Posts By Kim Wainwright On SolarQuotes

About Kim Wainwright

A solar installer and electrician in a previous life, Kim has been blogging for SolarQuotes since 2022. He enjoys translating complex aspects of the solar industry into content that the layperson can understand and digest. He spends his time reading about renewable energy and sustainability, while simultaneously juggling teaching and performing guitar music around various parts of Australia. Read Kim's full bio.

Researchers Show How Inverter Data Spots Solar Faults Early

Smarter solar monitoring

Recent research suggests smarter software could change how Australian households understand their solar systems — from production to consumption — without necessarily adding more hardware.

[Read more…]

Are VPP Payments Worth The Wear On Your Battery?

A battery relaxing in a hammockVirtual Power Plants (VPPs) are often marketed as “easy money” for battery owners: let your battery support the grid during peak periods and receive a small payment. Sounds simple, right?

[Read more…]

New Vehicle Emissions Data: An EV Shift For Solar Homes

NVES emissions data 2025

The first performance results have been published under Australia’s new National Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) — and while the immediate impact on electric vehicle numbers is modest, the data hints at changes that matter for rooftop solar and household electrification.

[Read more…]

Recycled Opinions: Have Your Say On Solar Panel Waste Plan

solar panels being recycledFollowing the announcement of a national solar panel recycling pilot, a parliamentary inquiry has now opened alongside formal requests for industry and public input — signaling that the wheels are finally turning. We spoke with recyclers to get their perspective.

[Read more…]

How To Beat Future Solar Export Tariffs

Zero export dilemma

From July 1st, NSW, ACT, NT, and Victoria will start to slowly roll out two-way pricing, with others in the National Energy Market (NEM) set to join in next year. This new setup lets network companies charge electricity retailers for the energy that flows back to the grid during busy times. [Read more…]

Do You Need An Efficient Home If You Own A Massive Solar System?

The average size of a residential solar PV system installed in Australia has grown significantly over the years, which raises an interesting question: Should owners of larger systems even worry about energy efficiency in their homes? [Read more…]

5 Proactive Ways to Protect Your Solar Setup from Corrosion

a corroded solar inverter

A Growatt inverter near Ardrossan, South Australia

This article will explore proactive ways that you can protect your solar investment by slowing down and even preventing corrosion, enabling your solar panels to keep on giving right through to their (and maybe your) sunset years. [Read more…]

Why Your Solar Panels Need Bypass Diodes

bypass diodes explained

Solar panel bypass diodes – those unassuming little electronic components quietly working in the background of your solar panels. What are they, why are they there, and do we really need them? [Read more…]

Hybrid Inverter Or Solar Inverter: Which Is Best For Adding Batteries Later?

should you buy a hybrid or regular solar inverter?

Lately at SolarQuotes, we’re getting slammed with this question:

“I’m gonna get a battery at some point. Should I get a hybrid inverter or a regular grid-tie inverter?”

That’s the million-dollar question. I know which one I would get, but I’m not you! [Read more…]

Can Amber Electric Win Back Tesla Powerwall Customers?

Amber Powerwall onboarding

Amber Electric recently put a hold on adding new Tesla Powerwalls to their novel electricity plan, thanks to some tricky issues between Amber’s SmartShift app and Tesla’s Powerwall control software. The good news? They’re back on track and ready to roll with Powerwalls again. But the big question remains – after this little stumble, can Amber rebuild the trust of their Powerwall customers?
[Read more…]

Get the latest solar, battery and EV charger news straight to your inbox every Tuesday