Solar Energy

phone with solar panels

Solar monitoring system: Should you get one?

Posted by June 19th 2024

Solar panels are a great way to minimise your energy bill and your reliance on grid electricity. But while solar systems are excellent when working correctly, it can be difficult to tell when something breaks …


Solar panels on roof

Net metering: What is it and how does it work?

Posted by June 18th 2024

As we aim for a cleaner, greener future, switching to solar energy has fast become a lifeline for Australians, especially as rising power prices tear holes in household budgets. With so many jumping on board …


Piggy bank, light bulb and solar panel flat lay

Does solar increase property value?

Posted by June 18th 2024

Considering an energy-efficient upgrade and wondering if solar panels add value to your home? Installing solar energy systems on residential properties is becoming a no-brainer among homeowners looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint …


vpp

What is a virtual power plant (VPP)?

Posted by June 18th 2024

With more than three million Aussie rooftops now sporting solar panels, it’s clear that the sunburnt nation loves its solar energy. But solar energy isn’t always sunshine and rainbows for those looking to utilise it. …


Origin Energy Solar

Origin Energy solar review

Posted by November 6th 2024

Between 2021 and 2023 LG Energy Solution Australia recalled some ESS Home Batteries bearing RESU serial numbers due to the risk of overheating. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission advised consumers to check whether their …


Solar panels on a roof with sun rising in the background

3-phase solar systems: Everything you need to know

Posted by June 3rd 2024

If you’re deep into your research around home solar systems, then there's a good chance you’ve stumbled across the term ‘3-phase power’ or ‘3-phase solar’. Renowned for its higher capacity, 3-phase solar may seem like …


Solar Panels

What is the sun tax?

Posted by May 23rd 2024

The 'sun tax' has been subject to much controversy around how it will change the current crediting system for rooftop solar exports. But just how much of an impact will the sun tax have on …


Bird's eye view of homes with solar panels

AGL virtual power plant (VPP) explained

Posted by May 8th 2024

If your home has solar panels on its roof connected to a solar battery, you could be eligible to join AGL’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP). By combining with other solar battery owners, you can earn …


Solar tiles on a roof

Solar roof tiles: Everything you need to know

Posted by May 3rd 2024

Rooftop solar panels aren’t a great fit for every property.  Some roofs can’t support their bulky design, or are positioned in a way that means they can’t be used. Other buildings can’t have solar panels …


Tesla Solar Batteries on Wall

Tesla Energy Plan explained

Posted by July 5th 2024

Now, alongside electricity company Energy Locals, Tesla has launched a power plan in New South Wales, Victoria, south-east Queensland,  South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory designed to encourage residents to adopt a solar battery …


What is a solar feed-in tariff?

Posted by April 12th 2024

Solar feed-in tariffs, FiTs and buyback rates. What are they and how can you sign up? Canstar Blue explains everything you need to know about feed-in tariffs.



Hobart skyline

Solar Power Tasmania: Solar Panel Installers & Costs

Posted by March 18th 2024

For those Tasmanian households considering installing solar panels, there may be concerns about price, rebates and solar feed-in tariffs. At Canstar Blue, we endeavour to answer these questions and more in our guide to solar …


solar-crew-installation

How much does solar cost?

Posted by March 14th 2024

Rooftop solar can be a great investment, but how much does it cost to install? Canstar Blue has produced a price guide to indicate what you might expect.


Yellow rubber ducks on the side of a white bath tub

Is a hot water system timer worth it?

Posted by February 26th 2024

Are you keen to fine-tune your residential solar power system and trim down your energy bills even further? It's time to explore the perks of hot water system timers and find out if it’s right …


inverter article hero

What is a solar inverter?

Posted by February 22nd 2024

A guide to solar inverters. Canstar Blue looks at the best solar inverters, how they work, what they do and how much they cost.



solar panel installer checking roof

How long do solar batteries last?

Posted by February 22nd 2024

For many Australians thinking about switching to solar energy or adding to their solar system set-up, a question often arises: "How long do solar batteries last?”. It’s a common question not least because solar batteries …


solar panel on roof

What is solar PV? Solar photovoltaic technology explained

Posted by February 22nd 2024

Solar photovoltaic technology, commonly known as solar PV when it comes to residential solar systems, has been central to bringing solar energy to the suburbs. But what does PV mean, how does it work and …