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Under the spotlight: Alpha Smile-Bat-10.1P Solar Battery

Solar energy is becoming more of an essential with ever increasing electricity bills. Through a solar battery, you can store some of the free energy you generate during the day from your solar panels. This is a perfect way to fully maximise the use of your solar investment. That’s why choosing the right storage has never been more important – and this decision is not as straightforward with the multiple brands, sizes, and models to choose from. Thankfully you’re in luck, because at Solar Battery Group we have handpicked the best battery brands to help make that process easier.

The AlphaESS Smile-Bat-10.1P solar battery at a glance

Do you want to erase all memory of a bad electricity bill? Well, that can be made a reality thanks to AlphaESS, one of the leading energy storage and service providers in the global market. At Intersolar 2015, the world’s most influential solar exhibition held in Munich this June, Alpha ESS entered the top 10 finalists of the EES Award.

Today, AlphaESS have produced a premium storage battery for you… The Smile-Bat-10.1P, an exceptional solar battery expandable from 10.1 to a massive 60.6kWh of storage. This Alpha battery is VPP ready, with 24/7 phone monitoring. Alpha ESS also adds 5 years product warranty and 10 years of performance warranty, which gives you as a customer some reassurance that you are supported.

This Smile model has been designed for a long service life with one of the safest battery chemistries available in the market – LFP or Lithium Iron Phosphate. Rated IP65, the Smile-Bat-10.1P is tough against all weather conditions weather and its simple design makes for a quick and easy ‘plug & play’ installation.

Ready for blackout protection

As an option on top of a standard installation price, the Alpha Smile-Bat-10.1P has blackout protection capabilities. To install this feature, modifications to your switchboard will need to occur. Should you choose to add backup power, your battery will have the ability to detect outages automatically, becoming the energy source for your home while the grid is down. Once paired with the solar on your roof, the backed up circuits can run through a 4kW continuous UPS for critical loads.

Alpha Cloud monitoring

Alpha ESS have developed an app which enables owners of the Smile-Bat-10.1P to see their battery’s status in real time with 24/7 monitoring. Alpha Cloud will let you check the performance of your system in 3 areas:

Power Summary

Here you can monitor you PV system and see in real time the amount of energy produced by the solar panels. The real time load consumption of your system and where the load is drawing from is displayed in a user-friendly pie chart.

System Status

Here you can view the load consumption, PV generation, feed-in and grid charge for the day. You can also view historical data pulling up information since the system was installed. This can be displayed in several easy-to-read graphs and charts.

System information

Here you can go under the hood of your Alpha system in the palm of your hand, you view the configuration of your system, the array size of your PV system, the inverter size and battery capacity.

It is important to talk to our Solar Battery Superheroes who can assist you in determining if the AlphaESS Smile-Bat-10.1P is the battery for you, to meet your home and your energy needs.

Join millions who are already making the change to renewable energy in the want for a cleaner future.

January 12, 2022/by Solar Battery Group

Solar battery rebates in the Australian Capital Territory

News, Solar Batteries

Australia receives energy from the sun that is approximately 10,000 times larger than its total energy consumption. It comes as no surprise that we are number 1 in the world when it comes to solar uptake per capita – as they say, when life gives you lemons, go solar!

This incredible boom of the solar industry in Australia has been supported through a diversity of government programs that encourage households (and businesses in some jurisdictions) to claim rebates or get subsidies on new solar battery installations.

These programs will vary from place to place, so it is important you familiarise yourself with the relevant one to where you live. This entry will dive specifically into the rebate available in the ACT.

For residents of other states and territories, please visit:

Without further ado…

Next Gen Battery Storage Program – Solar battery rebates for ACT residents

The ACT’s Next Gen Battery Storage Program is aimed at helping with $825 per kW* off the cost of a solar battery in Canberra, Hall, Tharwa and Oaks Estate. After the rebate for example, an Eveready Energy Vault solar battery with a 3kW inverter would save you $2,475 (ex GST) off your installation.

* It is worth mentioning this rebate is capped at $24,750 and is based on inverter size not battery capacity. In the example above, the Eveready solar battery with a 3kW inverter gets $825 x 3 = $2,475 rebate.

This is how the Next Gen Battery Storage Program works:

You assess your eligibility with the criteria of the program (see below for more details).
You contact us, an authorised solar provider, for a battery quote.
You submit your order for rebate approval.
You pay the outstanding balance of your quote directly to us. Remember we have financing and payment plan options available for this step.
Once approved, we install your new battery system at your premises.

Homes and businesses in the ACT (excluding Jervis Bay Territory) wanting to claim this rebate need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

the new battery system must be coupled with solar panels
the premises are connected to the electricity grid
only for new systems that have not already been supported by the program
sourced from an approved battery supplier.

Apply for a no-obligations, free quote claiming the Next Gen Battery Storage rebate with us

If you would like more information on the Next Gen Battery Storage Program, please visit: https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/next-gen-energy-storage

December 22, 2021/by Solar Battery Group

Solar battery rebates in Victoria

News, Solar Batteries

About 1 in 4 homes in Australia have installed solar as of the end of 2020. Our country receives a massive amount of energy from the sun every year, enough to supply approx. 10,000 times our total energy consumption. Therefore, it comes as no surprise we have the highest uptake of solar per capita globally – as they say, when life gives you lemons, go solar!

These programs will vary from place to place, so it is important you familiarise yourself with the relevant one to where you live. This entry will dive specifically into the rebate available in VIC.

For residents of other states and territories, please visit:

Without further ado…

Solar Homes Program – Solar battery rebates for VIC residents

Victoria is home of the Melbourne Cup, the largest tram system in the world, and up to $3,500 point of sale rebate for households aiming at installing a solar battery.

This is how the Solar Homes program works:

You assess your eligibility with the criteria of the program (see below for more).
You contact us, an authorised solar provider, for a quote. If contacting another provider, make sure all products included in your quote are on this approved products list.
We will claim the rebate on your behalf. If approved, the rebate amount (up to $3,500 for this round) will be deducted from the cost of your overall system and installation.
You pay the outstanding balance of your quote directly to us. Remember we have financing available for this step.
We install your new battery system at your premises.
Upon completion of the installation, a Licensed Electrical Inspector is required to attend your premises and lodge a Certificate of Electrical Safety for the newly installed battery system. This is organised by the authorities, so you could experience delays due to lockdowns and restrictions applicable in your area.

Victorian residents wanting to claim the Solar Homes rebate for batteries need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

the property already has solar PV panels with a capacity equal to or greater than 5kW
pre-approval is obtained from your Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) to safely connect a battery to the grid
the energy storage solution is listed on Solar Victoria’s Approved Battery List and the property does not have an existing energy storage system
they are the owner-occupier of the property where the system is to be installed
the combined household taxable income of all owners is less than $180,000 a year (based on your Australian Tax Office Notice of Assessment)
it is an existing property, valued at under $3 million based on the current council rates notice
the owner/s agrees to receive information from their Distribution Network Service Provider about taking part in battery trials to maximise the value households get from them
they have not already received a rebate as an owner-occupier under the Solar Homes Program
the property address has not previously taken part in the Solar Homes Program.

Unfortunately, these last points mean that if you claimed the Solar Homes Program rebate when installing your solar PV system (panels only), you are not eligible to receive the battery rebate. However, households can arrange to have their solar PV panels and solar battery installed at the same time.

Apply for a no-obligations, free quote claiming the Next Gen Battery Storage rebate with us

If you would like to know how many rebates are remaining in the current release, please visit: https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-battery-rebate

If you would like more information on the Solar Homes Program’s General Terms and Conditions, please visit: https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/applicant-terms-and-conditions

December 22, 2021/by Solar Battery Group

Solar battery rebates in South Australia

News, Solar Batteries

Australia’s potential for solar generation is unparalleled. Our solar industry has seen continuous growth, with thousands of new solar PV and battery installations every year, thanks to the fact we receive much more energy from the sun than we need. A solar investment in Australia makes economic and environmental sense, which is why we claim the number one spot in the world for solar uptake per capita – as they say, when life gives you lemons, go solar!

This solar boom has also been supported through a diversity of government programs that encourage households (and businesses in some jurisdictions) to claim rebates or get subsidies on new solar battery installations.

These programs will vary from place to place, so it is important you familiarise yourself with the relevant one to where you live. This entry will dive specifically into the subsidy available in the SA.

For residents of other states and territories, please visit:

Without further ado…

Home Battery Scheme – Solar battery subsidies for SA residents

Our beautiful state of South Australia has pioneered solar solutions from the get-go. Its Home Battery Scheme aims at providing SA residents with subsidies of up to $2,000 on the cost of a battery and low interest finance options available.

Current subsidy levels are $250 per kWh for energy concession holders, and $150 per kWh for all other households, up to a maximum subsidy per battery installation of $2,000.

This is how the Home Battery Scheme works:

You assess your eligibility with the criteria of the program.
You contact us, an authorised solar provider, for a quote. Your quote can include solar PV panels too, but the subsidy will only apply to the battery component of the system.
We will claim the subsidy on your behalf.
You pay the outstanding balance of your quote directly to us. Remember we have financing and payment plan options available for this step.
We install your new battery system at your premises.

South Australians wanting to claim the Home Battery Scheme subsidy need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

only one subsidy per residential property
the site must be connected to a distribution network authorised under the Electricity Act 1996 that forms part of the interconnected national electricity system
only approved eligible equipment to be installed by a qualified system provider
the applicant must be the owner of the property or have consent from the owner of the property to install a battery system.

A key feature of this subsidy is that it can be accessed more than once, for multiple residential properties you own – you are allowed to access the subsidy once per residential property.

Apply for a no-obligations, free quote claiming the Next Gen Battery Storage rebate with us

If you would like more information on the scheme, please visit: https://www.homebatteryscheme.sa.gov.au/about-the-scheme

If you would like more information on the Home Battery Scheme Terms and Conditions, please download: https://www.homebatteryscheme.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/441873/DEM_HBS_Subsidy_Terms.pdf

December 22, 2021/by Solar Battery Group

Under the spotlight: Alpha Smile B3 Plus Solar Battery

News, Solar Batteries

As solar storage technology continues to evolve, it becomes more and more accessible for the Australian public. Adding a right-sized solar battery to your home can help lower your energy consumption from the grid and your bills, increase energy self-reliance and maximise the return of solar investments, amongst many other benefits. Government rebate programs and subsidies make this step a little easier to take.

However, choosing the right solar battery can be complex. There are hundreds of different brands, sizes, and models to choose from. That’s why we’ve put some of the most highly recommended battery brands under the spotlight, to assist you in making that decision.

The Alpha Smile B3 Plus Solar battery at a glance

AlphaESS is one of the world’s leading energy storage solution providers. Battery systems, like the Alpha Smile B3 Plus, with modular design, easy installation and low maintenance are making the transition to renewables for Australians easier and cost-effective.

The Alpha Smile B3 Plus has an output of 3 kW with a nominal capacity starting from 5.04 kWh, fully expansible to 30.24 kWh – making it ideal for households that may require to increase their battery storage in the future without having to incur into high installation costs or tricky system designs.

Compatible with both new installations and retrofits, AC or DC-coupled, the Alpha Smile B3 proves itself versatile for many situations and different configurations.

The Alpha Smile B3 Plus has LFP technology, one of the safest Lithium battery types in the Australian market. It offers IP65 protection, making it safe for outdoor installation, and has an operating temperature range from -10 °C to 50 °C, tough enough for our harsh climate.

Should you invest in more solar or add a battery to your home?

News, Solar Batteries

Solar is the cleanest source of energy, and it helps thousands of households each year move towards a more sustainable future. If you have been enjoying solar panels for a while, there are plenty of reasons why you might be considering an upgrade to your system with more panels or a battery. Perhaps the family has grown and your home’s energy usage has gone up. Perhaps you have been enjoying Premium Feed-in Tariffs you will no longer have access to, opening the possibility of change. Or, perhaps you are trying to save more money with the rising cost of living. Regardless of the reason, your existing solar system setup might not be suitable anymore – so what is your next step?

No one can deny the financial and environmental benefits of solar power alone. However, the idea behind solar storage solutions is to reduce your reliance on the grid even further, making your solar energy available to use even when the sun’s not shining.

How do solar batteries work?

Tens of thousands of Australians are installing solar batteries

Australia has the highest rate of solar panel installations worldwide. In 2020, there was a 20% increase in installations on the year prior, and in the 2021-22 financial year, there was nearly 6000 battery rebate applications approved. Since the advancements of the technology behind solar batteries has made them bigger and more accessible, it comes as no surprise that the trend shows more and more Australians are installing solar batteries. The data in the first two quarters of 2021 showed an estimated total of 35,535 new batteries installed, overtaking the previous 2012 record. In 2022, there are more than three million rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on homes in Australia. Solar batteries are eco-friendly and effective in storing solar energy and are changing the way that Australians store and use their power generated by their solar PV systems. Australians are definitely jumping on board this journey to cleaner energy. With the current rate of installations, we are likely to see these numbers keep increasing. But why?

Image credit: Clean Energy Regulator data, Australian Energy Council analysis, August 2021

What is the difference between solar panels and solar batteries?

Overall, solar batteries store the energy that solar panels produce that isn’t immediately used in the home. This means the stored energy in the battery can be drawn out later to use within the household.

Solar batteries have come a long way since the technology became first available. Powerful features complement the monetary decision to install a battery, with benefits like 24/7 system monitoring, blackout protection, modular extendable capacity, amongst others. For the most part, none of this is possible by simply adding more panels.

Hence, a solar battery not only will store excess power you would have exported to the grid otherwise, but it opens possibilities to maximise your solar investment. As a matter of fact, an average household with a right-sized battery solution could see a boost in solar energy usage from around 25% to up to 80%. Using more free energy from the sun will decrease your consumption from the grid (and your electricity bills), and when the grid fails, blackout protection will keep your essential appliances running and your lights on.

Modern, modular battery designs – allow the battery’s capacity to increase in the future if needed and also overcome the limitation of available roof space, shading or available inverter capacity you need to consider when adding more solar panels to your system.

One final consideration for the case of batteries is making sure you already export enough to fill its capacity. If not, it would be worth adding more panels at the time of installing a battery. Solar is not a one-size-fits-all kind of solution, so be wary of any company that offers a battery or more panels without trying to understand your home’s energy consumption patterns and what you already pay for power.

The real question in the debate goes beyond panels OR batteries, it is: How can you maximise your energy independence by increasing the usage of solar energy at home in the most cost-effective way?

Does a solar battery makes sense for you?

Generate more power… get lower Feed-in Tariffs?

In 2008, all Australian governments agreed that small-scale solar generators have the right to export electricity to the grid in return for a payment called the Feed-in Tariff (FiT). Premium tariffs of up to 60 cents per kWh certainly helped to cement our solar installation boom during this period.

Now, 14 years later in 2022, FiT’s have significantly decreased in value, and on average are around 5.2c/kWh in Victoria, or 5c/kWh in New South Wales. So what does this mean for you? On its own, lower FiT’s mean the return on investment takes a bit longer. Reality is though, Australians pay exorbitant electricity retail rates from the grid, so not only are you left waiting longer for a return on investment, but you are also slammed with high electricity bills coming from your consumption when solar is not producing energy (like at night).

Thus, the key to saving money now is to buy less electricity from your energy retailer by using your very own stored electricity in the home via a solar battery.

A battery might be for you

The average Australian household doesn’t consume all their energy produced by their solar panels in one day. The energy that is generated and doesn’t get used, is sold to the grid by your energy retailer for less than what you pay to buy it back in the evening. Make sense? That is, unless there is somewhere to store the excess power so it can be used when it is needed, the energy retailer will put it back into the grid for much less than you pay for it.

Without a solar battery, a household can only use its own solar power when it’s being generated. A battery gives our customers greater independence from the grid, so that our customers can power their home at night or in a service blackout*. Extending the use of free energy they are generating through their own solar PV system also means paying less to your energy retailer. Furthermore, if your circumstances change over time, modular architecture lets you expand your battery’s capacity, future-proofing your investment.

So the question is, what’s holding you back from making the change? Take the next step in your journey to zero energy bills and towards energy independence. If interested, why not talk to us today. We can help assess your needs and requirements and customise the perfect battery solution for your energy needs.

December 1, 2021/by Solar Battery Group

Under the spotlight: Energizer Homepower Solar Battery

News, Solar Batteries

Solar energy storage is becoming more and more important in our world of ever-increasing energy costs. A solar battery which lets you store some of the free energy you generate during the day so you can use at other times, is the perfect way of not only lowering your electricity bills, but also maximising the return you get from your solar investments.

Therefore, picking the most appropriate solar storage solution becomes paramount. The Australian market has literally hundreds of brands, sizes, and models to choose from, so this decision can seem a bit daunting at first. That’s why we’ve put some of the most highly recommended battery brands under the spotlight, in an effort to help you make that decision easier.

The Energizer® Homepower Solar battery at a glance

The Energizer brand has been making durable, long-lasting batteries since 1896.

Energizer Homepower features a solar battery with a sleek, modular design that houses a 6.1 kWh capacity module. At the front, discreetly concealed behind a patented weatherproof flap, there is easy access to the system controls and installer access panel.

This intelligent storage system is suitable for new or existing solar PV systems, indoor and outdoor installations, and all-weather conditions. Also inclusive of a 10-year warranty and fully Virtual Power Plant (VPP) ready, this product is set to be a great fit for lots of homes.

There is also a mobile app specifically developed for technicians to use during the installation and commissioning process. Through a robust Bluetooth connection, the app guides the technician through a step-by-step sequence that automatically validates the correct installation as they go. Combining this with a no-fuss, plug-and-play type connection zone, the average installation time is significantly reduced.

One of the main advantages of this model is the flexibility of connecting up to 3 additional subunits, which would increase the battery’s storage capacity up to a whopping 24.4kWh.

The Energizer Homepower solar battery has a unique design that allows you to add these subunits to the left or right of the main unit – whereas other modular batteries stack in front or underneath.

Backup protection ready

In the event of a blackout, Energizer Homepower has the ability to power critical appliances in your home. Blackouts can occur when the electricity grid is overwhelmed by consumer demand. When you talk to one of our battery superheroes, make sure you request to include Backup protection, so your Certified Installer connects those appliances that you require to be functional during a blackout.

Energy intelligence

The Energizer® Homepower’s cutting-edge battery software maximises efficiency while allowing homeowners to manage their system and energy usage remotely via an easy-to-use app. Features include:

24/7 energy monitoring and control
Tracking of energy generation, consumption and export
Available on iOS, Android and the Web
Receive notification regarding your energy use
Virtual Power Plant enabled to allow energy trading
Charge off grid when prices are low, discharge when prices are high to maximise savings

Solar storage is not a one-size-fits-all solution

It’s important to talk to a solar professional when choosing a solar battery. Contact us and let one of our solar battery superheroes help you determine if the Energizer Homepower solar battery is the right choice for your home and your energy needs.

Solar Battery Group has a range of batteries suited to meet even the most diverse requirements.

November 28, 2021/by Solar Battery Group

How solar batteries work

News, Solar Batteries

Adding a solar battery to your rooftop PV system will enable you to store excess energy generated during the day, so you can use it at night and other times of low generation, helping you import less from the grid (lowering your bills too!).

How do solar batteries work? Which technology is the safest to use? Let’s jump straight into some fundamentals for solar energy storage.

Understanding solar battery storage

In essence, solar PV systems transform sunlight into Direct Current (DC). The solar inverter then converts DC into Alternating Current (AC) – the kind of electricity that flows in the grid and that our everyday appliances use.

However, electricity is a one-of-a-kind commodity in the sense that it cannot stop flowing. You either use it at the point of generation or it needs to keep flowing elsewhere via the grid. When you generate more energy than you need (think a sunny afternoon when you’re not home), that energy flows back into the grid and your retailer pays you a Feed-in Tariff (FiT) for this.

Once a battery is added to the system, your switchboard will direct any excess energy being generated into the solar battery first instead of sending it straight to the grid.

Most modern solar batteries do this via a built-in inverter which converts the energy coming from the panels into a form of storable chemical energy which you can use later.

Battery manufacturers can use many different technologies and ways of arranging the components within a solar battery. Nowadays, Lithium-ion is the dominating technology in the domestic storage market because of better pricing, power outputs and depths of discharge, longer warranties and smaller, lighter frames.

Need help? Read our Solar battery jargon buster guide

AC vs DC coupling

The DC produced from solar panels needs to be converted into AC to be used at home – the job of the inverter. Nevertheless, batteries require DC to charge and discharge, so there are 2 ways of integrating batteries into a PV solar system:

AC coupling: Via a battery inverter which receives the AC output of the system inverter and transforms it back into DC. Some batteries, like the HIVE Solar, include built-in inverters for easy AC coupling.

DC coupling: Via a hybrid inverter containing a DC-DC converter.

Depending on where you live in Australia and who your electricity distributor is, there can be export limits to an inverter’s capacity per phase. Some distributors count battery inverters towards this limit, which can only be bypassed through DC coupling. However, AC coupling is usually cheaper and allows for easy retrofitting.

Our battery superheroes are happy to help you find out which option is the most appropriate for your circumstances.

How long can a battery supply energy for?

The answer to this question is, it depends.

Many factors come into play when choosing the right battery. For example, how many people live at home, how much power you need at once, your electricity consumption patterns, how much solar you have generated (and stored), which battery you have, etc.

It may sound counterintuitive, but having the biggest battery is not always the best either. Let’s use an analogy between solar batteries and a bucket of water: your panels are the tap, producing a certain amount of energy through the day. Some of that energy can be stored in a solar battery.

Any power you do not use when generated, gets diverted into the bucket (battery) until the bucket is full… yet what good is it to have a 5-litre bucket if you only have 1 litre of water coming out the tap? Same goes for a 1-litre bucket if there are 5 litres coming out the tap. The perfect solar battery for your home is the one that can charge off the power you don’t use through the day, and that can support your energy consumption through the night and other times when solar isn’t generating.

Get in touch with us about solar battery storage

How safe are solar batteries?

If the prospect of adding a solar battery to your home is making you a bit anxious, we hope the following puts your mind at ease. Energy storage technology has come a long way since its introduction to the residential market. Lithium ion, lead acid, aqueous hybrid ion… most of these technologies are perfectly safe when installed by an accredited electrician and provided with regular maintenance.

Still, the safety of the chemistry behind the functioning of the battery does vary between different technologies. Even then, manufacturer’s quality and installation play a significant role to keep your home safe. In a nutshell, don’t hold back on the quality of the storage system and installation costs.

That’s why all our installers are CEC accredited. Solar Battery Group is also proud to sell the safest battery technology available at affordable prices, with built-in safeguards depending on the model, like extra casings or software integration to protect the battery and your home from any potential damage.

Get in touch with our battery superheroes today and find out how you can fend off those pesky electricity retailers and maximise your solar investment with a quality solar battery.

Get in touch with us about solar battery storage

November 20, 2021/by Solar Battery Group

Solar battery jargon buster

News, Solar Batteries

Solar batteries are increasingly popular in Australia, allowing thousands of households to capture any unused solar generated during the day for later use. Economic, environmental and efficiency benefits have been a real attraction for early adopters, and as solar technology improves, so does the chance that solar batteries become the norm in the near future.

The solar industry uses a lot of jargon, but this doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. Let’s bust some of the most common terms used around solar batteries.

Get in touch with us about solar battery storage

Technical information and specifications

Solar battery technology: Referring to the chemistry behind what allows the battery to store energy. Lead-acid, Li-ion, and flow are all examples of different battery technologies.

The dominant technology in the Australian domestic market is Lithium-ion. Li-ion batteries have better power outputs, higher depths of discharge, longer warranties, competitive pricing, and can be run almost maintenance-free.

All our solar battery range is Li-ion, with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cells being the safest from thermal runaway in the market. The HIVE Solar, Energizer and Eveready® Energy Vault solar batteries are all examples of Li-ion technology with LFP cells.

Regardless of the technology and the manufacturer, it is important to reiterate that any solar battery should be installed by an accredited, qualified electrician to keep your home safe.

Battery cell: The whole configuration of components within the batteries which allows them to store energy, usually composed by a cathode, an anode, and a separator.

Imagine a lasagne for a second, with its layers of pasta and sauce going one after the other in order. Solar battery manufacturers use similar sheets, placing a cathode and an anode with a separator in between. They then roll these sheets inside metal cylinders, which we call a battery ‘cell’. A typical solar battery will have thousands of battery cells.

Cells compositions can be different from model to model, even in same technology. For example, both the Tesla Powerwall 2 and the HIVE Solar are Lithium-ion batteries, but the former uses NMC cells while the latter uses LiFePO₄cells.

Nominal capacity: Essentially the total amount of energy the battery can store, measured in kWh (Kilowatt-hours).
Modular design: Battery architecture that allows expanding storage capacity of the main unit via subunits. This design is perfect for those with increasing energy needs who wish to add storage without having to undergo the more expensive installation costs of adding another battery to their system.

The HIVE Solar, Energizer and Eveready® Energy Vault are examples of solar batteries with modular designs.

Depth of Discharge (DoD): Most batteries need to always hold some charge to avoid accelerated battery degradation. The DoD is expressed as a percentage, and it indicates the maximum amount of energy which can be safely used.

For example, a battery with a 100% DoD means that its nominal and usable capacities will be the same.

Usable capacity: The total amount of energy that can be used, after the depth of discharge is considered.
Maximum charge power: The maximum amount of power that the battery can be charged with at once.
Maximum discharge power: The maximum amount of power that the battery can supply at once. Make sure to check as some batteries can only sustain this output for short periods.
Continuous power: The amount of power that can be delivered while the battery has enough charge.
Time to discharge at full power: How long will the battery’s charge last for, assuming you take as much energy as possible at once for that period. If your home’s load consumption is lower, then you can expect a single charge to last you longer.

Time to discharge at full power = (Capacity × Depth of Discharge) ÷ Max. discharge power

Cycle life: The number of charge and discharge cycles that a battery can complete before losing some performance.
Efficiency: How much energy the battery is able to store and send out for every kWh of charge put in.
Lifespan: The expected life of the battery, rated in cycles or years, generally estimated on an average usage. Technical spec manuals can also include the capacity at the end of life.
UPS: Uninterruptible Power Supply. Also called blackout protection or backup mode. When a battery is UPS-enabled, it will continue to power the circuits it is backing up when the grid fails. See blackout protection blog entry to read more.

Operating temperature range: Like any other battery, solar batteries operate better within a certain temperature range. Very hot or cold temperatures can cause your solar battery to shut down or degrade faster.
IP protection: Used to define levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies and moisture. The first digit, from 0 to 6, refers to how dustproof the enclosure is, while the second digit, from 0 to 9, indicates how waterproof it is.

Most solar batteries are rated IP65, which means they are totally dust tight and are water-resistant against low pressure jets from any angle.

Li-ion: Lithium-ion battery technology, the most used in domestic solar storage applications.
LiFePO₄: Lithium Iron Phosphate cells, the safest Li-ion battery type currently available due to a lower risk of thermal runaway. Used in HIVE Solar batteries for example. Also referred to as LFP.
NMC: Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt oxide cells. Used in the Tesla Powerwall 2 for example.

Solar battery installations

Hybrid solar system: Systems that include solar panels, a battery, at least one inverter, and a connection to the electricity grid.
Off-grid solar system: Systems that are not connected to the grid. The battery is the main power source at night and low-sunlight days. Off-grid systems generally only make sense for remote properties where a grid connection isn’t available or would be prohibitively expensive to install.
Phase: Most homes in Australia have single phase power at around 240V. However, larger homes or higher electricity needs might be connected to the grid by 3-phase power. Having 3 phases allows to have 240V and 415V from the same electricity supply, meaning larger appliances can be run simultaneously without tripping the circuits.

Electricity distributors in Australia impose maximum solar capacities per phase.

AC coupling: Both the PV solar system and the battery have their own inverter. The system’s inverter sends AC to the battery inverter, which transforms it into DC so it can be stored. Some batteries, like the HIVE Solar, come with built-in inverters for easy retrofitting into existing solar installations.

DC coupling: This type of installation requires what’s called a hybrid inverter. This inverter will convert the DC from the panels into DC that gets stored in the battery. The same inverter will convert DC into AC for use by appliances at home.

STC: The Small-scale Technology Certificate inentivises the transition to greener, more sustainable energy sources for every MWh (Megawatt-hour) of electricity generated by your solar system. Depending on where you live, there may be other government schemes aimed at making solar batteries more economically viable for households.
Anti-islanding protection: Most solar inverters will shut down a solar installation entirely in the event of a blackout or grid failure, in order to protect engineers carrying out repair works from being electrocuted. Blackout protection will allow the battery (and in some cases the panels) to keep powering the home.
BESS: Which stands for Battery Energy Storage System, describing the complete package of solar battery, electronics and software used to manage the charge, discharge, DoD level, etc.

Electricity and solar basics

AC: Alternating Current, the kind of electricity that runs in the grid and that most appliances use.
DC: Direct Current, the kind of electricity generated by solar panels.
PV: The effect by which sunlight is transformed into electricity.
Watt (W) and Kilowatt (kW): Units of power. In solar systems, they specify the maximum power an array of panels can deliver. In solar batteries, they specify how much power can be delivered to the home.

