Search Results for: nsw

How Long Do Solar Batteries Last?

How long do solar batteries last?

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…]

AGL’s EV Tariff: Cheap Charging But A Caveat For Home Batteries

AGL overnight EV charging tariff

In good news for EV owners that must charge overnight, AGL now offers nighttime EV charging tariffs. [Read more…]

Can You Install A Smart Solar Meter On A Strata Townhouse? YES!

Solar smart meter for townhouses

Smart Meter Installation Woes in Sydney. 

Recently we wrote about an instance in Queensland where a solar meter changeover on a detached suburban home had gone sideways. As it happens, another example that caught my attention involved multiple meters in a strata-owned switchboard. [Read more…]

Sizing Up Solar Batteries: A Comprehensive Guide to Dimensions and Energy Density

How big are solar batteries?

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…]

Are Hot Water Heat Pumps All They’re Cracked Up to Be?

simplified schematic of heat pump hot water operation

Last week, I extolled the virtues of heat pumps, lauding their unparalleled efficiency. As promised, it’s time to investigate why these newfangled appliances might not be as splendid as they seem. [Read more…]

Sungrow Hybrid Inverter Review: A Deep Dive into the SH5.0RS

sungrow sh5.0rs inverter installed

This post is part of our reviews of hybrid solar inverters – which when paired with a battery – can be good Tesla Powerwall alternatives. Here, I’m taking a closer look at the Sungrow SH5.0RS. [Read more…]

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…]

Outsmarting Solar Connection Limits With Semi-Off-Grid Appliances

Maximizing solar production without exceeding limits

Network-imposed solar system size limits can sometimes squash our dreams of tiny bills, but Glen from Perth has discovered a game-changing solution. [Read more…]

Solar Analytics Integrated Review: Better Than Sungrow Monitoring?

Solar Analytics vs Sungrow iSolarCloud Apps

If you have decided to invest in a hardware consumption monitor to measure your solar energy flows, there are three prominent options on the market: [Read more…]

Did Solar Analytics Just Kill The Solar Consumption Meter?

solar edge smart meter

Last week, monitoring software company Solar Analytics announced they can monitor solar consumption in homes without a consumption meter. [Read more…]

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