logo

Solar Batteries – Frequently Asked Questions Part II

Lisha Ouyang • Sep 27, 2022

Q1: Can I add a battery to an existing solar system?

YES, it is possible! The easiest way is to install an AC Coupled battery storage system, which can eliminate the need to contact existing solar wiring. Not only is it easy to set up but it is also a more economical way to increase energy storage. For example, Tesla Powerwall 2, Alpha ESS, or Huawei.


Q2: Can I use a single-phase battery with a three-phase existing solar system?

YES, you can. Physically, the battery is connected to one of the three phases, but the battery will measure the total solar export to maximise self-consumption by charging with excessive solar. The electricity meter (for billing purpose) will automatically calculate the total net power (in/out) on all three phases. In other words, it is equivalent to a single phase battery that can be charged with three phases of solar system.

Assuming that the total power generated by the three-phase solar is 6kW and the single-phase battery is charging 5kW (for your electricity usage at night), the utility meter will automatically calculate the net export as 1kW (you can sell the electricity back to the grid). 



Q3: Can the solar system still charge the battery in the event of an outage?

Definitely! The first scenario is a DC Coupling solar + storage battery system. The second scenario is that some of the AC Coupled battery systems also offer this function, for example: Tesla Powerwall 2.


Q4: How do I choose a battery storage system?

Firstly, you need to take into account your electricity usage and load power at night. Secondly, you need to know the size of your solar system and ensure that the existing solar system can fully charge the battery during the daytime. Thirdly, you need to know whether you want to add a backup function to your battery and whether you will need the solar system to work during the backup period. With the backup function, you will be able to power your home appliances in case of a power outage, without panic.


Share Post

An aerial view of a house with solar panels on the roof

What is Solar Inverter Oversizing?

By Lisha Ouyang • 01 Aug, 2023
Normally the number of solar panels installed on the roof is matched to the solar inverter size. The total number of panels is calculated by dividing the inverter power rating by the chosen solar panel power. This was often the practice carried out by some solar designers in the past. If you have been in the solar industry, you probably heard of the idea of “inverter oversizing“.
A man is standing on top of a roof holding a solar panel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Solar Power for Winter Energy Needs

By Lisha Ouyang • 19 Apr, 2023
1. Do solar panels work in the winter? Yes, solar panels do work in the winter. It doesn’t matter how hot or cold it is. In fact, they can be more efficient in colder temperatures as long as they receive adequate sunlight. 2. Will snow cover affect my solar panels’ performance? Snow can affect solar panel performance if it covers the panels completely, but most modern solar panels are designed to be self-cleaning and will shed snow and ice on their own. Even a small amount of sunlight can generate enough heat to warm up a solar panel and help it in melting the snow. This is because solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight and convert it into energy. As they absorb sunlight, they also absorb heat, which can help raise their temperature and melt any snow or ice that may have accumulated on them. Additionally, snow can reflect sunlight back onto the panels, which can increase their output. 3. How much energy can I expect my solar panels to produce in the winter? The amount of energy your solar panels produce in the winter will depend on factors such as location, weather conditions, and the angle and orientation of your panels. However, in general, you can expect your panels to produce less energy in the winter than they would during the summer months. 4. Do I need to make any adjustments to my solar panel system for winter? In most cases, you do not need to make any major adjustments to your solar panel system for winter. However, you may want to clear any snow or debris from around your panels to maximize their exposure to sunlight. 5. Can I still use solar power during a winter power outage? Yes, if you have a solar power system with a battery backup, you can still use solar power during a winter power outage. However, if your solar panels are grid-tied and do not have a battery backup, they will not provide power during a blackout. 6. Will my energy bills be lower if I use solar power in the winter? Your energy bills may be lower if you use solar power in the winter as long as your solar panels are generating enough energy to meet your household’s needs. To get free and accurate in-home solar assessment, call us on 1300 911 110 or email us at info@mondiaux.com.au and we will make sure to provide our best service to our clients.
There are two solar panels on the roof of a house.

Part 2: Going Solar! Stay Aware of These Traps!

By Lisha Ouyang • 04 Apr, 2023
Going Solar is the most beautiful gift you can give to mother Earth. But you can fall into many traps if you don’t know how to do it effectively. This Blog is the sequel to the previous blog . We recommend reading it before starting this blog if you have not checked it out yet. 6: Believing! If the location is not optimal, the Solar is not worth it. It is a big one among the many traps! If the location is not optimal, the solar system is not worth it. It has been claimed recently that solar systems are getting better with time. And in today’s time, even if the solar panel is not installed in the north direction, it would still be worth it. As you only lose 10-15% of your solar system production. This depicts that even though the location might not seem right to you going, solar is still a fantastic decision that can help you save a lot in the long run. 7: Settling for DIY solar systems Solar systems can vary in size and the way they operate. Some people can go for off-grid plug-and-play solar systems, which are not very complex in their operations. These DIY solar systems also aid you in going solar, but you cannot completely go off the grid with these systems. Hence, if the person’s goal is to get self-sufficient in electricity, they should think of installing the solar system through a reliable service provider. Otherwise, a person can fall into the trap of wasting money on getting a system that is not fulfilling the energy demands fully. 8: Making the decision solely based on the price Going Solar is a tremendous decision, and it can look like an extravagant purchase. Some people can make the mistake of going for the company that is offering the least money. The money factor can add to the traps section when going solar. You can choose a company offering you the least amount, but the system being delivered is also very substandard. Although it has not been advocated here that the cheapest is the worst. But while deciding to go solar, look for company ratings, reviews, and how they deal with your needs before the purchase. The value for money should be considered before deciding to go solar with any company. The company that provides the best value for money should be chosen. 9: Not Taking Advantage of Incentives Solar can help you make the environment more sustainable and can also assist you in gaining incentives from the government. It is essential to have a hold on the knowledge of incentives that the government is offering to achieve the maximum benefit. A prevalent perk the government provides is lowering taxes for solar energy-dependent individuals. And businesses can benefit by capitalizing on accelerated depreciation. It is vital to keep yourself up to date with what the government is offering in terms of the benefits for the solar community. 10: Lack of knowledge of Warranties It is vital to know warranties before going solar with any installer. There are two types of warranties. One is offered by the manufacturer, and the other by the solar installer. Sometimes the manufacturer only gives a warranty. So if something happens with the system, the customers are satisfied that it is still under warranty. They can get it fixed without any cost. But they are actually falling into one of the traps! When they ask the installer to fix it, the installer doesn’t take charges for the system, but the installer does charge for the labor work. So it is crucial to know what the manufacturer is offering you as a warranty and what is being communicated to you by the installer. It is better to go with an installer that can also cover the labor charges in the warranty.
Show More
Share by: