If you’ve had solar power for a few years and found your bills are getting uncomfortably high, you could probably use more solar yield. However, as we’ll explain, it’s not as simple as plonking more panels on the roof. [Read more…]

Hi there! I’m Pat Southwell, and I’ve been a Licensed Electrical Inspector (LEI) in Victoria for nearly three years. If you’re a Victorian reader, you’re likely aware that all solar installations in our state are inspected. [Read more…]

So you’ve just enjoyed your first solar summer with a basic 6.6kW system, but you’re finding the bills in winter still give you the chills, don’t worry; you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for new solar installations to undergo expansion after the first winter. Read on as I explain how.

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An excellent 50-pole switchboard upgrade. An absolute credit to Deionno Electrical & Solar

Despite modern electrical standards calling for spare space in switchboards, even brand-new places can struggle with switchboard space when adding solar, battery or EV charging equipment. [Read more…]

Like the rest of Burra, this solar system should be heritage listed.

Are you an early adopter of solar power? Are you wondering how to install a new solar system alongside your existing one? Or if you need to replace it entirely? And what about the solar rebate if you’ve already received it? Plus, how does the Premium Feed-in Tariff (FiT) factor into your decision?
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image credit: Kelvin Graves – Crap Solar Facebook group

I’ve recently noticed an uptick in questions from previously satisfied solar owners. With rising prices eroding their savings, they’re looking to boost their solar yield. If you’d like more solar, read on and we’ll explain how to go about it.
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Trawling an album recently, I was traumatized to recall one particular solar installation. I took nearly 20 photos at the time to prove why, in this case, it was such a nightmare. [Read more…]

Solar battery installation inspections are essential. They ensure systems are safe, compliant, and function optimally. [Read more…]

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…]

Welcome back to our monthly chat. I’m Pat from Southwell Solar Inspections. In my line of work, I get to chat with system owners after the solar installation team has packed up and moved on. It’s a unique chance to hear how the system is running once the initial excitement has faded.
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