the industry, Reclaim Energy offer a varying warranty period depending on the component.

When compared against the warranty offers on the market the Reclaim Energy outperforms on most aspects which is a good testament to the quality of the system and its expected lifetime.

For the stainless steel tank the 15 years pro-rata means than there is only a full replacement warranty for the firs 6 years. For each year that passes thereafter the customer will have to chip in 10% of the replacement costs.

Reclaim Energy’s headquarters are in Byron Bay and they can be contacted on 1300 383 815.

Read Reclaim Energy’s full warranty conditions here.

Pros and Cons of Reclaim Energy Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Pros

• Top quality products outperforming most competitors across all technical specifications
• Australian company headquartered in Byron Bay, NSW
• One of the few options on the market with an App to control their system

Cons

• One of the most expensive heat pumps available

Read more of Solar Choice’s heat pump reviews here.

The post Reclaim Energy Heat Pump: Independent Review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

Looking into heat pump hot water systems? Our comprehensive guide makes it easy, covering potential rebates, the real costs of hot water heat pumps, and the truth about ‘free’ upgrades. Learn about energy savings and understand the benefits and drawbacks with clear expert advice. For all you need to know before making a decision, check out our Heat Pump Hot Water Systems Buyers Guide.

Company Background

Rheem has a long history in Australia dating back to 1936 when the US parent company launched Rheem Manufacturing Co (Australia) Proprietary Ltd as an overseas subsidiary. The company focused on the manufacturing and distribution of water heaters. 

BHP acquired a 50% stake in 1939 and later acquired the remaining 50% in 1973. Rheem Australia was acquired twice since then. First by Southcorp Limited in 1988 and later in 2001 the current owners Paloma Co Ltd acquired a controlling interest in the company. 

Many of Rheem’s water heaters are still manufactured in Australia in their facilities in Sydney and Melbourne. With a local workforce of around 700 employees, Rheem operates from its headquarters in Rydalmere, New South Wales, and offers a wide range of residential and commercial water heating solutions.

Product Range Overview

Rheem distinguishes itself with a diverse array of water heaters, including electric and gas storage, solar water heaters, gas continuous flow water heaters, pool heating, and notably, heat pumps. Rheem also utilises the Ruud brand name under which it sells additional heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.

Rheem Heat Pump Product Range

Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump

• Tank Capacity: 178L, ideal for small families or households of up to 3 people.
• Energy Efficiency: Boasts a high COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 4.5 at 19°C, indicating its high efficiency and potential energy savings of up to 70% compared to conventional electric heaters in specific zones.
• Features: Includes advanced microchannel heating technology for uniform water heating and a user-friendly touch screen LCD display. It operates efficiently in a broad range of climates, from -7°C to +43°C, making it suitable for cold climates.
• Warranty: Offers a comprehensive 7-year warranty on the cylinder, with varying coverage for other components.

Rheem Ambiheat HDc270 Heat Pump

• Tank Capacity: 270L, suitable for larger households of 2 to 5 people.
• Energy Savings: Can save up to 73% on water heating energy consumption in comparison to traditional electric water heaters in certain climates.
• Features: It also incorporates advanced microchannel technology and a 2.4kW back-up element for emergency heating. Its user-friendly LCD screen interface and eligibility for STCs, VEECs, & ESCs add to its appeal.
• Warranty: Similarly, it comes with a 7-year warranty on the cylinder, among other coverage options.

Rheem MPi-325 Series II Heat Pump

• Capacity: 325L, designed for moderate to warm climates and average-sized families.
• Efficiency: Its multi-pass heating system and Whisper technology enable quiet operation and efficient heating, including frost protection.
• Installation: With locations for fitting designed for easy replacement of electric water heaters, it simplifies installation and ensures consistent hot water even in winter.
• Warranty: Provides a shorter 5-year warranty on the cylinder for this model with additional coverage for parts and labor.

Overview of the Rheem Warranty

Rheem provides an attractive warranty for its line of heat pump water heaters in an effort to reassure customers about the dependability and longevity of their purchase. While not the best in class, when compared to many other manufacturers, Rheem offers a longer guarantee period for their tank. However, there are certain disadvantages to having a warranty that is divided into several categories, such as the sealed system’s shorter warranty than that of competitors. If you live in an area of Australia with a more severe climate, this might be of particular interest to you. 

 The Rheem warranty covers the following:

• Tank Warranty (parts only): 7 years (or 5 years for the MPi-325 Series II). This means if the water tank part of your heat pump water heater has issues because of manufacturing defects, Rheem will help fix or replace it for up to seven years after you buy it.
• Labor for Tank Issues: 3 years. If something goes wrong with the tank within the first three years, not only will Rheem cover the tank itself, but they’ll also cover the cost of the work needed to fix it.
• Sealed System: 3 years. The parts of your heat pump that are sealed off (like the parts that make it heat up) are covered for three years, both for the parts and the labor to fix any issues.
• Other Parts and Labor: 1 year. Other parts of the heat pump, like controls and valves, come with a one-year warranty for both the parts and the work to repair them.

Rheem’s warranty specifically applies to homes where just one family lives and uses the hot water system. If you’ve secured a rebate through a program like Solar Victoria’s Solar Homes Program from July 1, 2023, there’s a chance you could get a longer warranty covering the whole product for five years.

Read Rheem’s warranty policies here:
Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump
Rheem Ambiheat HDc270 Heat Pump
Rheem MPi-325 Series II Heat Pump

Rheem Heat Pumps Pros and Cons

What is a good coefficient of performance (COP) for heat pumps?

A heat pump should have a minimum COP of 3.0 to 5.0 and a SCOP of at least 3.5, meaning that it should be able to offer comfortable, year-round heating and cooling.

The Coefficient of Performance is a key measure of a heat pump’s efficiency, indicating how effectively it converts electricity into heat. Simply put, it shows the amount of heat produced for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity consumed. For example, a COP of 4.5 means the heat pump generates 4.5 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity used. This efficiency can vary with outside temperatures, typically decreasing in colder weather as the system works harder.

How much does a Rheem Heat Pump Hot Water System Cost?

Rheem’s range of heat pump water heaters are priced from $2,500 to $3,800. This pricing spectrum caters to various household sizes, from smaller families to larger homes needing more capacity. Keep in mind, the listed prices cover only the cost of the units themselves excluding freight and installation. There are also state and federal rebates available that could reduce the prices of these systems.

Are Rheem Heat Pump Hot Water Systems Worth it?

A Rheem Heat Pump Hot Water System is likely to meet the needs of eco-aware homes and those trying to cut their energy costs by providing solid energy savings and environmental benefits due to its efficiency rating with a coefficient of performance rated at 4.5 (@19°C) for their newer models. 

Of the Rheem heat pumps available on the market the Ambiheat and Ambipower provide better performance characteristics and a superior warranty offer.

However serious thought should be given to the greater initial cost, installation requirements, and segmented warranty terms. To decide if a Rheem heat pump is a reasonable investment, potential buyers should evaluate the unique demands of their home, the climate in the area, and the possibility of qualifying for rebates.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The post Rheem Heat Pumps: An Independent Review appeared first on Solar Choice.

How much energy will solar panels produce in Brisbane?

Fitting for the capital of the sunshine state, Brisbane receives lots of sunshine year-round. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Brisbane gets about 5.2 hours of ‘peak sun’ per square meter on average per day. How much usable solar energy does 5.2 peak sun hours translate into? The answer depends on a few things, including the size (or kilowatt capacity) of your solar system.

The table below provides an overview of how much energy you can expect some common residential solar system sizes to generate, assuming that they are north-facing and about 75% efficient.

How to find the optimal solar system size for your home

When you look at your electricity bill, you should be able to see your energy usage listed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) – the standard units used in electricity billing. Your kWh consumption will vary by season and month. You should be able to figure out roughly how many kWh you use per day on average by looking at your old electricity bills. As a rule of thumb, the average Australian home uses between 15 and 25kWh of energy per day.

Knowing this number will help you choose the right solar system size, but because solar is so affordable these days, sizing your system is not an exact science. In fact, the most common solar system size in Australia is 6.6kW thanks to the great value for money that they offer (i.e. a lower price per kilowatt). If you use significantly more than 25kWh of energy per day, a solar system larger than 6.6kW is probably worth investigating as well.

As the rate you buy power for in Australia is always higher than the rate you can sell solar power for –  the more of the solar energy you ‘self-consume‘ (i.e. use directly) the better your financial return will be. The rate you are paid for your excess solar energy is generally referred to as a ‘feed-in tariff’. At present in Queensland, the rate you are paid depends on your electricity retailer and the plan you are on – you can use this electricity plan comparison tool to compare offers and switch to the best retailer.

We encourage you to play with the numbers yourself using our Solar System Payback & ROI Estimator tool.  You can also read on to the bottom of this article to see a quick comparison of returns on typical residential solar panel systems in Brisbane.

In Brisbane you can receive the STC rebate for Zone 3

The federal government rebate indirectly provides what are in effect up-front discounts on the cost of installing a solar PV system through the creation of small-scale technology certificates (STCs). As this incentive is applied directly to the price of your system by the installer, you do not need to claim it yourself; all you need to do is compare out-of-pocket solar system prices. You can find out how many certificates your system will generate with the Clean Energy Regulator’s calculator.

The actual value of the incentive depends on a number of factors such as location and system size, but usually works out to be about 30-40% of the total installation cost. This incentive has been key in making Australia home to some of the lowest solar PV system prices in the world.

As an example, when this incentive is applied to a 6.6kW solar system in Brisbane, it results in a reduction of $3042 based on the project generating 82 certificates at a current certificate price of $37.10.

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How much do solar panels cost in Brisbane?

Based on the data from March 2024 – the average cost of a typical 6.6kW solar panel system in Brisbane is $5,530 after the STC rebate has been deducted.

As mentioned above, Australian solar system installation prices are among the lowest in the world – we know this because we’ve been keeping track for a few years now with our monthly Solar Choice Price Index. We average out the prices of all the installers in our network to provide an accurate average cost. You can use our free comparison portal to browse through solar quote information from installers in your area.

As you can see in the below diagram, solar prices in Brisbane and the rest of Australia have plummeted over the last decade.

Are solar panels worth it in Brisbane?

The short answer is yes – solar panels can offer a typical solar panels Brisbane customer savings of up to $3,000 per year with a payback period of 3 to 5 years.

The below table illustrates some scenarios of typical Brisbane households where the larger solar panel sizes are matched to larger energy usage. Note that the calculations in the table rely heavily on the ‘self-consumption rate’ which estimates the proportion of solar power that will be used within the home rather than being sold back to the grid. A rate of 40% would suggest a reasonable amount of usage during the daytime.

Note that the pricing here is average costs only.  You can browse through solar quotes in Brisbane on our free comparison tool if you want to see specific brands and a list of possible extras that may occur for your installation.

Assumptions

• Assumes an energy price of 28c / kWh which is towards the middle of what is offered in Brisbane
• Assumes a solar feed-in tariff of 6c / kWh
• Average costs come from the Solar Choice Price Index for March 2024 and include the STC rebate and GST
• Your self-consumption rate will vary depending on how you use power in your home

Use our calculator to work out the return for your own specific details in Brisbane

Is solar battery storage worth it in Brisbane?

The return on investment for solar batteries is currently lower than the return for solar panels. This is mainly due to the fact that the cost of solar batteries is comparatively much higher and there in no rebate available for battery storage in Queensland or federally across Australia.

Solar Choice has been analysing and tracking the economics of household solar battery storage for over 5 years in our ‘Are solar batteries worth it?‘ article. We look at three common use cases, along with typical inputs for energy prices, feed-in tariffs and battery installation costs to assess the financial return as described in the table below:

Assumptions

• We have used energy rates and feed-in tariffs towards the sharper end of what’s available on the market using EnergyMadeEasy
• Pricing is based on the Solar Choice Price Index from July 2023

You can review all the methodologies and assumptions in the full article.

Despite the long payback period, we are still seeing many homeowners installing battery systems. There are non-financial reasons that are becoming increasingly important including keeping the lights on during a blackout and reducing carbon footprints.

Many others are installing ‘battery ready’ systems which include a hybrid solar inverter allowing them to choose from a greater selection of batteries once they become more affordable – or if a government rebates scheme comes into play.

FAQs

The post Solar Panels Brisbane: Compare installers & prices appeared first on Solar Choice.

iStore – Company Background

iStore is an Australian owned business who have been developing and wholesaling heat pump hot water systems. The company was established in 2019 as a sub-brand and trading name of Solargain PV who are a national solar and hot water installation company.

The company has recently expanded into solar inverters and solar battery solutions which will be manufactured by Huawei. They are also expected to add EV Chargers to their range later this year.

Solargain are based in Perth, but have offices all across the country.

iStore Model Range in Australia

There are 2 heat pump hot water systems offer by iStore in Australia. The main difference between the two is the capacity of the hot water tank.

iStore 180L

The 180 litre option is typically suitable 2-3 person households, based on an assumed usage of around 50 litres of hot water per person per day.

The product is an ‘all-in-one’ system meaning that the compressor sits above the hot water tank in a tall cylindrical design. The iStore 180L is 1955mm tall and has a diameter of 540mm.

The product datasheet suggests that the compressor will use 0.5kW when active and that a typical cycle requires 3-4 hours. This means the overall energy usage per day is expected to be around 1.5kWh to 2kWh.

The overall product weighs 93kg and is recommended to be installed on a concrete slab. Given the size and weight, consideration should be given to how the product will be transported to the install location.

iStore 270L

The larger 270 litre option is best suited to 3-6 person households under an assumption of approximately 50 litres of hot water usage per person per day. Very large households, or multi dwelling properties servicing from a single tank, may need to consider a commercial hot water heat pump system.

This solution has the same height of 1955mm as the 180L unit, however has a slightly larger diameter of 640mm.

With the larger tank, iStore advise that the compressor will use twice as much energy (1kW) when in use. With the same cycle time this means the expected energy usage may be 3kWh to 4kWh with this unit. Along with the higher running costs, the upfront cost of the 270L model is around $300 more than the 180L model.

iStore Heat Pumps – Key Features

The are some key features of iStores heat pump hot water products that can be advantageous to homeowners.

Back Up Heating Element

Along with the air to heat compressor technology, the iStore heat pumps also come with a traditional heating element. In the various operating modes available with the iStore solution the element can be used to accelerate the water heating process.

LCD Touch Screen

The iStore can be configured through a LCD touch screen on the system. This can be used to set timers and alternate through the various operation modes to ensure you minimising the energy costs and optimising the use of the product. We recommend you hang on to the user manual and your installers phone number as altering the settings can be a bit tricky.

How much do iStore Hot Water Heat Pumps Cost?

The below table outlines the approximate retail cost of the iStore hot water heat pump solutions excluding shipping and installation. Note that your installer may be able to access better pricing, particularly if they are installing at higher volumes.

Read about what rebates are available in your state in our Heat Pump Buyers Guide.

iStore Warranty for Australian Customers

The warranty offer is one area where iStore have attempted to provide a point of difference against alternative models. iStore offer a ‘5-year comprehensive warranty’ on their products.

This includes a 5 year parts and labour warranty on:

• The water tank
• Refrigeration via the compressor technology
• Electrical controller and sensor leads

However, the warranty documents stipulates that there is only a 1-year parts and labour warranty on

• Sacrificial anode
• PTR valve
• Air filters
• Other consumable items including thermostat and heating element

The items that miss out on the 5-year warranty are typically lower value and normally excluded from the longer warranty periods with other hot water systems.

The labour is only included in the warranty if you are within 30km of the closest iStore branch or Authorised Distributor, otherwise you will need to pay additional freight and travel costs.

The iStore warranty document does not mention the entity that provides it, so we assume that the warranty provider is Solargain PV Pty Ltd and not the original manufacturer of the products.

They do have a help line customers can call on 1300 515 640

The full terms and conditions of the warranty are located in the iStore User Manual.

Pros and Cons of iStore Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Pros

• Comprehensive warranty supported by local Australian staff
• Built in LCD screen to conveniently configure settings
• Back up traditional heating element

Cons

• Units rated towards the noisier end of the spectrum with 270L rated at 48mdbA
• Largest option is 270 litres which is not suitable for large domestic use-cases with more than 6 people

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The post iStore Heat Pump | Independent Review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

Note: Solar Choice is not a solar installer and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product brand over another. 

Overview of Sungrow – Company History

Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. was founded in China in 1997 by Cao Renxian, a professor at the Hefei University of Technology. Professor Renxian founded Sungrow after learning about the dire state of electrical availability in rural western China.

Sungrow has since grown to be one of the largest solar inverter manufacturers globally. Sungrow has manufactured over 100GW in 60 countries giving them a worldwide market share of 15%. This has contributed to the company’s valuation of $1.5 billion.

Sungrow entered the Australian market in 2012 and has stated that they have captured around 15% of the inverter market. Sungrow specialises in research and development, taking pride in being an innovation leader within the solar industry. This commitment has resulted in more than 1,600 patent applications as of June 2019.

A Brief Rundown on Solar Inverters

A solar system’s inverter is the point at which the DC electricity produced by solar panels is turned into grid-compatible AC electricity. There are four types of solar inverters, these being string inverters, hybrid inverters, microinverters, and power optimisers.

String inverters have traditionally been the standard in the solar industry. They send the power produced by solar panels to a central inverter that changes it from DC electricity to the usable AC electricity that powers homes.

Hybrid Inverters have the same characteristics as a string inverters with the additional feature of a charge controller, which is used to manage a battery system. Charge controllers can also be bought as an additional unit, but hybrid inverters provide the option of an all-in-one device.

What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?

PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) with support from DNV GL has been independently testing Solar Panel reliability since 2014, and for the first time in 2019 has tested solar inverters. It is a voluntary test that manufacturers have to pay to be a part of.  Solar panel testing is considered internationally as an excellent indication of solar panel quality. It’s expected that the inverter testing will have the same recognition. To read the full PVEL scorecard click here.

Sungrow Inverter Efficiency

An important aspect of getting the most value out of a solar inverter is choosing an appropriately sized inverter to optimise the solar panel system efficiency. To read about the importance of inverter sizing and system efficiency click here.

Residential inverter efficiency standards are generally 95 to 98 percent. Sungrow’s CEC Approved inverter models range in max efficiency from 97.7% to 98.6%, with the majority of the models over 98%. This places Sungrow Inverters towards the top of the residential inverter market based on efficiency.

Sungrow Inverter Costs

The majority of Sungrow inverters are manufactured in China, which means that they will generally be cheaper than European-manufactured competitors.

Indicative retail price excluding installation

Keep in mind that inverter costs generally only run between 10-20% of your total system, so often it is worth investing in a high-quality inverter given this will have a large impact on the efficiency and performance of your Solar Power project.

Sungrow Inverters – Point of Difference

The Sungrow CEC-approved Inverter range differs from other inverter manufacturers as they offer different types and configurations in the typical power range. Sungrow manufactures both string and hybrid residential inverters, with the following string inverter models coming with Multi-MPPT; SG5KTL-MT, SG10KTL-MT, SG10KTL-M, & SG12KTL-M. All of the CEC-approved Sungrow Inverter ranges are Transformerless Inverters, which contributes to their high efficiency.

Inverter Monitoring

Sungrow provides users with the ability to remotely monitor inverter performance, as all inverter models come with WIFI capabilities. Users can monitor performance from their phone through the app iSolarCloud, which is available on both iPhone and android.

Sungrow Inverter Warranty

In Australia, the majority of CEC-approved Sungrow inverters come with a standard 5 year manufacturer’s warranty. Most current residential Sungrow inverters come with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty while some of their older models came with a 5-year warranty. The warranty period commences on the date the inverter is installed, or 6 months after the date of production, whichever occurs first.

Our advice to customers is that a warranty is only worth something if the company providing it is still around and there is an accessible route to claiming it if your Solar Installer is no longer around. Sungrow is well established in Australia with an office in North Sydney, NSW.

Read more about Sungrow’s Inverter Warranty here.

A Full Range of Sungrow Inverters Available in Australia 

There are 39 of Sungrow Inverters (under the name of Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd) approved by the Clean Energy Council for the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which is Australia’s home solar rebate program. The majority of the listed inverters are available in Australia.

Sungrow offers string, central, and turnkey inverters to accommodate various solar projects. Their string inverters, ranging from 2kW to 352kW, are well-suited for residential and commercial installations. Sungrow’s central and turnkey inverter series target larger commercial and utility-scale solar projects. This review will primarily focus on Sungrow’s string inverters, which are commonly found in Australian solar markets.

RS Series – Residential Single Phase Inverters 

Sungrow offer single phase inverters with output capacity of 2kW to the recently added 10kW. For the commonly used 5kW inverter size, Sungrow offer the SG5.0RS and the SG5.0RS-ADA. Seemingly similar in most characteristics the SG5.0RS-ADA is almost twice the size and weight.

The extra size seems to be invested in the inclusion of an additional maximum power point tracker (MPPT) allowing solar designers to includes solar panels on a 3rd orientation on the roof.

Both inverters have low voltage requirement to start up meaning they will turn on slightly earlier in the morning than other inverters on the market and stay running slightly later in the evening. The inverters have a maximum efficiency rating of up to 97.9% which puts them ahead of the European residential inverter options on the market.

RT Series – Residential Three Phase Inverters

Sungrow’s RT series is their main 3-phase solution catering to residential solar systems and small businesses with an output capacity ranging from 5kW to 20kW.

The inverters reach an impressive maximum efficiency of up to 98.5% for their 20kW inverter. 

Unlike the RS series, the RT series does not include a built-in screen or even LEDs on the inverter body so customers will have to rely solely on the monitoring app to check performance. 

One limitation for users with more complicated solar panel layouts on the roof, is that the inverters only come with 2 MPPTs. Many other 3 phase inverter options have 3 or 4 MPPTs at similar inverter capacities.

SH Series – Hybrid Solar Inverters

All of Sungrow’s residential single phase and three phase inverters come in a hybrid option. A hybrid inverter has the ability to convert power from AC/DC as well as regulate solar power so that it can charge a battery. This option is designed for customers adding a battery, or hoping to keep their options open to add a battery in the future.

Sungrow manufacture their own battery solution which can be seamlessly connected with their hybrid inverters.

The amount of solar panels connected to these inverters can be significantly oversized to ensure the battery is fully utilised. For example the 5kW option (SH5.0RS) allows owners to connect up to 12kW of solar panel capacity.

For their 5kW inverter there is roughly a $1,000 premium to add in the hybrid functionality from their regular 5kW inverter.

CX Series (Commercial Solar Inverters)

One place where Sungrows excels for value and quality is in their commercial solar inverter range.

The Sungrow CX series, coming in 30kW, 50kW and 110kW sizes, is very popular amongst commercial solar installers due to their versatility, performance and attractive price point. 

These inverters range from 3 MPPTs and a max efficiency of 98.6% on the 30kW model to 9 MPPTs and 98.7% max efficiency on their 110kW model.

These inverters still lack a decent display screen on the physical device and are supported by an online web portal and app. 

Sungrow Inverter Comparison

Example of a Sungrow Commercial Solar Project 

Sungrow’s 1500V Central Inverter Model SG3125HV-MV were installed at Kristal Solar Park, located in Lommel, Belgium. The 100MW solar park has nine different plots covering 227 Acres and is the largest in the Benelux region. The solar park has been grid-connected since Q4 2019 and is expected to generate 85 GWh annually.

The three-level topology design of the Sungrow SG3125HV-MV contributes to the inverter’s maximum efficiency of 99% and Europe efficiency of 98.7%, guaranteeing premium yields for the solar park. Due to the 20-foot container design, the Sungrow SG3125HV-MV has low transportation and installation costs.

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

The post Sungrow Solar Inverters- Independent Review appeared first on Solar Choice.

This Fronius inverter review is performed independently by Solar Choice and has no affiliation with Fronius.

Overview of Fronius – Company History

Founded in Austria on June 20th 1945, Fronius is an international company with a 75-year history in the manufacture of welding equipment and nearly three decades of experience with solar inverters and other devices for monitoring and controlling energy, including battery chargers.

Fronius launched its first grid-connected solar inverter back in 1995. Since then Fronius has grown to become one of the industry leading solar inverter manufacturers, with 19 of 28 offices worldwide being involved with solar energy. This includes the Australian office located in Tullamarine, Victoria.

Fronius inverters are suitable for a wide range of applications, including residential solar and commercial solar projects, including their recently launched Fronius Tauro inverter with 100kW capacity.

A Brief Rundown on Solar Inverters

A solar system’s inverter is the point at which the DC electricity produced by solar panels is turned into grid-compatible AC electricity.

String inverters have traditionally been the standard in the solar industry. They send the power produced by solar panels to a central inverter that changes it from DC electricity to usable AC electricity that powers homes.

Microinverters, on the other hand, convert DC to AC electricity at each individual panel and allow for monitoring and power regulation at the panel level. This is useful for homes that are located somewhere with shading from clouds, trees, or other buildings.

What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?

PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) independently test solar inverter reliability. The tests are voluntary, with solar inverter manufacturers paying to participate in the testing. This testing process is internationally renowned and is an accurate reflection of the solar inverter’s performance. To read the full PVEL scorecard click here.

In 2019 Fronius Symo ranked as a top performer in the following tests:

• High-Temperature Operation
• Transient Response
• Ground and Arc Fault

How Much Do Fronius Inverters Cost?

As Fronius inverters are manufactured in Europe this higher quality product comes with a higher price tag in comparison to the inverters that are manufactured in China.

The most popular Fronius GEN24 Primo 5kW model retails for about $2,200 to $2,400, which excludes installation and any additional required wiring and components.

Keep in mind that inverter costs generally only run between 10-20% of your total system, so often it is worth investing in a high-quality inverter given this will have a large impact on the efficiency and performance of your entire system.

Fronius Inverter Review – Point of Difference

There are many solar panels out there, what makes Fronius inverters stand out?

The most used premium inverter brand in Australia

Fronius has earned a strong reputation for its high-quality inverters, advanced technology, and excellent customer support. Their inverters are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial solar installations across Australia. Based on information from Solar Choice’s database of residential solar quotes, Fronius has maintained over 50% market share of installers’ premium options.

Monitoring and Data Communication

Fronius inverters offer advanced monitoring capabilities, allowing real-time access to energy production and system status through mobile apps and web portals. This data empowers users to detect and resolve issues promptly, optimise energy usage, and integrate with smart home systems and energy management platforms for more efficient energy consumption.

Fronius Inverters Technologies

A unique aspect of Fronius inverters is the SnapINverter technology. It’s a standardised wall-mounted bracket with the inverter on a hinge system. This enables easy access for servicing as the inverter opens like a car boot, without needing to be removed from the wall.

The majority of Fronius’s Inverters are approved by the Clean Energy Council for the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which is Australia’s home solar rebate program.

Fronius GEN24 Primo

The Fronius Primo series is designed primarily for residential household applications with power ranging from 3.0kW to 10kW. These inverters are single-phase inverters, meaning they are suitable for smaller solar PV systems typically found in homes.

The newer GEN24 series has dropped the LCD screen which displayed the real time performance of the system and has replaced with status lights. The GEN24 series includes their Dynamic Peak Manager which helps the inverter improve output in shaded situations without any optimisers or micro-inverters installed on the panels.

Contrary to many other inverter manufacturers, Fronius has stuck with active cooling with a built in fan. This may mean that the inverter makes a bit more noise, but Fronius argue that it improves the service life of their products.

The Fronius Primo also comes in a GEN24 Plus option which is Fronius’ hybrid version suited to connecting a battery to the system. All other features and appearance remain similar to the GEN24.

Fronius Symo

These inverters are three-phase inverters that are suited to larger residential homes and small commercial projects. The power range of Symo is from 3.0kW to 20kW. 

The Symo series offers higher efficiency and the same advanced features as the Primo series, including reactive power control and support for dynamic grid conditions

Fronius Eco

The Fronius Eco is a transformerless three-phase inverter designed for medium to large-scale commercial solar systems. The commercially used inverter comes in 25kW or 27kW power ratings. The Fronius Eco inverter holds an Ingress Protection Rating (IP Rating) of 66, which means it’s dust-tight and able to withstand heavy seas or powerful jets of water. Both power categories hold an efficiency rating of over 98%.

Unfortunately, the 27kW inverter is not well-designed for the Australian market where inverters are able to extend to 30kW without requiring extra network protection. The optimal design for many small businesses is to use a 30kW inverter and extend the solar panel capacity to 39.9kW, while the Fronius Eco 27kW can only support 35.9kW of solar panels.

Fronius Inverter Efficiency

In Australia, all CEC-approved Fronius inverters come with a 5-year warranty for parts and labour. A free additional 5-year extension (parts only) to the warranty can be claimed by, registering at solarweb within 30 months of the factory inverter dispatch. This means in the first 5 years Fronius will cover most of the labour and shipping associated with any covered repairs or replacements. In years 6 – 10 the customer will bear that cost.

This is definitely now below what is the standard for an inverter warranty in Australia. Most inverter companies offer 10 years full coverage including labour, including both of Fronius’ European competitors SMA and Fimer.

A full warranty extension can also be purchased from the inverter installer within 30 months of the inverters dispatch from the Fronius factory. This can extend the full parts and labour coverage to a total of 10, 15, 20 or 25 years.

Fronius do have a local office and excellent local support for their customers looking to resolve issues with their system.

See Fronius’ full Australian warranty document here.

Fronius Solar Inverters Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fronius has one of the strongest brand names and recognitions in the solar inverter market having stood the test of time with regard to its quality
• Fronius have an Australian office and helpful support staff to handle sales and service enquiries

Cons

• Fronius’ products are amongst the most expensive string inverters on the Australian market
• The 5 years full + 5 years parts-only warranty is now below the market standard
• Fronius’ monitoring is a freemium service. They only provide 3 days of history for free and attempt to upsell customers to the premium version to get greater visibility. Most other inverters offer full data and history at no cost.

Fronius Inverter Specifications

So, Should I Buy Fronius inverters?

We consider Fronius as the premium option for both residential and small commercial uses. Fronius is one of the longest-standing brands in the solar inverter market with an excellent reputation. 

In recent years, many of the Chinese solar inverters have caught up to Fronius (and in some cases overtaken) when it comes to the technical performance characteristics of the inverter. Fronius’ point of difference comes from the long track record they hold in terms of reliability and after-sales support. 

In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with Fronius, and it would be worth paying a bit more to go with this brand over many of the others in the market.

Example of a Fronius Commercial Solar Project 

The Philippines has seen quite a rise in the number of solar systems being installed over the past few years. This is due to the public grid being unable to reliably supply power to the 13 million Filipinos living in the metropolitan area surrounding Manila.

In April of 2019, a field located in Tarlac City, Philippines had a 20MW system equipped with 612 Fronius Eco inverters go live. The system included 61,200 solar panels to total the 20MW, the installation was completed in 5 months.

By installing the Fronius Eco the overall potential yield of the panels was increased. Although, for an installation of this magnitude it is unusual for the inverters used to be string inverters. However, it is because of the string inverters that the system is able to be more efficient. String inverters work better in conditions such as partial shade compared to central inverters. It was estimated that the system will produce around 32,000MWh of electricity, reducing CO₂ by around 18.6million kg.

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

This Fronius inverter review is performed independently by Solar Choice and has no affiliation with Fronius.

The post Fronius Solar Inverters: An Independent Review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

Background on SENEC – Company History

SENEC was formed in Germany in 2009 with a focus on battery energy storage. They furthered development in this field from 2011 for use in PV solar systems, wind power and commercial use. In 2013 they expanded within the industrial storage vertical. In 2014 they launched the “Economic Grid” project with a vision of high uptake within the residential solar industry. By 2015  4,500 households received over one million kilowatt hours of free electricity.

In 2017 SENEC started expanding internationally with a focus on the markets in Italy and Australia. In 2020, they launched the new SENEC Home V3 Hybrid in Australia.

In a decade of growth, SENEC has sold over 20,000 solar battery systems. They’ve been the recipient of several awards with EuPD Research bestowing upon them as the “Top PV Brand Power Storage”. The SENEC Home received the “Top Storage System in 2017” from EuPD.

According to Dun & Bradstreet, Senec posted a revenue of $64 million USD in 2019 and has 159 employees at their German headquarters.

Basics of SENEC Batteries

SENEC HOME V3 Hybrid

The SENEC Home V3 Hybrid is their flagship lithium-ion battery range with a usable capacity of 4.5kWh or 9kWh for their two variations of this model. It’s an all-in-one “Apocalypse backup” hybrid battery inverter that comes with a 10 year warranty that can be extended to 20 years.

According to their datasheet It has an operating temperature range of 5 to 40 degrees Celsius which makes it suitable for moderate heat conditions indoors. With an rating of IP30 makes it suitable for indoor use only.

As it’s a lithium-ion battery, it’ll last for a long number of cycles and safety in use. With a maximum battery efficiency of 98% and a depth of discharge of 90%, you’ll get a lot out of this energy storage system for your needs.

SENEC claims on their website that it’s compatible with all systems regardless of the manufacturer. The advantage of their battery is that it can be retrofitted to an existing solar PV system. Up to 4 battery modules can be connected in parallel which would provide a combined energy storage of 18kWh and 36kWH respectively for their two variations of this model. This would more than enough be suitable for residential customers as well as within the range of commercial solar applications.

SENEC Battery – Key Features

There are a number of features of the SENEC battery worth mentioning:

Long Warranty Period

Most of the solar batteries we’ve reviewed come with a 10 year warranty period which is standard in the industry. However, the SENEC  Home V3 Hybrid allows for an extended warranty of up to 20 years for those customers who want an extra piece of mind for their investment.

Monitor With SENEC App

You have the ability to monitor your battery storage system with their own app on your mobile or via their web app. This is useful for seeing how much energy you pull from the grid and the battery. You can use the app to keep track of when it’s optimal to feed your battery from the grid in off-peak tariff periods.

Compatible With All Solar Systems

The SENEC Home V3 Hybrid is compatible with all solar system brands. This is especially useful if you’re retrofitting the hybrid battery to an existing solar PV system. Thus it saves you time and stress that’s associated with adding battery storage later down the line. This is particularly handy if you’re not sure about investing in a hybrid solar system at the start, but then later on find you require battery storage as a backup.

How Much Does the SENEC Home V3 Hybrid Batteries Cost?

*Please note that the above pricing does not include installation and any additional required components and wiring.

Australian Warranty Terms for SENEC Batteries

The warranty terms for the SENEC Home V3 Hybrid batteries is for a period of 10 years. It can be extended for a further 10 years for an additional cost.

According to the warranty documentation, it’s important to note a few points:

• The customer is entitled to choose either a refund or replacement. SENEC will bear the cost of transportation, assembly and disassembly for the first 5 years of the warranty period.
• The warranty is limited to whichever comes first of either: a maximum of 12,000 complete cycles during its lifetime or 10 years after the initial installation period.
• The owner must be able to show an original receipt of purchase when making a claim or risk SENEC rejecting it.
• It is up to SENEC’s discretion whether or not to repair or replace the defective part pursuant to the warranty.

Customers can make a claim directly with SENEC no later than 14 days after they notice the defect by emailing service-australia@senec.com or posting to SENEC Australia Pty. Ltd. PO BOX 1476, Osborne Park DC, WA 6916, Australia

Review SENEC’s warranty document here.

SENEC Home V3 Hybrid Batteries Specifications

Read About Home Battery Government Schemes Across Australia

South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Australian Capital Territory all currently have a home battery scheme in place.

The South Australian Home Battery Scheme enables eligible South Australian residents to receive up to $4,000 per installed battery.

The New South Wales Home Battery Scheme offers an interest-free loan up to $9000 for eligible households looking to install a solar battery.

The Victorian Government under the Solar Homes Program provides to those eligible, a maximum discount of $4,174 off the battery sale price. The next release of battery rebates is on the 2^nd of September 2020.

The Australian Capital Territory Government under the Next Generation Energy Storage program provides a rebate of $825 per kilowatt (kW). An average household with a 5kW system would be eligible for approximately $4,000.

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

The post SENEC Battery: An Independent Review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

Background on SimpliPhi Power – Company History

SimpliPhi power was founded in 2010 Stuart Lennox and Catherine Von Burg (now CEO) and is headquartered in California, USA. They have focused on the production of lithium batteries including uninterruptable power supplies and battery powered generators providing off-grid energy.

The company was privately owned until they were recently acquired by Briggs & Stratton. Briggs and Stratton are a Wisconsin-based gasoline enginer manufacturer producing a range of outdoor power equipment. Briggs and Stratton is own by private equity firm KPS Capital Partners and is estimated to be worth over US$1.4 billion.

Comparatively, to some of the bigger battery brands, Simliphi have a small manufacturing capacity based out of their site in Oxnard, California. Their batteries are sold in in many countries across the world with products ranging from 1kWh to 2MWh primarily based on lithium ferro phosphate chemistries.

Simpliphi power do not have an Australian office and their batteries are available through DPA Solar as their distribution partner. At the time of writing this SimpliPhi batteries are no longer on the Clean Energy Council approved product list.

Basics of  Simpliphi Lithium Batteries

SimpliPhi offers three main energy storage options to customers: Vertically Integrated Energy Storage Systems (ESS), Fully Integrated Systems, and Battery Only Storage Systems, each tailored to different needs and preferences for comprehensive or standalone energy solutions. 

Battery Only Storage Systems

SimpliPhi Power’s PHI 3.8-MTM Battery utilises the safest Lithium Ion chemistry available, Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) as stated on their datasheet. No cobalt or explosive hazards that put customers at risk which is demonstrated through their UL9540 accrediation across a number of their products. By eliminating cobalt from their batteries chemistry, the risk of thermal runaway, fire propagation, operating temperature constraints, and toxic coolants are reduced. 

The integrated Battery Management System (BMS) is designed to communicate and optimise the batteries performance and is compatible in residential and commercial applicaitons – on or off grid.

Their products are stated to be compatible with all industry-standard inverters and charge controllers. The PHI 3.8-M Battery supports balance-of-system equipment and optimizes any power generation source – solar, wind, grid, generator. As is crucial for many prospective customers the battery can provide back up power in the instance of a grid outage.

The battery comes in both a 48V and 24V version increasing their compatibility with different off-grid designs. They have a working temperature of -20 to 60 degrees celsius which make them suitable to withstand the hot environmental extremes of Australia safely. On that point, they’re developed with lithium ion phosphate which is well known for their chemical safety with batteries, as well as providing a long cycle life. Rated IP32, it’s only designed to be installed indoors.

The batteries can be scaled with SimpliPhi advising that they have a case study of a 308kWh system with the 3.8kWh PHI module as the building block of the solution.

Vertically Integrated Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

The vertically integrated energy storage system comes with a SimpliPHI ESS 6 kW Inverter, a SimpliPHI ESS EnergyTrak Control System and the SimpliPHI ESS 4.9 kWh Battery. The SimpliPHI Battery is using the Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) technology. With a design focused on versatility, the 4.98 kWh battery integrates with all major inverters, serving as an optimal choice for battery replacement, system expansion, or new installations.

The integrated solution has an IP65 rating suitable for indoor or outdoor installations, with the capacity to link together up to 60 batteries (299 kWh) for bigger projects. Key features include a 96% efficiency, accommodating 50 MWh of energy throughput, and retaining 70% capacity over its lifespan.

Fully Integrated Systems

SimpliPhi Power’s AccESS, featuring PHI 3.8kWh batteries and Sol-Ark inverter, offers a fully integrated and pre-programmed energy storage and management solution with up to 136.8kWh total capacity, catering to both residential and commercial needs.

This option is very similar to the integrated option above, however utilises Sol-Ark (third party) inverters and SimpliPhi’s older battery technology.

SimpliPhi Battery – Key Features

There are a number of features of the SimpliPhi battery worth mentioning:

100% Depth of Discharge

The Depth of Discharge (DoD) of the PHI 3.8-M Battery is 100%. This puts it ahead of some of SimpliPhi’s competitors, for example Sonnen (90% DoD and Alpha ESS (90% DoD).

DoD is an important factor to account for when making a buying decision for a solar battery. It’s the percentage of the battery that has been discharged compared with it’s stated capacity. The higher the DoD, the more available stored energy you can use, and hence greater potential you’re gaining from it.

In relation to this, it’s not recommended that people discharge their batteries fully as it shortens their lifespan as they have a limited number of charge/discharge cycles. This is why a manufacturer will state the DoD to give you an indication of how much you can discharge it. In saying that it’s important to remember that there’s a correlation between the cycle life and the DoD, i.e. the more often you discharge the battery to it’s maximum DoD, the shorter its lifespan.

Scalable Capacity

As we’ve mentioned, these batteries are modular in design which enables you to connect them parallel in order to scale the nominal capacity of your storage system. The advantage with this, is that it gives you the flexibility to expand your solar energy storage in the future. This offers an entry point for consumers on a budget without needs to sacrifice future options of being 100% self sufficient when batteries become cheaper or energy needs change.

SimpliPhi have advised that many battery modules can be safely linked together. They have case studies of 12 batteries linked within a single enclosure and multiple enclosures can be linked together.

Flexible Use

The PHI 3.8-M Battery can be used in both off-grid and hybrid setups. This gives you the consumer a lot of flexibility in how you use it. Whether you want to completely rely on developing a self contained solar power system or you want to retrofit it to an existing system, it caters to many different applications. Just be aware of the compatible inverters listed above.

How Much do SimpliPhi Batteries Cost?

See below costs for SimpliPhi’s PHI battery:

*Please note that the above price guide is for the battery only and excludes installation and required wiring / components.

Australian warranty terms for SimpliPhi Powerbox batteries

As per SimpliPhi’s warranty documentation, the length of warranty is 10 years on a prorated basis, when installed and operated within the specifications provided in the SimpliPhi Installation Manual and relevant Integration Guide.

There’s a few aspects of the warranty that we believe are worth mentioning:

Discharging PHI batteries to a voltage level below the 100% Depth of Discharge (DOD), level Voids the batteries’ Warranty. Over the ten-year Limited Warranty Period, SimpliPhi warrants the SimpliPhi Power Product at 80% or greater of its original-rated capacity.

While SimpliPhi’s 10-year warranty does not specify a warrantied battery cycle life, the expected cycle life rating is 10,000 cycles when a maximum of 80% DOD is maintained, 5,000 cycles at 90% DOD, and 3,500 cycles at 100% DOD at standard operating conditions

If the SimpliPhi battery is  found to be defective as a result of any manufacturing defect in materials and workmanship during the Limited Warranty Period, SimpliPhi Power will, at its sole discretion either (i) repair the SimpliPhi battery or (ii) replace the SimpliPhi battery.

In the event that a replacement Product is no longer available in the market, SimpliPhi Power may offer, at its option,to replace the Product with a new Product of similar function and performance or to credit the remaining depreciated value of the Product to be applied to purchase of new Product.

It’s not clear from their warranty documentation if you can make a claim in Australia through any authorised resellers. However, you can make a claim with SimpliPhi directly below:

SimpliPhi Power, Inc. 3100 Camino Del Sol Oxnard, California, 93030 805.640.6700 x 1 techsupport@simpliphipower.com

Read SimpliPhi Warranty Documentation here

Pros and Cons of SimpliPhi Batteries

Pros:

• Company based in the US with good reputation for quality
• Vertically integrated inverter options for users
• 10 years product & performance warranty provided

Cons:

• No Australian Office
• Not on the CEC approved battery lists.

PHI 3.8 kWh Specifications

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

The post SimpliPhi Battery: An Independent Review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

The Solar Choice Price Index measures the cost of solar power systems on a dollar per watt ($/W) basis. This pricing metric helps consumers and industry stakeholders understand the average prices of residential solar system installations across different regions in Australia. The price per watt is a key factor in comparing the cost-effectiveness of solar power systems, considering the total cost of installation divided by the system’s capacity in watts. This index can provide insights into trends in solar pricing, influencing decisions for potential solar energy adopters by highlighting the average upfront investment required to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

Solar Choice has been publishing the Solar Panel Price Index for residential solar & commercial-scale solar since 2012 and 2014, respectively. We regularly compile pricing & product and warranty information from our pre-vetted network of over 200 installers to produce the Residential Solar PV Price Index and Commercial Solar Price Index. We update this information monthly to help Australians understand – how much do solar panels cost.

Our price index is used frequently as a benchmark to residential customers and businesses as Australia’s best guide on how much solar panels cost and is included in reports derived by industry experts such as UNSW, SunWiz and Bloomberg NEF.

How much do Solar Panels cost? (April 2024)

The below table shows the average solar panel cost by city & size of solar panels installed (DC). The prices in all the below tables include the up-front incentive available for small-scale systems through the Renewable Energy Target (i.e. ‘STC discount’) and GST – they represent the total retail price of the system to the customer.

	3kW	4kW	5kW	6kW	7kW	10kW
Adelaide, SA	$3,760	$3,910	$4,610	$5,300	$6,370	$8,530
Brisbane, QLD	$3,790	$4,580	$5,010	$5,550	$6,340	$9,220
Canberra, ACT	$4,590	$4,840	$5,190	$5,860	$6,900	$8,790
Darwin, NT	$4,730	$6,780	$7,760	$9,320	$10,060	$13,060
Hobart, TAS	$4,890	$5,540	$6,160	$6,830	$7,700	$11,420
Melbourne, VIC	$4,190	$4,470	$5,010	$5,460	$6,460	$8,540
Sydney, NSW	$3,900	$4,290	$4,760	$4,890	$5,940	$7,950
Perth, WA	$3,370	$3,890	$4,210	$5,380	$5,950	$9,760
All	$4,150	$4,790	$5,340	$6,070	$6,970	$9,660

A commonly sized 6kW Solar PV System would cost between $4,000 and $6,000 in most states in Australia and a 10kW system would cost between $7,500 and $10,500. If you want to use top of the line products – see the premium solar system price table further down this page.

Read more on the solar power options for your city:  Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Canberra

Premium Solar Panel Costs (April 2024)

We ask each installer on the Solar Choice network to put down a standard offer and a premium offer. Solar installers generally have tiers of offers to cater to consumers on a budget, or consumers willing to pay more for higher-quality to products. The Solar Choice Price Index references the standard offer prices are these are most commonly selected by customers.

The average solar panel cost in the below table reflects the premium offers from the Solar Choice installer network. These systems come at a 20-30% higher price than the standard offers based on the higher cost of the underlying equipment.

	3kW	4kW	5kW	6kW	7kW	10kW
Adelaide, SA	$4,580	$5,130	$5,790	$6,690	$7,750	$10,700
Brisbane, QLD	$4,840	$5,560	$6,370	$7,010	$7,880	$11,400
Canberra, ACT	$5,560	$6,090	$6,700	$7,220	$8,410	$10,480
Darwin, NT	$4,930	$7,330	$8,100	$10,330	$11,560	$15,460
Hobart, TAS	$5,910	$6,820	$7,790	$8,770	$9,580	$13,080
Melbourne, VIC	$5,400	$5,720	$6,500	$7,180	$8,310	$11,090
Sydney, NSW	$5,210	$5,710	$6,450	$6,590	$8,100	$11,140
Perth, WA	$4,320	$4,810	$5,320	$6,500	$7,250	$11,500
All	$5,090	$5,900	$6,630	$7,540	$8,610	$11,860

To give an idea of what is considered a ‘premium’ solar panel and solar inverter see the below pie charts which display the most popular brand names that installers are selecting for their premium option. Note that the most used premium solar panel or inverter is not necessarily the best quality, it is simply an indicator of market share.

Four important factors that influence the solar panel costs in Australia:

1. Wholesale equipment costs

The wholesale cost of solar equipment has dropped significantly over the past 15 years as manufacturers have reach enormous economies of scale following the global growth of the industry.

The production of solar panels and inverters has mostly shifted to China and other Asian countries and are produced in Gigawatt scale, highly automated manufacturing facilities. The introduction of robotics and AI has also had an material effect on the quality and efficiency of the output of these facilities.

2. The Australian Dollar

Most components for a solar system come from overseas. As the relative price of the Australian Dollar changes, solar equipment manufacturers distributors rapidly change their prices to reflect this.

Most quotes for installing solar are only valid for 7 to 30 days so that solar installers are not forced to wear any underlying changes in cost. In general, an increase in the AUD/USD rate will lower the cost of a solar quote, and vice versa.

3. The Solar Rebates

The federal solar rebate – STC program – winds back each year until it is phased out completely in 2030. This provides upward pressure on solar pricing but has been overshadowed in the early solar years with the cost of solar decreasing.

Since 2021 we have not seen major decreases in the wholesale solar equipment costs and this decreased rebate value has led to the net cost of solar increasing slightly in recent years. This can be seen in the graph at the top of this article.

4. Competition and Cheap Solar Panels

The solar industry is one of Australia’s most competitive markets with over 6,000 contractors accredited by the Clean Energy Council to install solar. As a result, the margins have been forced to be very slim in the market.

Unfortunately, this has driven some installers to sacrifice the quality of products and services to offer ‘crazy prices’ and support them with broad-scale marketing efforts to drive high volumes. These tactics have provided downward pricing pressure, but in most cases have not improved the outcome for consumers.

What about solar panel costs in the future?

Many people in the solar industry expect solar panel costs to continue to decline, albeit at a much slower pace. Manufacturers continue to progressively release improvements in cell efficiency and panel designs which are now edging leading Solar Panels towards 1,000W of power.

However, a lot of the early step-change efficiencies of production have already been achieved in robotic-driven factories of enormous scale. Additionally in Australia, the STC rebate reduces each year until it is scheduled to phase out completely in 2030.

In the future, we expect the average cost of solar to increase each year for residential systems.

Commercial solar panel costs (Price Index)

Since May 2014, Solar Choice has been publishing commercial-scale solar PV system prices for each of Australia’s capital cities across a range of popular system sizes. Solar Choice manages tenders for a wide range of commercial solar projects around Australia. The figures in the tables below are based on data from our extensive network of solar installers, many of which specialize solely in commercial-scale solar projects.

Companies in our network upload their pricing & product information for us to present to our commercial clients in our free & impartial quote comparisons so that the client can make an informed decision about who to pursue further discussion with.

All prices in the tables below include incentives available through the federal Renewable Energy Target (i.e. STCs) as well as GST.

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Average commercial solar panel costs by city & size (February 2024)

	10kW	30kW	50kW	70kW	100kW
Adelaide, SA	$10,400	$30,480	$53,420	$75,750	$93,580
Brisbane, QLD	$10,220	$28,820	$51,140	$68,940	$90,280
Canberra, ACT	$10,030	$32,630	$52,430	$71,180	$97,390
Hobart, TAS	$12,360	$27,490	$47,100	$65,330	$78,100
Melbourne, VIC	$10,200	$27,060	$48,380	$63,490	$84,140
Sydney, NSW	$10,730	$26,330	$48,660	$63,820	$83,060
Perth, WA	$11,480	$30,890	$58,830	$72,630	$96,010
All	$10,770	$29,100	$51,420	$68,730	$88,940

Average commercial solar panel costs per watt (February 2024)

	Average	10kW	30kW	50kW	70kW	100kW
Adelaide, SA	$1.01	$0.97	$1.01	$1.07	$1.08	$0.93
Brisbane, QLD	$0.97	$0.97	$0.93	$1.03	$0.98	$0.90
Canberra, ACT	$1.01	$0.95	$1.09	$1.04	$1.01	$0.97
Hobart, TAS	$0.96	$1.14	$0.92	$0.94	$0.93	$0.78
Melbourne, VIC	$0.94	$1.01	$0.90	$0.97	$0.91	$0.84
Sydney, NSW	$0.91	$1.02	$0.84	$0.94	$0.89	$0.83
Perth, WA	$1.01	$1.03	$0.97	$1.09	$1.01	$0.94
Average	$0.99	$1.01	$0.95	$1.01	$0.97	$0.88

Historic average commercial solar panel costs (August 2012 – February 2024)

Average commercial solar payback periods by state

Compare Prices and installer options for 250kW, 500kW & 1MW

The post Solar Panel Costs: Solar Choice Price Index | April 2024 appeared first on Solar Choice.

Yingli Solar- Company History

Founded in 1998 by Liansheng Miao in Baoding, China – Yingli Energy (China) Company Limited, known as “Yingli Solar” has over 20 years experience as a solar panel manufacturer. Their headquarters remain in Baoding with a distribution channels set up around the globe with over 30 subsidiaries.

Yingli grew to be one of the world’s leading solar panel manufacturers by volume in 2012 and 2013, however started to experience financial troubles in 2015 with rising debt levels paired with low profitability. This culminated in a restructure taking place in 2020 whereby subsidiaries including Yingli Green Energy Holding Co Ltd were liquidated and the Chinese creditors took an equity interest in the new entity.

Following the restructure Yingli have regained their Bloomberg Tier 1 status which indicates they are in a stable financial position. Yingli have an annual production capacity of 7.2GW bolstered by a new 5GW plant in Tianjin, China.

Yingli have established a local presence in Australia with an office located in Sydney which is designed to provide technical and sales support to new and existing customers.

Key Indicators

What is a Bloomberg Tier 1 Solar Panel?

Bloomberg’s infamous tier 1 ranking is NOT a measure of Solar Panel quality in any way. It is simply an indication of the bankability of the manufacturer based on publicly released information on the financial health of the company. This should give you an idea if the company is a large, well-known manufacturer.

See full list of Bloomberg Tier 1 Solar Panels

 What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?

PV Evolution Labs with support from DNV GL independently test solar panel reliability. The tests are voluntary, with solar panel manufacturers paying to participate in the testing. This testing process is internationally renowned and is an accurate reflection of the solar panel’s performance.

Yingli Solar Panels are currently ranked in the PV Top Performers List for all 6 (thermal cycling, Damp Heat, Mechanical Stress Sequence, PID, LID+LETID and PAN) tests (2023)

 See full list of PV Evolution Labs Top Performing Solar Panels

 Why is office location in Australia important?

Most solar panel manufacturers entering the Australian market first set up their distribution channels and worry about customer service later. This has led to many unhappy customers who are left trying to contact Chinese head offices to claim their 15-year product warranty.

Relying on your solar installer is not always an option as we’ve seen many residential solar installers (including the large ones) go out of business well within the lifetime of the systems they are installing.

Yingli have an office space on Clarence St in Sydney CBD.

Yingli Solar Panels – Points of Difference

There are many solar panels out there, what makes Yingli’s solar panels stand out?

Long history and experience

Despite the companies financial troubles, they have remained one of the largest solar panel manufacturers through-out the last couple of decades with over 14GW of solar panels delivered worldwide by 2015. This puts Yingli’s experience as a manufacturer up in the top 10 in terms of volume.

Yingli have developed in-house expertise in their factory in Baoding which has been their headquarters for two decades.

Yingli Solar Panel Technologies

Yingli currently have 70 solar panels approved by the Clean Energy Council in Australia under names Yingli Energy (China) Company Limited and Yingli Energy China Co Ltd. This is a requirement to be eligible for the federal STC solar rebate.

The panels are split into 3 main series which are detailed below:

Mono Series

There are 7 different models in the Mono Series with varying numbers of solar cells and cell sizes. The panels range from 60 cell panels which are more commonly deployed in residential projects to 72 cell panels focused on commercial projects. All the panels feature half cut cells which retains the output capacity of the panel but increasing the efficiency by reducing the electrical resistance in the internal wiring.

All the solar panels in this series feature an impressive module efficiency of over 20% and reaching 21.57% for the YLM 132 Cell(G12) model. The panels utilise low-iron tempered glass for the top sheet and anodised aluminium for the frame.

Mono GG Series

There are a further 7 panels in the Mono GG Series which is a step up from the Mono Series. The modules in this series are ‘bifacial’ meaning electricity can be generated from the topside and the underside of the solar panel. This can generate up to 25% more electricity, particularly in ground-mount installations or tilt-frames with light coloured roofs. The modules offer an equally impressive module efficiency stretching up to 21.57% for the YLM 132 Cell(G12) model which uses the same cell technology as the Mono Series.

These panels would be better suited to ground-mount solar projects.

Panda 3.0 Pro (New in 2024)

Yingli’s latest solar panel to drop in Australia in early 2024 is the Panda 3.0 Pro. This is a 440W bifacial solar panel which utlises N-type monocrystalline cell technology. The panel dimensions are 1.76m by 1.13m making it ideal for residential rooftop solar installations.

The maximum efficiency rating of the solar panel is 22.02% which is a solid figure. The panel also has an impressive temperature co-efficient of 0.25%/°C which means it will outperform many solar panels in the hotter parts of Australia.

With the solar panel’s durable glass on glass design, Yingli is able to offer a 25 year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty.

Yingli Solar Panels – Pros and Cons

Yingli Solar Panel Specifications (common modules)

Example of a Yingli Solar Project – Allianz Stadium

As part of the redevelopment of the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Yingli’s solar panels were selected. The solution features 180kW worth of Solar Panels and powers the site’s gym and pool facilities.

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

The post Yingli Solar Panels: An independent review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

Solar Choice is a leading provider of independent EV Feasibility Studies in every state of Australia, and has the experience & expertise to help your strata apartment building avoid financial pitfalls, ensure equitable access, and future-proof your infrastructure with expert advice tailored to your building’s unique needs. 

Solar Choice will help you access cost-effective, scalable, and compliant solutions that will enhance your property’s value but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Don’t be left behind in the EV transition!

In 2023 Electric Vehicle sales in Australia increased 120%, more than doubling the number of EV’s driving on our roads. As electric vehicle sales continue to increase exponentially in the coming years, more Australians will need access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure in their homes. While that is a relatively straightforward undertaking for those living in houses with off-street parking, residents of strata apartment buildings face some unique challenges. 

Up to this point, manufacturers of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the industry as a whole have focused on chargers in freestanding houses and public charging stations, and there’s good reason for this. In order to encourage EV uptake, the government and the EV industry needed to solve “range anxiety” – the fear that your EV battery will run out of juice in the middle of regional Australia without access to a charger. 

Now that public charging infrastructure has reached a point where many new EV owners can plan a road trip all over Australia without too much concern, it’s time to focus on the challenges faced by owners and tenants in residential strata apartment buildings. 

Avoiding Pitfalls: The Importance of EV Charging Feasibility Studies for Apartments

Strata buildings have a limited electricity supply from the grid. This mains electricity supply is used for everything from powering individual apartments to common property lighting, hot water heaters, and air conditioning. 

There is a finite amount of electricity available to be allocated to electric vehicle chargers, and if this available capacity is not allocated in an equitable and future-proof way, it could prevent other owners from being able to charge their EVs in the future and result in significant unnecessary costs down the track. 

Here are some potential scenarios strata buildings need to avoid:

Future-Proof Your Property: The Impact of EV Charging Feasibility Studies on Cost Savings

A Solar Choice EV Charging feasibility study is the best way to get all of the information needed to make an informed decision on the best EV charging solution for your strata building. Your study report will contain trusted, unbiased advice along with a roadmap to guide immediate and gradual rollouts of charging infrastructure while avoiding financial pitfalls. 

Every apartment building needs to consider what their owners and tenants EV charging requirements will be in 5+ years and take that into account when making decisions. Solar Choice surveys lot owners to gather data on their intentions around purchasing an EV, and their preferences for types of chargers to factor into our recommendations. The different solutions proposed in the report will allow for staged installations over time in the most cost-effective manner as more owners acquire EVs rather than forcing the Owners Committee to spend a huge amount of money upfront.

An EV charging feasibility study will provide your apartment building OC with a roadmap to make the appropriate charging infrastructure available for the first owner with electric vehicles, as well as any required gradual rollout of further charging equipment as more owners switch from ICE to EV vehicles. Without a roadmap, OC’s can easily waste money by putting capital expenditure towards non-scalable solutions, or by allowing individual owners to have their own charger installed without planning for the electrical capacity needs of future installations. 

There’s plenty of advice on the internet about electric vehicle charging solutions and solar for apartments, but often the advice comes from manufacturers or distributors of particular products which may be biased or even exclude different solutions. A comprehensive feasibility study will detail all of the possible EV charging solutions for your strata building including approximate upfront and ongoing costs. Every owner should be well informed of the potential costs for each solution being voted on by lot owners, including immediate costs to the OC, near-term costs to owners such as special levies, and potential costs to EV owners such as fast charger installation in a parking spot and billing system management fees.

What’s included in a Feasibility Study from Solar Choice?

A site inspection by an experienced electrician

• An electrician will visit your strata building to assess the existing electrical infrastructure, the main power supply from the grid, and the physical locations of switch boards and distribution boards relative to potential charger location points

A data logger installed on the incoming mains

• Over a period of at least 2 weeks, this device will monitor the building’s electricity consumption patterns to determine exactly how much spare capacity is available for electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• Not all companies install a temporary data logger. Do your research first to make sure your feasibility assessment will include one

A survey of all owners on their EV purchase intentions and charger preferences

• This helps plan a roadmap and capital expenditure plan to suit the forecast EV charging demand in your building
• This data also help to inform the committee of the hurdles and likelihoods of a successful vote to invest in EV charging infrastructure

A detailed report including: 

• A breakdown of the building’s electrical capacity and consumption based on data from the data logger
• Electrical capacity available for EV chargers
• Details of any electrical infrastructure required to facilitate EV chargers being installed in specific locations such as owners or visitor parking spots
• Cable routing pathways required for EV chargers in specific locations
• A range of possible EV charging solutions for your strata building
• Pros, cons, and approximate costs for each option
• EV charging roadmap to guide staged rollout of chargers as owners purchase EVs

Solar choice will provide ongoing consultation to Strata Managers and Owner’s Committees throughout the process to ensure all owners are well informed and the best outcome for the building is achieved. 

What documentation do you need to provide?

In order to prepare a comprehensive and detailed feasibility study report, your provider will need:

• A recent copy of the common area electricity bill 
• Strata plans, site plans and architectural drawings
• If available, single line diagrams of the building’s existing electrical infrastructure

Why choose Solar Choice for your EV Feasibility Study?

• Over 16 years experience working with strata apartment buildings
• Independent, unbiased advice
• A National network of pre-vetted electrical partners and EV charging experts
• Competitive pricing
• Ongoing consultation and advice throughout the process

Are you ready to undertake an electric vehicle charging feasibility assessment for your apartment building?

Solar Choice are experts in providing independent unbiased advice on EV charging infrastructure in strata apartment blocks. We would love to be your trusted advisor and help achieve the most efficient and cost-effective charging solution for your building.

To find out more or to arrange a feasibility study you can fill in the contact box below, and an EV charging expert will get back to you to start the process. 

Frequently Asked Questions On EV Feasibility Studies

The Australian EV strategy

The post Strata Apartment EV Feasibility Study: Why You Need One appeared first on Solar Choice.

This guide simplifies what you need to know to install solar panels in South Australia. Wondering if solar panels are worth it in Adelaide? Here we break down the cost of solar panels in SA, their efficiency, and the solar incentives and government rebates the region has to offer. Plus, we’ll explore the financial returns of solar panels and battery storage systems, with some important info on how to find the best solar installation company in Adelaide for your specific situation.

Considering a Solar Power System for your business? Read our solar power guide for businesses in South Australia here

How much power do solar panels produce in Adelaide?

Finding the best deal on solar PV in Adelaide, (or anywhere in Australia), requires understanding what a solar PV system potentially offers its owner. Solar panels produce electricity only when the sun is shining, and how much electricity is generated depends on the intensity and duration of the sunshine.

The table below provides an overview of how much energy you can expect some common residential solar system sizes to generate, assuming that they are north-facing and about 75% efficient (a conservative number). Please note that these numbers are averages – actual energy yields will be higher in summer and lower in winter.

*Note: Solar systems on single-phase connections in South Australia are limited to 5kW of exports. Some areas with congested grids are lower at 1.5kW.

What do these energy output numbers mean for my home? (and how much solar do I need?)

The numbers in the table above show you how much energy your solar system is likely to produce, but to work out how much you’ll save with a system you need to estimate how much of the solar energy you’re likely to consume directly as opposed to ‘exporting’ into the grid.

These days, solar panels are quite affordable across Australia, which means that sizing a solar system for your home is not an exact science. Instead, it comes down to how much roof space you have available, what your budget for a system is, and how much SA Power Networks will allow you to install (currently 5kW of total inverter capacity per phase, or up to 15kW if you’re on a 3-phase connection). We encourage you to play with the numbers yourself using our Solar System Payback & ROI Estimator tool.

We also note that these days the 5kW solar system size is the most popular in the country. This is because they tend to offer the best value for money while not being too hard on the bank account balance.

Incentives and rebates for solar power in Adelaide

Up-front ‘discounts’ on system installation prices through the federal Renewable Energy Target

The federal government offers up-front incentives in the form of ‘small-scale technology certificates’ (STCs). STCs significantly reduce the cost of having a solar PV system installed – typically by around 30% of the total system cost. This incentive should be automatically applied to the price of your system by your installer – you won’t have to take any action yourself to claim it.

The City of Adelaide’s rebates for solar PV & energy storage

The City of Adelaide offers a generous rebate for solar PV and battery storage systems installed in the 5000 and 5006 postcodes which meet certain eligibility criteria. You can read more about this scheme here: The City of Adelaide’s Sustainability Incentive Scheme.

Feed-in tariffs in South Australia

The rate you are paid for your excess solar energy is generally referred to as a ‘feed-in tariff’. At present in South Australia, the rate you are paid depends on your electricity retailer and the plan you are on – you can utlise this electricity plan comparison tool to compare current offerings.

Remember, homes with solar panels save money by consuming solar power as it is generated. This way, you don’t need to buy electricity from the power companies. Making the solar energy you use just as valuable as the electricity you would otherwise buy.

How much do solar panels cost to install in Adelaide?

Australian solar system installation prices are among the lowest in the world – we know this because we’ve been keeping track for a few years now with our monthly Solar PV Price Index. The price of solar has declined significantly over recent years as the production scale in Asia has increased dramatically. We are now seeing a more competitive environment for solar installs in Australia keeping profit margins slim.

Based on our data from March 2024, a typical 6kW solar system would cost $5,510 on average including the STC rebate and GST.

You will see in the below graph the history of solar prices in Australia, published monthly by Solar Choice. Adelaide pricing, in orange, has tracked closely to the national average, with spikes triggered by state incentive schemes and other announcements.

What is the financial return for solar in Adelaide?

As the table below illustrates, payback times for solar systems in Adelaide can be quite short and savings quite large.

We just urge that you make sure that the system you’re purchasing uses quality components and is installed by a reputable installer. Lower prices don’t always indicate lower quality, but they should be approached with a healthy degree of caution – remember that a solar system should last up to 25 years (with inverter replacements every 7-10 years). Any system downtime will reduce savings and extend the payback period – not to mention costs incurred for any repairs not covered by the system’s warranty.

Assumptions/Limitations

• Assumes an energy price of 38.4c / kWh which is towards the middle of what is offered in Adelaide
• Assumes a solar feed-in tariff of 7c / kWh
• Average costs come from the Solar Choice Price Index for March 2024
• Your self-consumption rate will vary depending on how you use power in your home. At higher rate, means less power is exported to the grid and improves your financial return

Adelaide Solar System Payback & ROI Calculator

What about home battery storage in Adelaide?

South Australia has one of Australia’s most attractive state-based battery rebate schemes, which for example can deduct $2,700 from the cost of a Tesla Powerwall 2. The rebate is scaled based on the size (kWh rating) of the battery.

In our regularly updating analysis on ‘whether solar batteries are worth it‘ we have suggested that the economics don’t quite stack up for solar batteries just yet (despite the rebate) when looking at purely as a financial decision:

Assumptions

• Flat electricity rate of 38.4 cents per kWh and a feed-in tariff of 7 cents per kWh
• Solar and battery pricing in Adelaide from Solar Choice Price Index and Battery Price Index
• Electricity usage of 30kWh a day with load profile is double-peak in morning and evening
• Energy price inflation at 3% and future cash flow discount rate of 5%

For a full explanation of our methodology and assumptions – see the full article.

For this reason, many Adelaide customers are installing solar only, however keeping their options open to add a battery in the future if prices come down. Installing a ‘hybrid’ inverter with your solar system will increase your options when adding a battery as you can DC-couple a battery without the need for an additional inverter.

How to find the best solar company in Adelaide?

Since 2008, Solar Choice has been vetting solar installers across Australia based on our criteria of business longevity, accreditations and qualifications and evidence of a track record of happy customers.

You can use our online comparison service to find local companies who have passed our criteria and immediately browse through their solar and battery quote information on our portal. Through this process, you can select the installers you wish to contact you and complete a site inspection if necessary and provide a customised final quote. Click the button below to get started!

FAQs

The post Solar power in Adelaide, SA: Compare prices & installers appeared first on Solar Choice.

Background on AlphaESS – Company History

AlphaESS (Alpha ESS Co Ltd) was established in 2012 and is a Chinese company that makes energy storage systems for homes and businesses worldwide. They recently moved their headquarters to Suzhou, China, near Shanghai. With over 10 local branches, AlphaESS serves over 90 countries.

In 2015, they opened an office in Australia and quickly joined South Australia’s home battery scheme in 2018. The Australian operations are run under Alpha ESS Australia Pty Ltd which is a subsidiary of Alpha ESS Co Ltd.

In the past decade Alpha ESS have picked up significant market share and have been listed as preferred technology for several Australian virtual power plant networks. In fact in 2022 and 2023, data from Sunwiz suggests that Alpha ESS were the number 1 solar battery installed by volume.

Their product line up includes the SMILE series for home energy storage, the STORION series with medium-sized solutions tailored for businesses, and large-scale batteries that are custom fabricated into a shipping container.

AlphaESS Battery System – How It Works

The AlphaESS battery system, including the SMILE and STORION series, is a versatile energy storage solution. It combines a hybrid inverter, a battery management system, and a modular storage unit. You can add ‘modules’ to increase battery capacity as needed. The hybrid inverter allows for immediate use of solar power in your home, charges the battery, and converts battery power to usable AC electricity. These modules are sold separately but integrate into a single, sleek unit.

You can customize the storage unit with various battery modules, offering flexibility in storage capacity. For instance, the SMILE5 series includes a 5kW hybrid inverter and supports different battery sizes, ranging from 2.9kWh to 13.3kWh, expandable up to 80kWh.

This system can provide green energy during power outages without extra costs or components, unlike some other batteries. If you have existing solar panels and an inverter, the AlphaESS battery can be AC-coupled to work with your current setup.

You can ‘DC Couple’ or ‘AC Couple’ the Alpha ESS.

Choosing AC coupling for the AlphaESS system makes sense if you already have a solar system. This involves plugging the AlphaESS battery system into your switchboard like any appliance. It then converts AC energy to DC to store in the battery and back to AC when you need to use it. However, this process has a small inefficiency (about 3-4%) due to power loss during these conversions.

If you were starting from scratch and installing a new system, a DC coupled AlphaESS battery would make the most sense. This is because there would be no need to purchase an additional grid-connected inverter as the AlphaESS unit can do it all for you. It also only converts DC energy to AC energy once when the house is drawing down power from battery – meaning its a more efficient solution.

To read our full explanation on DC coupling and AC coupling – click here.

How Much do AlphaESS Batteries Cost?

One of AlphaESS’s most popular residential battery systems is the SMILE5 series. See the below table which provide an indicative guide based on data from Solar Choice’s Battery Price Index on the cost of installing a AlphaESS SMILE5 with different battery capacity:

Please note

• Prices are an estimate of a full turnkey price for end-consumers including all products, labour and GST
• Price estimates does not include any state-based incentives

To give this cost context it is important to balance the cost of a battery against the return of a cheaper power bill. Solar Choice’s solar and battery calculator is a comprehensive tool to understand the financial viability – although be warned, the financial return for batteries is still not as attractive as solar panels.

AlphaESS Independently Tested by ITP Renewables

ITP Renewables, an independent organization funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), independently tested AlphaESS. They publish live performance data and biannual reports on the batteries they test. Their accelerated testing method cycles batteries three times daily, simulating nine years of use in just three years.

In 2017, ITP Renewables began testing the AlphaESS M48100 (9.6kWh) battery. After two years, equivalent to six traditional years of use, they noticed abnormal behavior: the battery’s charge/discharge rate was restricted. AlphaESS examined the battery and found over-temperature alarms, leading to the discontinuation of the test.

AlphaESS informed Solar Choice that the tested battery was their first model, manufactured over seven years ago, and they have made significant improvements since.

AlphaESS’s Warranty Terms for Australian Customers

AlphaESS offers a 5-year warranty for the inverter and all non-battery components. For the batteries, they provide a more extensive warranty, guaranteeing at least 80% of original capacity after 10 years, under specific conditions:

1. The system must have an internet connection.
2. The batteries should only be for “self-consumption.”

Without an internet connection, the battery warranty reduces to 3 years. In case of a warranty claim, either you or the installer must arrange and pay for the system’s inspection. However, under Australian Consumer Guarantees, you may claim for reasonably foreseeable damages and losses, including inspection costs for a malfunctioning system.

You can download the warranty details here:
Alpha ESS Australian Warranty Document

Pros and Cons of Alpha ESS Batteries

The Chemistry Behind AlphaESS Batteries

This AlphaESS battery consists of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), as the cathode material and its anodes are carbon. This is different to Lithium Ion batteries such as the Tesla Powerwall 2.

Lithium iron phosphate batteries are considered a safer option to Lithium Ion, due to the lithium phosphate holding a high chemical and thermal stability. They are non-flammable meaning they can handle higher temperatures from a short-circuit or overcharge. This makes them an economically sound battery choice, as the lithium iron phosphate has a longer life cycle compared to lithium ion.

Battery government rebate schemes across Australia

Currently there is no federal rebate for battery storage. Previously Victoria, South Australia and the ACT launched their own schemes but they are now closed.

The main battery scheme currently available is Queensland’s Home Battery Booster rebate.

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

This Alpha ESS battery review is performed independently by Solar Choice and has no affiliation with Alpha ESS.

The post Alpha ESS Battery: An Independent Review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

Background of the Solar Banks Program

The Solar Banks (aka solar garden) program is part of the NSW Grant Solar for Apartments initiative. Similar solar incentives were introduced in ACT and VIC under the Solar Banks Program. This initiative is a response to the growing need for renewable energy sources in urban settings, where apartment living is prevalent, and access to solar energy has historically been limited.

Who is Eligible?

Apartment Residents & Low-Income Households

• NSW Rebates for Rooftop Solar Installation: This initiative will benefit more than 10,000 eligible households. Delivering rebates valued up to 50% of the cost for apartments & certain households to install rooftop solar systems. The Solar Bank program could save residents up to $600 a year on their energy bills. This rebate helps to lower the upfront costs associated with purchasing and installing solar panels on apartment buildings or complexes.
• NSW Subsidies for Solar Gardens: For those currently unable to install rooftop solar, such as renters and certain apartment residents. The subsidies will be available to support the purchase of shares in offsite solar gardens. These large-scale solar farms offer an alternative means of accessing renewable energy.

How to Access NSW Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Strata Apartments?

• Getting Started: Begin by selecting the ‘Get Started’ button below.
• Fill out the form (it takes about 60 seconds) to arrange for a Solar Choice expert to discuss the potential project.
• Solar Choice considers location, energy usage patterns, and solar installation feasibility. Helping to determine if your apartment is the right fit for the NSW Energy Efficiency Grant and Solar Banks program.
• Helping you navigate the eligibility and application processes for strata leaders to make an informed decision that is eco-friendly & economical.

Final Thoughts

The NSW Solar Banks program offers a unique opportunity for strata apartments and low-income households to embrace solar energy, contributing to a more sustainable future. With the support of Solar Choice, navigating the application process and implementing solar solutions becomes a streamlined & easily accessible journey.

The post NSW Grants & Subsidies for Apartment Solar Projects appeared first on Solar Choice.

Note: Solar Choice is not a solar installer and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product brand over another.

JA Solar – Company History

JA Solar was originally founded in 2005 and is based in Beijing, China. The company was listed on the US NASDAQ exchange back in 2007 during an early growth phase and has recently been acquired by JASO Acquisition Limited which effectively has taken the company private again.

The company has 9 manufacturing facilities in China and one in Malaysia and Vietnam with a total annual production capacity of 42.5 GW (reported by Bloomberg NEF). This makes JA Solar the third largest producer of Solar Panels as of September 2021.

JA Solar has 25,000 employees as of 2022 working across 32 factories and branches around the world.

Key Indicators

What is a Bloomberg Tier 1 Solar Panel?

Bloomberg’s infamous tier 1 ranking is NOT a measure of Solar Panel quality in any way. It is simply an indication of the bankability of the manufacturer based on publicly released information on the financial health the company. This should give you an idea if the company is a large, well-known manufacturer.

JA Solar is listed as a tier 1 manufacturer in Bloomberg’s Q2 2020 report.

See full list of Bloomberg Tier 1 Solar Panels

What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?

PV Evolution Labs with support from DNV GL independently test solar panel reliability. The tests are voluntary, with solar panel manufacturers paying to participate in the testing. This testing process is internationally renowned and is an accurate reflection of the solar panel’s performance.

JA Solar are named as a top performer in the test of 5 performance tests(thermal cycling, Damp Heat, Mechanical Stress Sequence, LID+LETID and PAN) in the latest 2023 report.

See full list of PV Evolution Labs Top Performing Solar Panels

Why is office location in Australia Important?

Most solar panel manufacturers entering the Australian market first set up their distribution channels and worry about customer service later. This has led to many unhappy customers who are left trying to contact Chinese head offices to claim on their 10-year product warranty.

Relying on your solar installer is not always an option as we’ve seen many residential solar installers (including the large ones) go out of business well within the lifetime of the systems they are installing. 

JA Solar’s listed local office in North Sydney is a ‘serviced shared office’ managed by Servcorp.

How much do JA Solar Panels cost?

Based on Solar Choice’s database we have provided the below-average costs as an indicative guide. These prices include:

• Full turnkey Solar System with JA Solar Panels
• Installation from a pre-vetted reputable installer from Solar Choice’s network
• The STC rebate and GST

 Important Note: Prices will vary depending on location, inverter brand and which installer is used

JA Solar Panel －Points of Difference

There are many solar panels out there, what makes Canadian solar panels stand out?

One of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers

JA Solar is one of the largest solar panel manufacturers with third-largest solar module capacity (reportedly 42.5GW/year in 2021). JA Solar has focused on producing a mid-market solar panel for the masses that combines reliability with an affordable price point. JA Solar is one of the most competitively priced of the ‘big-name’ solar panels on the market.

JA Solar Panel Technologies

Most of JA Solar’s products have been approved by the Clean Energy Council (listed under the parent company Shanghai JA Solar Technology Co Ltd) for the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme – Australia’s home solar rebate program.

Deep Blue 3.0 Light

JA Solar’s Deep Blue series is one of the more affordable options on the market with their current model available in Australia offering an output rating of 415W.

The solar panel has a maximum efficiency rating of 21.3% which we would consider to be above average. It measures 1.7m by 1.1m making it ideally suited to residential rooftops.

The panel only comes with a 12-year warranty which is now one of the shortest offers in the residential rooftop market with most manufacturers offering up to 25 years. This calls out some questions to the reliability and longevity of these solar panels.

Deep Blue 4.0 Pro

JA Solar do offer a more premium option to the residential rooftop market in their Deep Blue 4.0 Pro series. This is currently available in a 440W output rating which is ideally suited to Australian regulations.

The solar panel features N-type solar cell technology and is a bifacial solar panel meaning it can absorb sunlight on the underside of the panel as well. For most residential customers there won’t be much benefit of the bifacial construction as solar panels are typically flush mounted to the roof with minimal space for sun reflection and most roofing material won’t reflect much light.

The solar panel comes with an impressive maximum efficiency rating of 22% and has a longer product warranty offer of 25 years. For these reasons we would encourage residential customers looking at JA Solar panels to go for this model.

JA Solar Warranty for Australian Customers

Solar panels come with a product warranty of around 15 to 25 years which covers manufacturing defects. There is also performance warranty of usually around 25 to 30 years which covers the rate at which the solar panels will degrade over time. Generally the product warranty is more important to residential customers as its very uncommon and difficult to claim warranty on a performance warranty.

JA Solar offer a 12-year product warranty for their Deep Blue 3.0 Light solar panel which is rapidly becoming one of the shortest offers on the market. Although several years ago this was more common, JA Solar’s reluctance to extend the product warranty offer on this panel to match competition suggests some questions about the panels longevity.

JA Solar’s superior Deep Blue 4.0 Pro series comes with a 25 year product warranty which matches most offers in the residential rooftop solar market.

All of the contact details on the JA Solar warranty documents are for their sites in China. As JA Solar only have a shared office space listed on their website there is some concerns around whether JA Solar customers will have local support through the life of the solar panels.

Read JA Solar’s Full Warranty documents:

Deep Blue 4.0 Pro Series

JA Solar Panel Specifications (common modules)

Pros and cons of JA solar panels

So, are JA Solar Panels worth buying?

JA Solar Panels stack up well for as an affordable mid-range option from a company with a solid financial backing and reputation.

As they are based out of a shared office space in North Sydney it appears they don’t have the same level of local support as some of the bigger brands. They are also in a position to quickly remove any local support if they decide to exit the Australian market as we’ve seen some Chinese brands do in the past.

We would generally only recommend considering the Deep Blue 4.0 Pro series which has a longer product warranty and better performance characteristics.

Example of a JA Solar Commercial Solar Project – South Australian Water Corporation

• Completed in 2018/2019
• Type of Application: Commercial Ground-mount Solar PV System
• System Size: 4.14 MWp across multiple sites

JA Solar provided all the solar panels to three ground-mounted Solar PV projects at Hope Valley Water Treatment Plant (1.5 MW), Glenelg Waste Water Treatment Plant (1.32 MW), and Christies Beach Waste Water Treatment Plant (1.32 MW).

Mr. Baofang Jin, President and CEO of JA Solar, said “JA Solar is committed to the research and development of high-efficiency PV modules… We look forward to promoting the application of renewable energy around the world.”

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

The post JA Solar Panels: An independent review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

Powerwall 3 pic.twitter.com/0OXw9hvZNp

Tesla has officially launched the Powerwall 3 in the US. This solar battery & inverter combo is the next generation of Tesla battery storage systems. For Australian’s the big question is; when will Powerwall 3 be released? What we know is that it’s been hinted to land on our shores in the second half of 2024.

When Elon Musk hinted in this retweet, that a single Powerwall 3 can manage peak loads of ~30kW (although leaked specs suggest it will have a continuous power rating of 11.5kW and peak power rating of 15kW). This has raised numerous questions about the Tesla Powerwall 3 specs, pricing and availability in Australia. Is it a game changer or a missed opportunity?

Game Changer or Missed Opportunity?

For the average Australian homeowner, the question of “are solar batteries worth it?” remains a topic of much debate. The release of the Tesla Powerwall 3 in the US is no exception, stirring mixed feelings among Australian installers. Many see it as a missed opportunity, pointing out its limitations in retrofitting existing solar systems due to its integrated inverter design. This makes it ideal for new solar setups but less appealing for those seeking an upgrade, which is where the Powerwall 2 might still reign supreme

Key Concerns with the Powerwall 3

• Targeted for New Installations: Its design benefits new setups but offers more challenges than additional features for those looking to upgrade.
• Charging Capacity Mismatch: With a charging limit of 5kW against the potential for 20kW of solar panels, there’s a notable efficiency gap.
• Lack of Built-in Backup Gateway: Missing functionality that could have added ≈ $1700 value.
• Unchanged Pricing: Without significant price improvements or a built-in backup gateway, it’s new features might be nice to have rather than need to have. Putting into question it’s true value proposition in the Australian market.
• Bi-directional Charging Limitations: Despite its forward-thinking features, Australian regulations hamper its full potential.

The Powerwall 3 thus stands at a crossroads. For new solar adopters, it’s a leap forward. However, for the retrofit market and those eyeing cost and compatibility, the Powerwall 2 might still be the smarter choice. With a focus that perhaps leans too heavily towards the American market, the Powerwall 3’s place in the Australian energy landscape remains uncertain in more ways than one.

What Is The Performance Specs of Tesla Powerwall 3?

The big difference in this generation of Powerwall is the inclusion of an 11.5kW built-in solar inverter and 6 Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPTs), which means it is capable of handling up to 20kW of solar panels, the value proposition of the Powerwall 3 could be hard to match.

The Powerwall 3 features a 13.5 kWh energy storage capacity, with a continuous power output of 11.5kW and enhanced peak power capabilities, thanks to a high Locked Rotor Amps (LRA) rating. This makes it capable of supporting the startup of high-demand electrical appliances and systems, aimed at ensuring reliable power backup for the entire home.

The Tesla Powerwall 2 must have a separate solar inverter installed. This means the target market for the Powerwall 3 is likely to be customers looking to install solar and a battery all at once, rather than customers who already have solar panels and an inverter installed.

While the Powerwall 2 also has a 13.5kWh energy storage capacity, it has a much lower peak power rating of 5kW. This big improvement for the Powerwall 3 means that it can handle much greater loads in off-grid systems or during a power outage.

What Is The Tesla Powerwall 3 Pricing in Australia?

While Tesla has not officially announced Australian pricing for the Powerwall 3, insights from its U.S. pricing structure suggest it could be very close to the Powerwall 2’s Australian price tag of approximately AU$10,400, excluding installation or the necessary “Backup Gateway”. 

As with the powerwall 2 you’ll need to purchase the Backup Gateway separately for $1,700.

The built-in 11.5kW hybrid inverter may range in cost from $2,000 to $3,500, adding significant value.

What Are The Dimensions of the Powerwall 3 Battery?

Tesla has refined the Powerwall 3’s design, creating a unit that’s both slimmer and slightly heavier than its earlier iteration. The dimensions of the Powerwall 3 are 43.25 in x 24 in x 7.6 in and a weight of 287 lbs in the U.S. which translated to 1098 mm x 609 mm x 193 mm, with a total weight of 130 kg here in Australia.

What Is The Chemistry of the Powerwall 3 Battery?

While there is speculation about the use of cobalt-free Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) chemistry for its battery cells, Tesla has yet to confirm the exact chemistry used in the Powerwall 3.

So while the Powerwall 3 may have switched to Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, unlike its predecessor the Powerwall 2 that uses Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2). The reason for this may be to enhance safety, longevity, and sustainability by avoiding cobalt, despite the trade-off in energy density.

What Is The Powerwall 3 Backup Gateway?

The Backup Gateway or more simply the Backup ‘Switchboard’ ensures homeowners can maintain power during outages and effectively manage their energy use.

Some battery manufacturers have this capability built into the battery. Tesla charge an additional $1,700 for their Gateway which is a notable addition to the overall cost of the system.

Pros and Cons of the Tesla Powerwall 3

What Is The warranty On The Tesla Powerwall 3?

Solar Choice expects the Powerwall 3’s warranty to provide comprehensive coverage for defects and capacity degradation over 10 years. We will confirm specific details upon the product’s release. The industry predicts a warranty structure similar to Tesla’s Powerwall 2 and the US market.

How The Tesla Mobile App Integrates With The Powerwall 3

The mobile app will likely offer real-time monitoring and management, allowing users to tailor their energy use to suit their needs. Whether prioritising backup power, maximising self-consumption of solar energy, or taking advantage of time-based control to benefit from variable electricity rates, the app provides comprehensive control over home energy management.

Is Tesla Powerwall 3 Available In Australia?

While the anticipation for the Powerwall 3 in Australia is high, its expected release in the latter half of 2024 means that potential buyers have time to assess their current and future energy needs.

For those of you Interested in purchasing a Powerwall 3, simply enter your postcode to get in touch with an accredited installer so you can organise early access and discuss the Powerwall 3’s integration into your home energy system. With Solar Choice’s extensive network of professional installers, homeowners can ensure a seamless and efficient installation process.

What Tesla Powerwall 3 Incentives are in Australia?

Australian government schemes and incentives for home & battery systems are available for homeowners. Residents may benefit from various state-based incentives and schemes designed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy solutions, like the Queensland battery booster rebate. Potential buyers should explore available programs in their region to take advantage of financial support or rebates that may offset the initial investment cost.

Integration & Expansion Capabilities

One of the most interesting advancements with the Powerwall 3 is it allows for “DC-coupled battery expansion units.” This feature suggests that homeowners can increase their storage capacity making the system both scalable at a lower price per kWh. Homeowners can stack up to four Powerwall 3 units to achieve a total capacity of 54kWh, offering a scalable energy storage solution that meets their growing needs.

Powerwall 3 Continuous Power, Battery Storage & Load Management

The Powerwall 3 delivers a continuous output of 11.5 kW, offering 20-30% more continuous power than Tesla Powerwall 2 and it’s 5kW output and the Tesla Powerwall Plus (PW+) 5.7 kW. This coupled with the peak power rating, make it a good source of backup power for essential home functions during outages.

Its capability to manage high inrush currents allows it to start even high-demand appliances smoothly. However, homeowners need to carefully plan their backup power strategies, as the significant but finite 13.5 kWh storage capacity can deplete quickly under large loads if not managed wisely.

Innovative Features For The Future

Tesla’s forward-thinking design includes features such as bidirectional charging and the possibility of vehicle-to-home (V2H) power sharing, with the Powerwall 3 potentially serving as a central hub for a home’s renewable energy ecosystem. This integration not only enhances the utility of the Powerwall 3 but also positions Tesla at the forefront of home energy innovation.

Final Thoughts

As the Tesla Powerwall 3 prepares to make its arrival to Australian shores in 2024, the energy sector stands at a fascinating juncture. The mixed reactions from installers underscore the Powerwall 3’s potential as both a game changer for new solar adopters and a possible missed opportunity for those looking to retrofit.

With so much yet to be revealed about how the Powerwall 3 will fit into the Australian context, its launch will be a critical moment to watch. It promises to push the boundaries of what’s possible in home energy storage, potentially reshaping our approach to energy consumption and production.

As we stand on the brink of this technological shift, the true impact of the Powerwall 3 remains to be seen, offering much food for thought for industry professionals, policymakers and homeowners alike.

The post Tesla Powerwall 3: Game Changer or Missed Opportunity? appeared first on Solar Choice.

This article considers some of the information you will need to make a smart decision and provides access to the best installers in Melbourne to provide you with a quote.

Benefits of Installing an EV Charger in your Home

There is a cost involved in getting a fast charger installed in your home. If you have a power socket in your parking bay, there might be a cheaper option to use a trickle charging cable that comes with the vehicle. Below we talk to some of the key benefits of a level 2 EV charger (read our explanation of different types of chargers)

1. Faster Charging. The trickle charger that comes with your car will typically charge at 6 amps to 10 amps while a level 2 fast charger will charge at up to 32 amps. The trickle charger will add 7km to 10km of range to your car per hour while a fast charger will add closer to 40km to 50km per hour for single phase or up to 150km per hour in 3 phase. If your EV battery is close to empty it can take 2-3 days for a trickle charger to get you back to full.
2. Cheaper Charging Costs: Level 2 EV Chargers are usually smart devices that can be managed through an accompanying app. The charger can be programmed to charge at on your cheapest electricity tariff or even integrated with your solar system so that it only charges when surplus solar power is available. This can add up to $100s of benefits per year.
3. Convenience: With a wall-mounted charger the tethered cable can be waiting there to plug into your car as you park in your driveway or garage. As you will likely be plugging your car in after every trip making it as easy as possible to connect your vehicle has value.

We believe these are the main benefits, but there are more depending on your circumstances. These benefits need to be weighed against the cost of installing an EV Charger which are considered below.

Costs to Install a Home EV Charger in Melbourne

When it comes to installing a single AC electric vehicle charger in Melbourne, installation costs can range between $500 to $2,000 excluding the cost of the EV charger. Most EV Chargers themselves cost between $1,200 to $3,000.

The installation cost of EV Chargers depend on factors such as:

• Distance from the EV charge point to your main switchboard and cable pathway
• Indoor or outdoor installation
• Capabilities of the EV charger being installed (solar monitoring, load balancing, 3 phase etc.)
• If you are in a regional area then there may be travel costs required

There are more factors to consider if you are looking to install an EV charger in a commercial setting or in an apartment building.

Need an EV charger installation quote?

Get the best prices for an installed EV charger near you

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EV Charger Grants in Melbourne, Australia

There are no state wide grants for residential EV Charger installations in Melbourne.

The now closed Zero Emissions Vehicle Emerging Technologies (ZEVET) initiative providing funding to Jet Charge, Intellihub and Myenergi to develop and install a range of different public and private EV charging solutions.

The project encompassed:

• Funding for 4 distinct grant projects
• A total of $2.2 million allocated in grant funding

Grants and incentives for EVs are currently being discussed at various levels of government so we encourage you to do your own research including with your local council to see what support is available for EV Charging in your area.

How Much Does It Cost To Charge an EV in Melbourne

Assumptions:

• Based on the nameplate range advertised for the vehicle
• Charging the vehicle from 0-100%
• The off-peak electricity rate is taken from the most attractive plans on compare.energy.vic.gov.au
• 13,300 km driven per year

EV Charger Installers in Melbourne

Finding a trustworthy installer is always a challenge when getting work done on your house. It is important to find an electrician that has experience with the brand of EV Charger you are seeking to install, or is experienced enough to advise you on the best EV Charger for your car and preferences.

Solar Choice has vetted a trusted network of EV charger installers throughout Melbourne and have built a database of their quote information for different EV Charging solutions.

To compare the options online and get final quotes tailored to your home, follow the steps in the link below.

EV Apartment Charging in Melbourne

If you live in apartment building, then there are different challenges to overcome to get an EV Charger installed in your parking bay. Solar Choice is an expert in these projects having assessed carparks in residential strata buildings all across Australia.

We’ve crafted a comprehensive guide on how to get EV chargers installed at your apartment complex.

This guide addresses common challenges and provides actionable advice for navigating discussions with body corporates and property managers, ensuring that EV charging is accessible to all.

Conclusion

There are clear benefits of installing a EV Charger at your home. The cost savings over time will pay for upfront costs of having an EV Charger installed.

For those contemplating the addition of an EV charger at home or those who prefer the convenience of public charging stations, Melbourne is becoming increasingly supportive of EV owners.

There are many experienced electricians who are well-placed to assist home owners put in the perfect solution for their needs.

The post EV Charger Installation Melbourne: Costs & Installation appeared first on Solar Choice.

Redflow was founded in 2005 and has been focusing on the development and production of flow batteries. They have landed on zinc-bromine technology and are one of the world-leaders for developing this technology in a scalable and commercially viable way.

Redflow was publicly listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2010 and with shares currently trading at $0.15 with a market cap of AUD$36million.

Redflow is headquarted in Brisbane Australia but also have an office in California, USA. Their batteries are sold across various countries around the world. The batteries are manufactured in facilities located in Mexico and Thailand.

In February 2023, Redflow signed an agreement to supply a 4MWh of battery project using zinc-bromine flow battery to Energy Queensland, which is marked as their largest Australian project of zinc-bromine flow batteries. It is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2024, as a part of Energy Queensland’s network battery program.

Flow Batteries Explained

A flow battery is a unique type of rechargeable battery, where energy is stored in two liquid chemical solutions. These solutions are kept separate by a membrane within the battery’s cell. The magic happens when these liquids circulate in their own compartments and interact through the membrane, allowing ions to exchange and create electricity. This process can be harnessed to both store and release energy.

What sets flow batteries apart from traditional batteries is their method of storing energy. Instead of using solids, flow batteries utilize liquids. This means you can easily increase a flow battery’s storage capacity (recharge the battery) simply by adding more liquid to its tanks.

A critical aspect of flow batteries is that their energy capacity is determined by the amount of liquid electrolyte they hold, whereas their power output is influenced by the surface area of the electrodes within them. This relationship between liquid volume and electrode surface area typically means that flow batteries are larger and heavier compared to other battery types.

Redflow Battery Technologies

Redflow currently offer the ZBM3 (generation 3) zinc-bromine flow battery. This is the successor to previous popular batteries like the Redflow Z-Cell.

ZBM3 series

The Redflow ZBM3 has the crown as the world’s smallest commercially available zinc-bromine flow battery which is a testament to Redflow’s pioneering role in the flow battery market.

The ZBM3 provides a maximum of 10kWh of output in each cycle with a continuous power rating of 3kW (5kW Peak). That is sufficient to run 80% of typical household appliances while bigger draws from EV Charger, large AC units and pool pumps may require 2 ZBM3’s to operate without topping up power from the grid.

The battery is very heavy weighing 240kg or 90kg without the 100 litres of internal electrolyte. The battery dimensions are 40cm wide by 86cm long and 75cm high.

The battery is resilient to temperature change with a normal operating temperature between 10 degrees and 40 degrees with no air conditioning required.

These batteries are manufactured in Redflow’s Thailand facility and come with a standard 1 year warranty that can be extended to 10 years with an additional cost.

How much do Redflow ZBM3 batteries cost?

Redflow’s ZBM3 batteries cost around $11,000 to $12,000 excluding installation. This makes them slighly dearer than lithium batteries of a similar capacity rating, however flow batteries have various advantages over different battery technologies.

Redflow’s Warranty Policy for Australian Customers

Redflow’s warranty document does not appear on their website so we have been unable to examine the terms for this review.

Their datasheet for the ZBM3 battery outlines a 1 year standard warranty which covers an energy through-put of 3,650 kWh (or 10kWh per day).

They outline that this can be extended to a 10 year or 36,500 kWh warranty with an option long term service agreement. The details of this long term service agreement are not available on Redflow’s website.

Pros and Cons of Redflow Batteries

Pros:

• World leader in flow battery technology
• Main affordable flow battery at residential scale
• Very safe technology with low fire risk
• Low degredation which provides a very low long-term cost of energy

Cons:

• Battery is larger and heavier than lithium batteries and is less aesthetically appealling
• Low power rating of 3kW for 10kWh which limits performance
• Higher upfront cost when compared to lithium batteries
• Flow batteries are still considered an emerging technology and don’t have the same track record as lithium batteries

Battery government rebate schemes across Australia

Currently there is no federal rebate for battery storage. Victoria, South Australia and the ACT have launched their own schemes that are now closed.

The main battery scheme currently available is Queensland’s Home Battery Booster rebate.

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

The post Redflow Batteries: An Independent Review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

Solar Choice regularly updates this article to provide a scientific view of “Are we there yet?”. Since our first analysis back in February 2017, we have modified our solar & battery calculators, assumptions and methodology to reflect the changes in the solar battery storage market.

The article explores solar batteries for residential homes, examining if they’re worth the investment through scientific analysis and real-life examples. It breaks down how these batteries function, advantages such as lower energy bills, reliability during blackouts, battery prices, and available government rebates.

In short, the answer is that even as battery prices drop, the financial benefits of solar batteries are uncertain. Often, the time it takes to recoup your investment exceeds the batteries’ warranties. For many homeowners, solar batteries don’t yet offer compelling financial value unless you highly value black-out protection during power outages and the positive impact on the environment. Keep reading to find out what you need to know below.

Remember, this article is important to us, so if you have any feedback on our methodology or results, we’d love to hear it – send us an email. Also – see our more detailed analysis with 24 case examples here.

What is a solar battery & how do they work?

Before we begin our solar battery cost analysis, let’s recap on how a solar battery works. Solar panels generate power during the day when the sun is shining. This power is used first to supply energy to any needs of the home and surplus energy is then typically exported back into the grid. Some energy retailers offer a solar ‘feed-in tariff’ to buy energy back from the customer.

As an alternative to exported energy back into the grid, the surplus power can be used to charge a battery. The home battery storage system can then be discharged in the evening to reduce the amount of power the homeowner needs to buy from the grid.

Solar power batteries store energy in DC. They can be connected via DC cables to a hybrid solar inverter. Some come with their own inverter built in (e.g. the Tesla Powerwall 3) and can therefore simply be connected to the main switchboard like any other AC appliance. Read more on AC and DC connections for solar battery storage.

How do you benefit from a solar battery?

There are several ways in which a homeowner can benefit from connecting a solar battery to their solar panel system.

Saving on energy bills by reducing the amount of power you buy from the grid

The obvious one is the financial benefit of reducing the amount of power that you need to buy off the grid.

A typical residential solar system without a battery will cover about 30%-50% of household power consumption. With a solar battery, this can be increased to 80%, 90% or potentially even 100% of household power consumption.

When calculating your benefits, bear in mind that to charge a battery you have to forgo some solar feed-in tariff revenue. For example, if you charge a 10kWh battery during the day, that’s a 10kWh less feed-in tariff that you will see on your bill.

There will still be a benefit as you always pay a much higher rate to buy power than the rate that retailers are willing to buy it back from you.

Keep the lights on during a blackout

Blackouts can be highly frustrating and in some cases a risk to health. Different areas of the electrical network are more prone to receiving blackouts than others.

Most solar batteries on the market are now capable of keeping the lights on during a power outage. With some battery models, additional hardware is required to enable the battery to continue providing power during a blackout.

With the energy market closing due to soaring energy prices in mid-2022, for some Australians, we see a desire to increase their independence from the power network. Solar and batteries effectively take the majority of requirements and costs into your own hands.

Reduce your carbon footprint

Although we’ve made huge progress on the rollout of renewable energy infrastructure in Australia, the majority of the power generated on the grid is still from carbon-intensive, fossil fuel sources.

Installing solar panels is a great start to reducing your carbon footprint, but adding a solar battery will often more than double the reduction in your carbon footprint.

Solar Battery Virtual Power Plant (VPP)

In recent years we’ve seen the emergence of many different Virtual Power Plant schemes in Australia.

For participating homeowners, their solar battery may be discharged or charged by the VPP operator at times when they can make money on the wholesale or ancillary markets.

In exchange for this usage (which is often only a couple of times a year), the VPP operator will offer a benefit to the homeowner which might take the form of one of the below:

1. Bonus feed-in tariff (very high rate for power that is used)
2. Annual fixed fee for participating
3. A discount on the installation of the battery

How much do solar batteries cost?

Solar Choice has been tracking the average price of solar batteries in Australia across our database of over 200 solar installers in our Solar Battery Price Index since 2017. Residential solar batteries usually cost between $1,000 to $1,300 per kWh of capacity installed depending on brand, size and location.

The below table shows our current price index which excludes all of the state-based rebates:

* Battery only price is applicable if you are installing solar and batteries at the same time or have an existing solar system with a hybrid solar inverter

** This price is for retrofitting batteries to a solar system that has not allowed for a battery integration in the future which requires an additional inverter/charger to be installed along with the battery

State rebates for solar batteries

While there is no federal rebate for solar batteries like the STC rebate for solar panels, some of state governments have introduced rebate programs aimed at accelerating the uptake of residential batteries.

Victoria

Solar Victoria has now discontinued their rebate for solar batteries as of 30 June 2023 with no indication that it will return.

ACT

In the ACT you can get an interest-free loan up to $15,000 to cover the cost of solar and battery systems. The eligibility criteria are quite broad and support the uptake of a range of climate-friendly products.

Solar battery ROI, savings and payback period

To demonstrate the potential returns of a solar battery we’ve put together a common scenario for a homeowner in Australia. We’ve used up-to-date prices for electricity and solar feed-in tariffs and used our proprietary model which simulates the outcome of the project on an hourly basis for the next 2 decades.

If this scenario does not match your circumstances, then you can enter your details into our advanced solar and battery calculator.

Energy Usage Scenario

We have taken a typical scenario with peak energy usage in the morning and evening with a total energy usage per day of 30kWh. Energy rates were assumed to be a flat rate of 30 cents per kWh and a feed-in tariff of 5 cents per kWh.

Solar and Battery Solutions

We have analysed the impact of a 6.6kW solar system with a 10kWh solar battery on a household with 30kWh of daily usage following the profile in the above graph. Together the solar and battery system would cover 66% of the energy requirements of the house (increasing from 39% to 6.6kW of solar panels only).

The battery is recharged completely on 98.5% of the days. Given the high cost of batteries, we recommend including enough solar panels to reach at least an 80% battery utilisation.

Financial return

See the below table which summarises the outcome of the above scenario. The key takeaway is that the payback period for the solar battery is 13 years. Most solar batteries on the market are only warrantied for 5 to 10 years, so in this scenario, it is likely that the solar battery will not be able to pay for itself during its lifetime.

Assumptions:

• Flat electricity rate of 36 cents per kWh and a feed-in tariff of 5 cents per kWh
• Solar and battery pricing in Sydney from Solar Choice Price Index and Battery Price Index
• Electricity usage of 30kWh a day with load profile as described above
• Energy price inflation at 3% and future cash flow discount rate of 5%

Does this scenario match up? Put your own details into our Advanced Solar and Batteries calculator and determine the ROI for your own circumstances.

Solar Battery Storage Payback Results by Australian city

In our detailed solar battery study we assessed 24 scenarios including examining the different outcomes in each of Australia’s states and territories. As described in the graph below, solar batteries are most attractive in Perth and Sydney when comparing the payback periods.

Conclusion: Solar Batteries Financially Challenged

Based on our numerous analyses of scenarios over the years, we are yet to see a case to install a residential battery with an attractive financial return.

The payback period for a solar battery is usually longer than the warrantied life of the battery, even after factoring in additional benefits from participating in a Virtual Power Plant scheme. In the typical scenario above the battery takes 12 years to pay for itself and most batteries have a 10 year product warranty.

So installing a solar battery is generally only worth it if homeowners place some value on blackout protection and reducing carbon emissions.

Previously Solar Choice has estimated that residential solar battery prices would need to fall to $200-$300 per kWh of battery capacity installed to provide an attractive return, while the current market price is closer to $1,000 per kWh.

We have seen the case for batteries become financially attractive in commercial applications and off-grid scenarios where the revenue calculations are a little different.

FAQs

The post Solar Battery Costs – Are They Worth It? appeared first on Solar Choice.

Using solar electricity for water heating has a surprisingly large number of options and variables. This in-depth guide breaks down the various options given your unique situation.

The estimated stock of water heater types across Australia, 2020.

What’s a Solar Hot Water Heating system?

A solar hot water system captures sunlight to warm water. Solar hot water setups rely on solar collector panels and a water storage tank. A four-person home usually needs two solar panels (about four square meters) and a water tank holding 300 to 360 liters.

For times when sunlight is scarce or when the demand for hot showers rises, opting for a bigger tank is recommended. If the sun’s rays are too weak to heat all the water, a booster, running on gas or electricity can step in as a backup. These systems are designed solely for heating water, not generating electricity.

Types of Solar Hot Water Systems

• Close-Coupled Systems: Ideal for sunny days, these feature roof-mounted solar collectors and an above-mounted storage tank. They work through a natural “thermosyphon” process, where water circulates and heats up as sunlight increases. Perfect for regions with ample sunshine.
  
• Pumped Systems: With solar panels on the roof and a ground-based tank, a pump circulates water between the two. This option suits homes with weaker roof structures or when the tank can’t be roof-mounted. It uses a bit of electricity but offers flexibility in installation.
  • Direct System: Water heats directly in the collectors and rises into the tank.
  • Indirect System: Uses anti-freeze for colder climates, preventing freeze damage with a separate heat exchanger to warm the water.

Boosters for Consistent Hot Water:

• All systems come with electric or gas boosters for days when the sun isn’t enough. Electric boosters can use off-peak tariffs for savings, while gas boosters offer efficiency and are ideal for instant heating needs.

Frost Protection: Crucial for cold areas to prevent system damage.

• Indirect systems with heat exchangers and frost protection valves are common solutions. Some systems use pumps to keep water moving and prevent freezing, a must in areas with unreliable power supplies.

Choosing Your System:

• Consider your current water system configuration, your location’s climate, roof strength, and hot water needs.
• Discuss frost protection options with your supplier, especially important in colder regions.

How to buy the best solar hot water system?

There are five main factors when configuring the best solar system for your home. Homeowners should evaluate these factors to achieve a balance between cost-effectiveness and efficiency in their water heating system setup.

For a new-build home or a home where a full energy makeover is underway, all five are likely to come into play, while an older home with existing water & electricity infrastructure may only want to change up one or two factors.

These factors are:

1. Water Heating System Type(s): Choose between electric instantaneous, storage tank, solar thermal, or a hybrid of these systems for your home.
2. Types of Electricity Tariff: Determining if you are on a flat rate, time of use, or flexible rate will depend on your metering setup.
3. Controlled Load aka Dedicated Circuit: Determine if your system operates on a controlled load aslo known as a controlled circuit.
4. The Size of Your Solar PV System: Assess the size of your solar setup and if it produces excess energy beyond your immediate needs.
5. Solar Water Heating Timer & Scheduline: Consider the method for heating your water, whether through timers, green circuits, solar diverters, or maintaining a constant ‘always on’ approach.

Now let’s look at each of these five factors one by one.

What about gas water heating?

Note that this article focuses on electricity and doesn’t really talk about gas-based water heating (which in any case is less popular in Australia). If you use gas water heating, then most of this is irrelevant unless you’ve got a solar booster to go along with it.

1. Water Heating System Type(s)

Storage/tank hot water:

This is currently the most common type of water heating in Australia (roughly 50-70% of homes depending on how you count it), and is usually done with electricity (about 30-40%) as opposed to gas (about 20-30%). If you don’t have solar PV or solar hot water, then all of the energy used to heat your water comes from the the grid; you pay either your main tariff rate for this energy, or you have a controlled load tariff where the rate is a bit lower (more on this below).

If your tank-based hot water system is coupled with a solar hot water system (aka solar thermal – usually evacuated tube or panel type – see below), this is likely to do most of your water heating, with your tank getting topped up by the electricity grid only when sunlight falls short.

An electric hot water storage tank system by Rheem. (Image via Rheem Australia.)

Solar PV System heating

If you’ve got a solar PV system, on the other hand, the solar energy it produces will only go towards heating your water if:

1. Your hot water element is on your regular tariff (i.e. not on a controlled load – see below),
2. You’ve got surplus solar energy during the day, and/or
3. You’ve got a solar diverter that allows you to ‘toggle’ between your controlled load circuit (whose operational times are decided by the network, not you) and your ordinary/mains electricity (which you can draw from whenever you want, but which you may pay a higher rate for).

We note here that one of the crucial sub-factors involved is the wattage (or instantaneous electricity draw) of your water heating system. Often, this is significantly higher than virtually anything else in your home. In my house, where we have a small tank, the element uses about 3.6kW, which is just barely ‘covered’ in the winter months by the 4.4kW solar system on my roof – and even then, only during the prime sunshine hours between about 11am and 2pm.

Heat pump systems: A class of their own

While this article focuses on ‘electro-resistive’ water heating (which is commonplace in Australian homes), in fact the most efficient type of tank water heating systems are heat pump-based systems. Heat pump hot water systems are dramatically more effective than conventional electric hot water system heaters because they actually draw renewable heat from the air rather than creating heat from electricity.

