Charging your car involves cables, so we’ve gathered a few hints and really useful tricks for managing the situation without accidentally killing someone. [Read more…]
About Anthony BennettAnthony joined the SolarQuotes team in 2022. He’s a licensed electrician, builder, roofer and solar installer who for 14 years did jobs all over SA - residential, commercial, on-grid and off-grid. A true enthusiast with a skillset the typical solar installer might not have, his blogs are typically deep dives that draw on his decades of experience in the industry to educate and entertain. Read Anthony's full bio.
How to Stop Your Power Company Locking You Out Of Your Own EV Charger
Image credit to Nigel from JNA Electrical who was there to rescue this customer and get them up to standard.
It’s come to our attention recently that at least one customer has found his EV charger isolated, locked out, and served with a defect notice after a visit from his local electricity network, Energex. [Read more…]
Does Your Hot Water Need Wi-Fi?
I inadvertently brought a flyer home from a trade show recently, and my wife did a double take that stopped her and the recycling process in its tracks. She was fascinated and horrified at the WiFi control logo on this hot water tank
“I can’t even have a shower in peace now…WHY ! does hot water need WiFi?“
It’s Not Weak To Speak
Vale Trevor Day, 1984 – 2024.
Last month the electrical industry lost a much loved son. I’d like to celebrate a life cut short and underline the importance of mental health.
Second Hand Solar – Don’t Waste Everyone’s Time
This would NOT be a good addition to your shack; in fact, Samil inverters were no good when they were new.
As solar power systems age and power prices climb, an upswing in used solar is hitting the secondhand market. But please don’t think these bargains are something you can screw to your roof and easily save a few dollars with. [Read more…]
Stop Hot Spots: Simple Solar Panel Maintenance Tips
The whiter the image, the hotter the area.
Recently, I found myself back on the roof of a shed I hadn’t worked on for at least a dozen years. The solar hadn’t gone anywhere, but damn, it needed a clean. [Read more…]
Solved: The Voltage Mismatch Causing Sungrow Inverters to Drop Power
Like any complex modern technology, solar inverters often have flaws. In this post, I’ll explore one of the most curious problems I’ve seen in recent years. Thanks go to Sungrow for keeping my job interesting… [Read more…]
Don’t Ignore Your Solar: Maintaining Monitoring Makes Sense
Is your system performance within normal range? Without good monitoring, you’ll never know.
As an installer, there’s one thing I have always tried to explain to customers. You need to keep an eye on your solar. It’s not just about economics but a legal obligation in many cases. Read on while I explain why monitoring is important, how to get it, and how to keep it working. [Read more…]
Australia’s Biggest Solar Expo: Giant Solar Flowers & Tesla Semi Lookalikes
A show of hands for a pop quiz after a training session
Has it really been a whole year since we last enjoyed the warm embrace1 of the Melbourne convention center? It doesn’t feel like it but for those who couldn’t attend, please read on while I document a few random pictures from the enormously busy exhibition floor.
Battery Owners: Why You Still See Small Energy Imports Despite a Full Battery
The only thing that’s grown more than electricity bills recently is the number of new solar power systems installed with batteries. I’m guessing a close third is the growth of my inbox, specifically with questions about small unwanted energy imports. Read on while I explain; please, stop emailing me…
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