Resources

Have you checked out our blog? We regularly post insights all things energy related.

If you are looking for a residential rooftop solar power system, you can now get an instant online quote from us here. This may be the only place you'll find on the internet with instant, automated quoting that doesn't require you to provide your phone number.


Solar power systems are divided into 4 main groups.

  • Grid-Tied Systems
  • Off-Grid Systems
  • Hybrid Systems
  • Battery Backup Systems

  1. Grid-Tied Systems: These are the most common type of residential solar power system. They are connected to the utility grid and do not require batteries. Excess electricity generated by the solar panels can be sent back to the grid, and homeowners can receive credits or payments for this excess power through net metering.

  2. Off-Grid Systems: Off-grid solar power systems are not connected to the utility grid and rely on batteries to store excess electricity for use when the sun is not shining. These systems are typically used in remote areas where access to the grid is not available or is prohibitively expensive.

  3. Hybrid Systems: Hybrid solar power systems combine the features of grid-tied and off-grid systems. They are connected to the grid but also have battery storage for backup power. These systems can provide electricity during power outages and can also take advantage of net metering.

  4. Battery Backup Systems: These systems use batteries to store excess electricity generated by the solar panels. The stored electricity can be used during power outages or at night when the sun is not shining. Battery backup systems can be added to grid-tied systems to provide backup power.


Solar Recall Information:

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) often posts recalls for DC isolators, panels and inverter brands. At Windpower Australia we make sure to keep up to date with the latest information.

Some of the latest recalls include:

  • Jinko SunTank hybrid inverter
  • Goodwe MS-30 inverters
  • SolaX Power Aus Pty Ltd - LG S/A Gen2 ESS Batteries
  • Growatt New Energy Australia Pty Ltd - Growatt 8.2 kW solar inverter 8000 MTL-S
  • Some LG Energy / LG Chem models






Wind power systems are divided into 3 main groups.

  • Pure wind
  • Stand alone
  • Grid interactive

Pure wind systems are used when the power demand is only required during times of wind and it is not critical that they under perform during times of low wind conditions. Normally a system would comprise of a wind turbine, a controller and the device required to operate. A good example of this would be a wind pumping system where water is pumped when the wind blows, just like a conventional windmill. A wind pumping system could also be operated as a stand alone system.

Stand alone wind systems are for when power may be needed at anytime of the day or 24 hours a day. Energy is stored in batteries while available during windy conditions. The stored energy can then be used as required either directly from the batteries or through a power inverter which converts the DC battery energy into AC 240 volt power. A typical system would comprise of a wind turbine, charge controller, battery bank and inverter. A good example of a this would be a home without any electricity grid connection.

Grid interactive wind systems are a specific type of system with the sole purpose of harnessing the winds energy and feeding that back into the electricity grid. In order to do this connection to the electricity grid is required. The wind turbine produces energy which is converted to 240 volts AC by a grid interactive inverter. A typical system would comprise of a wind turbine, charge controller and grid interactive inverter. Large scale wind farms are becoming more popular. These are essentially just large scale domestic grid interactive wind systems only bigger.

Alternate sources for supplementary power can also be connected in to increase performance on most systems. Energy from Generators, Wind and Hydro plants are some examples






Batteries have typically been used for off-grid systems in the form of lead acid however in more recent times homes are adopting newer battery chemistries such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) that offer superior performance, reliability and sustainability.

Often people talk about the Tesla Powerwall as it's one of the most well known batteries, however, there are a range of brands now available and some offer very compelling benefits for specific installs. Feel free to get in touch with the team if you're looking for a battery solution for an existing renewable system or for a new solar/wind system.

Some of the brands that are available in Australia in 2023 are:

  • Sungrow SBR
  • BYD Battery Box
  • Tesla Powerwall
  • LG Chem RESU
  • Sonnen
  • Enphase AC Battery
  • Alpha ESS