There she be…  Powerwall 3

Photos are doing the rounds of a Tesla Powerwall 3 installed in the wilds of Burgeristan (the USA) , so I thought I’d add a few words to the stream of excited comments. [Read more…]

The green parts are thanks to SolarQuotes. In normal operation, grid energy goes in the hybrid inverter through the red line, out along the brown line, and into the home’s essential circuits via the green line. If the inverter fails, it can simply be bypassed with the green switch.

Home batteries used to be a niche market for tech enthusiasts and those needing emergency power. But as battery-backed hybrid solar systems proliferate, the solar industry is learning that even the best plans can go awry. [Read more…]

Is ‘Made in China’ a deal-breaker for you when it comes to solar batteries? [Read more…]

Basking in sunlight from dawn to dusk, Western Australia is a great place for solar panels. But not everyone can install solar, which got me thinking. Is WA a great place for batteries without solar panels? [Read more…]

Solar panels and batteries might sound like a match made in energy heaven, but some people install batteries without solar panels. What gives? [Read more…]

The short answer: Expect a home battery in a temperate climate with typical use to last 15 – 17 years. Solar batteries exposed to higher temperatures, and worked hard every day, could have an effective life of 12 – 14 years. [Read more…]

While we often talk about solar battery capacity, let’s take a detour and explore their physical dimensions – yes, their actual size. It may seem like an odd question to some, but understanding the dimensions can make all the difference if you’re short on space. [Read more…]

This article is all about the Jinko Suntank Battery’s technical specs.  Two months ago, I wrote about its terrible warranty and decided no one in their right mind should buy it. But — to their credit — Jinko replaced the original warranty with a much better one shortly after my post was published. [Read more…]

Most of us know that home batteries inevitably degrade over time, but understanding how to quantify that degradation and take proactive steps remains a mystery. [Read more…]

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…]