Home Solar EV charging explained
Electric vehicle (EV) sales are growing rapidly, and home owners are looking at ways to charge an EV using solar. In this article, we explain how you can charge an EV using your own rooftop solar and look at the many different EV chargers available including smart chargers which enable solar-only charging and load management features.
Bidirectional EV chargers Review
Bidirectional EV chargers are sophisticated EV chargers capable of two-way charging; charging an EV and discharging energy back into the grid, known as V2G. In this article, we review the Bidirectional EV chargers currently available or under development.
Best off-grid solar systems
Learn about the different off-grid solar systems available and what is required to build a quality and reliable off-grid system. We also highlight the best off-grid inverters and battery storage systems for home use to provide power under all operating conditions and situations.
Solar Panel Shading - Failing Bypass Diodes
Shading on solar panels often results in a significant decline in performance. Bypass diodes are used to mitigate the effects of shading, but their failure can exacerbate the issue, leading to a permanent decrease in energy generation and potential damage to the solar panels. In this article, we'll delve into the challenges posed by solar panel shading and explore the associated issues with failing bypass diodes.
Most efficient solar panels 2024
Why is solar panel efficiency important? We explain the misconceptions around efficiency and list the most efficient panels from the leading manufacturers using the latest PV cell technology.
Top 7 solar myths debunked
There is a vast amount of misinformation about problems with solar panels, claims about solar panels being toxic, unreliable or not helping reduce emissions. Much of this information originated 10 to 15 years ago when solar was relatively new technology and very expensive. However, things have changed dramatically since then so it’s time to set the record straight.
V2G Explained - Benefits of Vehicle-to-grid Technology
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) is an emerging technology that allows an EV to help stabilise the grid using a specialised bidirectional charger. We explain how vehicle-to-grid technology works and highlight the many benefits V2G will offer in an increasingly decentralised and renewable powered energy system.
Enphase Microinverter and Battery Review
Microinverters have many benefits over string inverters but also a higher upfront cost. This review examines whether it is worth paying extra and what you need to know when considering a microinverter system. We also look inside the unique new generation IQ8 series microinverters and batteries from Enphase.
Most powerful solar panels 2024
Over recent years, a battle emerged to develop the world’s most powerful solar panel, with many manufacturers developing panels rated well over 600W while others are fast-tracking next-gen large format panels, rated at 700W or higher. Here we list the most powerful panels and look at the benefits of using larger format panels on utility-scale solar farms.
Best Smart EV Chargers
We review the best home smart EV chargers for maximising rooftop solar-generated electricity and reducing grid consumption. Plus, we explain how dynamic load-balancing works, examine the latest smart EV charging features and the various apps used to configure and monitor each charger.
Vehicle-to-load Explained - V2L for off-grid or backup power
In this article, we explain how vehicle-to-load or V2L technology works and how it can be connected to an off-grid system to reduce the dependence on backup generators and for storing excess solar energy. Plus how to use V2L as a backup power system at home.
Latest Solar Panel Technology
We examine the latest solar panels and explain how advanced PV cell technologies help improve performance and efficiency, plus we highlight the most advanced panels from the leading manufacturers. Learn about recent innovations such as micro busbars, high-density heterojunction and TOPCon N-type cells.
Guide to home batteries and off-grid solar in Australia
The comprehensive guide to solar battery and off-grid systems. How to select and size a home solar battery system and how much it may cost you. Also, alternatives to adding batteries and how energy efficiency can save you more than adding a battery.
Guide to designing off-grid and hybrid solar systems
Detailed guide to the many specifications to consider when designing an off-grid solar system or complete hybrid energy storage system. Plus, a guide to the best grid-interactive and off-grid inverters and hybrid solar inverters for residential and commercial energy storage.
Solar system fault finding guide & solutions
A guide to the most common solar panel faults and problems and how to determine if your solar system is performing as it should. Plus the 5 basic steps to fault finding a solar system and how to check solar panel string voltages using an app or inverter display.