A heat pump hot water system by Sanden.

If you do not have a heat pump hot water system already, they are well worth considering as a way to improve the overall efficiency of and reduce energy consumption in your home – especially if you’re building a new home or looking to replace an older, failing water heating system.

Check out the below resources for further background & guidance on the topic of water heating & heat pumps:

• Solar Choice buyer’s guide to heat pump
• EnergyRating.gov.au’s ‘water heaters’ section
• This article about the potential renewable heat in Australia by My Efficient Electric Home Facebook group founder Tim Forcey

Solar thermal hot water systems

If you’ve already got one of these on your roof and it’s working well, that’s fantastic. These systems are great at directly harvesting the sun’s warmth to provide you with hot showers – even if they need to be occasionally boosted by mains electricity or solar PV to ensure they’re fully topped up.

If you’re considering a brand new solar hot water system and have limited budget, however, you may also want to consider getting a heat pump based water heating system coupled with a solar PV system instead. Solar PV is versatile and cost-effective to install (and doesn’t require additional plumbing work as solar hot water does), and having a heat pump based system will allow you to easily do most of your water heating using solar PV (provided you’ve got the right tariff setup – see below).

Example of a panel type solar hot water system by Rheem. (Image via Rheem Australia.)

Tankless / Continuous flow / Instantaneous water heating

If this is the type of water heating in use in your home, then your solar-related options are quite simple (and limited), as the water heating happens on-demand, while you’re running hot water.

This means that your only real option for maximising your rate of solar water heating is to try to shift more of your hot water usage to daylight hours – which is only really possible with dishwashers and washing machines that draw hot water (which we don’t recommend because they can increase your hot water demand unnecessarily).

For most households, however, hot water is used for showering – and it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to start taking showers in the middle of the day, when the sun is most abundant but most people happen to be out and about!

Example of a tankless water heater by Rheem. (Image via Rheem Australia.)

2. Types of Electricity Tariff

In Australia, there are two primary types of electricity tariffs: Flat rate & time of use (TOU). Either of these can be used to power a hot water element in conjunction with solar hot water, solar PV and possibly a controlled load tariff (see below).

Whether your home is on a flat rate or TOU tariff depends on your metering setup. Most Australian households are on a flat rate, but it is possible to switch between the two – although there is usually a setup cost of several hundred dollars associated with doing so. (Check your electricity bill to find out which one you’re on.)

Below we discuss the implications of each of these for households with a storage tank hot water system. (Note that the below recommendations assume that you do not have a controlled load for your hot water.)

Flat Rate Tariff

On a flat rate tariff, you pay the same amount per unit of electricity regardless of the time of day that you use it. (A similar tariff is ‘block rate’, where the rate increases or decreases depending on the cumulative amount that you’ve used that day, month or quarter). On a flat rate tariff with no solar, it doesn’t really matter when you heat your water, but you’ll probably want to ensure the tank is fully heated before you take your showers – whether that means heating it overnight for morning showers, late afternoon for evening showers, or both. If you’ve got solar PV on your roof, heating during the peak sunlight hours of the day (i.e. about 10/11am to 2/3pm) will allow you to take advantage of the solar energy you have available.

TOU or Flexible Tariff

On a time of use (TOU) or ‘flexible’ tariff, you pay more for electricity during ‘peak’ times and less during ‘off peak’ and ‘shoulder’ times (n.b. that shoulder rates do not apply in every state). This gives you more control of how much it will cost to heat your water, as you can save money by running the element during cheaper off-peak & shoulder times as opposed to more expensive peak times (usually late afternoon into early evening). If you’ve got solar PV, you can also heat water affordably by running your element while the sun is shining.

Example of a time of use tariff schedule, from Ausgrid in NSW.

Assuming your water is heated on your ordinary flat or TOU tariff (as opposed to controlled load, which requires a separate meter – see below), then you have control over when your water is heated and for how long. Your element will automatically switch off when the water within the tank reaches the temperature set on your tank’s thermostat (usually about 40-45C).

Generally speaking, it is not in your best interests to allow water heating 24/4, as this would cause the heating element to come on regularly and unnecessarily throughout the day and night – even if, for example, you only use hot water in the evening. Instead, the best thing to do is set your element to operate on a timer that ensures ample hot water supply at the times when you need it at the least cost.

Solar Thermal

If you’ve got solar thermal / solar hot water, this will usually be the cheapest way to heat your water, and the heating will automatically take place throughout the day when the sun is out. Your mains tariff will automatically kick in to make up the difference in temperature (if the SHW doesn’t provide enough) as long as you’ve got your timer set for it to do so.

Solar PV system

If you’ve got a solar PV system, things are a bit more complicated – and interesting – so this situation deserves a detailed investigation (see the ‘Timers and Control Options’ section below). The simple way to approach it, however, is to set your hot water to run during peak solar production time (about 10am-3pm or so).

3. Controlled Load: What Is It & Are You On One?

A controlled load (also sometime referred to as dedicated circuit on electricity bills or colloquially as ‘off peak hot water’) is an electrical device in your home whose operation is controlled by the local electricity network (not your electricity retailer) via a dedicated electricity meter which responds to ‘ripple’ signals that trigger it to come on.

You can find out if your hot water is on a controlled load by looking at a recent electricity bill and checking for a ‘dedicated circuit’ or ‘controlled load’. If you’d like to add a controlled load to a house without one already, it will cost several hundred dollars in metering and electrical work.

Controlled load charges on an electricity bill.

Hot water elements for storage/tank systems are by far the most common type of device on a controlled load circuit. Being able to control when these operate allows the network to manage electricity demand (or ‘network traffic’) by ensuring that tens of thousands of heating elements are not all switching on at the same time and overloading the system. The principle is that homes with a hot water storage tank don’t necessarily need to heat their water as they use it – it can be heated up hours beforehand and the tank will still be more or less ‘full’ when the water comes out.

For the slight inconvenience of not being able to exactly control the timing of the water heating (which isn’t an issue if your water tank is appropriately sized), households on a controlled load tariff get charged a lower rate for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy that goes into water heating. Types of controlled load tariffs vary by state, but in NSW (which has a similar approach to several other states) there are two types – Controlled load 1 & 2. Controlled load 1 heats only overnight, while controlled load 2 will heat for a chunk of time during the day as well. In Tasmania, on the other hand, the controlled load tariff for hot water heats day and night while still charging a lower rate.

Controlled loads and solar power

If you’ve got a solar thermal / solar hot water system, your controlled load will switch on from time to time to top up the temperature of your tank, with the end result being fewer kWh of electricity purchased from the grid (on either your mains tariff or controlled load tariff).

If you’ve got a solar PV system, it will not help you directly offset your water heating costs unless you have a ‘booster switch’ or solar diverter. In other words, the controlled load functions independently of your home’s ordinary consumption unless you’ve got some sort of device (and appropriately wired metering) that allows it to ‘switch over’ to your primary tariff.

Note that if your solar feed-in rate (e.g. 12c/kWh) is similar to or the same as your controlled load rate (e.g. 12 or 15c/kWh), it may work in your favour to take no action at all, as each unit of solar that you send into the grid is basically paying for the water heated at other times of day. By doing nothing in this case, you avoid having to splash out on a diverter and/or metering changes. If, however, your feed-in rate is significantly less than the rate(s) you pay for water heating (e.g. 8c/kWh vs 20c/kWh) then it might be worthwhile to look into making physical changes to your setup so you have more control.

Controlled load 2 water heating(in red) displayed on Solar Analytics‘ monitoring platform. Controlled load energy consumption is not offset by solar PV.

4. The size of your solar PV system:

If you’re looking to heat your water with a rooftop solar electric system, there are two important things that you need to consider:

• What’s the wattage (instantaneous energy draw) of your water tank element compared to the peak output of your solar system? For example, if you’ve got a 2kW solar system on your roof but have a 4kW element in your hot water tank, the solar system will never be able to fully ‘cover’ the element’s energy draw. This means that as a best case scenario
• How much of your solar energy is going towards non hot water-related loads in the first place? If you’ve got smaller solar system (e.g. 1.5kW – 3kW), then there’s a reasonable chance you’re using a lot of the energy it produces for things other than water heating (like doing laundry, running your dishwasher, electric cooking & heating/cooling), which means less energy left over to go towards water heating.

Generally speaking a 4kW or 5kW solar system (both popular sizes these days) will be sufficient for both of the above in most of Australia – although the details will of course vary from case to case.

5. Solar Water Heating Timer & Scheduling:

Once you know what your water heating setup is and how you’re charged for your water heating, you’ll be ready to decide how to manage & schedule your water heating.

IMPORTANT: For any of the below options to work, it is necessary for your water heating element to be on your mains tariff (i.e. flat rate or time of use, as discussed above), or be able to ‘toggle’ between your mains tariff and controlled load tariff. If all of your water heating is done only on a controlled load circuit, then none of them will have any impact.

Water Heating Timer

• Set your water heating on a timer. Quite simply, this involves installing a physical timer (manually or remotely controlled) onto your switchboard. This will allow you to set the period or periods during the day that your hot water element switches on.
  • Pros: Relatively inexpensive to implement (maybe a few hundred dollars at most). If you check, you might even already have one installed.
  • Cons: Timer’s aren’t foolproof and are a ‘dumb’ approach to hot water management. For example, if you set your hot water to run during daylight hours to take advantage of the sun, then you could end up paying more for water heating:
    • a) if the weather is bad and your solar system doesn’t produce as much energy as expected (this is because the instantaneous power requirement of heating element can easily exceed the power production of your solar system); and
    • b) if you’re on a time of use tariff and scheduling your hot water to come on high solar production times (which happen to coincide with expensive shoulder & peak pricing periods) and your solar produces less than expected (or if you’re running other devices in the house which drive up overall energy demand). In this case, you could end up paying peak rates to heat your water instead of with solar or with cheaper overnight off-peak rates. (Read more about this potential issue here.)

Solar Diverter

• Install a solar diverter. A solar diverter is a device that senses when you’ve got surplus solar energy and shunts it into your water heating element instead of sending it into the grid. Often they are sold as stand-alone units, but more and more they are also being built into solar inverters at the factory.
  • Pros: With most solar diverter brands, the device allow water heating to happen at lower wattages than the element would ordinarily run at – for example, running at only 2.2kW even when it would normally run at 3.6kW. This allows precise use of excess solar energy for water heating – as opposed the the more ‘blunt’ mechanism of a timer, which just switches the element on at full blast (e.g. 3.6kW) when solar energy should be available without actually knowing if it really is.
  • Cons: Solar diverters can be expensive to install – from $800-$2000, depending on the model and the complexity of installation. Whether the cost is worth it for your home comes down to how much money you spend on water heating; households with large water heating requirements will see better value and shorter payback periods than those with smaller water heating loads. Additionally, the money spend on a hot water diverter could alternatively be put towards a more efficient water heating system.

Green Circuit

• Use a ‘green circuit’. Green circuits are a concept pioneered by energy management system developers carbonTRACK. A green circuit is in essence a sort of ‘smart timer’ that is triggered to automatically switch on a load (such as hot water element) as soon as it senses when a solar PV system hits a pre-determined level of power output (e.g. 3.6kW, 5.2kW, etc), and will continue to run that load for as long as it has been programmed to do so. The load will continue to run for a set amount of time (e.g. 2 or 3 hours) regardless of whether the solar system continues to produce at that level of output. If the solar system does not achieve the threshold by a certain time of day (e.g. 1pm), the green circuit will switch on the load anyway to ensure that the home has enough hot water for the evening.
• Pros: As a ‘set and forget’ solution, this is an excellent compromise between a timer and solar diverter, and with all the additional monitoring capability and management controls that come with carbonTRACK units, it may cost less and offer overall better value than a dedicated diverter. Furthermore, using a green circuit allows you to also take advantage of cheap, overnight off-peak electricity prices, as it also functions as a standard timer.
• Cons: While a bit more effective than a simple timer, a household using a green circuit may fall victim to some of the same problems that come with using a timer. That is, if the green circuit automatically switches on your hot water element (as triggered by the ‘solar threshold’), it will not then automatically switch itself off again if the solar production falls due to shading or changes in the weather; this could result in higher overall charges for hot water.

Leaving Water Heater On

• Leave the water heater ‘always on’. Quite simply, this involves turning on your hot water element and letting it run all the time, topping up the heat whenever required (which may be dozens of short bursts throughout the day).
  • Pros: The ultimate ‘set and forget’ solution, this costs nothing to implement and ensures you have hot water whenever required, as the element will automatically switch on whenever it senses that the water inside is not heated to the set temperature on the thermostat.
  • Cons: This is also almost certainly the most costly way to heat your water, not specifically taking advantage of available solar energy of lower shoulder or off-peak electricity rates. For anyone concerned with both maximising comfort and whilst also minimising costs, this is least attractive option available.

Cost Guide for Solar Hot Water Heating Systems

When investing in a solar hot water heating system, your expenses encompass not only the unit but also installation fees, potential rebates, and the market value of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Below is an overview to simplify the cost structure:

Solar Hot Water Systems Cost:

• Budgeting: Plan for an outlay of $4,000 to $8,000 for complete installation.
• Cost Variations: Opting for a roof-mounted tank is usually more economical than a split system. Electrically boosted systems also tend to be more cost-effective than their gas-boosted counterparts.

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems Cost:

• Investment Range: A full setup is likely to cost between $3,000 and $4,000.

Cost Determinants:

• System Selection: Choosing between solar and heat pump technologies affects your initial costs.
• Installation Details: Complexity in installation can influence the final price.
• Rebates and STCs: Government incentives and the current value of STCs play crucial roles in affordability.

Evaluating Payback Periods:

Switching from traditional gas or electric systems to solar or heat pump solutions can slash hot water bills by at least 50%. Payback periods depend on several factors:

• The existing system being replaced
• Your household’s hot water consumption
• The new system’s size and cost

So what should you do?

If you’re considering a brand new solar system, you’re in a great position to assess or reassess your home’s water heating system. Most solar companies either offer inverters with hot water diverter functionality or install stand-alone diverters or energy management systems alongside solar panel systems. Armed with the options & information outlined in this article, you will hopefully feel confident about talking them with solar companies whose quotes you are considering.

Similarly, if you’re looking into ways for putting excess solar energy from an existing solar system to better use within your home (namely, by funneling it into your hot water tank), we hope that this article give you and idea of the different options available to you.

Further resources:

Solar / hot water diverters

Energy management system comparison table

Is battery storage worth it in 2019?

The post Solar Hot Water System: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Solar Choice.

Redback Technologies was established in Australia in 2015 and their batteries were first available on the market in early 2016. Redback pride themselves as one of the only Australian companies building solar batteries that are purpose designed for the Australian market.

The companies head office is based in Indooroopilly, Brisbane and the manufacturing facilities are based in China.

Redback have launched single-phase and three-phase battery solutions which are primarily designed for residential or small business applications.

Over 20,000 of Redback’s solutions have been installed for Queensland’s electricity network providers Ergon and Energex and through a sister company Luceo they won Ergon’s tender to install 90,000 energy monitoring devices.

Redback Battery Options and Models

Battery Retrofit – SB Series

Redback Technologies introduces its SB series of batteries, known as the Redback Smart Battery System, offering customers three battery options: SB7200, SB9600, and SB14200, providing 7.2kWh, 9.6kWh, and 14.2kWh, respectively.

This series is AC-coupled to your electrical system and can be retrofitted to an existing solar system. As its AC coupled, it will be compatible with most existing solar inverters.

The SB7200 is configured with three battery units, each with a capacity of 2.4kWh, while the SB9600 and SB14200 consist of four units (2.4kWh and 3.55kWh capacities, respectively). As a result the SB7200 has smaller dimensions measuring 1247x518x370mm, compared to the other two batteries at 1655x518x370mm.

All three battery solutions have an IP54 rating, suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. The batteries also feature built in back up technology meaning they can continue to supply power to a home during a power outage.

Inverter and Battery Bundle – Hybrid Series

Redback’s hybrid series is designed to suit customers looking to install an entire solar, inverter and battery solution. They have a single phase 5kW inverter option and a 3-phase 10kW inverter option for larger homes.

The single-phase hybrid solution can fit up to 14.2kWh in the included cabinet, or can be connected with an additional cabinet to reach a maximum of 28.4kWh. The hybrid solution can be paired with up to 10kW of solar panels to ensure utilisation of the larger battery capacities. The solar panels will be constrained by a maximum charge rate of 4.6kW.

For three-phase applications the ST10000 features a 10kW inverter and like the single phase option can fit 14.2kWh in the included cabinet or can be extended to 28.4kWh with additional cabinets. The solar and battery solution can be matched with a maximum of 16kW of solar panels which should be sufficient to take advantage of even the maximum battery capacity.

Importantly both systems have built in black out protection meaning they can provide power during a power outage. The ST10000 is one of the few residential battery solutions that can provide 3-phase power in back up mode.

The hybrid series is IP54 rated and can be installed indoors or outdoors

Redback Batteries – Key features and points of difference

Integrated App and Monitoring

Redback provide a free to use app which helps you stay connected to your battery system after it has been connected to the internet. The app enables you to monitor you solar panel and battery performance and status.

The app currently have a 2.7 star rating from 29 reviews on Google Play. Their rating is affected by low ratings from 4+ years ago.

Built In Blackout Protection

Redback’s retrofit and hybrid battery options all come with built in blackout protection. This is a key benefits that consumers are looking for to keep power going during a blackout. Some batteries like the Tesla Powerwall 2 require the purchase of additional hardware to enable blackout functionality.

Australian Company and Engineering

As an Australian company, the Redback battery solutions have been designed for the Australian climate. This can be seen with the batteries rated for outdoor or indoor use and their operating temperature broadly rated between -25 degrees C and 60 degrees C. This is a wider range than many other batteries on the market.

Australian Warranty Terms for Redback Batteries

Redback provides a 10-year warranty on all of their products. This is consistent with the length of warranty we expect to see for batteries on the market.

The warranty covers a lot of the typical exclusions like improper installation. One notable point is that if the customer fails to maintain a connection to the Redback cloud for greater than 3 months, so it would be important to ensure there is a stable internet connection and to periodically check the system operation.

There is no performance warranty for the Redback batteries mentioned in their warranty document. So it is unclear how quickly the battery capacity will degrade over time.

The good think about Redback’s warranty is that their team is based in Australia, so we expect the process of claiming warranty to be much easier than some of their foreign competitors.

Customers can contact 1300 240 182, warranty@redbacktech.com or head to their office in Brisbane if they need to claim warranty.

Pros and Cons of Redback Batteries

Pros:

• Australian company with local support teams
• 3-phase back up power

Cons:

• No performance warranty included, so unclear how quickly the batteries will degrade
• MYRedback app is rated 2.7 stars on Google Play

Read About Home Battery Government Schemes Across Australia

South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Australian Capital Territory all currently have a home battery scheme in place.

The South Australian Home Battery Scheme enables eligible South Australian residents to receive up to $4,000 per installed battery.

The New South Wales Home Battery Scheme offers an interest-free loan up to $9000 for eligible households looking to install a solar battery.

The Victorian Government under the Solar Homes Program provides to those eligible, a maximum discount of $4,174 off the battery sale price. The next release of battery rebates is on the 2^nd of September 2020.

The Australian Capital Territory Government under the Next Generation Energy Storage program provides a rebate of $825 per kilowatt (kW). An average household with a 5kW system would be eligible for approximately $4,000.

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

The post Redback Batteries: An Independent Review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

PowerPlus Energy was founded by Bradley Paton in August 2017 in Melbourne, Australia with a focus on developing long lasting and reliable battery storage solutions.

PowerPlus Energy grown to a team of 50 local workers in a 3000 square meter factory with an annual capacity of 210MWh. The founder has made a deliberate effort to hire local workers in manufacturing their batteries, most of them being unskilled workers who are trained on the job.

They specialise in lithium batteries and pride themselves on making batteries that are constructed using cylindrical cells and Lithium Ferro-phosphate (LiFEPO4) which are known for their safety. The LiFE Premium series is their flagship product which merits itself on ease of installation and being infinitely scalable.

The company’s head office is in Scoresby, Victoria and they have an office in Subiaco, WA as well.

PowerPlus Energy Battery Options and Models

LiFE Premium Series:

The Life Premium Series of batteries is their flagship range of lithium iron (LiFEPO4) battery products.  It consists of  the following models:

• LiFe2433P – 3.3kWh nominal capacity (24V)
• LiFe4833P – 3.3kWh nominal capacity (48V)
• LiFe4822P – 2.2kWh nominal capacity (48V)
• LiFe4838P – 3.8kWh nominal capacity (48V) – NEW

The LiFE Premium series of batteries are rated IP40 which means that they’re only designed to be installed indoors.

These batteries are designed to be “racked and stacked” in temperature controlled cabinets which PowerPlus Energy sell separately. They do have an outdoor rated cabinet called the slimline series.

It states in their documentation that the LiFE Premium series is compatible with most inverter brands. However, there aren’t any specific brands mentioned.

The LiFe4838P model in the Premium Series is the latest model which has 15% more capacity than their earlier models. It also has an improved BMS and LED lighting to indicate the battery status.

Eco Series

The Eco4840P model is designed for simplicity and can be AC or DC connected to your solar system. It can also be utilised off or on grid.

Eco Series (4840P) offers a 4.0kWh nominal capacity at 48V. The series also has the capability to be connected in parallel and mounted into standard 19 inch racks or cabinets.

LiFe Premium N70 Series

PowerPlus Energy’s off-grid LiFe Premium N70 Series offers 3 1.3kWh models LiFe1213N for 12V systems, LiFe2413N for 24V systems, and LiFe4813N for 48V systems.

These batteries are designed to suit a variety of off-grid scenarios such as motorhomes, boats and caravans.

The weight of LiFE Premium N70 series is light only 14kg making it light and portable. The batteries have a higher IP rating (IP52) than the other 2 series (IP40)

PowerPlus Energy Battery – Key Features

There are a number of features of the PowerPlus Energy battery worth mentioning:

Battery Management System

The in-built battery management system (BMS) will monitor the internal current, voltage, temperature and cell characteristics. This helps protect the battery by turning it off  if it gets too hot, the current goes too high, or if the voltage fluctuates too much. Once the battery’s temperature, current or voltage normalises, then the BMS will turn it back on. The BMS also enables systems to be upgraded at any stage through the warranty period without the new batteries being impacted by the older more degraded batteries already in the system.

