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.
SolarEdge Review
SolarEdge do not manufacture conventional string inverters but what the company calls ‘intelligent inverter systems’ using power optimisers to maximise power at the individual panel level. We examine this technology and determine if it is worth the extra cost and complexity.
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.
Solar System Reliability
Reliability must be a strength of your solar system. It signifies the assurance that your system operates seamlessly, demands minimal maintenance, harbours a low probability of malfunctions, and the system can be returned online quickly in case of a breakdown.
Tesla Powerwall and Inverter Review
We review the Tesla Powerwall 2, Powerwall Plus and Powerwall 3 battery systems and the unique liquid-cooled Tesla solar inverter. With 13.5kWh storage capacity, instantaneous backup and off-grid capability, the Powerwall is one of the leading home batteries on the market. We examine how it works, the warranty, performance and estimate how long it will last.
Best Solar Panels 2023
The best solar panels for your home are from the world’s leading brands, including SunPower, REC, Panasonic, Q cells, Trina, and more. These manufacturers offer the highest performance, efficiency, and longest warranties with a proven track record of reliability based on personal experience and independent testing by PVEL.
Best Home Solar Battery Systems
We explain how battery systems work and review the leading solar batteries in Australia for various home solar and off-grid systems, including Tesla Powerwall, BYD, Sungrow and Powerplus energy.
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.
Bidirectional EV charging explained - V2G, V2H & V2L
Bidirectional EV charging is an emerging technology that is set to transform how electric vehicles are used. We explain how bidirectional chargers work and the various technologies available including Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-load (V2L)
Trina Solar Panels Review
Trina Solar is one of the top 5 global panel manufacturers and has broken numerous solar PV world records in efficiency and power over the years. The Vertex panel series are efficient and affordable, making the price gap between the well-known premium brands harder to justify. We reviewed the full range of panels and examined the PV cell technology and recent advancements.
Victron Energy Review - Smart solar battery systems
Victron Energy has the largest variety of solar products of any manufacturer, with everything from tiny solar controllers to large grid-interactive inverter-chargers. But it's the clever remote monitoring and smart control systems where they really shine.
Best off-grid inverters
Learn about the different types of off-grid inverters and the best off-grid equipment from the leading manufacturers, including SMA, Victron, Selectronic, Schneider, Deye, and more, required to build a quality and reliable system to power your home or business using solar and alternative backup energy sources.