Single Phase vs Three Phase Homes

Why It Matters When Adding a Solar Battery in Emu Plains

Many homes across Emu Plains and Western Sydney are adding solar batteries to reduce energy bills, stay powered during blackouts, and use more of the solar they generate. But before installing a battery, there’s one important question:

Is your home single phase or three phase?

This simple detail affects:

What kind of battery setup you can have
How much of your home can stay powered during outages
Future upgrades like EV charging
How much clean energy you can store

Here’s everything you need to know — explained for everyday households.

Single Phase Power — The Most Common in Emu Plains Homes

Most homes in Emu Plains run on single phase power — the simplest and most common connection type. It’s perfect for everyday energy needs and works well with most solar and battery systems.

Key points:

Standard electricity setup in most suburban homes
Ideal for typical household appliances
Well-suited to small–medium solar battery systems
Reliable and cost-effective for most families

Single phase usually suits:

Family homes with regular appliance use
Homes prioritising essential-load backup in outages
People looking for quick payback and strong solar savings

Three Phase Power — More Power for Bigger Homes

Three phase provides more electrical capacity and supports higher power loads. You’ll see it more in high-energy households in Western Sydney — especially those with big ducted air-con systems or future EV plans.

Key points:

Three supply lines instead of one → more capacity
Can support larger solar + battery systems
Improves performance for energy-hungry appliances
Better suited to fast EV charging and future upgrades

Three phase usually suits:

Larger or newly built homes
Homes with swimming pools or workshops
EV owners or full electrification plans
Properties around Penrith, Cranebrook & the Blue Mountains foothills

How to Check Which One You Have

The fastest way is to look at your switchboard:

One main breaker = Single phase
Three main breakers = Three phase

Or:

Check your energy bill
Ask a local solar installer (we can confirm it during your quote)

Why Your Phase Type Matters for Solar Batteries

Your power connection plays a major role in how your solar battery performs and what it can support. Knowing whether you have single phase or three phase helps determine the right battery size, installation approach, and how your home will behave during a blackout. It ensures you get a system that does exactly what you expect — without overspending or missing out on important features.

Blackout protection is one of the biggest differences: single phase homes can keep essential circuits running, while three phase systems may allow for more extensive or even whole-home backup. If you depend on air-conditioning, medical devices, or have high energy needs in the evening, this becomes especially important.

It also affects future-proofing. As more Western Sydney homeowners move toward EV charging, home electrification, and bigger appliances, three phase offers the flexibility to expand your solar and battery system over time. In short — understanding your phase type ensures your investment supports your lifestyle today and into the future.

Battery Size & Backup Capability

Both single and three phase homes benefit from solar batteries — the difference is how much flexibility each offers.

Single phase:

Supports typical household essentials
Strong protection against blackouts
Affordable entry into home energy storage

Three phase:

Room for larger batteries + more stored solar
Ability to run more appliances during outages
Better long-term upgrade potential

Do You Need Three Phase to Install a Battery?

No — solar batteries work perfectly with both single and three phase homes.

A simple rule of thumb:

Household Type	Recommended Phase
Standard home with everyday loads	Single phase
Larger home or higher power usage	Three phase
EV owners or planning to electrify fully	Three phase

Either option delivers major savings — the key is designing the right system for your home.

Quick Recap for Emu Plains

Single phase — reliable, budget-friendly, suitable for most homes
Three phase — more power, flexibility, and potential for whole-home backup
Both work well with solar + batteries
Phase type influences EV charging and future upgrades

No matter your connection — a battery can help Emu Plains homeowners reduce reliance on expensive grid power and keep the lights on during outages.

Get a Local Solar Battery Quote for Emu Plains & Western Sydney

We’ll take care of everything:

Confirm your phase type
Recommend the right battery system for your home
Provide blackout protection options
Show your estimated savings and payback
Free, no-pressure quote

Servicing Emu Plains, Penrith, Glenmore Park, Cranebrook, Leonay, Blaxland & surrounds.

Cheap Solar Batteries: A Risk for Penrith Homes

Why Cheap Batteries Are a Risk for Penrith & Emu Plains Homes

Adding a battery to your solar system is one of the smartest energy upgrades you can make. It allows you to store excess solar power during the day and use it when the sun goes down, reducing your reliance on the grid and cutting power bills. But for many homeowners in Penrith and Emu Plains, the first question is cost. With batteries ranging from several thousand dollars upwards, it’s tempting to consider the cheaper end of the market.

The reality is that going cheap almost always comes at a cost later. Low-priced batteries may appear to do the same job as their well-known counterparts, but the differences are hidden beneath the surface. Many are made with inferior cells, lack proper testing, and aren’t backed by stable companies with an Australian presence. In Western Sydney, where summer heat pushes home energy systems harder than in other regions, these risks become even greater.

For homeowners in Penrith and the Blue Mountains foothills, a cheap battery can turn into a costly mistake, with higher bills, replacement costs, and the stress of unreliable energy when you need it most.

The Hidden Dangers of Cheap Batteries

Not all batteries are created equal. The problem with cheap imports is that they cut corners in areas that matter most: safety, durability, and support. On paper, a cheap battery might offer a long warranty and decent performance specs. In reality, many lack Australian certification, use lower-grade lithium cells, and degrade at a much faster rate than premium brands.

One of the biggest red flags is the absence of an Australian office or distributor. Many batteries are imported directly by solar retailers with no official manufacturer support. If that retailer goes out of business — a scenario we’ve seen happen many times across NSW — your warranty is essentially worthless. Unlike established brands that have local service teams and parts readily available, cheap batteries often leave you stranded with no recourse.

Safety is another concern. Poorly built batteries can pose risks of overheating, electrical failure, and even fire. In regions like Penrith where summer temperatures soar, the stress on a low-quality battery is even higher. Combine that with the fact that many cheap batteries lose capacity quickly, and the “bargain” ends up costing you far more than you save.

Why It Matters in Penrith & Emu Plains

Energy storage is not a one-size-fits-all purchase. In the Penrith and Emu Plains region, household energy needs can be particularly demanding. Summers are hot, air-conditioning runs for hours, and families use more power in the evenings when solar panels aren’t producing. On top of that, storm activity in the Blue Mountains foothills often causes power disruptions, making reliable battery backup even more valuable.

Cheap batteries simply aren’t designed to handle these pressures. They may work fine in the short term, but when faced with prolonged heat, heavy cycling, or the need for reliable backup during outages, their weaknesses quickly show. Homeowners who opt for these systems often find themselves with batteries that degrade much faster, leaving them with reduced storage capacity and rising bills within just a few years.

The other challenge is ongoing support. A battery is meant to last a decade or more, but without a strong local distributor or service team, many cheap products end up abandoned. In contrast, quality brands backed by Australian offices ensure that parts, maintenance, and warranty claims are straightforward and reliable.

At E-Smart Solar, we take the time to understand how your household uses energy and recommend a battery that truly fits your lifestyle. Whether you want reliable backup during outages, extra storage for heavy evening use, or a future-ready option for EV charging, we’ll help you find the right system for your needs. For Penrith homeowners, that level of personalised guidance and long-term security is worth far more than the short-term savings of a cheap battery.

Choosing the Right Battery for Your Home

When investing in solar battery storage, the priority should always be long-term reliability, safety, and support. This is where trusted brands make all the difference. Systems like the Tesla Powerwall 3 and the Sungrow battery range are among the most popular choices for Penrith and Emu Plains homeowners. Both come with strong Australian distribution networks, genuine warranties, and the confidence that your battery will be supported for years to come. Alongside other proven names such as BYD and Enphase, these batteries are rigorously tested, certified for Australian conditions, and designed to last well over a decade.

In Western Sydney, where summer heat pushes household energy use to the limit, choosing a premium battery means more than just storage. The Tesla Powerwall 3 offers a sleek design, high usable capacity, and reliable backup, while Sungrow batteries are known for their affordability without compromising on safety or long-term durability. Both provide dependable performance through Penrith’s extreme weather and ensure your home keeps running during power outages.

At E-Smart Solar, we only install batteries we know will stand the test of time. We’ve seen too many households disappointed by cheap alternatives, which is why we recommend proven brands like Tesla and Sungrow. By choosing a quality system with a strong warranty, you’re not just protecting your savings—you’re ensuring your home and family stay powered, comfortable, and safe for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Cheap batteries might look attractive at first glance, but for homeowners in Penrith and Emu Plains, the risks are far too high. From weak warranties and poor performance to safety concerns and lack of support, these systems often end up costing far more in the long run.

By choosing a quality solar battery backed by an Australian distributor, you’re making an investment in reliable power, stronger savings, and lasting peace of mind. It’s the difference between a quick bargain and a solution that truly supports your household for the next decade or more.

Ready to find the right battery for your home? Speak with the local experts at E-Smart Solar today. We’ll help you choose a system that’s safe, efficient, and built to last in Penrith’s unique conditions.

The Advantages of Solar Batteries in Bad Weather

Solar batteries can make a huge difference to your home during bad weather. In not too distant years when the power went out there was little you could do but light some candles and wait for electricity to be restored. Today it’s a totally different dynamic, not only because of the availability of rooftop solar installations and batteries but also other factors that impact households daily. Let’s look into this now, and why solar batteries can be fantastic as a backup for homes in the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury areas.

The Increasing Pressures on Household Energy Supply

A look inside any typical home would find digital work devices like a smartphone or laptop. Also, kids doing remote learning via the same devices, or a tablet or desktop computer. In such an environment the loss of power – even temporal – can be incredibly disruptive. This wasn’t the case a generation or two ago given (with some exceptions) people worked at workplaces, and students learned exclusively on campus.

The massive growth seen in work-from-home and remote learning arrangements due to Covid-19 will most likely remain in our lives in some form. This means the need for a typical household to have enhanced reliability in their power supply will become even more important.

The Heat is On

Even in communities where energy reliability is very good, the reality is the future will see immense new pressure placed on energy grids. There are many factors owing to this (the perpetually growing use of digital devices in households is a key example), but undoubtedly bad weather – influenced by climate change – plays a key part.

Given Australia’s 2019-20 summer was the nation’s second-hottest on record – with the hottest summer on record coming just one year before in 2018-2019 – there is an expectation our seasons will grow more extreme. This means an increased power bill due to the greater utilisation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) appliances. Unfortunately – alongside the dangers posed by extreme weather generally – this increased demand also means the risk of blackouts could grow.

How Solar Batteries Can Be a Backup

When a solar installation has a battery there’s the possibility to get the ‘best of both worlds’. The capacity to generate electricity independently via solar panels, while having an ongoing connection to the local energy grid for any time when demand in the household exceeds the electricity generated by solar power. But when there’s a power outage on the local grid, there’s no prospect of drawing on this power supply.

It’s here that a solar battery can be a game-changer. If bad weather causes a loss in power locally, it’s possible for the battery to kick in and utilise its stored power. So even if neighbours and others in the community lose power, a solar battery can keep operating the essentials until power is restored. This means (provided sufficient charge remains in the battery) lights stay on, phones get charged, fridges keep food cold, and more.

The Right Battery and System Matters

While a solar battery can certainly serve as a backup if the power goes out on the local grid, it must be noted not all solar products are made equal or offer the same advances in a blackout. For example, a 5Kw battery could be perfectly serviceable to store some excess power but ultimately won’t power a busy household for long once power from the grid goes off – especially given it’s set to experience degraded performance when connectivity with the local grid is lost.

The same applies to the system as a whole. Many grids have “anti-islanding protection” (AIP). In a nutshell, this provides electricians working on the grid protection by ensuring all power is shut off locally. It’s possible for a system to have its own AIP – meaning its power can stay on without posing a safety risk on the grid – but it shouldn’t be presumed a system has this. Consulting with a trusted electrician or solar installer regarding this is necessary if looking to acquire a battery that can be used in all circumstances.

Remember Solar Batteries are a Backup – Not a Defence Against Extreme Weather

When it comes to nasty weather and solar batteries there are some caveats to keep in mind. Just because there’s a technological capacity for a battery to provide backup power during bad weather, doesn’t mean this by default should occur. For example, like the aforementioned scenario, if someone is given instructions by a trusted professional such as an electrician to shut down power, then they should. It’s also necessary to remember that simply retaining power to a property won’t by default increase the safety of premises.

This sounds obvious if someone is reflecting on it during normal circumstances, but any time there’s the prospect of a natural disaster it’s understandable many people’s thinking can be clouded. That’s why it’s necessary to underscore if it’s unsafe to remain at the property and there’s the opportunity to safely travel to somewhere outside the risk zone of dangerous weather, then that option should be taken. Batteries can be brilliant at keeping power on when the grid goes out, but a safety-first approach must always apply when extreme weather occurs.

Powering Up the Advantages with Solar Batteries

Alongside the backup advantage, there’s also the peace-of-mind factor a solar battery can provide – which can’t be understated. With a solar battery backup, there’s no need to fear having to stumble around in the dark once the power goes out. There are no worries about having to call the office and explain a task will be late because your laptop battery ran out of power, or miss the submission of a key assessment because your Wi-Fi went out. That’s why if you have the opportunity to pursue it, obtaining a solar battery to serve as a backup can be a fantastic move.

E-Smart Solar focuses heavily on providing our clients with the level of service they deserve. Contact us about our range of solar batteries and installing solar.

How to Keep Solar Batteries Warm and Functioning Effectively During Cold Weather in The Blue Mountains & Hawkesbury areas

Across Australia, there’s a solid understanding weather conditions can impact solar installations. After all, it’s understood solar panels need sunshine to harvest energy, so the night time hours won’t see solar panels charging up like a superhero before a final battle with the villain! The same principle also applies to the winter months, where a reduction in sunshine throughout the days will diminish what the panels can harvest. For many solar panel owners, the gains they get year-round from having a solar installation – such as having no energy bill in summer and a significantly reduced one in winter – illustrates these limitations on solar are very small.

Nonetheless, taking steps to maximise the performance of a solar installation is always wise. There’s a big difference between a reduction in performance, and letting technology outright lag and underperform. That’s why when it comes to solar batteries and their performance during colder conditions, it’s essential to know how to keep them warm and functioning effectively.

Why Batteries Can Underperform During Wintery Weather

Like solar panels, solar batteries are designed to withstand tough conditions 365 days a year. Among the various types of batteries out there, there are even some Lithium options in the US that can perform in cold weather. But while Lithium batteries offer additional benefits in this area, they can also be far more expensive than the lead-acid types that have been more commonly used in years prior. In turn, regardless of whether a battery can perform in the cold, maintaining an ideal temperature can of course help achieve optimum performance.

It’s necessary to note in some respects cold conditions can actually be best for battery storage because the cool climate helps a battery hold its charge longer. But this isn’t the case when it comes to deep-cycle batteries that are charging and discharging regularly. For a regular Aussie household going about their business with a solar installation with battery storage, the latter is going to be getting an ongoing workout.

Obviously, there’s no ability to control the elements, so the only way to prevent underperformance by a solar battery vulnerable to cold weather is to recognise with clear eyes the challenge winter brings. In turn, to then take steps to minimise the impact of chilly conditions on a solar battery.

Warming to the Idea

There are many ways to protect a solar battery from the cold depending on the battery and particulars of conditions in a local area. But there are common principles found in use from one locale to another that can serve as a blueprint.

1. First, it’s important to consult with a trusted professional regarding the particulars of your solar battery, where it’s currently installed, and how it could be shielded from wintery weather.

2. Second, to recognise numerous options could be available depending on these factors.

3. Third, that depending on the change in environmental conditions from one season to the next it may be necessary to adjust a battery storage structure a little now and then. Once again, we can advise on this too.

Yet as an example of the potential solutions on offer, the best remedy can often be the storage of a solar battery with insulation, within an enclosure. An insulated box that fits a battery’s characteristics can allow for temperature regulation, wherever a battery is ultimately located on a property. Ideally, it may be an insulated box that is easy to remove, so if the need arises once warmer months roll around, the box can be taken off.

Regular Maintenance for Reliable Outcomes

It’s certainly important to see a solar battery stays warm and continues to operate effectively during winter. But it’s useful to keep in mind that while maintaining a solar battery is indeed a key element of keeping a solar installation in good working order year-round, it’s not the only one. In fact, there’s a number of steps that should be pencilled in to-do throughout the calendar year to see a solar installation’s performance is at optimum. For example, checking an inverter is working, and getting the panels cleaned.

Staying Power in Winter

Solar panel installations are terrific pieces of tech, but they’re also not static. Unquestionably, getting the actual installation done of a rooftop solar system is the biggest step in the process – and choosing to work with a quality solar installer makes this step much easier. But ongoing upkeep will be necessary following installation to get the most out of the system. Keeping batteries warm during winter is an essential part of this for installations that make use of battery storage.

Understanding how batteries perform during different seasons is the first step in this process. Then consulting with a trusted professional regarding what solutions will be available follows (keeping in mind enclosing a battery in an insulated container is often the best option). Finally, it’s wise to be mindful slight adjustments may need to be made to a battery storage process in future when changes in seasonal weather occur. But this notwithstanding, usually once a battery storage structure is in place it should be able to serve the system well from one year to the next with little hassle. That’s surely a solution to winter woes we can feel charged up about!

We focus very heavily on providing our customers with the level of service they deserve. If you are interested in installing solar on your Blue Mountains or Hawkesbury home, contact E-Smart Solar for a quote.

Can I Have a Solar Battery and Get a Feed-in Tariff in The Blue Mountains or Penrith?

Many Australians with an interest in solar find the dynamics between batteries and feed-in tariffs confusing. This is completely normal. After all, it’s true starting a solar installation project can be a little intimidating. Yes, getting a solar installation done can be great – but it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why now is a great time to look at the relationship between batteries and feed-in tariffs in Australia.

The Basics of Batteries and Feed-in Tariffs in The Blue Mountains and Penrith

For anyone yet to be familiar with how solar batteries and feed-in tariffs work, a quick recap is worthwhile.

Batteries: Solar panels generate energy during the day. As they do, the excess can be stored in a battery for later use, for when electricity is in need but the panels are not drawing any.

Feed-in tariffs: Feed-in tariffs are a credit that solar panel owners receive for any excess energy they generate with their panels that is then fed back to the grid.

If Not Today, Perhaps Tomorrow

It’s not critical to have a battery in order to gain access to a feed-in tariff. In fact, it’s not necessary to have a battery at all. In such cases, any excess energy will automatically be fed out to the grid. This said, many Aussies installing a solar system do find there’s value in having a battery. Furthermore, many Aussies that right now do not have a solar battery are looking to get one in future, once battery technology advances further.

So although it’s not a hard and fast choice, it’s instead one best thought of as being a question of strategy. It’s held as of December 2020 more than 2.66 million rooftop solar systems had been installed across Australia. Just as many millions more are set to be installed, existing solar installations will get added to, and otherwise modified in years ahead. For example, as well as adding a battery, it’s expected many homes will eventually install a charging station for an electric vehicle (EV) that is charged – at least in-part – by the solar installation.

The Case for Going Double

Installing a solar system is not about the benefits you get on day 1 of its use, but day 100, day 1000, and so on. A solar system can drive down energy costs, and drive up the value of a property. In this regard, getting a battery will make the installation a bigger job, but it means the extra energy the panels generate can be stored, and then later utilised.

A Diminished Appetite for Feed-in Tariffs

It’s necessary to keep in mind that the solar industry is – notwithstanding its ongoing growth – subject to change when it comes to both batteries and feed-in tariffs. Put simply, batteries are getting better as time goes on. In turn, while many governments have sought to implement generous feed-in tariffs to incentivise installations in years prior, the sheer popularity of solar across Australia today means in future the rate of such feed-in tariffs will reduce, and eventually likely come to an end altogether.

But these are issues for the mid-term to long-term. Although there’s always scope for a surprise (especially in this pandemic era), unless your local state or territory government’s feed-in tariff scheme is changing soon, there’s no need to be frantically ringing about solar installers tomorrow looking to get a set of panels up ASAP. In fact, it’s a reality not all solar providers will actually provide a quality installation with quality materials – so taking some time to do some in-depth research and discern what you should avoid when seeking a solar installer is always best.

Where Can I Find Out More About Feed-in Tariffs in The Blue Mountains and Penrith?

The Australian government has a good starting point for anyone looking to come up to speed on specific rates for feed-in tariffs across Australia. The precise rates for a feed-in tariff can vary across Australian states and territories, and from one energy provider to the next. Many people make use of energy price comparison websites to find a feed-in tariff they like.

It’s also useful to keep in mind that – as aforementioned – these feed-in tariffs can be subject to change. If you find a tariff you like in The Blue Mountains or Penrith areas, it’s useful to confirm with E-Smart Solar how long the current rate will be in operation for.

Complete Guide to Solar: Getting a Quote

When you purchase a solar energy system for your home, it’s important to find an installer who provides accurate, honest quotes. A reliable estimate will help ensure that you’re paying a fair price and won’t be surprised by the final bill.

What to Expect

Competent, trustworthy contractors visit customers’ homes before they offer quotes. If an installer sends an estimate via phone or email without seeing your house, this amount may not reflect the actual price. Each home needs different solar and electrical equipment.

A contractor ought to examine your circuit breaker, roof and any obstructions before estimating the cost. It’s also crucial to evaluate a home’s power needs. For example, a dwelling with electric appliances will need larger photovoltaic panels than a house with gas equipment.

Detailed Quotes

Your installer shouldn’t just state a single amount. You ought to receive an estimate that lists the prices of specific items, such as the mounting hardware, DC-to-AC inverter and solar panels. If you desire a rechargeable backup battery, the quote should also list the cost of this equipment separately.

A detailed estimate will provide specific information about these products as well. For instance, it ought to list the model, wattage and quantity of photovoltaic panels. Look for the inverter’s output capacity; this equipment plays a crucial role in most systems.

Meter Upgrades

Your electricity retailer will be in charge of your meter. Ask if you’ll need to replace or upgrade your electrical meter. This step may add as little as $60 or as much as $300 to the total price. Your retailer will need the solar installer’s Certificate of Compliance (CCEW) and Permission to Connect (PTC) letter forwarded to the retailer. Energy Australia and Origin Energy has a smart meter form that needs to be completed and sent along with the PTC and CCEW. Older meters often cost more to upgrade. Queensland residents face a very small monthly fee rather than a larger one-time upgrade expense.

Installation Work

A quote should reveal how much money you’ll spend on installer labour. Workers must transport and set up the equipment before connecting it to your home’s electrical system. Labour costs may rise if they need to dig a trench for underground cables.

Warranty Coverage

Be sure to learn about the warranty that comes with a system. How long does it stay in effect, what does it cover, and is it provided by a trustworthy, well-established company? Panels from LG Electronics normally include 25-year guarantees.

Getting Money Back

A knowledgeable contractor should be able to estimate feed-in tariffs and rebates. These credits could help you recover the cost of your equipment. The Small-Scale Technology Certificate supplies larger rebates for more powerful systems. Feed-in tariffs compensate you for excess power that your panels add to the electrical grid.

Ask the installer about a system’s payback period. This is the approximate number of years it will take for you to recover your investment through electricity savings, rebates and tariffs. Keep in mind that unpredictable weather and economic conditions can shorten or lengthen this period.

Installation Time

In addition to estimating the cost and future savings, an installer ought to tell you when the work would begin and how long it will take to complete. The number of days may vary depending on how many people the company employs and the level of demand for its services.

To sum it up, you can benefit from finding a solar contractor who takes the time to inspect your home and provide you with comprehensive information on every major aspect of an installation project.

If you are interested in installing solar on your Blue Mountains, Penrith or Emu Plains home, contact E-Smart Solar for a quote.

Solar Battery Power: Putting the Power Back in Your Hands

You own the sun. Well, not technically, but you do have the right to its power. So why not use it?

Solar technology helps you turn your rooftop into a power plant. But the biggest revolution in solar over the past few years is undoubtedly the arrival of a new breed of battery systems.

It isn’t new technology – in actual fact, solar batteries have been around for decades. They’ve just always been super-expensive (as well as huge and incredibly unattractive!). But that all changed in 2015 when Tesla announced its revolutionary Tesla Powerwall. It was everything that us solar lovers wanted – a relatively low price point and a solid consumer warranty.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. First of all, let me explain a little bit more about solar battery systems.

What is a solar battery system?

Although solar is renewable energy, it has its limitations. One of these is that it can’t produce power during times of little or no light.

A solar battery, however, makes this a non-issue. It stores any excess energy your solar panels make during the day for you to use during the night.

I think about it in these terms. During the week, we’re generally at home of an evening. We come home from work, use the lights, cook dinner, put washing on, use the air conditioner in summer and the heater in winter, kick back in front of the TV… the electricity system gets a beating. And because we’re rarely at home to do this during the day when our solar energy is readily available, our homes are reliant on the power produced by the electricity grid.

