Posts By Anthony Bennett On SolarQuotes

Thinking Of Installing EV Chargers At Work? Read This First


Say Hello to the Future of Workplace Amenities – The EV Charger [Read more…]

Unmasking The Energy Illuminati: Notes From The Smart Energy Conference

the floor of the smart energy conference 2023

All of this energy industry technology and here’s me with a flat phone battery.

Dear reader, I’ve taken the plunge and weathered another trade show, Smart Energy 2023, so you don’t have to. [Read more…]

Surviving the Trade Show Trenches: Australia’s Energy Politics

Adam Bandt at the Smart Energy Conference

L to R, NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe, Saul Griffith, Defence Minister Matt Thistlewaite (running away) Wyatt Roy, Terri Butler & Greens leader Adam Bandt.

Navigating the labyrinth of trade shows can often feel like a journey through a fantasy novel, complete with elf-sized airline seats, networking events that leave heads spinning, and generous sales reps locked in fierce debates over dinner bills. Yet, I’ve braved these challenges to bring you the latest insights from the frontlines of the energy industry. [Read more…]

Fronius Gen24 Review: A Solar Installer’s Considered Opinion

Today I’m reviewing the Fronius Gen24 inverter – Fronius’ latest solar inverter – which supersedes their wildly popular and ever-dependable SnapINverter range in Australia.

Based on my experience in the field, I’ll be looking at the pros and cons and the technical specifications to help you decide if the Gen24 is the right fit for your own solar energy system. [Read more…]

Selectronic SP PRO: My Favourite Powerwall Alternative

Selectronic SP-PROs

If you are looking for the ultimate solar and battery system, whether on or off the grid, then in my opinion you should build it around the Selectronic SP PRO inverter. It is in a class of its own. I mean that in more ways than one, but you’ll have to indulge me while I explain. My personal favourite battery inverter, the Selectronic SP PRO is an Australian-made grid forming inverter that can equally be used as a grid hybrid or stand-alone supply. [Read more…]

Tesla Powerwall Alternatives Part 2: Hybrid Inverter Systems

sungrow hybrid inverter and battery installed in an Australian garage

A Sungrow Hybrid Inverter connected to 6.6 kW of solar and 12.8 kWh of Sungrow batteries. And a dishcloth.

As a solar installer in Australia, I’ve looked at many Powerwall alternatives for residential battery storage systems. In this guide, I want to share my knowledge about using hybrid inverters for grid-connected solar battery systems. [Read more…]

Are Growatt Inverters Any Good? Here’s An Installer’s Opinion

Growatt Are Growing Up. About Time.

Here’s my review of Growatt inverters: I’ve always thought they were rubbish. Aside from the one in the cover image that has clocked up 11 years and is still plugging away to this day.

Want to know why I have this opinion? Pull up a chair, and I’ll start at the beginning. [Read more…]

Beyond Tesla: An Australian Installer’s Take On EV Chargers

It’s early days for most Australian electricians when it comes to deciding which EV chargers they will offer going forward.

Several strong contenders emerge based on discussions with fellow electricians, but surprisingly, despite its reasonable price and quality construction, Tesla’s wall charger isn’t at the forefront. Lacking smart features, the Tesla charger misses the opportunity to be an obvious choice in the market. [Read more…]

South Australia Wields The Solar Shutdown Compliance Stick

Are you *sure* you selected “Australia A” for Volt/Var response?

I recently received an invite from SA Power Networks to join them for a “free and informative webinar on the new automated feature for DER compliance management”.

You are probably thinking two things right now:

  1. “DER Compliance”? That sounds boring at batshit.
  2. Who cares about the inner workings of South Australia’s grid except for South Australian energy nerds?

[Read more…]

The Pleasures & Sorrows Of Tesla’s Powerwall: An Installer’s Perspective

Tesla Powerwall 2 - installer perspective

SolarQuotes has sometimes faced accusations of lacking independence, with critics suggesting Tesla must be footing the bill for our positive coverage of the Powerwall. We’ve also been accused of rigging Tesla’s gold medal in our 2023 Installers’ Choice Awards. [Read more…]

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