Posts By Anthony Bennett On SolarQuotes

Surviving the Trade Show Trenches: Australia’s Energy Politics

May 17, 2023 2024-10-01T15:09:39 by 20 Comments
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…]

Filed Under: Solar Policy

Fronius Gen24 Review: A Solar Installer’s Considered Opinion

May 9, 2023 2024-01-13T18:02:30 by 54 Comments

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…]

Filed Under: Solar Inverters

Selectronic SP PRO: My Favourite Powerwall Alternative

May 4, 2023 2023-05-04T20:46:39 by 35 Comments

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…]

Filed Under: Solar Inverters

Tesla Powerwall Alternatives Part 2: Hybrid Inverter Systems

April 30, 2023 2024-10-02T11:16:20 by 38 Comments
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…]

Filed Under: Battery Storage

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

April 27, 2023 2023-04-27T12:37:58 by 52 Comments

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…]

Filed Under: Solar Inverters

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

April 26, 2023 2024-07-05T13:24:30 by 34 Comments

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…]

Filed Under: EV Chargers

South Australia Wields The Solar Shutdown Compliance Stick

April 21, 2023 2023-04-21T14:06:12 by 18 Comments

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…]

Filed Under: Solar Installation

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

April 10, 2023 2024-10-01T13:02:41 by 9 Comments

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…]

Filed Under: Battery Storage

Sungrow Wins ‘Best Budget Battery’: An Installer’s Reaction

April 6, 2023 2023-04-06T14:42:32 by 17 Comments

Sungrow solar battery - installer's opinion

The words ‘budget battery’ strike fear into many installers’ hearts. The thought of a too-cheap battery going wrong is the stuff of nightmares. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Battery Storage

An Installer’s Take On Sungrow Inverters & Batteries

March 30, 2023 2023-04-04T14:25:57 by 37 Comments

Sungrow inverters and home batteries

Sungrow inverters and batteries are a popular choice for Australian solar systems thanks to their proven performance and accessible pricing. I thought I’d take a closer look at what makes Sungrow inverters such great value, along with some of their limitations. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Battery Storage, Solar Inverters
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