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The Queensland government requires new (or upgraded) solar systems with total inverter capacity of 10kW and above to have an “Emergency Backstop” device installed. The device allows Ergon/Energex to turn off solar systems in an emergency, to prevent damage to the network. This will add a small extra cost to a solar installation and also mean that the systems may be turned off when/if Ergon sees the need. Why? The purpose of the backstop (AKA a Generation Signalling Device (G

There is no doubt installing solar can save you big bucks on your electricity bills, but did you know it can also positively influence your home’s value? Installing a good quality solar power system is a simple thing you can do to give your property a competitive edge – particularly as more people are becoming environmentally aware. How much value does solar add to your home? While solar may not be the first priority when eyeing off a new home, it can be an added bonus. Esp

Why install solar batteries? What’s the benefit? Essentially batteries store unused energy produced by your solar panels. That stored energy can be used overnight, in times of inclement weather or when power is charged at premium rates (Time-of-Use tariff customers). Batteries give you ‘certainty of supply’ and allow you to create your own energy supply rather than relying predominately on the grid (Ergon, Energex etc).   The three main benefits of installing a solar battery

THE “SUN TAX” – What does it even mean? Over the past few weeks, there has been talk of a new “solar/sun tax” being introduced in Australia. There have been numerous Facebook posts, news articles and radio segments indicating that solar owners are soon going to be charged to sell back/export any excess electricity (instead of getting paid for it as you do now). This obviously created quite a stir within the solar industry as if it was true (spoiler: it’s not), it would impact

The inverter is certainly one of, if not the most, critical components of the solar system. When it comes to good quality, premium solar inverters , SMA and Fronius are both industry leaders. They have both been manufacturing inverters for more than 20 years and have a solid reputation in Australia for producing reliable, efficient and long-lasting products. So, which one should you choose? While we install and recommend both the SMA Sunny Boy and Fronius Primo to our cu

Researching and comparing solar power systems can be a daunting and confusing process – especially when it comes to understanding the different warranties. Solar panels have two different types of warranties: The Output Performance Warranty  and the  Manufacturer’s Product Warranty . They are VERY different.  Solar Panel Product Warranty The manufacturer’s product warranty is much more meaningful, important, and useful than the performance warranty. Ranges from 10-30 years.

Inverters are an essential component of any solar power system. The inverter's basic function is to invert Direct Current (DC) from the solar panels, into Alternating Current (AC) that can be used to operate your household appliances. The excess electricity that is not used in your home is then fed into the grid or stored in a solar battery (if you have batteries installed – this is a whole other topic that will be covered in a later article). With inverters being the main po