But with a battery, your home will use the excess energy your system has stored during the day before it turns to the electricity grid. Take that, rising electricity costs!

Why all the fuss about battery systems?

For us renewable energy fans, the new generation of battery systems is a game changer. For so long they’ve been too expensive for the average household or small business to consider, but Tesla Powerwall has completely changed the landscape.

The developments they’ve made in their technology are delivering dramatic cost reductions. For the first time, homeowners like you and I can afford to invest in a battery system. Not only that, but it looks the goods, too!

Who is Tesla and what is Tesla Powerwall?

I think of Tesla as the ‘Apple’ of solar technology. They’re constantly creating new things, pushing the boundaries and redefining the game for the other players in the market (such as Enphase and LG Chem). And if the name sounds familiar, there’s a reason why. They’re also the creators of electric cars.

They’re undoubtedly the leaders in the renewable energy market, but their innovation has forced the other players to up their game. All of a sudden solar battery storage has become a very real option for families to reduce their electricity costs even further.

What are the benefits of a solar battery system?

I’m a self-confessed devotee of renewable energy, so for me it’s all about the environment. But for a large percentage of our clients, it’s very much about the cost savings.

Our electricity costs are among the highest in the world. Not only that, but they’re increasing. Combine that with the fact that ‘luxuries’ are now often considered ‘essentials’ – take the record-breaking day we had last month where air conditioning was just not negotiable – and it’s just not feasible for either families or small businesses. But a battery system can put some power back into our hands (yes, pun intended).

My top 5 ways a solar battery system will save you money

Save your daytime electricity for night instead of selling it back. For consumers, this is a huge game changer. We pay pretty high rates to import electricity – take a look at your electricity bill and you’ll see that it’s between 25 and 55 cents per kilowatt hour.
For those of you who have solar, have a look at much you are selling it back to the grid for – on average it’s only between 5 and 8 cents per kilowatt hour. But with these battery packs, we’re no longer at the mercy of the grid. Instead, we can use our solar 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
So instead of selling your surplus power back at a small rate, you’re far better off to use it yourself during peak periods.
Store electricity from the grid when it’s cheap. So if you’re going to use electricity, why not store it when prices are lowest? If you store it from the grid during off-peak but use your battery for power during the most expensive peak time (instead of buying from the grid, that is), you’ll reduce your overall electricity costs.
Increase your solar consumption. For the average home, a battery system can almost double your solar usage. Adding a 14 kilowatt hour battery (such as Tesla Powerwall) to a 5 kilowatt solar system can increase your amount of self-consumption between a whopping 30 and 60%!
Future-proof your home or business. It’s predicted that battery storage is going to be the main way families manage their electricity costs by 2019. Battery storage costs are falling, while grid electricity prices are increasing. Future-proofing your home now will also save you in the future.
Keep your electricity expenses economical even though the feed-in tariff has stopped. The government’s feed-in tariff ceased this year, meaning that individuals with solar who were on the feed-in tariff no longer receive a generous rate for the solar electricity they put into the grid. Electricity prices aren’t going to change, so I truly believe that it’s inevitable that solar systems with battery storage will become the most economical solution to provide electricity.

It’s undoubtable that renewable energy is our future. And as prices continue to fall, battery storage will give you ongoing cost savings by letting you use more of your own solar electricity, while also letting you access and store electricity from the grid when it’s cheapest.

And just to hold myself accountable, I’ve recently installed a Telsa Powerwall on my home and am tracking the changes it makes to our electricity consumption. So keep your eyes peeled and I’ll keep you updated!

Reposit: Optimise the performance of your solar battery system

The Aussie technology that’s said to reduce the payback time on your solar battery by a whopping 50%

It’s been a tough month for Sydney in terms of the heat, but Penrith and the Blue Mountains have really copped it with temperatures in excess of 43.4 degrees. But it’s not all been fun and games relaxing in the air conditioning. Some areas in Penrith, such as Mulgoa, Wallacia and Londonderry, suffered through such torturous power outages that we’re placing one Tesla Powerwall 2.0 Solar Battery order after another.

Especially as Reposit software can help reduce your payback time by 50%.

