As I’m sure you’re aware, in this country we pay through the nose for grid power. Electricity bills are so high I’m surprised the police aren’t required to random drug test them. [Read more…]
Are Time-Of-Use Tariffs The Secret To Fast Battery Payback?
Home battery systems continue to fall in price — with an exception or two — and we are getting closer to the day when they will save a typical household money without subsidy or being part of a Virtual Power Plant.
But there is one thing that almost gets batteries to pay for themselves right now: the ridiculously expensive peak rates some time-of-use electricity tariffs charge. But, without a subsidy, time-of-use tariffs and batteries will only save money for a few exceptional households. [Read more…]
SonnenFlat Review: Is It A Good Deal?
I think the German home energy storage company, Sonnen, must be having an exciting time in Australia at the moment: [Read more…]
How To Deal With Solar And Battery Telemarketer Pests
Have you ever settled down to enjoy a particularly intense episode of My Little Pony1 when you were rudely interrupted by a cold-hearted cold caller trying to sell you a potentially shoddy and possibly overpriced solar power system? If so, you are not alone. Lots of grown men watch My Little Pony. Also, plenty of people get called by dodgy solar marketers. [Read more…]
Tesla Raises Powerwall 2 Price – Just In Time For Australian Battery Subsidies
Only 8 months after increasing the price of the Powerwall 2 in February, Tesla is about to bump it up again. This time by a much heftier amount. [Read more…]
Is SunPower’s Product Warranty All It’s Cracked Up To Be?
When it comes to solar panel manufacturers, SunPower is basically royalty. At 33 years old I can’t think of any solar panel focused company that’s survived longer. It was founded in 1985 by Richard Swanson who is a solar panel genius. By that I mean he’s been an important figure in field of solar photovoltaics and not that he’s a talking solar panel or something. [Read more…]
Sonnen Battery Updated For Australia: New Prices, Features & Specs Revealed
Sonnen claim to be the first company to successfully market on-grid home battery systems. Founded in Germany in 2010, they have sold systems to Australians for two years now. Their 9th generation of home batteries — known as the sonnenBatterie Eco 9.43 — have been on sale in Oz since the 16th of August. [Read more…]
How To Save Money With The South Australian Home Battery Scheme
For a long time now Australia has been drawing closer to the day when home batteries will pay for themselves. With the announcement of South Australia’s battery subsidy scheme we know that day will soon come — unless the scheme’s lack of competition prevents battery prices from falling enough. [Read more…]
The Gigawatt Project Reviewed: Solar For Rented Roofs
The Gigawatt Project is a Queensland company that helps put solar panels on the roofs of rental properties. They give tenants some of the savings from rooftop solar power while giving landlords a good enough return to make installing it worthwhile. In Queensland the Gigawatt Project can:
- Install a solar power system.
- Monitor tenant electricity use.
- Bill tenants for solar electricity they use at a rate less than the cost of grid electricity. The bill is paid to the landlord.
SA Battery Rebate: Examining The Scant Details Released So Far
As part of their election campaign the the South Australian Liberal Party promised to provide a $100 million home battery subsidy. Five months after victory they have released information outlining the subsidy scheme that will: [Read more…]
Currently Raging Debates: