I can’t quite believe it’s been over a year since I penned an article about buying my first EV.
Pint Glasses to Power Grids: Explaining kW and kVA
Electrical devices have many different ratings, but one of the most confusing distinctions for the average consumer is between kilowatts (kW) and kilovolt-amperes (kVA).
Self-Cleaning Solar: Why You Should Avoid Flat Solar Panels
You may have heard that flat solar panels require regular cleaning, but those angled at 10° or more don’t. But is it really true? [Read more…]
Eclipsing Trust: Trina Solar’s Ongoing Warranty Worries
In the competitive solar panel market, Trina Solar stands out as a brand synonymous with reliability and value. They’ve built a reputation on promises of quality and durability, making them a trusted choice for Aussie homeowners. However, a recent chat with a fellow installer reveals a stark reality that may leave you questioning their reputation; and us questioning their place on the SolarQuotes recommended panel chart. [Read more…]
How To Go Reliably Off-Grid With Your Tiny House Or Cabin
Image credit: NESCA
A growing number of Australians are trying to avoid the hellscape that is the current Australian housing market. The trend towards tiny houses shows it’s not hard to build a neat little dwelling and plonk it somewhere nice. [Read more…]
How To Safely Add Solar Power To Your Caravan, RV Or Camper
At SolarQuotes, we often field inquiries about remote-area solar power systems, and increasingly, we’re seeing interest in their little brothers, too: off-grid systems for buses, caravans, RVs or trendy tiny houses.
How To Kill Friends And Electrocute People: Wiring Without An Electrical Licence
So you’d like to be an electrician? Here’s half your required reading…
Australia’s conservative electrical licencing laws mean there’s really not much a homeowner can DIY, beyond changing light globes or rewiring a ceramic fuse (if your switchboard hasn’t been upgraded since the the 1960s). Some people decry this as ‘the nanny state gone mad’, but I have to point out the law isn’t as silly as some of the wiring I’ve encountered. [Read more…]
The Sorry State Of Electrician Training In Australia
JIS screws are invariably ruined by people who don’t know they exist.
Despite 15 years in solar, my experience as an apprentice isn’t as distant as you might think. [Read more…]
Dynamic Solar In Queensland? Redback Have Got Your Back
The Sunshine State puzzles me sometimes. [Read more…]
Are Microinverters Or Optimisers Worth It?
Solar panels with Enphase microinverters and panel level monitoring.
Today I’ll explore optimisers and micro inverters, just how they differ from more conventional solar gear, their advantages and their flip side: being complex and more expensive. [Read more…]
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