Just what is ‘Reposit’?

Reposit is an incredibly smart software system that lets you store and trade your solar energy.

It’s the brainchild of two Australians, one an electricity market and software specialist and the other a data analyst scientist. They recognised that although one in five households are now using solar power, there were some fundamental flaws in the way in which those systems engaged with Australian electricity grids. As a result, consumers investing in renewable energy via solar power and battery systems still weren’t getting as big a bang for their buck as they could have been.

Until now, of course, thanks to these Aussie born-and-bred solar geniuses.

How does Reposit work?

Reposit is software that’s been developed specifically to enhance the IQ of your solar battery system. Yup… your solar battery of choice is the monster, and we’re Frankenstein.

We install the Reposit box in your electricity switchboard and connect it to your solar inverter. It then becomes the brains behind your solar power system. One thing to note, though, is that only licensed electricians, such as E-Smart Solar, can install Reposit.

So… we connect it up, plug it in, and the magic happens.

Benefit A: Reposit lights up the brainpower of your solar battery system

Your solar battery system communicates with Reposit servers to access all kinds of data. But not only does it access this data, it also it interprets it before planning the best way forward. In a nutshell, it instructs your battery behave in a far more advanced manner.

The software looks at the latest weather data before planning the best way to use or store your solar energy. It will charge from off-peak before cloudy days, saving you money while still ensuring the tank remains topped up. It learns your daily energy patterns and tunes your battery to reduce reliance on the grid. And it constantly adapts and predicts to various weather predictions, reducing your electricity bills.

Best of all, your battery’s IQ just keeps getting higher (just like coffee for humans). As Reposit software gets to know your home or business’ typical energy use, the management of your solar energy becomes more and refined.

Benefit B: Reposit is a personal stockbroker and solar battery mastermind in one

Here is where Reposit is completely unique. It allows you to make a little extra money from your solar when there is a surge in wholesale electricity prices. How? Just like Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street (but with ethics), it looks at the latest market data and allows your battery to sell excess clean energy for a profit when the grid is short of power and prices are high.

This works via a credit system. Reposit credits are called ‘GridCredits’. These credits have been negotiated with networks and retailers on your behalf to ensure you get paid fairly when you sell energy back to the grid.

When you sell your solar energy back, you’ll receive the payment as a credit on your regular electricity bill.

So with Reposit, not only do you receive tailored electricity plans but also potentially halve the payback time of an average battery via the savings.

“Reposit learns, adapts and predicts your energy usage so you’re getting the most from your solar. What’s more, you’ll save on energy bills which means, on average, you’ll pay off your battery in half the time.”
Reposit power

Is Reposit worth the investment?

In our opinion, without a doubt. And not only for the financial benefits.

Reposit technology will add about 5% to the cost of a battery so, in the context of your investment, you’ll benefit from getting the best control system possible.

And even if it does transpire that the rebates from your GridGredits are minimal, you’re investing in the system of the future. Imagine being able to shut down a coal-fired power plant by replacing it with a sustainable power station that consists solely of residential and business solar and storage systems owned by individuals?

Make sure your solar system works smarter, not harder

Reposit is software that gives your battery system a brain. It’s also great for the environment, supporting the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid.

It takes your energy consumption data, works with weather data and predicts your power generation for the day. Because it learns your energy usage patterns and understands your electricity tariff, it controls your battery so that:

Excess solar generation is captured
Your battery is intelligently pre-charged at night, during off-peak hours
Your peak energy consumption is offset by your solar battery, and
Excess solar energy is sold back to the grid when it will be most beneficial to you.

The high retail price of electricity means that Australia is the third highest country in the world to rely on solar, only second to Denmark and Germany.

It’s a game-changer for the energy market, and E-Smart Solar is qualified to sell, install and commission Reposit technology

E-Smart Solar is a Reposit partner. We’re qualified to sell, install and commission Reposit technology, so if you’re looking to get more out of an existing battery system or want to make the most of a new one, let us show you how.

We’re based in the Blue Mountains, close to Penrith, but service clients Sydney-wide.

What are your thoughts on Reposit?

Do you have, or are considering, a solar battery system? We’d love to hear what you think about Reposit software and your opinion on the future of solar storage and trading – let us know your thoughts!

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