Why you should harness the Blue Mountains sun

Keep your solar shining bright with proper maintenance and repairs

Nestled amidst the gum trees and sandstone cliffs of the Blue Mountains, many local homes bask in the golden glow of afternoon sunshine. Powering that idyllic lifestyle might just be your own solar & battery system, humming away on your rooftop.

But just like your trusty car or that ever-reliable fridge, even the best solar and battery systems need a little TLC to keep them churning out clean energy year after year. So here are E-Smart’s solar maintenance tips for all solar systems from the Blue Mountains all the way to Penrith.

Early bird detectives: Spotting trouble before it bites your budget

Remember the days of staring in dread at a monstrous electricity bill? With solar & batteries, those fears become distant memories.

But vigilance is key. Software like Solar Analytics acts as your solar system’s watchful eye, tracking its performance. Any sudden dips in power output, especially when sunshine is abundant, could signal trouble brewing.

Don’t wait for disaster – it’s time to call in the solar cavalry when you notice lower production for a few weeks! We at E-Smart Solar can check what is the reason and get you back into full production.

2-year maintenance check-ups

Think of it as a spa day for your renewable energy system. Every two years, invite the experts from E-Smart Solar for a thorough check-up. They’ll give your panels a professional clean, scrubbing away the dust, debris, those cheeky bird souvenirs, and Blue Mountains eucalyptus sap, ensuring the modules going forward soak up every ray of sunshine.

But the pampering doesn’t stop there. Skilled electricians will meticulously inspect every corner, checking for loose screws, dodgy wires, and any signs of wear and tear. Is the battery management system operating as it was designed?

Think of it as a safety audit, keeping both your system and your peace of mind in tip-top shape.

Safety first – let’s examine the heart of your solar PV system

Remember those dramatic thunderstorms that roll across the Blue Mountains? Your solar power system needs to be ready for anything. E-Smart Solar’s inspection goes beyond the surface, delving into the heart of your system, the PV inverter.

They’ll also check junction boxes for watertight seals, confirm emergency shutdown procedures are in place, and ensure all safety standards are met. Having a superhero on the roof keeps your solar system invincible against the local elements.

Proactive replacements – avoiding costly surprises

Just like replacing worn-out tires on your car, certain parts of your solar system need a refresh after as many years. The culprit? Our beloved Aussie weather.

Think of it as a small investment in the future. Replacing a couple of sun-baked DC isolators on the roof is a breeze, and E-Smart Solar will keep you in the loop with transparent quotes, so there are no nasty surprises down the line.

The essential PV array checklist

E-Smart Solar’s maintenance checklist is like a treasure map, ensuring every vital part of your solar & battery system gets the TLC it deserves.

Safety checks

Double-check safety protocols and manufacturer recommendations. Think of it as making sure your solar energy system plays by the rules, keeping everyone safe and happy.

Scrutinise every component. Voltage, earth fault protection, even the quirks of sunshine and local bird life chewing on cables – nothing escapes their eagle eyes.

Review emergency and maintenance procedures. No one likes surprises, especially with power outages.

Check switches for smooth operation and safety. Think of it as a necessary double-check, as weather and wind over many years can cause issues, that a thorough inspection will identify.

PV panel junction boxes

Guarantee watertight seals on junction boxes. A leaky junction box ruins solar system efficiency and water damage affects safety switches, even the good ones.

 Wires & shading

Hunt down any sneaky exposed wires. Because let’s face it, wires should be fully covered.

Clear leaves from under your PV panels because free-flowing air helps to cool solar panels.

Assess any new shade or construction culprits.

Are trees growing taller? Are new buildings blocking the sun? E-Smart Solar will help you navigate these shade-causing challenges with advice to minimise such power output interruptions.

PV array cleaning

Shower your panels until they are sparkling clean. Because who doesn’t like basking in the sunshine on a sparkling clean surface?

 

E-Smart can help

E-Smart Solar will run electrical tests to make sure everything is humming along. Think of it as a doctor’s stethoscope for your solar & battery system.

