Why do you need solar battery storage?

In a typical grid connected solar system setup, there are two main components: the solar panels that generate solar energy, and the solar inverter that converts solar energy into electricity. The only problem is that the solar energy from your panels can only be used as it’s produced. So, if your solar panels generate more power than you need, the excess energy is typically sold back to the main grid.

Your electricity retailer will only offer you a feed-in tariff of around 5 to 10 cents a kWh for this power. It also means when the sun isn’t shining, like during the evenings, you still need the main electricity grid to power your home. This electricity will cost you about 35 cents a kWh.

With solar battery storage, you don’t need to worry about any of that. The excess solar energy you produce during the day is stored in a battery and used when the panels stop producing power. Solar battery storage will help you gain energy independence. Some battery systems can also be setup to provide backup power to the home when there is a blackout. This improves your energy security.

How to find the best solar battery

Choosing a solar battery comes down to your personal needs. Every house is different, with varying levels of energy usage. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to solar battery storage. Here are some of the things you should consider when choosing your solar battery.

1-Capacity

The capacity of a solar battery is probably the most important thing to measure. Battery storage is expressed in kWh, which is essentially power multiplied by time. As such, the capacity tells you how much power your battery can store, and how long it will last. This obviously depends on how much energy you use in your home.

Generally, if you’re unsure of the capacity requirements, it’s best to choose more rather than less. This gives you flexibility in case your energy consumption increases.

It is important to make sure solar system will be able to produce enough excess power to fill the battery each day.

2-Power rating

The other key measurement is the power rating, which is expressed in kW. This rating tells you how much power can be drawn from the battery at any one time. If you have appliances that require a lot of electricity, you’ll want to be sure your solar battery can deliver the required output to keep everything in your home running smoothly.

3-Back up power in a blackout

Another consideration is do you want backup power during a blackout? Many batteries can provide power your home if there is a power outage. The battery will need to be specially set up by the installer to do this. Often extra hardware may be needed.

Some batteries cannot charge from the solar if the grid is down. You will only be able to use the charge that is in the battery. Other systems will allow you to keep charging the battery from the solar until the power comes back.

4-Battery life

You can measure a battery’s quality by its expected throughput and cycles. This refers to the number of times a battery can be charged and discharged. Throughput is also important here because it tells you how much electricity can be pumped through your battery in a lifetime. Generally, this will be reflected in the warranty.

A battery may offer a 10-year, 10,000 cycle warranty. This means the battery is warranted for 10 years or 10,000 cycles, which ever milestone is reached first.

SolarBright’s solar battery options

Perhaps the most well-known solar battery option is the Tesla Powerwall 2, which is a 13.5kWh battery that is powerful enough for most modern residential homes.

However, here at SolarBright we also offer the Sungrow Modular SBR Series batteries. These powerful units can be expanded in 3.2kWh modules from 9.6kWh to 25.6kWh. You can even join four fully stacked Sungrow batteries together for a whopping 100kWh capacity. Although that’s far more than most residential homes need, it does give you enormous flexibility.

Need more information?

SolarBright is your local expert for solar installations and solar battery storage in NSW. You can book a free consultation today and one of our solar experts will visit your home. We can tell you how much money you could save with any of our amazing solar packages

Whether you want a full solar and battery storage solution or a standard solar panel installation, we’re the team you can count on. Contact us today and be part of the green revolution!

The post 4 Considerations for Choosing the Best Solar Battery appeared first on SolarBright.

In 2010, with the help of generous government rebates, a 5kW solar panel system cost around $10,000. Today, despite lower government subsidies, a quality 6.6kW system has a price of around $5,000.

Most solar products are produced in China. The costs of producing solar panels and solar inverters have reached rock bottom in the last few years. Consequently, many manufacturers are struggling to make a profit due to fierce competition.

Solar System and Solar Panel Costs in Australia

Thanks to government subsidies, solar panel costs are lower in Australia. Thus, solar power systems are more affordable here than in most parts of the world. Despite this, consumers in Australia often feel confused by the large variation in the advertised prices for solar systems.

For example, a typical 6.6kW solar power systems with entry-level products can be quoted anywhere between $3,500–$7000 by different retailers and installers.

How can there be such huge variation in price for similar products? To answer this question, we need to look at the costs endured by solar businesses, and the different models for solar businesses operating in Australia.

Types Of Solar Businesses in Australia

There are three main types of solar businesses:

Established Solar Retailers

Usually, these businesses are a “full service” business. They will have an operations centre and warehouse. They offer free in-house consultations for potential customers. They have the qualifications and sufficient resources to complete jobs successfully and safely. Solar retailers can be more reliable than other businesses, as they have dedicated customer service and technical support personnel.

Unfortunately, what we see now is some large solar retailers adopting a low-cost model with low quality service for customers. These retailers run their operations from overseas call centres in India or the Philippines. Often they reverse-auction their installation work out to subcontractors to get the cheapest installation price.

Marketers

These are usually micro-businesses run by operators who utilise subcontractors. The products are collected from distributors and wholesalers before delivering them to customers. Typically they have an attractive website and a virtual office address. These businesses operate on very slim margins, and it is impossible for them to service customers over the long term. In many cases, these businesses hide their shortcomings  by offering customers reputable brands at ridiculously low prices.

Installers

These are usually tradies with no base of operations. They run the business from their vans, purchasing products from distributors and wholesalers. In most cases, these installers find themselves a job for the day and have insufficient profits to provide a good level of customer or after-sales service.

The Costs Involved with Installing Solar Panels

Running a professional business in any sector is always costly and never easy. All businesses that supply and install solar panels in Australia face both direct and indirect costs.

1. Direct Costs:

These costs include the essential items to complete a job. For example, a 6.6kW solar power system with entry level components may incur the following costs:

The costs detailed above are the bare minimum for a cheap 6.6kW solar system. These costs would increase when better products and quality workmanship (installers) are added to the job.

Marketers and installers operate under the above cost structure; their operations are transactional with a minimal focus on customer service. Customers can forget about after-sales service – it’s not part of the deal!

2. Indirect and Fixed Costs:

These costs are essential in offering customers a high level of customer service and meeting the expectations for after-sales service. These costs include:

• Payroll costs
• Rent fees
• Marketing
• Fleet expense
• IT platforms fees
• Utilities
• Accreditations and licensing
• Insurances
• Provisions to cover long term warranty policies.

Professional solar retailers incur both types of costs. Their prices are higher to meet these costs and also to account for the cost of providing a better before and after sales experience for the customer.

It is important to remember that businesses must be profitable to meet customers’ expectations and remain sustainable. Therefore, they need to add a reasonable profit on top of their costs. The mark up is typically in the 15% -30% range.

Right now, we can see operators offering 6.6kW solar system for as low as $3,000 and offering 10-25 years warranty! It is impossible for a viable business to deliver a quality and safe system at this unrealistic price.

Selecting the Right Solar Retailer

Choosing the right company that offers professional consultation, design, installation, and customer service is crucial for ultimate customer satisfaction. It can also mean the difference between getting a safe and unsafe installation.

Going solar is a long-term investment.

Customers need to consider these seven conditions when selecting a company to provide their solar:

• Did the business understand the specific needs and requirements by visiting the premises and providing a consultation? Or did they just email a quote from an overseas call centre, a virtual office with a premium address or even from a backyard office?
• Have the appropriate products, system size and design been considered? Or is it a one-size-fits-all approach?
• Does the business have a physical address to visit and contact if necessary? Or does it just have a colourful website with a diverted phone number and many fake online reviews?
• Does the business seem to have resources to cover any unexpected outcomes during or after installation? Or is it a one-man show with limited resources?
• Will the installation be done professionally to maintain the integrity of the roof and avoid water leaks and fire danger?
• How likely is it that the warranty will be honoured? About 1,000 solar businesses have folded over the last few years. Many of them appeared again under new banners because they were unable to meet their warranty and financial obligations.
• Finally, is the price competitive? Or is it too good to be true?

Choosing a solar system that will deliver years of trouble free service is not decision to be made on the criteria of who has the cheapest solar panels.

The cheapest solar power system with the cheapest solar panels may save a few hundred dollars at the beginning. In the long term it may cost thousands more in generating less solar power, repairs, worthless warranties and of course, the heartaches.

The post Solar Panel Costs and Solar System Prices appeared first on SolarBright.

Many Australians are feeling the pinch right now, with everything from lettuce to petrol costing more each day. Coupled with interest rate rises and low wage growth, the average Aussie needs to find other ways to save money. When you think about it, reducing unnecessary costs is almost the same as giving yourself a pay rise.

There are so many ways to save money around the home. Some will have a small impact while others will be quite dramatic. So, it’s really your choice on how much you’d like to save. Every little bit adds up, and there are several money-saving ideas that won’t cramp your lifestyle.

One of the best places to start is with your power bill. Electricity and gas prices are skyrocketing right now, meaning cutting energy usage has never been more important. Rather than spending your time shopping around for better gas and electricity deals, these options can help now and in the future.

Solar Installations

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about solar energy, now might be the time to pick a side. It seems crazy that we pay so much for electricity when the sun provides us with more than enough free energy to power our homes. Installing rooftop solar is a great way to slash your energy bills. A basic on-grid solar power system can power your home all day, and you only need to pay for power at night.

Alternatively, you could invest a little more and get an off-grid solar solution with battery storage. This means all of the excess power your solar panels generate during the day can be stored and used at night. You’ll practically never have a power bill again.

Of course, the cost of installing solar can be prohibitive to some, so talk to your local solar retailer today. They can let you know how much you’ll save, and they can even give you information about government rebates and schemes to make solar panel installation cheaper.

Solar LED Skylights

If you’re not ready to make the full leap to solar power yet, that’s ok. There are other solar products you can take advantage of without committing to a full system installation. One of those options is an LED skylight.

Traditional skylights give you natural light in the home during the day, but they aren’t much use at night. A solar LED skylight with a small storage battery, however, gives you free light whenever you need it. It consists of a diffuser kit with LED lights installed on your ceiling, a solar panel and battery on the roof, and a cable connecting the two. Skylights installation is an easy and economical way to cut down your electricity costs.

Solar Hot Water

The other solar option you have is likely to make an even bigger impact than your skylights. Hot water is one of the biggest electricity costs we have in modern residential homes. So, what if you could heat all of your water for free rather than using gas or electricity?

Solar hot water tanks, as the name suggests, are heated by solar energy. Solar hot water heaters can be placed on the roof or on the ground, and are installed alongside a solar panel that delivers all the energy you need. Why pay exorbitant gas and electricity prices when you can get all the hot water you need thanks to the sun?

Solar Roof Ventilation

We often forget about ventilation in the energy-saving discussion. However, proper ventilation is crucial to keeping your costs down. Heat can get trapped in your roof cavity without proper ventilation, and this ultimately causes mould and moisture problems. It also means the heat finds a way into your home and air conditioners need to work harder.

Consider installing proper roof cavity ventilation such as a solar roof ventilator. A solar-powered roof ventilation fan like the MaxBreeze uses a small solar panel to drive a brushless, quiet DC electric motor and fan. The fan is thermostat controlled so the unit will start operating when the roof cavity reaches about 30°C.

It will help keep your home cool in summer without cranking the AC all day. And in winter on a cold, windy day it will not operate, keeping warmer air in your cavity, unlike a whirlybird.

Contact SolarBright today

SolarBright can save you money in more ways than one. From LED skylights and solar-powered roof fans to solar and battery installations in  Sydney, we’ve got your back. If you’d like to make the switch to solar energy and stop wasting money on energy bills, contact our team today. We’ve got solutions for every home, every family and every budget.

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The post The Price of Everyday Products is Rising – Save Money with These Powerful Solar Products appeared first on SolarBright.

Many people are making the switch to solar energy because of the financial benefits. With solar energy being completely free, you can obviously slash your electricity bill with a solar panel installation. If you choose a solar system battery, you can virtually eradicate electricity bills altogether – and some solar batteries help protect your home from power outages.

We know that solar is a smart choice financially, but what about the other benefits? Switching to solar is a healthy choice for your family, and it’s something that everybody can benefit from in more ways than one. Let’s take a look at why solar is a great idea for your whole family.

Reduction in energy bills

The most obvious way that solar benefits your family is in the reduction of energy bills. Federal subsidies and the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme have made it more affordable than ever to pay for your solar installation, meaning you start realising the cost savings even faster. For the monthly budget, a reduction in energy costs means there’s more money for the things you love.

Whether that means an extra date night for you and your significant other, or an opportunity to take the family on an extra weekend away, these savings benefit the whole family.

Less stress in the home

Electricity bills are more than just a monthly or quarterly annoyance. They can be a genuine source of stress, especially because many people are caught by surprise when the bill comes in. You can do your best to budget for it, but often the bill is higher than imagined causing “bill shock”. Expensive bills and other financial problems put a strain on relationships and can make the home an unhappy place for everybody.

With solar energy, not only do you reduce those bills, but you can also get more accurate information regarding your energy usage, making it easier to predict your bills in advance.

A valuable way to teach kids about energy use

When you’ve got a solar system, you can learn to maximise its potential by being smart with energy use. This includes things like programming high-energy appliances like dishwashers and washing machines to run during the day, at staggered times, while the sun is shining and the energy is free. Once you’ve learned this, you can also teach the kids.

Children these days are learning more and more about energy use, the environment, carbon emissions and how reliance on fossil fuels can impact the planet. So, you can teach them about the benefits of solar in the home. It’s also a great way to teach them about money and the importance of doing what you can to reduce energy bills.

A changing attitude passed down to your kids

When many of us grew up, solar energy was like something out of a science fiction movie. Or, for younger readers, it was around, but not many people had it installed at their homes. Now, we’re making a significant shift towards renewable energy as a society. By being part of that and having an attitude of doing what we can to reduce carbon emissions, our children can develop this same attitude. It’s a great thing for them and beneficial for the environment.

Look after the planet for your children’s future

On top of helping to shape the way the next generation thinks about renewable energy, we can make a positive difference to the environment right now. While our children’s generation will undoubtedly be the ones who push the green revolution even further, that doesn’t mean we should wait. Switching to solar energy now is a fast way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and start reversing some of the damage we’ve done to the planet.

Whether you’re a passionate environmentalist or just take a passing interest in decreasing your carbon footprint, solar is good for your family. Reduce your energy bills now and set your kids up for a better future – teach them the importance of renewables from an early age.

For more information on how a solar panel installation can benefit your family, contact the team at SolarBright today.

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To Whirlybird Or Not To Whirlybird

The post Why Solar Power Is the Healthy Choice for Your Family appeared first on SolarBright.

SolarEdge inverters are designed to work with small electrical devices called power optimisers. Optimisers were invented by SolarEdge, and one is fitted to each panel in a SolarEdge system. The optimisers allow each single panel to output to its maximum potential regardless of the output of the other panels. Optimisers overcome the limitations of traditional “string” inverter solar systems sold in Australia.

In standard solar systems that have a string inverter, the panels are connected in a string, and all the panels must face in the same direction. The inverter sees the string of panels as a single panel. If a single panel is affected by shad for example, and its output drops by 50%, the output of every panel in the string will fall by 50%.

The SolarEdge Energy Hub inverter and optimisers allow every panel to operate at maximum output increasing the system output compared to standard systems and increasing customer savings.

Here’s everything you need to know about the SolarEdge Energy Hub.

What is the SolarEdge Energy Hub?

When it comes to solar inverter technology, SolarEdge leads the way. The new Energy Hub is the perfect inverter solution not just for now but also for the future. The problem that many people experience with solar energy is that it can be incredibly costly to upgrade your system – for example, adding battery storage usually requires a whole new inverter installation. The Energy Hub removes these complications because it’s pre-prepared for anything.

The system is designed to grow with you, so if you want to add a battery to store excess solar energy, you can. It’s even ready to handle multiple batteries and generator backup if you need it to. Impressively, the Energy Hub is also pre-configured to connect to an electric vehicle charging station.

Why Choose SolarEdge?

Not only is SolarEdge one of the leading solar inverter manufacturers in the world, but the release of the Energy Hub is possibly one of the biggest advancements in residential solar technology so far. Here are 4 key benefits of the SolarEdge Energy Hub.

Ready for solar battery connection

As mentioned above, many people who install solar panels for the first time often choose on-grid solar. This means you can power your home during the day using solar energy, and in the evening (or when the sun isn’t giving you enough solar energy) you’re connected to the main grid. The alternative is installing solar battery storage, which means excess solar generated during the day can be used at night.

The cost of solar battery solutions is still prohibitive to many, but that may not be the case in the future. Many standard solar inverters aren’t equipped to work with battery storage, which means you need to buy a new inverter if you want to add battery storage. The SolarEdge Energy Hub inverter is already equipped to handle a solar battery, meaning fewer costs when you upgrade.

The new SolarEdge Energy Bank battery will soon be available in Australia (early April 2022) and will work seamlessly with the Energy Hub inverter.

99% inverter efficiency

Regardless of how many solar panels you install on your roof, if your inverter doesn’t have high efficiency, you won’t be maximising your solar savings. In simple terms, your inverter turns solar energy into the type of electricity that powers your home. However, for example, if it only has 80% efficiency, you lose 20% of the energy your solar panels produce.

The SolarEdge Energy Hub features a record-breaking 99% efficiency, which means you get as much benefit from your solar system as possible.

Be ready for EV charging

The electric vehicle (EV) sales are still low in Australia but are now growing. As we move away from fossil fuels, EVs are high on many people’s ‘to-buy’ list. However, even if you’ve got solar energy at home, most inverters aren’t equipped to feed solar energy directly into your EV charging station.

SolarEdge has changed all of that because it’s already pre-configured to connect to a Smart EV Charger. Not only will you have no fuel costs, but you can charge your car for free from the sun!

Advanced energy monitoring

Getting a visual of your energy consumption and savings is a great way to understand your usage even more. With this knowledge comes the ability to change your consumption habits and realise even more benefits from your solar energy system.

With the mySolarEdge app, you can track all of your energy data from usage to battery levels. You can even remotely control EV charging and other smart energy devices.

Want more information on the SolarEdge Energy Hub?

Whether you’re going solar for the first time or you’d like to upgrade your system to something more future-proof, we can help. SolarBright are your local experts in SolarEdge technology, and we can ensure your solar system is ready for the future.

Visit our SolarEdge Smart Solar page or contact our friendly team today, and find out how we can help you maximise your energy savings.

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The post 4 Key Benefits of the SolarEdge Energy Hub appeared first on SolarBright.

It can be very difficult to determine what products and company will provide the most reliable solution for you. Ensuring that you are backed by a reputable retailer with quality components will ensure that your system will last its lifetime.

Australia had a record-breaking year in 2020 with the amount of solar installed and we are on track to break that record again in 2021. It is estimated that one in four Australian homes now have solar and that trend is likely to increase.

With the significant amount of solar that has been installed, it has been a worrying trend so see many consumers being exposed to predatory behaviour. Customers  are being pressured into buying systems with faulty components and/or poor workmanship.

Often when these issues turn into problems and the system failures increase, many solar intallers have no choice but to close shop and begin trading under a new name (known as ‘Phoenixing’). According to a report from the Consumer Action Law Centre, “close to 700 solar companies have gone out of business since 2011, leaving about 650,000 Australians with no recourse if their systems fail.” View this media report on the subject.

Here are key points to bear in mind out when navigating through the information when considering solar.

Being Backed By a Reputable Solar Retailer

Approved Clean Energy Council Retailer

To prevent this from happening to you, there are steps you can take to ensure you are being protected when purchasing solar panel. The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is a not-for-profit organisation that works with the leading renewable energy and energy storage businesses in Australia.

They implement accreditation requirements such as the APPROVED SOLAR RETAILER program to raise the standards within the solar industry. Approved solar retailers are committed to complying with the program’s Code of Conduct which are rules and standards that go above the current government requirements.

Going with a CEC Approved Retailer will protect you from:

• Unethical sales tactics
• Poor installation quality
• Unreliable warranty support

Be on the lookout for the logo below and make sure that your system is only installed through a CEC Approved Solar Retailer.

You can search for Approved Solar Retailers on the Clean Energy Council website.

Choose a Retailer with a Physical Australian Address and Facility

For a more personalised service that is tailored around your specific needs it is recommended to use a solar provider that has an Australian presence and proper facility rather than working out of a call centre. Employing hard working Australians means they are more willing to meet you face-to-face and design a customisable solution for your needs.

Choose suppliers that have invested in their operation and have a proper facility with a showroom. This means they are more likely to be around in the long run to service any warranty issue or provide system upgrades in the future.

Avoid installers operating from pretty websites or running their businesses out of a van simply because they lack the required resources to provide proper after sale service. These installers do offer low price tags because their business model is not built on long term strategy and likely their customers will need to pay someone else to rectify their defects when they are gone.

You may see on their website that they seem to have physical addresses in the CBD areas of the capital cities. Many times, these are a just a serviced office address – which can be leased for as little as $49 per month. Ask them if you can visit their office and meet the salesperson and see what they say!

These companies do this to reduce costs as their only value proposition is selling at a cheap price. If they will not send a consultant to inspect your home and discuss your specific solar requirements, what chance do you stand of them sending a technician if there is a problem? Read our blog on the dangers of cheap solar.

Avoid Door-to-Door or Telephone Sales Solar Companies

By far some of the worst cases of price gouging and unethical practises that we have witnessed are associated with companies that sell solar door to door and over the phone. They often promise “easy” weekly payments that can double the price.

In the case below the customer had signed with a door-to-door sale person. The customer then brought the contract into SolarBright for us to look over. We discovered that the customer had purchased a standard 6kW system with T1 panels valued at $4,000 for $13,000. These companies’ prey on consumer ignorance.

Luckily, they were within the 14-day cooling off period under NSW consumer protection and we were able to help them cancel the contract, and then saved them $9,000 on their new solar system.

Choose Quality Products and Quality Workmanship

Having a solar power system installed is  a long-term investment. With society transitioning to smart homes, electric vehicles, and solar battery storage. It is  recommended to choose high quality solar components that can endure the harsh Australian conditions giving you the peace of mind that it will still be performing and saving you money in the long run.

Since our beginnings in 2008, the team at SolarBright have developed strong partnerships and accreditations with industry leading brands. This allows usto provide you with the highest quality products and services in the market.

These manufacturers have conducted substantial research and development, extensive testing, and quality control to offer the highest quality products, warranties and support available. Extremely high standards set on customer service and workmanship has led to SolarBright being considered as one of the most established and experienced solar companies in the country.

If you have any questions about solar or want a customised solar proposal please contact Solarbright today.

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The post How to Purchase a Reliable Solar System appeared first on SolarBright.

The benefits of a solar and battery combination benefits are obvious.

From increased electricity bill savings to blackout prevention, why are not all customers in Sydney and regional NSW choosing a battery and solar bundle?

Why are some customers still commit to solar only and leave the battery purchase for another day?

More recently the feed-in tariff FIT), meaning the money solar system owners get paid to export solar to the grid has been reduced again.

From a high of 60cents for each kWh exported in 2009, we are now seeing offers as low as 6c per kWh from energy retailers.

In the case of charging for electricity in NSW during peak as high as 45 cents per kWh nowadays, and then buying the electricity from solar owners for 6c, no wonder that solar system owners feel a storage battery can be the solution to maximise solar savings and avoid the energy retailer making maximum profits on the back of solar system owners.

A battery with solar certainly will increase your independence from the big energy retailers, a desirable outcome for many consumers.

Today at SolarBright we are getting many calls for solar and battery bundles, as consumers realising the feed-in tariffs are lower.

Another driver for battery enquiries is a sudden local interest in electric cars.

EVs in the future will most likely require a home battery to be able to charge vehicles at night and to get the best outcome from a solar system, meaning using one’s solar system to charge the electric car, and literally avoid the fuel costs.

Battery storage costs, while they have not dropped as fast a solar system costs, have overall seen gradual reductions as more battery manufacturers have entered the market since 2019.

The increased competition has put a lid on solar battery price and in some instances when new battery models have been released, these models were offered at a slightly lower cost, or with new features compared to the earlier models.

What battery technology is best for my home?

Overall, there are two key product ranges and technologies on offer for the home battery market. One is the Tesla home battery style technology – also known as AC technology.

AC stands for Alternate Current – and is the electricity which we all use in our home.

The AC battery is connected to the meter on the grid side, meaning one could put an AC battery on a house and not even have solar.

The batteries benefit would be to be charged when electricity fees are low, such as in an off-peak period, and release the power when prices are high. This type of AC battery, just like Tesla will also provide backup power in case of a blackout.

DC Battery

The 2nd technology is the DC battery.
DC stands for Direct Current. It is the type of electricity which is is produced via solar panels.

DC batteries required a hybrid inverter to charge the battery. The battery is managed via a BMS (Battery Management System). So, for a DC battery system, one needs solar panels, a hybrid inverter and a battery.

Most hybrid DC battery systems also supply backup power, when the grid is down. Some of the bigger DC battery manufacturers are LG Energy Solution (formerly LG Chem), BYD, and Sungrow to name a few. Our SolarBright energy specialist can give you free advice as to which battery would suit your needs best.

How solar reduced in costs and is battery following this path?

I remember in 2007 a solar panel system of 1.5kw cost over $12,000 and the Federal Government supplied an $8,000 rebate to many, letting customers pay $4000 for a 1.5kW system. At this price per kW, a 10 KW system should now cost $80,000.

Luckily since then, solar system costs have dropped rapidly and for the same initial $12,000 cost, one could have a 10-12kW size solar system or even larger.

We have seen costs reduce by around 70% over 14 years, an annual reduction of around 5%.

The reason that costs were reduced so dramatically is that manufacturing volumes for solar cells, solar panels, and inverters increased dramatically, leading to cost savings, which have been passed on.

Panel wattage also increased from around 165W before 2008, to close to 400W for a residential panel in 2021.

While the panels have also increased in size to get to this wattage, they did not double in size, so increases in solar technology, especially efficiency gains also contributed to the price reductions.

It is now becoming more apparent that home storage batteries have started to see similar production-related reductions.

These efficiencies have not been fully passed on so far by all battery manufacturers.

One counter force to the increased price reductions for batteries is the growing demand for home and electric vehicle batteries worldwide, causing raw material price pressures.

Right now, as even more battery manufacturers like Tesla, LG Energy Solutions, AlphaESS, Sonnen, BYD, and Sungrow enter the Australian market, this increased competition is finally leading to battery price drops.

SolarBright passing this development on to the end customers and we have many offers and solutions available, so it is worthwhile exploring the solar and battery combo market right now.

Good reasons for buying a home storage battery now.

1) A combined installation can save costs

There is no doubt that buying and installing a PV system today and a battery in let’s say 2 years, makes little financial sense.

By getting the solar and battery together now one can save at least $500 to $800 in administration and installation costs, compared to have these two products installed a few years apart.

By having the installation crew coming only once travel and labour efficiencies can be achieved.

Also, SolarBright, having a higher overall turnover will reduce margins and create customer savings.

Many owners of renewable energy-only systems finding out the hard way, when they are finally ready for a battery, that the inverter they purchased for their system is not compatible with many of the battery solutions on the market.

To work well with a DC battery, the inverter requires to be a hybrid inverter, not just a standard inverter.

So, if batteries reduce let’s say in practice by 15% in 2 years, but one needs to pay more for labour, travel, administration and also requires a new inverter, the solar battery storage cost reductions have been offset by all the other increased costs, and waiting has not created any significant savings.

2) The feed-in tariff reductions drive battery interest

Your PV system produces electricity any time of the day, from sunset to sunset. As the consumption in your property varies, depending on your activities and if you are home, the electricity after it has been produced, if it is not consumed in your home, then it still has to go somewhere.

In cases of unused renewable electricity from your home PV system, this electricity is put back into the grid, also known as export electricity.

You will get paid for this electricity, but in past years, as the unit produces most electricity between 11 am and 2 pm, the more solar is on Australian roofs, the more electricity is suddenly available in the middle of the day when there are not so many takers.

This is one of the reasons that the money offered as a feed-in tariff has reduced substantially from 60 cents a decade ago to 15c a few years ago per kWh to 11c and now as low as 6c.

This means the difference between the price you have to pay for electricity at night from the grid (can be as high as 42cents) and the money you get paid in the middle of the day can now be a staggering 36cents per kWh.

That is an excellent profit margin of 600% for the energy retailers.

Think of solar power as a water hose that produces continual water during the day and stops at night. During the day you get 6c per litre for your water, but at night, for the same water, you now pay 42 cents per litre.

Imagine the home battery is your bucket, to keep the water – not sell it at 6cents but store it and consume it when its value has increased to 42 cents – at night.

If you get a 13.6kWh Tesla battery and each day you get let’s say gain a benefit of 11kWh of night consumption at the 36cent per kWh benefit this means each day you could save 11 x 36cents = $3,96. In this scenario, this is over $1,400 per year in savings from the battery alone.

3) The upcoming “solar tax” threat and how batteries can help

Many homeowners and small businesses were originally encouraged by the Australian Government to source energy from the sun through solar power.

But they will now be potentially hit with a recent charge for producing clean energy and exporting it. A home battery can help avoid this charge.

The Australian government has recently proposed a plan to charge rooftop solar users for outsourcing excess electricity to the grid, and consumers have been calling it a “sun-tax”.

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) who sets the rules around the energy market, has proposed that electricity networks will be allowed to charge solar panel owners for sending excess energy back to the network, to address growing network problems.

The proposed rule is also based on the argument that charging households solar would ensure network companies had the funds needed to invest in the power network to accommodate a two-way energy flow while not penalising non-solar residences and encouraging the development of more rooftop solar on the grid.

So, in the middle of the “largest threat to mankind “as Climate Change has been described by some politicians and high-profile personalities such as Prince Charles the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is now proposing to “tax “renewable energy system homeowners.

“Owners of PV systems are currently able to earn additional income for exported solar energy via the feed-in tariff, a fee paid by energy retailers for renewable electricity exported to the grid and sold to other households and businesses” explained Paul Yako, the director of SolarBright, in Prestons, NSW.

“These homeowners and businesses, who try to make their contribution for a more sustainable planet by creating more renewable energy, have run head-on into the complex policies of the Federal Government’s Energy direction”, he added.

The fear is that in the future such solar owners might see themself taxed for any solar exports as foreshadowed by the AEMC. So, we tell customers that a home battery will limit these exports, and therefore the threat of this potential “sun tax” is reduced, he concluded.

Markus Lambert, a solar industry veteran of 15 years said: “It makes absolutely no sense to stop the creation of solar energy in the middle of the day. “With the uptake of EV charging by electric cars in the not-too-distant future, we will need more localised energy generation, if we do not want to see a massive need to invest in grid infrastructure.”

“I believe the whole solar tax debate is a big Government plan to reduce the record solar system demand, invented by persons with an anti-solar political agenda” Lambert added.

“I want to see the politician who will tell the close to 9 million Australians that live in a home with solar on the roof, that they will now be taxed for trying to save money and save the planet.

The proposal simply defies any common sense. It will only add to the uptake of home solar batteries, as customers would not like to see themselves taxed for doing the right thing.”

When a rising number of solar PV owners leave the grid and go full battery and solar, a ‘death spiral’ occurs, leading to higher network charges for the remaining customers.

The price increase then has more consumers leave the electricity network, also going solar and battery, causing the spiral to keep going.

What about the payback period for a solar and battery bundle?

Now is the best time to purchase a solar battery if you are having solar panels installed. Our mid-sized battery and solar package (includes installation) can pay for itself in around 5-6 years. While this is a little longer than solar-only systems, the benefits clearly outway, the slightly longer wait to get the initial investment back.

Solar panels became more and more popular around 2010/11 when the payback reached 7 years, so 5–6-year payback is a key milestone to ensure home batteries are the future. At SolarBright we say: ”Make more of your solar investment by using a battery”.

It is more economical to keep as much solar power as you can in your home than to export it at a low price. What if you don’t have a financial motive for going solar and battery? Perhaps you are interested in doing your part for the environment or becoming more energy independent.

If you want to be more energy independent, you will need to maximize your energy storage to reduce the amount of energy you have to purchase back from the grid. You can only use so much electricity when the sun is shining, but you can’t live without electricity at night.

This is where a battery comes into play. You can use solar power all day and night with a battery. Your excess solar power can be stored in batteries and used at any hour of the day or night. You can even use solar power during blackouts.

Blackout protection is a feature that many solar batteries and inverter combos have. This means that in the event of a power cut, you would be able to use your solar electricity to power your home or part thereof, potentially for weeks, as the solar will charge the battery during the night.

Your house could be the only one in the street with lights and the fridge running. You can also stay connected to the radio and the internet in an emergency, such as the bushfires last summer. This is not possible with solar panels by themselves.

SolarBright’s solar and home battery packages are designed for households that want to add solar panels and a battery at the same time. It combines world-leading, Tier 1 solar panels with a SolarBright locally designed, cost-effective battery solution.

The bottom line is that batteries can offer a variety of benefits that can save you money and help to create a more sustainable environment. Although battery storage can seem costly upfront, an energy consultant can help you find the right system for your needs and budget, including finance options.

If you would like any further information on battery storage for your home, please call SolarBright today.

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The post Are solar home batteries the future? appeared first on SolarBright.

Most people will have seen the ads in their social feeds or on the internet for cheap 6.6kW solar systems priced for $3,200 or less. LIMITED OFFER or SALE ENDS SOON shout the banners, often featuring ex Aussie cricket captains.

Then you will see ads for other 6.6kW systems that are hundreds of dollars more. We often get asked by our customers “Why is some solar so cheap?” The answer is in the shortcuts taken with the quality of the components and installation.

The Risks of Cheap Solar – The Harsh Truth

Cheap: of little account; of small value; mean; shoddy.

Australians seem addicted to cheap solar. The truth with solar is you get what you pay for. In the long term cheap solar costs you more. Consider this:

• Over 700 solar companies have gone out of business since 2011 leaving tens of thousands of customers as “solar orphans” with worthless warranties and useless systems.
• At least 1 in 5 installed systems were found by the Australian National Audit Office to be “sub-standard” and failed to meet industry standards.
• The same audit found 2% of systems were “dangerous.”
• The cheap installers hide behind solar panel and inverter “brands” and some behind Aussie ex-cricketers.
• The shortcuts taken with the installations are a shortcut to property danger.

Don’t put your home in danger with cheap solar.

How Do They Get Solar to a Cheap Price?

Most people believe that the major cost of a 6.6kW solar system is in the solar panels and inverter – the hardware.

Wrong.

The biggest single cost is the installation – the man on the roof and the quality of the installation components and workmanship.

To get to the cheap price they use cheap components and unlicensed, unskilled labour including backpackers. Unskilled labour is cheap.

The installation by the unskilled workers is then signed off by a remote, licensed installer who does not conduct an on-site inspection of the quality of the job or to see if it even meets regulations. There were cases uncovered by the Clean Energy Council where a cheap solar company installer was signing off on up to 10 solar systems a day!

The cheap solar companies are in a race to the bottom on pricing, and Australian families and businesses are the biggest losers.

In the last few months of 2020 there was a jump in the number of fires caused by poorly installed solar. The NSW Department of Fair Trading spot checked 100 solar businesses and fined 20 of them for failing to meet industry standards.

Kevin Anderson, the Minister for Better Regulation, said there were unscrupulous operators “Who are selling less than the best quality products, not installing it properly and causing fires.”

As these cheap systems begin to age, they become more of a risk as the issues with poor installation and poor quality components come to the fore. The danger is real.

Do you want a backpacker or a licensed installer to install your solar system?

Cheap Solar Installation = Compromised Safety

One of the biggest risks of cheap solar is what corners are cut in the installation?

Every week we are taking down these cheap solar systems, some only three or four years old. The customers have been stuck with a worthless system that is not working and have no choice except to buy a new, quality solar power system.

They have bought cheap once and now have to pay again.

With these systems we remove, the poor quality of the workmanship we see is astounding. We see systems that:

• Fail to meet Clean Energy Council regulations.
• Have “Solar Snakes” – conduit with the high voltage DC cables inside – running across the roof.
• High voltage DC cables lying directly across the roof.
• Untied and unbundled high voltage cable laying beneath the panels.
• Inferior poor quality DC isolation switches are used and not installed to regulation, posing the risk of failure and fire.

How to Choose Your Solar Retailer

Avoid the risks of cheap solar an do not become “solar orphan” left with a faulty system and worthless warranties. Do some research and choose your solar supplier wisely. Ask the following questions:

• Are they a reputable retailer with over 10 years history that can back up the long-term warranties?
• Are they a CEC Approved Solar Retailer? This is different to a CEC Accredited Installer which is mandatory for installers.
• Do they have credentials from the top industry companies such as LG and Tesla?
• On installs do they just use labourers and backpackers with an accredited installer to sign off later?
• Do they have a showroom and a physical address, or just a pretty website?
• Also check the address – some companies hire mailing addresses in serviced offices in CBD areas so they can put several state capital addresses on their website.
• When you request a quote does a person come out to inspect and provide a free consultation? If not, would you expect them to come if there was an issue?

Choose a solar retailer has that has the history, resources and credentials to help you now and in the future.

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The post The Risks of Cheap Solar appeared first on SolarBright.

When you consider these seven top reasons for getting solar power installation now, you realise why many families regard solar as essential in helping provide economic security for the household, and why now is the perfect time to go solar.

1. More People Now Working from Home and Power Costs are Rising

With the pandemic there have been changes to our lifestyles. We have seen an increase in people working from home. Even with workers returning the to the office, we are seeing more flexibility in the work place.

This has led to many office workers now choosing to work from home at 1 to 2 days per week. Employers are allowing this flexibility. it helps keep their workforce happy in a tight employment market.

One of the outcomes of these circumstances is that daytime power use will immediately increase for families.

On top of this in July 2022 power prices rose up to 17%, and more increases are predicted. Consequently, power bills are rising again. By installing solar now, you will avoid the possibility bill shock and it will help secure your energy future.

2. Solar Works from Day 1 on Reducing Your Power Bills – and Keeps at it For Years

By deferring solar you will still have to pay increased power bills – and otherwise paying money out to the power company that could have been invested in solar. Your next three $700 power bills would pay for more than half of the system. Instead, if you defer, it will go from your pocket into the power company coffers.