Infinitely Scalable

You can scale the nominal capacity of your battery system due to the modular design of the battery and the fact that it’s designed to be infinitely scalable. Therefore you have more flexibility with regards to your energy storage capacity for the future. This will be useful for those homeowners who later on find their night time use of appliances is put under pressure in the future. 

Hot Swappable

A unique feature of the Powerplus Energy battery is that the individual battery modules can be removed and replaced from a system without needing to turn the power off. This is ideal for off-grid solutions where continuous power supply is critical. 

How Much do PowerPlus Energy Batteries Cost?

We have received the below information from the manufacturer regarding the prices of their products.

*Prices are for individual products only and excludes other required components and the labour cost to install

Australian Warranty Terms for PowerPlus Energy Batteries

The warranty terms differ among PowerPlus Energy’s battery series. Both the LiFe Premium Series and Eco Series modules come with a 10-year warranty from the original purchase date. While the LiFe Premium N70 series has a shorter warranty period of only 3 years.

There’s a few specifics with regards to this warranty worth mentioning:

• PowerPlus Energy will repair of replace the faulty battery at their discretion with new or refurbished parts
• The warranty doesn’t cover accidental damage, normal wear and tear or misuse
• The warranty doesn’t cover installation of battery, workmanship by others or suitability of the product for an application.
• PowerPlus Energy has the right to request photos of installation, history of maintenance schedule, battery charging settings and historic performance data that may be available. 

To make a claim on your warranty, contact PowerPlus Energy directly on 03 8797 5557 or email info@powerplus-energy.com.au

Review PowerPlus Energy’s warranty documents below:

Premium Series Warranty
Eco Series Warranty
Life N70 Series Warranty

Pros and Cons of PowerPlus Energy Battery

Pros:

• Australian company and manufactured in Australia
• Batteries are modular and flexible to cater to a range of different system sizes

Cons:

• Less trading history and smaller company than some of the big battery manufacturers
• Batteries have comparatively low IP rating of 40

LiFe2433P, LiFe4833P & LiFe12033P Specifications

Independent Battery Testing

ITP Renewables have established an independent battery testing centre at the Canberra Institute of Technology and perform accelerated life cycle testing on batteries in 3 year phases. The centre is supported by a  $1.29m grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under its Advancing Renewables Program, and testing is conducted scientifically without interference from any manufacturers. ITP is currently testing 15 residential scale batteries available on the Australian market, and has had a total of 26 batteries installed at the centre.  

The PowerPlus Energy Energy 2RU19 LiFe4833P commenced testing in 2020 as part of phase 3 of the program and the results are publicly available on the battery testing centre’s website. The Powerplus battery was connected to a SMA Sunny Island inverter for the testing.

ITP found that Powerplus Energy’s battery management system is designed to communicate with the inverter, so the inverter is responsible for determining the state of charge of the battery. When cycling at C3 rates, the energy discharged during each cycle was not close to the maximum apparently available, due to the inverter state of charge limits being reached first. The battery is now cycling at closer to a C4 rate and the battery discharges more energy at this rate before reaching minimum state of charge.

Read About Home Battery Government Schemes Across Australia

South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Australian Capital Territory all currently have a home battery scheme in place.

The South Australian Home Battery Scheme enables eligible South Australian residents to receive up to $4,000 per installed battery.

The New South Wales Home Battery Scheme offers an interest-free loan up to $9000 for eligible households looking to install a solar battery.

The Victorian Government under the Solar Homes Program provides to those eligible, a maximum discount of $4,174 off the battery sale price. The next release of battery rebates is on the 2^nd of September 2020.

The Australian Capital Territory Government under the Next Generation Energy Storage program provides a rebate of $825 per kilowatt (kW). An average household with a 5kW system would be eligible for approximately $4,000.

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

The post PowerPlus Energy Battery: An Independent Review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

Applications for the Battery Booster program are now open, providing an opportunity to lower your energy bills and make your home more energy efficient. Now with Solar Choice you can start exploring whether home battery storage is the right choice for you.

Available Rebates

• Standard Home Battery Storage Rebate: Up to $3,000 for households earning under $180,000 a year.
• Low-Income Home Battery Storage Rebate: Up to $4,000 for the main earner making $66,667 or less.
• Eligibility: One rebate per residential address. The program runs until funds run out.

Who Can Apply

Eligibility requires applicants to:

• Own a residential property in Queensland (includes houses, townhouses, or granny flats).
• Have a 5kW or larger solar PV system installed or plan to install one with the battery.
• Select an approved battery system with at least 6kWh capacity from the official list.
• Use an approved installer listed by the government at the time of application and installation.
• Household income must be below $180,000.
• Consent to a safety check by a government inspector post-installation.

Application Steps

Getting Conditional Approval

• Get a Quote: You can get a quote comparison from 3 vetteed installers. You can then check the approved installer list provided by the government to make sure your installer meets all listed requirements.
• Apply for Conditional Approval: Use the  Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) portal to submit your application with the required documents.
• Wait for Approval: QRIDA reviews your application and will notify you.

After Getting Approval

• Schedule Installation: Must be within 90 days of approval, with a possible 120-day extension.
• Pay Fully: Make sure your invoice has all required details.
• Apply for the Rebate: Send QRIDA your full payment proof and other required documents.
• Safety Inspection: Agree to a government inspection of the installed system.

Safety and Installation

• Approved Lists: Only use listed installers and batteries. Check the updated lists online.
• Inspections for Safety: All installations will be checked for safety and standard compliance.

How Solar Choice Simplifies Your Rebate Process

Solar Choice is crucial for households looking into the Battery Booster rebate. As the only online website for comparing solar and battery options in Australia, we make choosing easier for homeowners.

Instant Online Quotes

• Customised options unique to your household: Get quotes instantly online, customised for your home. Compare solar and battery setups to find the best fit for the rebate’s criteria.

Expert Advice

• Independent Recommendations: Our experts provide neutral advice on picking the right solar PV and battery system. We guide you through system sizes, battery capacities, and investment implications.
• Approved Choices: We list over 200+ approved and vetted battery and solar installers. Be sure to check that your choice installer is on the approved installer list provided by the Queensland government.

Tailored Support

• Compare and Decide: Access our vast database to compare quotes from over 200 vetted installers nationwide. Choose what’s best for you.
• Aftercare: We support you even after installation, helping you get the most from your solar battery system and the rebate.

Watch Out for Scams

• Stay Informed: Only trust information from the official Queensland Government website.

Need Help?

• Questions? Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for more information.

Conclusion

Choosing solar energy and battery storage is smart for Queensland homes. The Battery Booster rebate, with Solar Choice’s help, makes switching to sustainable, cost-effective energy, easy and affordable. Begin your move to energy independence with our free online comparison services and advice.

Remember this page is a summary only. Read the official Queensland Government website & application guide (PDF, 772 KB) for full eligibility requirements.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

The post Guide to Queensland’s Battery Booster Rebate for Homeowners appeared first on Solar Choice.

Note: Solar Choice is not affiliated with REC Solar Panels or any solar installer and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product brand over another.

Overview of REC Group – Company History

Founded in Norway in 1996, REC Group is one of the original manufacturers of solar photovoltaic modules with a focus on premium quality. Originally production was completed in Norway and Sweden. In 2010 they became fully automated, producing 26 million solar panels in their production plant in Singapore. In 2015 Norway’s Elkem Group (Bluestar Investment Co. Ltd) acquired REC. Elkem is a world leader in silicon production, which aided the development of REC’s integrated photovoltaics in the global market. More recently in 2021 REC has been acquired by Reliance New Energy Solar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries. Reliance is India’s largest private sector company with activities spanning hydrocarbon exploration and production, petroleum refining, petrochemicals, retail and digital services.

REC Group now has 8 offices across the globe including an Australian office in the Melbourne CBD. The REC Certified Solar Professional Program enables solar installers to become ‘certified’ with them enabling them to offer longer warranty periods to their customers including a product and labour warranty of up to 25 years.

For those looking for an independent REC solar panels review, we’ve done our research and written extensively on this topic:

Key Indicators

What is a Bloomberg Tier 1 Solar Panel?

Bloomberg’s infamous tier 1 ranking is NOT a measure of Solar Panel quality. It is just an indication of the bankability of the manufacturer based on publicly released information on the financial health of the company. This should give you an idea if the company is a large, well-known manufacturer.

REC Group were ranked on the Bloomberg tier 1 list as of Q4 2020.

See full list of Bloomberg Tier 1 Solar Panels

What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?

PV Evolution Labs with support from DNV GL independently test solar panel reliability. The tests are voluntary, with solar panel manufacturers paying to participate in the testing. This testing process is internationally renowned and is an accurate reflection of the solar panel’s performance.

REC solar panels are currently ranked in the PV Evolution Labs Top Performers across 2 of the 6 annual tests in the latest 2023 report.

See full list of PV Evolution Labs Top Performing Solar Panels

Why is office location in Australia Important?

Most solar panel manufacturers entering the Australian market first set up their distribution channels and worry about customer service later. This has led to many unhappy customers who are left trying to contact Chinese head offices to claim on their 10-year product performance warranty.

Relying on your solar installer is not always an option as we’ve seen many residential solar installers (including the large ones) go out of business well within the lifetime of the systems they are installing. 

REC has an Australian office located in Melbourne.

How much do REC Solar Panels cost?

Based on Solar Choice’s database we have provided the below-average costs as an indicative guide. These prices include:

• Full turnkey Solar System with REC Solar Panels
• Installation from a pre-vetted reputable installer from Solar Choice’s network
• Small Scale Technology Certificates (STC) rebate and GST

Important Note: Prices will vary depending on location, inverter brand and which installer is used

REC Solar Panels – Points of Difference

There are many solar panels out there, what makes REC solar panels stand out?

Long Product Warranty

Now that LG have dropped out of the market, REC is one the leading premium solar panel manufacturers. They aim to lead the market in quality and reliability, and as a result offer an industry leading 25 year product warranty. REC solar panels have been shown to be more resilient in corrosive coastal conditions and are tested independently to higher standards than most panels. For example they have been called a top performer by PV Evolution Labs solar module scorecard.

Lower Degradation Rate

REC’s top quality Alpha Pure series solar panels lose only 0.25% of their power annually after the first year and still retain over 92% of their nameplate value after 25 years. At the time of writing, the only other solar panel on the market to match this degradation rate is the Sunpower Maxeon 5. This means this REC solar panel will deliver significantly more power than other solar panels on the market through the course of its 25-year lifetime. 

REC’s Warranty Offer for Australian Customers

Solar panels in the Australian market come with a performance warranty and a product warranty.

The product warranty is probably the more important one as it covers manufacturing defects and most problems experienced with solar panels. The new series of REC Alpha Solar offers 25 years for their limited product & labour warranty* on their panels that are sold in Australia which is just about as good as it gets for residential solar panels. While the other series of REC panels offer a 20 year product warranty which can be extended to 25 years if the installer is a ‘REC accredited installer’.

The performance warranty of REC solar panels is also industry leading. The Alpha and N-peak 2 series offer a guarantee that the solar panels won’t degrade more than 2% in the first year and 0.25% per year thereafter for another 24 years. That means they will be performing to at least 92% of their nameplate value after 25 years. The twin-peak 2 series has a slightly lower guarantee of 0.5% per year for years 2-25 landing at 86% of the nameplate value after 25 years.

REC have a very clearly documented process to claim a warranty directly if your solar installer is no longer around to help you. 

Unlike most solar panel warranties REC will also cover the labour required during a warranty claim process if the solar panel is installed by an ‘accredited REC solar installer’.

*REC warranty conditions apply

Click here to read REC’s full Australian warranty document

REC Panel Technologies

Half-cut cells are the innovation that REC is best known for. The split module design allows for a more efficient solar panel than the standard cell design, providing a number of advantages. Many other manufacturers are developing their own half-cut cell panels. The REC Group has opened a patent infringement lawsuit against Hanwha Q Cells in China, over the half-cut cell technology.

REC Alpha Pure Series

The REC Alpha Pure series features REC’s leading technology which offers greater performance characteristics that almost all solar panels available on the market.

The solar panel is made up of 80 half-cut heterojunction solar cells utilising N-type silicon. The solar cells are connected using lead-free and gapless technology, and are encased in 3.2mm glass and a black aluminium frame.

This all leads to an maximum efficiency rating of 22.3% (REC430AA Pure-R) and a degradation rate of only 0.25% per year after the first year. Most solar panels degrade at 0.5% to 0.7%, so this is a clear advantage of the REC Alpha Pure Series.

The REC Alpha Pure features a temperature co-efficient of -0.24 %/°C which means there will be minimal loss in performance in very hot or cold climates.

REC TwinPeak 5 Series

The TwinPeak 5 series is REC’s other solar panel model sold in Australia which offers slightly lower performance characteristics than the Alpha Pure R.

The TwinPeak 5 series ranges from 395W to 410W utilising 132 half cut P-type solar cells. As a result the solar panel max efficiency rating reaches up to 20.8% which is more in the mid-range of what is available on the market.

The solar panel does still feature the two back supports on the frame. REC also offers a 25-year product warranty on this series if the panel is installed by a ‘REC Certified’ installer.

This solar panel comes with black or silver frame which can align with the customer preference for the appearance of the system.

REC Solar Panel Specifications

Pros and Cons of REC Solar Panels

Should I Buy REC Solar Panels?

In our opinion you can’t go wrong with any of the REC solar panels offered in Australia. If its in your budget then REC solar panels represent some of the best quality you can get in Australia. REC Solar Panels are best suited to homeowners who plan to be in the property long-term so they can enjoy the hassle-free life of the products.

Example of a REC Commercial Solar Project

In March 2020, REC Group installed the below commercial rooftop system on a farm in the Netherlands. The system REC installed is the largest REC Alpha panel setup in Europe, with the 1,415m² system’s capacity totalling 268.56 kWp.

This system contains 746 REC Alpha panels and has the capacity to generate around 240,000 kWh of power a year. To put it into perspective, this much power could supply 80 average houses with electricity for a year.

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

The post REC Solar Panels: An Independent Review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionizing the way we think about transportation, offering a greener and more sustainable future. However, strata apartment EV charging presents unique challenges. This guide aims to provide a guide to apartment EV charging in Australia, including installation tips, apartment EV charger costs, and overcoming body corporate EV charging issues.

Understanding the Basics of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

Before diving into the complexities of EV charging in strata apartment buildings, it’s crucial to understand the basics. EV charging is the process of supplying electric energy to recharge an electric vehicle’s battery. To enjoy the convenience of never needing to visit a petrol station again, having a method to charge your vehicle at home is es.

Types of EV Chargers

• Level 1 Chargers: These chargers can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet and are typically used for charging at home. Although they’re convenient and require no additional setup, they charge rather slowly.
• Level 2 Chargers: A step up from Level 1, these chargers need a dedicated circuit and deliver a higher charging speed. They’re often found in commercial settings but can be installed at home with the right setup.
• DC Fast Chargers: Not feasible for apartment complex EV charging due to their hefty infrastructure requirements.

Challenges: Apartment Building Power Supply vs EV Charging Load

You may think, why can’t the new owners of the electric vehicle just pay for their own chargers to be installed on their own meter?

Firstly and foremost, almost every strata apartment building we have examined does not have sufficient power supply for every parking space to have an operating EV Charger without tripping the power supply to the whole building. You might be able to get away with the first couple of EV Chargers, but at some point you are going to need a solution.

Most solutions will apply some guides to the owners on what type of charger they can install, how the cables are connected to the main switchboard and how they pay for the electricity used.

It is recommended that strata buildings have a strategy and roadmap in place for EV Charging before they give permission to an owner to install a charging device.

Crucially this avoids costly processes of unwinding installations or replacing chargers at a later date and ensures that all owners have equal opportunity to access EV Charging infrastructure.

If there is already power running to the parking spaces and each space has a power outlet, it is quite common that this power is run from the common property meter. This means that the whole building will be sharing the cost of charging the vehicle.

Solutions for EV Charging in Apartments

The feasibility and costs of each solution will vary greatly depending on the existing power supply and electrical infrastructure, the design of the parking areas and the requirements of the owners in terms of the EV charging equipment.

Visitor parking bays

One way to get started with EV charging at your strata apartment without committing to a bigger solution is to install EV charging equipment in the visitor parking bays.

Some rules can be embedded into the charging devices which help limit the maximum use time to ensure the charging equipment can be shared.

Clearly, this isn’t a long-term solution, but can buy some time for the building in lieu of a larger solution.

Trickle charging only

There are different levels of EV charging which require different amounts of power. Trickle charging (level 1) is the slowest option which usually uses a regular 10 Amp power socket.

In some cases, we have seen that there is sufficient capacity available on the power supply for most residents to install a trickle charger without risking an overload on the power supply.

This solution is more likely to be available in smaller apartment blocks with less than 10 parking bays.

Load management systems

The only foolproof way of ensuring that your building doesn’t risk turning the lights off is introducing a ‘load management system’.

The load management system has the ability to control the power draw of the EV chargers so that it does not exceed the building’s power supply.

The are several different solutions on the market varying in capability and cost. The below table outlines some of the choices:

Benefits of Installing an EV Charger in Your Apartment

Despite the initial costs and challenges, there are several benefits to strata apartment electric car charging:

Convenience

Having an EV charger in your apartment means you can recharge your vehicle overnight, making it ready to go when you are. This is especially convenient for charging a Tesla at an apartment or any other electric vehicle.

Lower Operational Costs

Charging electric vehicles in apartment buildings often proves cheaper than using public charging stations, which often apply a premium to underlying electricity costs.

Increased Property Value

As EV charging in condos and apartments becomes more common, having an installed charger can significantly increase the value of your property. This is particularly true as electric vehicle adoption in Australia increases.

EV Charging Feasibility Assessment

Before allowing strata apartment EV charger installations, we recommend the building complete a feasibility assessment and establish a roadmap to enable all owners to have access to EV charging infrastructure.

Solar Choice has completed EV charging feasibility assessments for strata buildings all across Australia and is highly experienced in advising apartment owners on the best and most cost-effective solutions.

Our approach includes the following:

• Organising a qualified and experienced electrician to complete a detailed site survey of all the existing electrical infrastructure, including the incoming mains, main switchboard, meters and breakers, parking bays and potential cable pathways
• Installing a temporary power consumption logger onto the incoming mains so we can determine the power consumption within the building and how much available capacity exists to dedicate to EV Charging
• Solar Choice’s engineering team will review all collected information from site and set out the recommended options for enabling EV charging infrastructure for ALL apartment owners, including staging out the project where possible to avoid a big upfront cost
• A Solar Choice consultant will explain the recommendation and finds to the owners
• Solar Choice can recommend an reputable electrical contractor in every state with experience installing EV charging infrastructure within apartment buildings.

Solar Choice is the leading consulting firm in Australia working on EV charging projects for residential apartment buildings.

If you are looking at other consultants to complete a feasibility study, we highly recommend ensuring that a qualified electrician attends site and installs a power consumption monitoring device as part of the assessment.

How much does it cost to install an EV charger in an apartment?

A typical wall-mounted (level 2) electrical vehicle charger can cost anywhere from $700 to $3,000 just for the hardware. Installation will depend heavily on how the charger will be connecting to electricity.

Some considerations that impact costing:

• Can the charger be wall-mounted or is a free-standing solution required?
• Will a bollard need to be installed to prevent vehicles from accidentally reversing into the charger?
• What distance a cable will need to travel to connect to the main switchboard or closest sub-distribution board?
• Will trenching be required for the cable to pass underground?

An electrician must assess each installation. When we create an EV charging roadmap for a strata building, we often recommend that strata cover some of the above-mentioned costs. This approach makes it easier and cheaper for individual owners to connect their own chargers.

For example, a building with 15 parking bays may decide to put in 3 strategically located sub-distribution boards across the car park so that when each parking bay wishes to connect a charger they have a simpler task and shorter cable run. This also minimises the connections required at the main switchboard and can often mean that any trenching needs only be completed once.

What are the voting and strata requirements for EV charging decisions?

Strata legislation usually requires that changes to common property (including installing electric vehicle chargers in parking areas) follow specific voting requirements.

In most states, achieving a special resolution requires that no more than 25% of the votes (based on the unit entitlement set out in the strata plan) oppose the motion.

In NSW, they classify motions relating to EV charging infrastructure as ‘sustainability upgrades’. This means the vote only requires that less than 50% be against the motion.

Can I Just Install My Own EV Charger at My Apartment?

The short answer is no.

Most strata buildings have limited power supply from the grid. It would only take a small number of residents installing their own charger in order to exceed this limit. If this happens, the mains power supply to the building would trip and you would lose power to the entire building.

Installing EV chargers without a prior plan could lead to additional costs, either for replacing existing EV chargers with future-compatible models or for rewiring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Strata apartment EV chargers in Australia is a complex but increasingly necessary undertaking. From understanding the basics of EV charging in apartment buildings to navigating the challenges and costs associated with body corporate electric vehicle charging, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help you make informed decisions.

Further Reading

For more in-depth information, you can consult Solar Choice’s Complete EV Home Charger Guide or check our Product Reviews.

The post Apartment EV Charging: All you need to know appeared first on Solar Choice.

Perhaps more famous for their electric vehicles, Tesla Motors have been praised for their ability to make leaps and bounds in research and development.

Tesla Australia has attempted to make leaps in the energy sector recently with the newer version of the Powerwall.

How Much Does The Tesla Powerwall 2 Cost?

In Australia, across our network of over 150 solar installers, we expect this installed cost of a Tesla Powerwall 2 to cost around $13,000 to $15,000 including the gateway, delivery, installation and any other required electrical components.

In 2017 the Tesla Powerwall 2 launched with the cheapest price point at $9,000 for 13.5 kWh making it one of the most cost-effective options in the residential battery market.

Since then, initially, high demand and higher production costs led to the wholesale cost of the battery reaching $16,500 in 2022.

Since the start of 2023, Tesla has dropped the price of the Powerwall 2 by 42% to $9,650 including GST after Tesla’s $750 rebate.

Tesla is expected to launch the Tesla Powerwall 3 in 2024, so are likely trying to get rid of all remaining Powerwall 2 stock.

Tesla Powerwall 2 Price Change History (excluding Gateway):

Or in a visual form – you can see the trend in the graph below:

Whether the Tesla Powerwall 2 is a cost-effective product for your system will depend on a closer examination of your electricity needs.

To see if home solar battery storage is worth it, our detailed Solar Battery Sizing and Payback calculator to see the financials for your system.

Tesla’s official release of the Powerwall 2 & Solar Roof

The Chemistry of a Tesla Powerwall 2

Batteries have a positive cathode, a negative anode and are separated by an electrolyte in a simple view of a battery.

The Tesla Powerwall 2 uses Lithium-ion technology where the cathodes are made from a compound of Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel and Manganese (LiNiMnCoO₂).

Other lithium battery chemistries in the on-grid home battery storage market include lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) and lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂).

The battery comes with a 10-year warranty and provides 5kW of output power, making it suitable for large residential homes. Multiple batteries can be daisy-chained together for commercial use.

The battery is 1.15m by 0.76m and can be wall-mounted indoors or outdoors.

Tesla Powerwall 2 Backup Gateway

The Tesla Powerwall 2 ‘Gateway’ is an additional piece of hardware that is paired with the Tesla battery to enable solar and battery system to perform as back up power during a power outage. Otherwise during a power outage your solar and battery system will turn off until power is restored.

The Gateway prevents power from being sent back into the electricity network during an outage which keeps the lines safe for electrical workers working on the grid.

Some battery manufacturers have this capability built into the battery. Tesla charge an additional $1,700 for their Gateway which is a material additional to the overall cost of the system.

Pros and Cons of the Tesla Powerwall 2

Of course, with any product, there’s the good and the bad. We’ve summarised the key points below for you:

Tesla Powerwall 2 Warranty for Australian Customers

The Tesla Powerwall 2 for Australian customers offers two types of warranties: time-based and throughput-based. The time warranty covers defects for 10 years, excluding damages from improper use or installation. It also ensures less than 30% degradation from its 13.2kWh capacity over 10 years. If the battery discharges only 9.2 kWh or less after 10 years, you’re eligible for a warranty claim.

The throughput warranty varies with usage. For typical home use, like storing solar power for evening use or during blackouts, Tesla offers ‘unlimited cycles’. This means about 3,600 cycles over 10 years, assuming one cycle per day.

For other uses, like participating in Virtual Power Plants or off-grid charging, the warranty covers a maximum throughput of 37,000 kWh from the battery’s AC output. This equates to roughly 10 kWh per day, similar to one battery cycle per day over 10 years, considering battery degradation.

Read through Tesla’s full warranty conditions in this document.

Tesla Powerwall 2 Performance Specifications

Tesla Mobile App Functionality

Tesla has made a user-friendly mobile app for people who own a Tesla Powerwall 2 or Tesla electric vehicle. This app is available on the Android and iOS stores. The app shows real-time performance and operation data for the Powerwall 2 and EV. Users can switch their battery between three modes: Back-Up only, Self-powered, and Time-based control. The app is especially helpful when combined with Solar PV.

1. Back-Up Only: The Back-Up Only feature is designed to store all available energy in the battery, ensuring that it remains fully charged. This feature helps to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the system during blackouts. If used with a Solar PV system of sufficient size, the battery can potentially last for weeks.
2. Self-powered Mode: When using the Self-Powered mode, batteries are utilized to make the most of free energy generated from rooftops. This helps reduce energy bills by using energy from the grid only when necessary. Residential batteries help homeowners manage their evening and early morning power usage.
3. Time-based Control: The Tesla Powerwall 2 has an intelligent feature that enables it to charge when electricity is cheaper, and discharge power when it’s more expensive, but only if the owner has a time-based electricity charge from their retailer. The financial benefit of this feature depends on the tariffs of the electricity retailer and is usually not enough to justify the cost of the battery system alone.

How Do I Get a Tesla Powerwall 2 Battery?

To get a Tesla Powerwall 2 you need a local Tesla Australia-accredited solar installer. You can click here to get a free quote comparison from up to 7 local installers near your home.

Read About Home Battery Government Schemes Across Australia

South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Australian Capital Territory all currently have a home battery scheme in place.

The New South Wales Home Battery Scheme offers an interest-free loan up to $9000 for eligible households looking to install a solar battery in certain postcodes.

The Victorian Government battery rebate has now ended.

The Australian Capital Territory is offering interest free loans for projects including battery storage.

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

FAQ

The post Tesla Powerwall 2: A Complete 2024 Buyers Guide appeared first on Solar Choice.

Solar panels installed at a steep enough tilt will clean themselves during heavy rainfall, so when do you need to clean your solar panels and how important is it?

Many Australian homeowners wonder how to clean solar panels and its impact on the performance of their solar system. The question that gets asked most is whether or not hiring a solar cleaning service is actually worth it. This article outlines what you need to know.

Is Cleaning Your Solar Panels Worth it?

Dirty solar panels can cause a reduction in power output due to the accumulation of dirt, dust, or other debris on their surface. The extent of power loss can vary depending on the level of dirt and the specific conditions, such as the angle and orientation of the panels, the type of dirt in your location, and the duration of the dirt buildup.

On average, studies have shown that dirty solar panels can experience power losses ranging from 5% to 35%. However, it’s important to note that these figures are general estimates, and the actual power loss can be influenced by several factors.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of solar panels are essential to maximize their efficiency and power output. By keeping the panels clean and free from debris, you can ensure that they operate at their optimal performance level and generate the maximum amount of electricity.

Book Your Solar Panels to be Cleaned Now

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Factors Influencing Solar Panel Efficiency?

Environmental conditions play a key role in affecting the efficiency of solar panels. Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and airborne pollutants, being part of our natural environment, may deposit on the solar panels. This can block sunlight and reduce the power output.

Impact of Debris

Dirt and debris accumulated on the surface of solar panels can result in a significant loss in energy production. The particles hinder the sunlight’s penetration, thereby reducing the panel’s energy conversion rate. Thus, periodic cleaning is needed to ensure optimal energy production.

Seasonal Considerations

Different seasons bring varied challenges for solar panel cleaning. Winter snowfall can cover panels completely, while autumn may deposit fallen leaves. Spring pollen is another obstacle for solar panel efficiency. Each season, therefore, mandates a different cleaning approach.

Different environments and locations are subject to worse soiling than others.

What makes solar panels dirty?

When to clean solar panels?

As a rule of thumb, it is recommended to clean solar panels at least once every 2-3 years to maintain their optimal performance. 

The frequency of cleaning residential solar panels can depend on various factors such as your location, weather conditions, and the surrounding environment of your home. 

Cleaning the day-to-day dust off a solar panel usually happens naturally in heavy rainfall if your panels are installed at a tilt, so generally cleaning solar panels is necessary where there is more heavy soiling present.

Signs your solar panels need cleaning?

• Visual Inspection: If you can see anything that might be obstructing sunlight from reaching your solar panels, or the solar panels are looking discoloured, then usually it’s time to clean the solar panels.
• Reduced Performance: If you log in to the monitoring system and notice that the system is not performing to expectations (less power than last year, or last month allowing for sunlight variations) then it may be time to call in a solar panel service professional. A Solar Choice inspector 
• Insect or Pest Activity: If you notice an increased presence of insects or pests around your solar panels, it might be a sign that they are attracted to the accumulated dirt, pollen, or other organic matter on the panels. Cleaning the panels before it’s too late can prevent damage to the solar panels and if necessary bird prevention can be installed.
• Panels installed flat or less than 5 degrees: Panels installed with minimal tilt will lose the ability of heavy rainfall to effectively wash them. So dirt will accumulate much faster and will require more frequent cleaning.

Keep in mind, always prioritize safety. Cleaning solar panels often involves climbing onto a roof, so it is always recommended to hire a solar panel cleaning service. Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions for cleaning to avoid damaging your panels.

What are the costs of solar panel cleaning?

The costs of solar panel maintenance service is around $250-$350 but can vary depending on factors such as system size, complexity, and the need for professional assistance. In metro areas across Australia, the typical price to clean residential solar panels is around $15-$20 per panel.

We have another guide here that covers the average cost of cleaning here

Why hire a professional solar panel cleaner?

The best way to clean solar panels is by using a solar panel cleaning service as using a professional comes with many benefits. Here are a few:

Insurance Compliance

If your solar panels are insured, there might be specific maintenance requirements you need to meet for your insurance policy. Hiring pressional solar panel cleaners ensures these are met and that your investment is protected.

Preventative Maintenance

Besides cleaning, professionals can also identify potential issues before they turn into costly problems. This might include damage to the panels, faulty wiring, or other technical problems.

Safety

Solar panels are often installed on rooftops, and cleaning them can involve some risk of injury. Solar panel cleaners are trained to handle these situations, and they have the appropriate safety equipment.

Time-Saving

Cleaning solar panels can be a time-consuming task. Hiring a solar panel service near you allows you to spend your time on other important activities while the work is being taken care of.

Longevity

Regular, proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your solar panels. Solar panel cleaning services know how to clean and maintain panels in a way that prevents damage and helps ensure they’ll last as long as possible.

Expertise

Professional solar panel cleaning services have the knowledge and experience to clean the panels to maximize efficiency. They understand the intricacies involved, like the kind of cleaning agents to use, how much pressure to apply, and other details to avoid damage while maximizing efficiency.

Keep in mind that the necessity and frequency of solar panel cleaning can depend on a variety of factors, including your local climate, angle of the panels, and more. Therefore, it might be beneficial to assess your individual situation and consult with a solar panel expert to decide the best approach.

How to clean solar panels?

Your solar panel cleaning checklist should include a ladder, roof harness, soft-bristled brush with a long handle, outdoor cleaner, long hose, safety helmet, and gloves. For a sparkling result, mix water with gentle soap or opt for a solar panel-specific cleaner. You can gather the necessary equipment from your local hardware store. For instance, Bunnings solar panel cleaning kits are a simple option or you can assemble your own. We’ve simplified the process with this straightforward step by step guide for your convenience.

Quick Guide On How To Clean Solar Panels

1. Switch Off Your System: An important Safety precaution is to begin by turning off your solar system at the switchboard, following the provided instructions.
2. Rinse the Panels: Safely access the roof and rinse the panels to remove loose dirt and grime.
3. Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Mix water with a mild, soap-like dishwashing liquid or use a solar panel-specific cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals to prevent damage to the panels.
4. Apply the Solution: Use a soft cloth or squeegee to gently apply the cleaning mixture. Employ a soft-bristled brush for tackling stubborn spots.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: With a comprehensive water spray, rinse off all soap and cleaning agents, ensuring no buildup remains around the panel frames.
6. Dry the Panels: Prevent water spots by drying the panels with a clean, soft cloth.
7. Inspect: After drying, inspect the panels for any missed hard spots. If soap residue is visible, it should be cleaned off to ensure a pristine finish.

For those considering the DIY route for solar panel cleaning, prioritising safety is essential. It’s crucial to always secure yourself with a harness before beginning any work.

Case Study: Is solar panel cleaning worth it?

If we take a typical residential household in Sydney with a 6.6kW solar system consisting of 20 solar panels on a 1-story roof. We would expect the cost through Solar Choice’s partners to be around $250-$350 to have the solar panels serviced professionally.

In a recent study published by the International Energy Agency, they found that typical dust and dirt can cause output reductions of 3% to 5%. Generally this normal soiling would not justify the cost of cleaning your solar panels. Another study published on Sustainable Energy Research, demonstrated that heavily soiled solar panels could impact performance by up to 60%.

For a typical 6.6kW system in Sydney we know that the daily average production is 23.5kWh per day. Cleaning solar panels that are underperforming by 30% will create an additional 7kWh per day. This would create an additional $44 per month or $528 in the first 6 months.

This assumes that, in this scenario, the owner uses 50% of his solar energy avoiding a 35c per kWh tariff while 50% of the energy is sold back to the grid for a 5c per kWh feed-in rate.

There are plenty of limitations with this generic calculation, so you will need to use some common sense when assessing the state of your solar system and if in doubt you can send some photos to sales@solarchoice.net.au.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

The post Solar Panel Cleaning: Should You Hire a Professional Cleaner? appeared first on Solar Choice.

Costs to Install a Home EV Charger in Sydney

When it comes to installing a single AC electric vehicle charger in Sydney, installation costs can range greatly between $500 to $2,000 excluding the cost of the EV charger. 

This range of pricing will depend on factors such as:

• Distance from the EV charge point to your main switchboard and cable pathway
• Indoor or outdoor installation
• Capabilities of the EV charger being installed (solar monitoring, load balancing, 3 phase etc.)
• If you are in a regional area then there may be travel costs required

There are more factors to consider if you are looking to install an EV charger in a commercial setting or in an apartment building.

Grants for Installing EV Chargers in Sydney, NSW

The NSW government has various grant programs to incentivise the uptake of public EV chargers in Sydney including the Kerbsite Charging Grant and the Destination Charging Grant

For apartment dwellers, there is also up to $80,000 per building available in the EV Ready Buildings Grant to install the backbone infrastructure required to enable apartment owners to install EV chargers in their parking bays.

If you are a homeowner looking to install an EV Charger at your home, we encourage you to check with your local council. For example, the Randwick Council offers a rebate of up to $250 for a household to install an EV Charger.

How Much Does It Cost To Charge an EV in Sydney

Note: Some energy suppliers are offering a super off-peak rate for EV charging, whilst they can’t be seen on energymadeeasy.com we suggest doing your own research to see if one of these EV energy plans would suit the usage of your home.

Assumptions:

• Based on the nameplate range advertised for the vehicle
• Off-peak electricity rate is taken from most attractive plans on energymadeeasy.gov.au
• 13,300 km driven per year

EV Charger Installers in Sydney

When installing an EV charger it is important to find an electrical company that has the right experience with the EV Charger you are looking to install and are experienced in safely installing EV chargers.

To make life easy for you, Solar Choice has vetted a trusted network of EV charger installers throughout Sydney. We check the experience of each installer in our network and validate their electrical contractors licence is current.

For a personalized quote tailored to your needs, simply click the link below and take the first step towards your own EV charging station.

Apartment EV Charger Installation in Sydney

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the EV revolution. We’ve crafted a comprehensive guide on how to get EV chargers installed at your apartment complex.

This guide addresses common challenges and provides actionable advice for navigating discussions with body corporates and property managers, ensuring that EV charging is accessible to all.

Example of an EV Charger Installation in Sydney

This is an example of an Ocular EV Charger that has been installed at EVSE’s warehouse in Sydney. We used this installation to complete our video review of Ocular Chargers.

This charger was wall-mounted and can service 2 different parking bays. This is a 3-phase model and can charge up to 22kW AC.

The post EV Charger Installation Sydney, NSW: Costs & Info appeared first on Solar Choice.

LONGi Solar – Company History

LONGi Solar was founded in February 2000 as Xi’an LONGi Silicon Materials Corporation. The company’s initial focus was on the development and production of single crystal (monocrystalline) silicon wafers that are used in many of the major solar panels brands.

The company now has a total of 10 manufacturing plants producing silicon cells and full solar panels. Eight of them are located in China, and the other two are located in Vietnam and Malaysia. They have also commenced construction on a new facility in India.

LONGi was the only Solar Panel manufacturer to be named AAA-rated by the PV ModuleTech Bankability Ratings in the Q3 2020 rankings. 

As the largest product of solar panels in the world, LONGi was ranked 724th in Forbes’ global top 2000 in 2022.

In Australian, LONGi Solar Panels first came on the scene in 2017 and have since captured a significant portion of the market share. They have established a local Australian office in Sydney to support local customers and installers.

In September 2022, LONGi announced that they had broken the new world record of conversion efficiency of 26.12% for its p-type silicon heterojunction (HJT) cells.

Key Indicators

What is a Bloomberg Tier 1 Solar Panel?

Bloomberg’s infamous tier 1 ranking is NOT a measure of Solar Panel quality in any way. It is simply an indication of the bankability of the manufacturer based on publicly released information on the financial health the company. This should give you an idea if the company is a large, well-known manufacturer.

See full list of Bloomberg Tier 1 Solar Panels

What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?

PV Evolution Labs with support from DNV GL independently test solar panel reliability. The tests are voluntary, with solar panel manufacturers paying to participate in the testing. This testing process is internationally renowned and is an accurate reflection of the solar panel’s performance.

LONGi are not in the latest list of PV Evolution Labs Top Performing Report (2023）

See full list of PV Evolution Labs Top Performing Solar Panels

Why is office location in Australia Important?

Most solar panel manufacturers entering the Australian market first set up their distribution channels and worry about customer service later. This has led to many unhappy customers who are left trying to contact Chinese head offices to claim on their 10-year product warranty.

Relying on your solar installer is not always an option as we’ve seen many residential solar installers (including the large ones) go out of business well within the lifetime of the systems they are installing. 

LONGi’s Australian office is located in Sydney.

How much do LONGi Solar Panels cost?

Based on Solar Choice’s database we have access to average costs as an indicative guide. The below prices include:

• Full turnkey Solar System with LONGi Solar Panels
• Installation from a pre-vetted reputable installer from Solar Choice’s network
• The STC rebate and GST

 Important Note: Prices will vary depending on location, inverter brand and which installer is used

LONGi Solar Panels – Points of Difference

There are many solar panels out there, what makes LONGi solar panels stand out?

The largest solar panel manufacturer in the world

LONGi’s technological and manufacturing not just focus on solar modules but also on the selling solar wafers and cells to other solar manufacturers. According to data from Bloomberg, LONGi Solar has been at the largest solar panel manufacturer since 2020. 

Their annual production capacity is reported to be 105GW for silicon wafers and 60GW for solar panels Q2 2022. 

Vertically Integrated Solar PV Value Chain

LONGi owns most steps in the vertical supply chain to produce a solar panel including producing ingots, silicon wafers and solar cells. This strategy enables them to keep greater control over the supply and quality of each step of the process.

Many other solar panel brands acquire silicon wafers or solar cells from LONGi and pick up the process from there

LONGi only produces monocrystalline PERC solar panels as they have been focused on producing single crystal (mono) silicon wafers since the early 2000s. Generally their panels have higher efficiency due to leading cell technology than their competition at a similar price range.

LONGi Solar Panel Technologies

LONGi Solar currently has 149 solar panels approved by the Clean Energy Council in Australia under the name “LONGi Green Energy Technology Co Ltd”. This is a requirement to be eligible for the federal STC solar rebate.

LONGi has two main series of solar panels: Hi-MO 4, and Hi-MO 5, which have a variety of different options to suit residential, commercial and utility-scale projects.

Hi-MO 4 Series

The Hi-MO 4 series uses gallium-doped silicon cells which improves the solar panels resistance to LID. In simple terms the amount of power the panel will produce will remain higher over time than most other panels with an annual degradation rate of 0.55% per year (typically 0.7%). These solar panels also offer a 12-year product warranty which is in line with most of the options on the market.

Hi-MO 5 Series

LONGi have also increased the working current within the panels to ~13amps (from 11amps in the Hi-MO 4m series) which is better suited to the mainstream string inverters that are available.

This range includes the traditional colours and an ‘all-black’ option like the Hi-MO4 series

The series also offers an ‘all black’ option where the solar cells and aluminium frame are black to offer customers a more aesthetically pleasing solution for their roof. 

Hi-MO 6 Series

The Hi-MO 6 series comes in 4 different variants which have been named by LONGi as the Artist, Guardian, Explorer and the Scientist.

The Artist features coloured panels for a specific aesthetic appeal. The Guardian has a built in power optimiser on each panel which makes installation simple for projects seeking this technology.

The Explorer and Scientist models are Longi’s more cost-effective solar panels and the ones you are mostly likely to see quoted in Australia, with the Scientist being the slightly superior model. These solar panels feature a maximum efficiency of up to 23.0% which is a market leading figure.

They are also guaranteed to degrade slower than many of their competitors with the annual degradation rate after year 1 guaranteed to be no more than 0.4% p.a.

As per previous series, the Hi-MO 6 solar panels come in an all black version to suit customers preference for the appearance of the solar array.

LONGi’s Warranty Offer for Australian Customers

Solar panels in the Australian market come with a performance warranty and a product warranty.

The product warranty is probably the more important one as it covers manufacturing defects and most problems experienced with solar panels. LONGi typically offers 15 years for their product warranty, however some of the Hi-MO 6 panels have a 25 year product warranty – it is important to check the datasheet of what you’ve been quoted. A product warranty of 25-years is quickly becoming the norm in the Australian market.

Looking through LONGi’s warranty documentation, there is a clearly documented process to claim a warranty and adequate remedies available after an assessment has been made. Given LONGi have an Australian office to assist with this process, this is one of the better options available in the market.

The performance warranty for solar panels guarantees a maximum rate at which the solar panel will degrade over time. LONGi’s latest Hi-MO 6 (Scientist) series guarantees that their solar panels will degrade no more than 1% in the first year and then no more than 0.4% for the following 24 years. This gives them a slight edge of many of their competitors who typically offer (2.5% in year 1 and 0.7% thereafter).

Over time we would expect LONGi solar panels to slightly outperform other cost-effective brands, however making a claim against the performance warranty for a residential customer is difficult without high quality monitoring equipment.

Click here to read LONGi’s full Australian warranty document.

Pros and Cons of LONGi Solar Panels

LONGi Solar Panel Specifications (common modules)

So, are LONGi Solar Panels a good option for me?

 LONGi Solar Panels are a great reliable option for a customer looking for an affordable mid-range panel from a company with a solid financial backing and reputation. Given their size, if your solar installer goes out of business, you have a very good chance of claiming warranty directly from the LONGi as they are established in Australia and are the biggest manufacturer in the world.

Example of a LONGi Commercial Solar Project – Numurkah Solar Farm (Victoria, Aus)

• Date: Q3, 2019
• Type of Application: Utility-scale solar farm
• System Size: 128 MWp

LONGi were selected by as the solar panel manufacturer by French renewable energy producer Neoen. The project features 373,839 ground-mounted solar panels spanning 515 hectares. The farm has long-term supply agreements with the Victorian Government and will power Melbourne’s tram network and Laverton Steelworks.

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice

The post LONGi Solar Panels: An Independent Review by Solar Choice appeared first on Solar Choice.