Thinking of expanding because you need more renewable energy or a bigger battery capacity. E-Smart can help you in these circumstances as well. We are only 1 phone call away.


A final word – Do not inspect the panels or clean them yourself. 

Remember those warning labels on your solar switches? They’re not just decorations.

Live panels have high voltage DC and they can be dangerous. Attempting DIY cleaning or repairs is like playing hopscotch in a minefield. Which cable is safe to touch?

 

Where do I direct the water hose? How much pressure will not damage my panels? And then all the issues with heights and ladders. We say leave inspecting and cleaning to the experts and call E-Smart Solar for your local support.

We’re Certified Carbon Neutral!

We are proud that E-Smart Solar is the first solar company in NSW to be Climate Active certified. Climate Active certification is an important step in our journey to being a more sustainable and environmentally conscious organisation.

We are located at the base of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, so we understand the importance of our environmental impact as a business. We have chose to be carbon neutral, hoping this heritage site can be enjoyed, as it is today, for generations to come.

So what does this all mean?

The Climate Active brand is a simple yet powerful way for companies to demonstrate to customers and stakeholders that they have a credible and transparent claim of carbon neutrality. It is the only government accredited carbon neutral certification scheme in Australia.

The Climate Active brand represents Australia’s collective effort to calculate, reduce, and offset carbon emissions to lessen our negative impact on the environment. The Climate Active certification is awarded to businesses and organisations that have credibly reached a state of achieving net zero emissions, otherwise known as carbon neutrality.

acting today for tomorrow Climate Active Network Memebr

“Understanding where our carbon emissions are coming from and where we can reduce these emissions has helped us manage parts of our business more efficiently.”

What can homeowners do?

The best thing homeowners can do to support us is to take the time to understand the solar system they are buying. Additionally, customers can also support us through understanding that the environmental benefits of solar power are the main reason we do what we do as well as helping homeowners and business owners to reduce their carbon footprint – not just their power bills.

Speak to our expert solar team about how you can reduce your carbon footprint.

Do Solar Panels Lose Efficiency?

Whether solar panels lose efficiency can be partially affected by the way the panels are treated. But that’s not the only thing that could cause a lack of efficiency.

The best thing you can do for your solar panels is gain knowledge about what problems to look for, so you can catch issues early. You may not be able to reverse problems, but you can stop more from happening and reduce the effects of them to increase efficiency. Don’t settle for solar panels that aren’t going to give you what you want, when you can have something far better than that by caring for your panels the right way, from the very beginning.

How to Minimize a Loss of Efficiency

The location and placement of solar system panels can make a big difference in whether they’re efficient or not. Even a system that looks like it’s in the sun all the time might not be as efficient as it could be. Part of that comes from the angle of the sun, which is different during various times of the year.

Another reason for a lack of efficiency is damage that can happen to the panels over time. That can lead to a slow loss of efficiency, which might not be noticed right away. Then once it’s gotten bad enough, it’s seen as a problem and there isn’t anything that can be done about it. It’s better to catch it earlier.

Can Extreme Weather Conditions Damage Solar Panels?

Extreme weather conditions like hail and cyclones can certainly do harm to solar panels. The same is true with severe dust storms and other kinds of weather that’s outside the normal and expected things like rainfall and sunshine.

While most typical types of storms won’t cause a big problem, it’s important to check solar systems after any major storm or weather event. That can help you catch problems quickly, and make any needed adjustments to the solar system so you can keep it working at the highest possible level for the long term.

What is Degradation?

One issue that can reduce efficiency is Potential Induced Degradation, or PID. This can be caused by heat, voltage, and humidity. Because most solar systems are exposed to a combination of these, that combination can take its toll over time.

Fortunately, most solar system models don’t have this problem. It’s important to buy a make and model that’s not known for having this issue, to reduce the chances of experiencing it. Another degradation issue, Light Induced Degradation (LID), occurs in the first days after system installation, when a system degrades based on its exposure to sunlight. It’s rare, but important to watch out for.