1,000 W = 1 kW

Watt-hours (Wh) and Kilowatt-hours (kWh): Units of energy. They measure energy production or consumption over time. A solar panel producing 200W for an hour delivers 200Wh of energy. In solar batteries, the capacity is measured in kWh depending on how much energy can be stored.

1,000 Wh = 1 kWh

FiT: The Feed-in Tariff is the amount you get paid for any excess power generated by the solar panels that gets fed into the grid.

We understand choosing the right battery is of the utmost importance for you. Our solar superheroes have lots of knowledge in the industry and are equipped with the appropriate tools to help you make the best decision for your particular circumstances.

Please get in contact with our team should you require help or have any questions regarding the terms mentioned above.

Get in touch with us about solar battery storage

November 2, 2021/by Solar Battery Group

The ins & outs of Solar batteries + blackout protection

News, Solar Batteries

Blackouts. Many areas in Australia have small, localised power outages each year, caused by different factors not always in our control. Natural events such as storms, floods, lightning, heatwaves, bushfires, or even fallen trees in the right spot can cause a power disruption. Other factors like car accidents, maintenance works, or technical failures can cause blackouts too.

Large-scale blackouts are less common, but quite impactful. A prolonged blackout, like the one affecting Adelaide in October 2019 or the most recent in Queensland in May 2021, can put human health at risk.

It is a common misunderstanding but having solar during a blackout will not save you from a shortage of power supply during such events. When the grid fails, solar inverters are required by law to shut the whole system down automatically to protect any maintenance workers from being electrocuted while carrying repairs. Even if the sun is shining, your PV system will not generate electricity until the grid is restored.

We have good news for you though. A solar battery is not only a great investment to reduce your energy bills and increase your resilience and independence from the grid. With the correct solar energy storage solution, you can keep your home running in the event of a blackout.

What should you expect from this?

Let us dive deep into solar battery’s blackout protection.

What is UPS?

UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. It is another way battery manufacturers refer to the battery’s blackout protection capacities.

Different batteries can offer different levels of backup. There is:

No backup at all
Backup that takes a few seconds to switch over. While in backup mode, the battery has reduced capabilities
Seamless backup with full battery functionality. However, you won’t be able to charge the battery from the PV system while the grid is down
Seamless backup with full battery functionality to use power in your home that also lets you charge the battery from solar while the grid is down

In order to understand which level of protection is the most suitable for you, it is important you talk to one of our solar battery superheroes to talk through any options available for your specific installation.

Ask us about blackout protection

Which circuits will be backed up?

Although some batteries are marketed as ‘full house backup’, reality is that such an installation can get very pricey very quickly, as it may require substantial rewiring of your home. Backing up only essential circuits – say your living and bedroom lights and certain kitchen appliances, not only will be cheaper but will also allow you to keep the battery running for longer.

Bear in mind certain appliances like air conditioners or washing machines utilise a lot of power, so running them off batteries alone could drain your storage fast. Consider what your essential appliances are, and how long can they run with a single battery charge.

Although the above is good indication of what you can expect from your battery in backup mode, each battery is different in terms of how much of a load it can handle while in backup mode – ask us about blackout protection to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations!

Do all batteries offer blackout protection?

No. When speaking to one of our solar battery superheroes, make sure to ask if the battery you are wanting to purchase comes equipped with UPS if this is important for you. Blackout protection is not included as part of standard installations, and there are costs associated with it that will need to be discussed before you agree to a quote.

How long will the battery last during a blackout?

As mentioned before, there are different levels of blackout protection. If your panels won’t charge your battery while the grid is down, then that means you will depend on how much energy is stored in the battery at the time the grid fails, until the grid is restored. If your battery can be charged off your solar even in a blackout, then that means you could go days without the grid – weather permitting.

Ultimately, what circuits are backed up and how much power you consume is the only indication of how long the battery’s charge will last.

I have a battery with UPS, what do I need to do to make it work?

If your solar system is equipped with a battery that has blackout protection enabled, there is nothing for you to do in the event of a blackout. The battery recognises when the grid fails, switches over to backup mode and will start powering your home.

If your solar system is equipped with a battery that is blackout protection ready but not enabled yet, one of our qualified solar installers can help you wire the circuits to back up at a later stage.

We strongly recommend that if blackout protection is important for you, you make sure to mention it to one of our solar battery superheroes, so they can help you find the best solution for your circumstances.

October 25, 2021/by Solar Battery Group

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