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
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
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
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?
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…]
What Happens When Your Solar Inverter Gets Too Hot?
As the mercury climbs and solar yields improve around the Summer solstice, spare a thought for your inverter, steadfastly sweating away on the wall. High temperatures aren’t just an inconvenience, they’re an electronic health hazard, shortening the lifespan of your inverter. Read on while I explain how heat saps your inverter’s efficiencyβand your wallet. [Read more…]
Want 3-Phase Battery Backup? Here Are Your Options In 2024
So you have a 3-phase supply to your place, and you’d like solar with battery backup?
ACCC Recalls Dangerous Growatt & GoodWe Inverters
Important Clarification;
The ACCC has issued an urgent recall for some Growatt hybrid inverters. When badly installed, these units can expose the user to a live, hazardous voltage while operating.
GoodWe grid connect inverters have also been recalled for a non compliant plug assembly, exposing the user to a live, hazardous voltage; if the grid supply cable is disconnected.
More details below.
[Read more…]
Currently Raging Debates: