7 reasons to go solar in the Blue Mountains & Penrith Region

The Blue Mountains and Penrith area is experiencing a positive change in energy management by homes and businesses. This change is accompanied by beautiful landscapes and lively communities.

Since 2004, over 5,000 homes in the Blue Mountains and Penrith region have been utilising solar energy.

This has helped promote independence and environmental responsibility. Springwood has the highest number of panels per person. It is followed by Glenmore Park and Blaxland.

This demonstrates the area’s commitment to a sustainable future. In the Penrith region, Penrith themselves leads the pack where every third local PV system installed is now a solar & battery combination.

Solar installations are more affordable than ever. They offer a sustainable and financially savvy solution to the ever-increasing power costs. Discover 7 strong reasons to switch to solar power and batteries in this beautiful area of Australia.

1. Shield yourself from rising energy costs

In the Blue Mountains and Penrith, like much of Australia, energy prices have been on a relentless upward trajectory. Installing a solar & battery system allows you to generate your own electricity, significantly reducing your reliance on grid power. Being independent means you can avoid rising power costs and have power over your own energy supply and future electricity bills.

2. Lower your household expenses

Solar energy can be a game changer for households in towns like Katoomba, Springwood, and Glenmore Park. Solar Panels reduce your electricity usage, saving money for important household needs and easing your financial stress. In an era where every penny counts, solar energy provides a practical solution to manage your power bills better.

3. Unparalleled installation details, product quality and warranty support with E-Smart Solar

E-Smart Solar is a trusted supplier of renewable energy solutions. We operate in the area and provide reliable and sustainable energy options for local customers. We have a wide range of panels, inverters, racking, batteries, and EV chargers to meet different energy needs.

What sets our products apart is not just their excellence but also the assurance they bring. Every item has great warranties, giving peace of mind to homeowners in Penrith, Hawkesbury, and nearby areas. This commitment to quality isn’t just about the present; it’s a promise that your investment remains safeguarded for years ahead.

At E-Smart Solar, we provide products that exceed industry standards. We ensure that your transition to sustainable energy is seamless and dependable in the long run. Trust us to provide the tools you need for a greener future, backed by quality assurance that stands the test of time.

4. Tap into generous Government incentives

People in the Blue Mountains and Western Sydney have the opportunity to use green energy. The Australian government is providing financial incentives and low-interest loans. These are aimed at making it easier and cheaper for people to switch to solar power and battery installations.

One of the most enticing incentives is the significant rebate offered specifically for residents in these regions. This rebate slashes the cost of solar panels by a substantial 33%. This significant decrease makes buying solar panels a smart and financially rewarding choice for homeowners in the area.

With government support, choosing solar energy is a smart choice. Not only do these rebates significantly reduce the upfront cost, but they also pave the way for long-term savings on energy bills.

If you reside in the Blue Mountains or Western Sydney, taking advantage of these incentives could be a game-changer for your household. Choose green and efficient energy for lower installation costs and ongoing energy savings.

5. Create a sustainable future for our younger generations

Embracing solar and battery energy is not just about immediate financial benefits. It’s also about contributing to a more liveable planet. By reducing your carbon footprint, you play a vital role in creating a sustainable future for younger generations to come.

This is important in a pretty place like the Blue Mountains and Penrith regions, where protecting nature is crucial, and hotter weather can increase bushfire risk.

6. Benefit from expert guidance and installation

Transitioning your home and integrating home storage batteries can initially feel like a complex process. However, E-Smart Solar is your reliable partner throughout this entire journey. Our experienced and dedicated solar team is committed to simplifying the process for you.

We’ll guide you through many choices to find the perfect system that meets your needs, starting with thorough consultations. From designing the system to professional installation, our experts are by your side every step of the way.

Regardless of your location in Blaxland, Leura, Penrith, or Emu Plains, our services extend to your area. We are dedicated to being the best and our support guarantees your solar system will work well for a long time.

7. Transform your energy bill into a smile

Imagine receiving your next energy bill not with dread, but with a warm smile. Solar & battery power makes this a reality, transforming energy consumption habits and bringing newfound financial freedom. In a sunny area, using solar power for your home makes sense and has benefits.

Embrace solar energy today with E-Smart your trusted local supplier

The Blue Mountains and Penrith region stand at the forefront of a solar revolution. Embracing solar energy today means powering your home and future sustainably and economically. Contact E-Smart Solar for a free quote and determine how much you can save on your future electricity bills.

So, what are you waiting for? Join the solar & battery movement and call E-Smart Solar on 02 47035411.

What Needs to Happen With My Metering?

Once you get a solar system installed, you’ll probably still have questions. Some of those might be related to what kind of metering changes you’ll see and whether there’s anything else you need to do in order to make sure your system is working correctly and everything’s set up right. You want to get the maximum value from your investment in solar power. Here are some of the most important questions to ask?

After Solar System Installation, What Happens With My Electricity Metering?

It’s not possible to just set up a solar system and start using it right away with the maximum benefits. You’ll need to work with the power company in order to be sure that you’re giving and receiving power correctly. That will reduce the chances that your new system won’t save you money, and also make sure you’re not trying to feed power through a meter that’s not designed for it. That could be harmful, but fortunately it’s also easily avoided.

Do I Need a New Meter?

You’ll need a new meter — called a bi-directional meter — after your solar system has been installed. That’s because the standard meters are only designed to send power to your home. The new meter will still be able to do that, but it will also accept power from your home. If your home is one that’s set up with three-phase power, you’ll need a special type of electric meter to handle that properly.

What Are Metering Arrangements?

Metering arrangements are the agreements you have with the power company. For example, your arrangement may be that you’ll send power to your house first and then excess power will go back to the grid. That reduces how much energy you’re consuming, so your bill will be lower.

What is a Gross Metering?

Gross meters were designed to send all the solar power your system made to the grid, instead of sending it to your house and then comparing how much you were producing with how much was being used. There was a feed-in tariff that was pre-determined, but that’s not in wide use anymore. In most cases, net metering will be a better choice for your needs, and will give you the best financial value.

What is Net Metering?

Net meters are continuously looking at how much energy you’re using versus how much is being produced. Then the data is calculated over the entire billing cycle. That helps you save money, and gives you the opportunity to send some power back to the grid, too. Doing that can give you a feed-in tariff, which can add to the financial benefit of having a solar system.

Which Metering is the Right One to Use?

The right meter is the one that works best for your situation. Due to the reduction in feed-in tariffs, though, the vast majority of people use a net metering system. Your installer can help advise you on your options.

When you understand metering and are using what works best for you, you can continue to harness the sun’s power and use it to your advantage. That will help you save on your energy bills, and even help you give back when it comes to sending power to the grid.

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

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.

“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.