The best thing about solar is it reduces your power bills from day one. It is an investment that pays for itself and will give you returns for many years into the future for the life of the system.

A typical 6.6kW system installed in Sydney will produce around 9,300kWh of power per year. A kWh of power you buy from the power company costs around $0.29. If you can use 70% of the power it produces (6,510kWh) it will save you almost $1,900 per year! The system will pay for itself in under 2 years.

After 2 years it just keeps saving you money for the life of the system. After 15 years it could save you over $20,000. Why delay? Help secure your economic security now. Every month delayed costs you money.

The image above shows the dramatic difference from one bill to the next after installing solar.

3. Finance Options Available

If you do not want to outlay the outright cost of a solar system SolarBright has options available for you. With no upfront costs and for less than the cost of a coffee a day you can help secure your economic future.

In many cases it is a cash flow positive situation where the savings from the systems will cover the cost of the coffee and put some money in your pocket.

Imagine that instead of having to fork out for a surging a power bill all you need is less than a coffee a day to own a system that is covering this cost anyway in most cases! And if down the track you are in a position to payout, you can.*

4. Aussie Dollar Uncertainty

Another thing to consider is that the Aussie dollar has been on a roller-coaster ride since March. By delaying getting solar now you may be exposing yourself to price increases down the track.

With most solar panels and inverters imported from overseas, many vendors are now flagging that they will have to increase prices for these components and these price rises will be passed on to consumers.

By getting solar now you reduce your exposure to the volatility of the currency markets and any coming price increases.

5. Government Incentives Decreasing

Each year the government incentives for solar decrease by 7%. These are the Small Technology Certificates or STC’s.

On a 6.6kW system the current government incentives amount to $3,600 – take advantage of these current incentive rates in 2020 by installing solar now.

6. Solar is Perfect if You are On a Fixed Income

Another consequence of the volatility in financial markets is that for people relying on fixed incomes from investments is that their incomes may fall.

One of the ways to combat a falling fixed income is reduce your fixed and variable expenditure or costs. As discussed above solar reduces your power bills and can put money in your pocket from day one and continue to do so for many years.

If you do not invest in solar you will still have to pay your power bills. Even with modest bills of $250 a quarter that is $10,000 of dead money over 10 years.

7. Solar is Good for the Environment

Solar produces clean, free energy making solar great for the environment. A 6.6kW system in a typical installation in NSW will offset over 8,000kg of carbon emissions per year, adding up to 160 tonnes over 20 years.

So not only will the system pay for itself it will also make you feel good that you are doing your bit to help the environment.

With all these reasons going solar now if you can is a wise and sensible decision.

SolarBright is Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer and since 2008 we have helped over 11,000 customers and businesses across NSW save thousands off their power bills with solar.

Solar is classified as an essential service and during the restrictions imposed by the response to COVID-19, SolarBright is able to continue to safely supply and install solar with procedures designed to keep our customers and employees safe during the journey of going solar.

For more information you can check our web page covering this topic.

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The post 7 Reasons Why Now is the Right Time to Install Solar appeared first on SolarBright.

Queensland is leading the way in terms of the number of solar-powered households across the country, with four of the top five solar postcodes. It seems that many residents of the Sunshine State are taking advantage of their abundant sunshine and converting it into energy to power their homes.

The benefits of using solar power as opposed to other energy sources are quite powerful. In this article, we’ll share a few of the top reasons why more and more Australians are relying on solar power and how you can learn more about installing your own system. 

Solar Saves You Money

One of the most compelling benefits of solar power systems is the cost savings for homeowners. As energy prices keep increasing and householders face larger power bills a solar system can make large cuts to power bills.

While a solar panel system takes an investment upfront, the long-term advantages are worth considering – it is a home improvement that pays for itself and will keep putting money in your pocket for many years to come.

On average, a typical 6.6kW solar system installed in Sydney or regional New South Wales will produce about 9,300kWh of power per year. The system can pay for itself in under three years and save you over $12,000 in 15 years*. Click here for more details.

It’s Good for the Environment

Another compelling reason to consider solar is for its positive environmental impacts. When you rely on solar power, you’re using a clean, stable and renewable source of energy. Australia has the most solar radiation per square metre of any continent on earth, so why not wield the strength of the sun to power your home?

If you’re interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle, investing in solar energy for your home (or commercial solar at your place of business) is an excellent first step. Solar does not release any greenhouse gasses into the environment and reduces your reliance on other sources of energy that have a harsher impact on Mother Nature.

Solar Adds Value to Your Home

If you’re contemplating selling or renting your home at some point in the future, a solar power system is an added perk for potential buyers. These days, more than 20% of Australian households currently have a solar power system installed. This number continues to grow, so having solar at your home can only have a positive impact.

There are a range of ways that you can utilise solar power at your home, including solar panels, solar batteries and solar hot water systems. No matter which solar option you select, you can rest assured knowing that you will be cutting costs, protecting the environment and adding long-term value to your home.

If you’re interested in learning more about these cutting-edge technologies and how they can save you money, contact SolarBright for a chat. Our professional staff can work with you to discuss solar options that will work best for your home in Sydney or regional New South Wales.

*These numbers assume you consume 65% of the solar power generated, your power cost is 29c/kWh and feed the balance back to the grid with a feed-in tariff of 10c/kWh.

Read More:

• How Much Does A Solar Power System Save And Is Solar Worth It?
• Solar Panel Prices – Why Install A Solar Power System?

The post Why More Australians Are Turning to Solar Power appeared first on SolarBright.