Posts By Anthony Bennett On SolarQuotes

Alpha ESS Battery Review: An Unforgettable Installation Experience

Installation: Sure Solar

The Alpha ESS battery: hailed by many, criticised by others. Established in China in 2012, Alpha’s surge in popularity across the Australian market has many of us asking if these batteries are a fantastic bargain or asking for trouble.

Through my journey of installing various models, including the SMILE5 series, I’ve witnessed both the charm and the hiccups. Join me in my recount of an installation experience that I’ll never forget, and find out if the Alpha ESS is worth your time and money. [Read more…]

Battery Degradation Part II: How To Measure It

dead solar batteries

Image Credit: Selectronic Australia

All batteries degrade over time. The battery warranty specifies the maximum degradation you can expect – typically over ten years. But how do you know how much your battery has actually degraded?

[Read more…]

BYD Battery-Box LV, HV & Pro Discontinued. Expand Your System Now Or Never.

BYD Battery Box LV, HV & Pro

BYD Battery Box LV, Battery Box HV & Battery Box Pro

The Clock Is Ticking for BYD’s Legacy Battery Box Products

[Read more…]

Flexible Exports Rules: A Bright Future With A Shade Of E-Waste

The recently enacted Flexible Exports rules for new solar power systems in South Australia set a global example for grids with lots of rooftop solar. However, there’s an unexpected fallout for rooftop solar owners. And although this is currently only a problem in SA, the rest of Australia needs to learn from our mistakes to prevent a mountain of e-waste as Flexible Exports likely become mandatory nationwide in the coming years.
[Read more…]

Battery Degradation: How Do You Work Out If Your Battery Is Up To Snuff?

In this first of a two-part series, we’re going to shed light on some of the lurks you need to know about owning a battery hybrid solar power system. Specifically understanding, measuring and managing the degradation.
[Read more…]

Is Home WiFi The Achilles Heel Of South Australia’s Flexible Exports Program?

South Australia – where more than 1-in-3 homes have rooftop solar – is once again leading the charge in solar energy integration with the introduction of Flexible Exports for new solar connections, starting in earnest this month (July 2023).
[Read more…]

The Importance Of Earthing Solar Panels: A Shocking Revelation

We may have dramatised this image a little.

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to solar energy installations. Unfortunately, not all solar systems meet the necessary standards, which can lead to some shocking situations. Pun intended. [Read more…]

Queenslanders Paying Coal-Fired Prices To Solar Power Their EVs

coal baron stealing solar

Finally, the coal barons have discovered how to extract revenue from free fuel…

Sun-Powered EVs, Coal-Priced Bills: Queensland’s Solar Irony [Read more…]

Blemishes Appear On Top-End REC Alpha Panels Less Than Two Years In

blemishes on 2 year old REC Alpha panels

Recently we fielded a query from a Western Australian gent who was curious about a special extra detail he’d noticed in the premium products bought from a recommended installer. [Read more…]

Damn It’s Cold: Inferior Housing Leaves Australians Freezing

They might look nice, but French doors are a leaky liability. Draft-proofing has been a winner for me (note the lack of a dark blue line around the doorframe in the right-hand ‘after’ pic).

The winter solstice is upon us, bringing dismal weather to Adelaide and much of Australia. And in other shocking news, water is wet. [Read more…]

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