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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The Tesla Powerwall Installation: Case Study

Find out why E-Smart Solar chose the Tesla Powerwall for their own home

Practical and stylish, the Tesla Powerwall makes a stunning addition to any home.

The Tesla Powerwall is taking the world by storm, argued to be the future of sustainable energy. And although Tesla is being compared to Apple in terms of creativity, innovation and design, it wasn’t enough for us to become a Tesla Certified Installer without experiencing it for ourselves, first.

What is the Tesla Powerwall?

The Tesla Powerwall is a home battery system that enables you to make use of your home solar panels 24 hours a day.

Your solar panels capture the sun’s rays and turn them into energy. And 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.

However the Tesla Powerwall changes all of that. It captures and stores the excess energy your solar panels produce during the day, enabling you to use that energy at night. It means you’re getting more value from your solar panels, as well as reducing your energy costs. It can also offer additional functionality by acting as an emergency backup during power outages.

How does the Tesla Powerwall work?

Wall-mounted, the Tesla Powerwall is a 7kW lithium-ion rechargeable battery. It runs on a daily cycle, which means that it’s designed to charge and then discharge each day. It also comes with a 10-year warranty.

Once installed, it can be used to store the electricity generated by your solar panels (also called photovoltaic or PV panels) during the day for use at night. The Powerwall can be installed as part of a new solar system, which comes with solar panels and an inverter. It can also be retrofitted to an existing solar system, but you may need to upgrade your inverter to a compatible model, depending on your current setup.

Why we chose the Tesla Powerwall

We’re a company that trades on reputation – we’re here to represent the industry and our clients.

We rigorously research every single product we offer to clients, and the Tesla Powerwall was no different. We attend product seminars, read through the promotional and marketing material, scour the pages of the technical booklets and talk for hours to reps. But the Tesla Powerwall intrigued us. It not only looks amazing, but is also lightweight, simple (for an accredited installer) to install, and incredibly safe. It seemed to be a renewable energy fan’s dream.

But we had to be sure.

For peace of mind, as well as knowledge and experience, we needed to install the Tesla Powerwall on our home before we installed it on a client’s.

Introducing the Tesla Powerwall to our Winmalee home

We live in Winmalee, close to Penrith in Sydney’s gorgeous Blue Mountains. Our home is a three-bedroom, one bathroom home with three-phase power.

The house has solar panels installed when we purchased it in 2009. We run 5.5kW of solar, with an additional 2kW to be connected when the 60-cent feed-in tariff finishes (31 December 2016). Because we’re in such a lush, leafy area, our direct sunlight is limited.

We run luxuries such as ducted air conditioning, and we also have a stand-alone double garage that has been converted into a business office. Because we work from home, we’re using far more electricity than the refrigerator, freezer and lights in a standard home. And with children (as well as working of a night), this doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.

Why we went with the Tesla Powerwall system

Beyond wanting to trial the product before we installed it on a client’s home, there were a number of reasons why we chose the Tesla Powerwall.
It’s absolutely stunning. While we agree that this shouldn’t be the main consideration choice when looking at a solar battery, you have to admit that it certainly is the best looking battery on the market. Tesla has designed it to be a part of the home; its as much visual as it is practicable. It makes a fantastic feature in an area where it can be seen. This gives you incredible flexibility when choosing a location to install it – you’re spoilt for choice.
It’s rated for both indoor and outdoor use. The Tesla Powerwall is water resistant and has a dustproof enclosure/splash cover. Importantly, the environmental specifications support the flexibility you have with installation – with an operating temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celcius, it can be mounted on a floor, an external wall, in a garage, or even inside the home.
The battery experience is unparalleled. The Tesla Powerwall has up to a 10-year, unlimited cycle performance warranty for the battery. This is supported by all of the testing we’ve seen, where it outperforms its competitors by consistently operating at a higher efficiency and capacity.
Architecturally, it’s flexible and scalable. Every home is different – different sizes, located in different climates, and with different energy consumption patterns and backup needs. The Tesla Powerwall offers flexibility with design – depending on your requirements we can tailor a battery option to suit. Whether you choose to mount them on the floor or the wall, up to nine Powerwall units can be stacked together to provide incredible energy storage solutions.
It’s incredibly safe. With small children, safety is important to us. We loved that the Tesla Powerwall is touch-safe with no live wires or accessible vents for tiny fingers (or foreign objects!).
It can be used independently of solar panels to load-shift. This means that you can take advantage of the cheaper off-peak electricity prices by charging the battery during off-peak times (at the lower cost) for use during peak periods.
We’re absolutely intrigued by a company that wears its heart on its sleeve. Tesla fans and Apple fans have a lot on common. Not only do both companies produce a cult product that is as visual as it is practical, but they are also led by enigmatic leaders who are willing to pursue a greater vision. For Tesla and Elon Musk, this is very much about innovation and the sustainability. For an organisation to be so wholeheartedly invested in climate change and the fossil fuels that most scientists believe are contributing to the problem, and to be rising up against the biggest industry in the world in fossil fuels, we’re captivated.

Installing the Tesla Powerwall

We chose to install the Tesla Powerwall on a feature wall in the courtyard located at the front of our home. Adjacent to the front door and positioned alongside the deck, it’s a feature in itself (two spotlights enhance the design). Because we’re also qualified electricians, we were able to hide the electrical sand ensure the Tesla Powerwall is the stand-alone feature of the wall. We’ve seen a few installations where bulky wiring and backup electrical switchboards that aren’t effectively planned lose the beauty and simplicity of the Tesla Powerwall.

Weighing 97kg (but considerably more when packaged), we had a team of three working on the project. This included not only manoeuvring the battery around the property, but also lifting it to the correct height for mounting, positioning it on the wall, and ensuring it was stable.

Setting up the Tesla Powerwall

We decided to place the inverter and energy meter are on the other side of the house to maintain aesthetics. It’s important to note that the inverter and meter can no further than 10 meters away for communications.

If you’re thinking of investing on both a solar system and a Tesla Powerwall battery system, the majority of homes can be completed in a day. A retro-fitted installation of the Powerwall itself varies depending on the location and set-up, but it can also be completed in a day.

The benefit of being qualified electricians and accredited solar installers

The Tesla Powerwall has to be installed by a Certified Tesla Installer (such as E-Smart Solar!). However, the electricals need to be wired up by a qualified electrician. Although the system comes pre-wired to minimise install errors, there is still complex wiring required to enable communications between a single Powerwall and compatible inverter, as well as setting up metering.

This is where we can save you money – as we are both Authorised Tesla Resellers and qualified electricians able to undertake Level 2 Metering, we can do the entire job. No need for multiple trades and multiple invoices, just a seamless process from design through to installation.

Tesla Powerwall; the numbers

The energy generated: The Tesla Powerwall provides us with 6.4kW of energy, and is capable of discharging 3.3kW of continuous power to the home. It makes sense to charge the battery system during the day so that it can be used during the night, limiting our draw from the grid and, when the 60-cent feed-in tariff stops, minimising our export to the grid. With the feed-in tariff removed, we’re better off to use our own every than export to the grid.

The independence provided: While every household is different, including your room numbers and household profile, a 7kW battery generally wont be enough to take you ‘off the grid’ and make you entirely independent from the electricity grid, but the beauty of the Powerwall is that it’s possible to install more than one battery to increase your storage capacity.

The savings delivered: In terms of savings, we installed the Tesla Powerwall three weeks ago and are now in the process of tracking our electricity reduction. We’ll keep you updated in another instalment – stay tuned!

Installing the Tesla Powerwall; a success

The installation of the Tesla Powerwall was a success. This is hopefully the first of many to be installed in homes and small businesses across Penrith and the Blue Mountains.

The Tesla Powerwall means more than saving money. With the rising cost of energy an increasing concern for most families and business owners, and combined with the increasing disconnect between consumers and the energy giants, it provides us with that little bit more independence. Combined with the environmental benefits, we honestly believe that you can’t go wrong.

Over to you

Have you considered a solar battery system? We’d love to hear what you think about the Tesla Powerwall and your thoughts on solar batteries – let us know your thoughts!