What is Delamination and What Causes It?

When delamination occurs, the glass on the front and plastic on the back of a solar panel separate. That means moisture and air can get inside the panel and start to corrode and damage it. This can happen when the plastic and glass aren’t perfectly clean or properly bonded, and often creates an imminent failure in the panels. When it’s noticed, it should be handled right away. By taking good care of your system and watching out for problems, it can provide you with energy for a long time to come.

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

How Lighting Conditions Affect Solar Panel Efficiency

When considering solar panels for your home, you’re probably concerned about Solar Panel Efficiency and whether the shading around the property will affect the output. One of those is often about lighting conditions and how they’re going to affect the efficiency of your solar system. Understanding the ways you can make the system more efficient and make the most of the lighting conditions you have is a very important part of a quality solar system. Here’s what to consider.

Does Shading Prevent a Good Solar Outcome?

Too much shade can sometimes mean that your solar system lacks efficiency. But a little shading for a short time during the day isn’t necessarily mean that your system doesn’t work as planned. It’s always better to position it where there’s more sun to get the maximum benefit, but sometimes that’s unrealistic. If that’s the reality where you live, taking full advantage of the non-shady areas and times is important. That way, you make your solar system as efficient as possible, and you can still have your panels located where you want them to be.

How Does Shading of Trees and Buildings Affect System Performance?

A system that’s getting maximum levels of sunlight will generally always perform better than a system that’s not getting as much sunlight. But the shading of trees may not be as significant of a problem as the shading caused by a building. Trees generally provide a more broken or dappled level of shade, where buildings provide more solid levels of shading that are closer to complete blockages of the sunlight. Some trees can also provide this, but it’s not as common. System performance can definitely be affected by anything that blocks sunlight for a period of time, and the longer the length of the blockage the bigger the overall effect on the system.

What is a Shading Analysis?

A shading analysis can help you see how much the shade in a particular area is going to affect the efficiency of your potential solar system. You can also have an analysis done of your current system, to see if there are ways to make it more efficient. Sometimes changing the angle of the panels with things such as tilt frames or cutting down a tree can mean improved efficiency of your solar system and can be well worth doing. Panels can also be moved in some cases, or installed in a location other than the one you were originally thinking of, however if you are planning on moving panels make sure you check with your installer for warranty violations.

Does the Location and Direction the Panel is Facing Matter?

The location of the panels and the direction they’re facing can absolutely matter. You may also want to adjust them with the seasons, when the angle of the sun is different. By doing that, you’ll be much more likely to have a good experience with your solar system and be able to use your panels at maximum efficiency. Then you get more quality and value, and you can feel better about the efficiency of your system, as well. Taking care where you place your system can be a very important part of using your solar system for the long term.

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

Are Solar Feed-in Tariffs in their Twilight Years?

There are many reasons you might be wanting to install a solar system. First, there’s the desire to make a little contribution of your own to a cleaner and greener future. Second, there’s been enticing installation incentives like government rebates on solar panels. Third, there’s the recognition a solar setup could help maintain access to electricity in the event of a grid blackout. Fourth, there’s no shortage of residents across the Great Southern Land who love the feeling of having a cutting-edge solar system!

But for all motivations that exist for getting solar, there’s no doubt gaining access to a feed-in tariff (FIT) is top of the list for many. This pathway allows a solar system owner to get some income from the excess energy their system generates. This has been very appealing to solar system owners currently paying off their system, and also those who’ve already done so. That’s why the suggestion that FITs are entering their final years is a very important issue. Let’s unpack it now.

Solar Popularity: The Necessity of Solar ‘Crowd Control’

Because solar installations are proving so popular in Australia there’s a new need to accommodate demand. For governments of all political persuasions across Australia, this is no easy task. The huge demand for solar installations that has seen successive record-breaking years of solar uptake is set to continue. It’d be a bold move for any leader to stand in front of the public and tell them ‘no more solar’ – and also it’d be foolish! The key problem certainly isn’t more people wanting solar – it’s how to effectively manage the power new installations generate.

It’s indeed necessary to make some significant adjustments to the sector. It would quickly become a big problem if everyone with a solar installation now and in future was able to feed excess energy into the grid all day long. Accordingly, for some in the energy industry, winding back the FIT altogether in the years ahead would be a way to slow the increase of solar installations. But in the meantime, the impact of solar’s popularity is already visible in policy decisions.

For example, Victoria’s minimum FIT rates are set to drop sharply in July. It’s necessary to note the minimum FIT isn’t mandatory. Energy providers are able to offer a higher rate if they choose to do so. Whichever way you look at it there’ll be a clear-cut reduction to the VIC minimum in the new financial year. There can also be the expectation similar moves will occur across other states.

More than Feed-In Tariffs: Increasing Options to Tackle the Problem

Taking action to address a problem is the right course – but that doesn’t mean there’s only one road to travel. There’s scope for multiple pathways to be pursued when it comes to managing solar’s ongoing popularity, and to encourage existing solar installation owners to look to other methods for utilising their excess energy. It’s clear the Australian Energy Market Commission [AEMC] has been thinking along these lines recently.

They put out a proposal in March that’d redefine the relationship between a typical rooftop installation and the grid, with ‘two-way pricing’ a key component of it. The AEMC argues the best path ahead would be to change the rules to incentivise solar owners to send power to the grid at night, instead of during the day. These new rules would incentivise solar owners to buy batteries, reward them for exporting energy when demand is high, and encourage them to utilise their own power when demand is low.

Increasing choice like this is surely a better approach than simply slicing and dicing FIT rates. Yes, managing solar’s surging popularity is a complex challenge. But any move to disincentivise solar uptake is a big misstep. That’s why if an eventual phase-out of FITs occurs, it must see new incentives replace it. Any alternative approach that opts for scaling back current incentives instead of creating new offerings can only be counter-productive in the long term.

But for now, what do you need to know about navigating this current chapter of solar’s growth?

Solar Policy: We’re in the Era of Constant Adjustments

The reality is the speed of expansion and change in the Aussie solar sector has been hard for authorities to keep up with. It demands regular adjustments. Just consider South Australia. In recent years it’s seen such an increase in solar power that the state’s been pursuing numerous virtual power plant (VPP) projects to help ensure excess energy residents generate with their solar systems doesn’t go to waste.

The experience of South Australia is illustrative of an important lesson here. Effective solar (energy) policy requires regular – and sometimes swift – adjustments. For our readers and customers, trying to keep up daily with every little change made in the sector would be impossible. But keeping an eye on the bigger trends can help anticipate a major change on the horizon – like the winding down of a FIT. So being proactive instead of reactive is key in order to maximise ROI on a solar system amidst an environment of ongoing change.

Taking Action Amidst Change

There’s no question solar will continue growing fast in Australia, and sometimes that growth will be faster than authorities can keep up with. Accordingly, really eye-catching headlines will occasionally circulate saying it’s time to ‘slam the brakes on’. As aforementioned, it’s true the rapid national increase of rooftop solar power must occur alongside careful management.

Ultimately, while solar enthusiasts must sometimes be ready to encounter a dramatic headline – and perhaps be patient as policymakers tweak some settings – at the end of the day, solar owners will benefit from diversification instead of diminishment of energy export offerings. So authorities should preference that path instead of constantly tinkering with FIT rates.

The key tasks for solar system owners are:

1. Understanding what current options are out there

2. Understanding what options could be made available in the future

3. Which option best aligns with your goals for your solar system going forward

We focus on providing our clients with the level of service they deserve. Contact E-Smart Solar for more information and advice or to discuss your solar needs.

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.

The Smart Way to Maximise Use of Your Home Solar Installation in The Blue Mountains & Hawkesbury areas

There’s no doubt the 2020s will see immense growth in both smart home and solar technology. Australians with a smart home have the ability to use a more affordable and enjoyable property each day. For Australians with a solar installation there’s the chance to harness an effectively unlimited natural resource. 

With a smart home and solar combo Australians can have the best of both worlds. Especially because having a smart home does not mean by default you need to have an array of gizmos and cutting-edge tech at your disposal. Instead, having a smart home and solar combo is about bringing together the best possible resources in your property, and making any improvements where you can.

Aussies who do this can build a powerful plan for the future of their home. It’s essential to understand the value in starting to make this shift now.

Tapping into Unlimited Energy

It’s no secret the cost of installing solar is something you should think carefully about. Just as is the case in a number of other countries, Australia right now has an abundance of solar installers offering rooftop systems at absolutely rock bottom prices – but this isn’t a good thing. The old adage ‘the least expensive and the most expensive product are rarely good value’ rings true.

But while doing research and thinking carefully about which solar setup is best for you is certainly wise – a poor quality installation may fail to perform properly and even be a safety risk – it’s also essential to understand the immense value a quality rooftop solar installation can provide your household by reducing power bills. Indeed, it’s no understatement to say a quality solar installation can be revolutionary for the average Aussie home in all the benefits it offers. A solar battery is also a very worthwhile consideration in this mix.

Solar panels will harvest energy, the inverter will convert it into usable energy for the home, and in solar installations with a battery present excess energy can be stored. As well as the eco-friendly benefits of a solar installation generally, one with a battery can provide an additional level of energy security to the home. In the case of a blackout, it’s possible for a home to make use of the energy stored in a battery when power is not available from the local grid.

You can view our range of recommended inverters, and solar batteries here.

If unable to commit to a rooftop solar installation right now, but looking to make a small but significant change in the home? It can be done by simply swapping in some LED lights. In comparison to halogen bulbs, LED lights use around 75% less energy. This can amount to savings of hundreds of dollars per year. 

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) can be a massive expense on the household budget. In fact, according to the Australian government, it can account for up to 50% of energy used in Australian homes. Of course, there are sensible steps all of us can take to help drive down these costs. Good habits such as turning off heating and cooling units when not in use, and buying thermals or wearing an additional layer of clothes in winter are key examples of this. But technology also has a role to play here.

A reverse cycle split system air conditioner is the most energy efficient electric heater. Not only do they outpace the competition in their own class, but they can also be cheaper to run than the old and familiar gas heater. They already provide affordable heating in winter and cooling in summer, and when combined with a solar installation their cost of operation drops further still. Furthermore, data by the Australia Bureau of Statistics has shown up to 45% can be saved on heating and cooling energy consumption when roof and ceiling insulation is present. Insulation can help keep a home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Solar and Water Efficiency

The effective combination of solar and water is essential to getting the most out of a smart home and solar combo. Similar to what a traditional water tank looks like, a solar hot water unit may be ground-mounted and still derive the benefits of a rooftop solar installation. A solar hot water system can store any excess energy a solar installation has, and – instead of it getting sent back to the grid – see it put to use in heating the water necessary for daily activities in the home.

Alongside solar hot water systems, heat pumps can serve a similar purpose as an alternative. Their method of operation is different – as a heat pump can achieve its aim via the harvesting of energy from the surrounding air which is then transferred internally for use to heat the water – but a heat pump can be ideal for homes where structural challenges such as limited space may prohibit a solar hot water system from being set up.

A Wise Move with Windows

Many Aussies looking outside a window in their home for a smart upgrade to make really don’t need to look far. In fact, windows themselves can form a key part of a smart home and solar strategy. By getting window glazing done the cooling and heating capabilities of a home can be enhanced. Whether double glazing or triple glazing, this process can help keep heat in the home during winter, and see a significant reduction in the cost of heating bills once they’re in place. Window blinds – aka roller shutters – are also a good option in this area.

Similarly, external awnings and shadings that encircle the house can help keep the home cooler in summer, reducing the need to use air conditioning and fans. Ideally, any addition to the home’s structure like shadings – or any new home build! – will be done mindful of the optimal home orientation. In the Southern Hemisphere, north-facing homes will receive more exposure to the sun than any other facing. Where possible, factoring in this geography will always yield the best results for a smart home and solar combo.

However, for any Aussie home presently not in a position to pursue a big piece of work like a glazing treatment or shading installation, you can still make a smart upgrade quite easily.  Installing heavy curtains can help reduce heat loss in winter, and keep the home cooler in summer.

Making Smart Work of the Yard

Utilising a smart home and solar combo effectively isn’t just about what goes on inside the four walls of the home.

For anyone that’s a real green thumb and happiest starting their smart home journey outside the home, landscaping and vertical gardens can be a terrific way to make the property more eco-friendly and drive down energy costs. Examples of this are planting trees in the garden that can cast additional shade over the home in summer helping keep it cool, and the creation of a green wall along the home’s walls that creates an extra layer of insulation.

Rainwater tanks are also a tremendous way to enhance your yard’s eco-friendly nature while reducing water costs. As well as the big and traditional bulky tanks, a number of thin tanks are also available on the market for any home that requires a unit with a slim profile. And speaking of water, for any Aussie looking to trim down operating costs on the family pool the installation of a pool heater can be especially helpful. These devices can have a similar upfront cost to other options like a gas pool heater but also have very low annual operating costs.

For those who may not have the funds or space at present to insert some big new additions to their yard, putting out a few buckets in the rain can be an affordable and easy way to take a smart approach to water use. Sure a few buckets won’t catch as much as a tank, but it all adds up. The rain water can be used in the days following for watering the garden, outdoor cleaning, and similar tasks.

The Importance of Stargazing

There’s always lots to consider when buying home appliances. The ideal cost, style, and features will vary from one product to the next depending on the particular needs of a home. Yet what all buyers will find in common is the benefit they can gain from seeking out electrical appliances with high energy efficiency ratings. The more stars an appliance has, the more energy efficient it is. Choosing an energy efficient appliance can really be a smart move, given it can result in a lot of money saved in the long run due to reduced energy consumption in daily use.

If your current devices are not very energy-friendly and you’re not in the market for some new appliances right now, there are still ways to reduce your consumption. Alongside building the habit of switching appliances off when not using them, you can optimise their use by understanding what techniques save power. For example, by filling a fridge sufficiently. 

When a fridge is only partially filled it expends a lot of energy replacing the cold air that leaves every time someone opens the door. While you should steer clear of overfilling, keeping the fridge around two-thirds full can help minimise its operating costs as less cool air will escape each time the door opens.

Similarly, always using a washing machine on a full load is best. Common sense applies here – as you also want to avoid overfilling this machine too! – but unless your machine has a special sensor where it can detect you’re running less than a full load, always fill it to capacity. Also, washing on cold water can drive down costs, and so too unplugging the machine when not in use (many machines have a standby mode so they continue to use energy even when not operating).

A Fantastic Way to Future-Proof Your Home

Operating a smart home with power drawn from a rooftop solar installation feels very futuristic – and that’s because it is! But although the smart home and solar combo is in one respect on the absolute cutting-edge, it’s also set to become the ‘new normal’ in years ahead. This is because of the clear-cut advantages it can provide a household in dealing with emerging challenges.

By building a smart home and solar combo and utilising associated apps and online channels, it’s possible to monitor your home’s consumption over time and identify where further optimisations can be made, and inefficiencies reduced. This is a great way to counter the trend of the rising cost of living and do it all from the comfort of your own home with smart tech and data as your tools.

Being Smart About It

Building a smart home and solar combo is an outstanding way for an Aussie household to optimise their daily lives, and reduce the cost of living expenses. This alongside the great contribution of eco-friendly smart home products in combination with a solar installation makes to drive Australia towards a cleaner and greener future.

For any household that right now has the opportunity to begin building (or adding) to their own smart home and solar combo, there’s never been a better time to do so. Contact E-Smart Solar now to take advantage of the opportunities on offer that a smart home and solar combo provides immediately, while also utilising it to drive down living costs as they rise elsewhere in future. We only use the highest quality and the safest products from reliable solar manufacturers in all of our installations.