Conduit into inverter = path for water into power electronics.

DC cables need mechanical protection. That’s not up for debate. But the way some of the industry is achieving it, by plumbing conduit directly into inverters, is creating a new problem: water ingress. [Read more…]

From 1 May 2026, new inverter rules apply to solar and battery systems connected to WA’s main electricity grid, managed by Western Power.

Your installer is responsible for making sure your system meets the technical requirements – that’s their job. But there are two things worth discussing with them: how your export limits are configured and whether your system has room to grow.

This guide covers what to look for under the new rules. It’s not general solar buying advice – it’s specifically about new design decisions that matter because of the new rules. [Read more…]

There is a tool on the SolarQuotes site that almost no one uses.

Not because it is hidden on purpose. Mostly because it is hard to stumble across.

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Unless your house was built in the last couple of years, installing a house battery will likely require at least some switchboard upgrades.

It’s a basic electrical regulation so why are some solar battery salespeople ignoring the need and setting expensive traps in the process?

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This post is about a choice most people do not realise they are making.

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If you’re building a new home and thinking about solar (or a battery) down the track, the best advice I can give you is this: get your solar installer involved before the plasterboard goes up.

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Currently super-cheap solar panels will be a bit more expensive and the federal home battery rebate will buy less capacity if changes to China’s export tax rebates are passed on to Australian solar shoppers. [Read more…]

There’s a long-running problem with running SolarQuotes¹. When you write about smart ideas or gear that works well, the phones light up. Manufacturers call to say thanks. They invite you to factories. They offer free gear to test and keep. They love the spotlight when it suits them.

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Australia’s New Energy Tech Consumer Code recently reached a significant milestone in the number of Approved Sellers participating in the program. Also rising are the number of consumer complaints made against sellers. [Read more…]