Page 8 – Perth Solar Warehouse

Residential edition: 8 best solar inverters Perth customers choose in 2023

Sunny Tripower Xray view as the Best German Made for the Best Solar Inverters Perth WA

Select well. This device is about to become the heart of your new energy ecosystem. In 2023, the best solar inverters Perth customers want are much more than a solitary device for converting energy. Everyone has a unique view. Most industry professionals are more subjective based on the products they sell. From a customer’s perspective, there’s no point in overpaying for a particular solar inverter if the often expensive features are redundant. When considering the best solar inverters, we should consider; the best of what?

The solar world is progressing, and so are the capabilities of solar inverters. The solar inverter should be considered the heart of your new energy ecosystem, as that’s where energy is heading. It’s the point that communicates and connects your system to the internet for monitoring insight while converting solar energy into usable energy. Specific solar inverters incorporate DC-coupled battery input features. In contrast, other solar inverters are small enough to attach to the back of each solar panel. Therefore, the best solar inverters Perth customers seek may be better considered case-by-case.

With nineteen years of experience in power generation, we recommend products that won’t harm our reputation. Solar inverters that we can be assured are of merchantable quality for the warranted life and beyond while also understanding that everyone’s quest for solar is as unique as the home in which they live. Here is our guide to understanding the best solar inverters Perth customers currently demand due to cost, reliability, features, function and performance.

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Price plays a part in any investment consideration. To fairly compare solar inverter costs, you must compare like-for-like models and sizes. Each manufacturer has many. Therefore we’ve refined a simple cost guide based on average prices in like-for-like categories to assist with your decision-making process.

$ – Least Expensive

$$$$$ – Most Expensive

We’ve included additional options within each best solar inverter category for comparison. It’s not the most refined gauge, but it provides a basic level of guidance on what to compare if you are honing in on a particular category.

Every salesperson will tell you they have the best solar inverters. The astute energy investor inside of you questions; the best of what?

Only some people can justify a significant capital outlay for a solar energy investment. Nonetheless, solar energy is better than no solar at all, but it’s important to be thorough. With a global electrification shift required to meet net zero emissions by 2050, adopting solar is good even if your capital outlay is minimal. Therefore what do you select when budget limitations exist? The best long-term support for a low-cost option exists within the SAJ Electric inverter range.

What we love: SAJ Electric is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for many well-known brands. Also, their product offering is much broader than solar inverters alone. With an expanding global presence, SAJ Electric is positioned at an excellent price for the technology to influence increased market share in 2023.

Cost guide: $

Alternatives: Sofar, Solis and Growatt

Pay a fraction more and discover Goodwe’s appeal as the best-value solar inverter. Goodwe solar inverters are reliable, user-friendly, consistently evolving, and, for the cost, impossible to ignore. With an outstanding reputation for after-sales support, Goodwe’s market share continues to strengthen within Australia due to a combined high customer and installer satisfaction. People want hassle-free solar inverters, and Goodwe provides this on a fundamental level with an ever-improving SEMS monitoring portal and a new solar smart connected Goodwe HCA EV charger. There’s a lot to like about Goodwe’s evolving and connected range of sustainable energy products.

What we love: Price, practicality, reliability and ease of function. If you like to set and forget, you will love Goodwe too.

Cost guide: $$

Alternatives: Sungrow

Goodwe inverter connected energy ecosystem.

Are you looking for more out of your solar inverter? Huawei is innovating far quicker than anyone could have expected in this space for the price and arguably is the best all-around solar inverter that ticks so many boxes. Huawei’s versatility and specifications are outstanding for the cost, especially within the residential inverter range (L1 & M1 models). Huawei enjoys the global number one inverter share (industry & residential combined) because it resonates with an extensive global demographic.

What we love: Huawei’s energy ecosystem is one of the more refined. Start with a Huawei solar inverter (Tip: for a small amount extra, add a Huawei Smart Power Sensor; view home consumption, add batteries for less). When ready, add the Huawei LUNA battery with ease. Considering an electric vehicle? The Huawei FusionCharge AC completes your all-in-one FusionSolar energy ecosystem.

Cost guide: $$$

Huawei digital inverter technology.

No surprises here as the performance, function, reliability and features of the Fronius GEN24 inverter range surpass most hybrid inverters on the market. Although, what they’ve done with the GEN24 range is made the technology accessible to most while remaining versatile. When ready, expand your energy security with a BYD HVM/HVS Premium series battery that easily connects to the Fronius GEN24 inverter range.

What we love: Fronius PV point. Batteries not required! Cost-effective; add an outlet to the Fronius PV point on the inverter and enjoy basic blackout protection from a protected home PowerPoint adjacent to the inverter while the sun shines.

Cost guide: $$$$

Alternatives: Huawei, Sungrow, Goodwe.

Fronius GEN24 inverter connected energy system.

Who doesn’t admire well-built German-made products in their homes? We understand. They have a reputation for working well. With an enduring reputation, SMA solar inverters contributed to the energy system for the athlete’s village of the Sydney 2000 Olympics 23 years ago.

What we love: Intersolar Award-winning ennexOS software to accompany every SMA solar inverter from 2023. Why? Because software and advanced appliance control are the future of self-generated power supplies. You’ll need more than batteries for 360-degree energy-saving success, and software is where it’s at.

Cost guide: $$$$

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Enphase has been building micro-inverter technology for over a decade, and they’re good at it too. Mild shading to a particular panel in an array, micro inverters ensure only the affected solar panels are isolated while the remaining modules operate at peak performance. The most significant drawback of an Enphase inverter system is the cost compared to a string inverter system. As a guide, an Enphase 6.6kW system is approximately $3000 more than a Fronius inverter system. However, this cost includes energy consumption monitoring features.

What we love: We like data, and module-level performance monitoring combined with the Enphase user-friendly monitoring portal is the most remarkable feature of Enphase that a string inverter can’t do unless adding optimisers such as Tigo. Module-level monitoring provides performance insight for an outstanding plant management feature.

Cost guide: $$$$$

Alternatives: SolarEdge, Huawei, Tigo.

Enphase module-level monitoring app features

Australian-made and it works well.

What we love: To be honest, we don’t do off-grid solar, but that’s okay. So we put the question of the best off-grid solar inverters Perth customers want to a few respected industry minds outside of this company who were unanimous in their selection.

Cost guide: $$$$$

Done differently. There’s a reason we’re the researched buyers choice.

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Software is the future of energy control. It took a lot of foresight for SMA to acquire energy software developer ennexOS, whose software can control appliances from renewable energy generation. A delayed rollout is likely due to the pending associated appliance catch-up to where the world is heading from 2023. However, alternative manufacturers are now aligned and developing swiftly.

Cost guide: $$$$

Alternatives: Enphase, Fronius, Huawei, Goodwe

ennexOS by SMA

Perth Solar Warehouse staff work with solar inverters each day. So we pitched the question to them; what solar inverter brand would you install on your house?

Huawei

Goodwe

Fronius

SMA

Considering an energy investment to add improved bill stress stability? We can assist.

Best of Solar Inverters

Need to know, WA business EV charger rebate Round 1

Wallbox Pulsar Semipublic VOLVO XC40 with beach in the background for WA business EV Charger rebate

Announced 16 February 2023 (and expiring in less than 80 days), the West Australian governments business focused Charge Up electric vehicle charging grant is a positive move towards securing the required goal of a net zero carbon emission business landscape. If you want to dive straight in, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to, and getting a quote is easy. Alternatively, we’ve compiled the essential information for an all-on-one page overview of the 2023 Charge Up WA business EV charger rebate for your research convenience.

Round 1 funding is available for up to 4 EV chargers per site (maximum of 5 sites):

50% of the purchase cost of level 2 (7 to 22 kW) approved EV chargers.
50% of installation costs (up to $5,000 per site in the Greater Perth area and $10,000 per site in remote and regional areas).
75% of the cost of a 2-year EV charger approved software subscription.
Eligible applicants can only make one grant application in Round One.

Types of charging situations funded in round one include:

Destination charging – charging at destinations that people typically spend a few hours at, e.g. tourist or cultural attractions, cafés, wineries, beaches, swimming pools, parks or other outdoor leisure activity facilities.
Car parks – car parks of eligible organisations for employees and visitors to charge their EVs
Fleet vehicles – chargers intended to support fleets’ conversion to EVs.

After successful approval, the electric vehicle charging sfrastructure must be installed within 180 days to claim the WA business EV Charger rebate.

Charge Up WA business EV charger rebate guidelines (PDF download)

Applications will be accepted from the following types of organisations:

Small to medium enterprises.
Not-for-profits registered with the Australian charities and not-for-profits commission (ACNC).
Local government authorities.

To be eligible, applicants must intend to:

Use the EV charger to charge during daytime hours (9 am to 5 pm) or overnight (9 pm to 9 am)
Install the EV charger at a location within Western Australia.

Generally, charging mainly during the evening peak of 5 pm to 9 pm will not be supported by the Charge Up WA business EV charger rebate.

Hassle-free. The WA business EV charger rebate made easy.

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The first round of the Charge Up WA business EV charger rebate is available to 7 kW and 22 kW (level 2) AC fast chargers. Level 2 AC fast chargers are the most straightforward electric vehicle chargers to integrate on commercial premises without significant power supply alterations.

32 Approved EV charging brands are available within the first round of the WA business EV charger rebate. Perth Solar Warehouse provided electric vehicle charging solutions are highlighted in blue. Alternative EV charging products are available on request.

Apply now with a PSW all-in-one charger, software & installation package ›

Approved EV charging brands

Brand	Options	More
ABB	13	Inquire
Alfen	7	Inquire
Circontrol	29	Inquire
CitaEV	3	Inquire
Delta Electronics	3	Inquire
EO Charging	2	Inquire
Elinta	6	Inquire
EVBox	14	Inquire
EVolution Australia	5	Inquire
EVESCo	2	Inquire
EVUp	2	Inquire
Fimer Italy	4	Inquire
GARO	2	Inquire
Indra Renewable Technologies	2	Inquire
JET Charge	3	Inquire
LITEON Technology	2	Inquire
Noodoe	6	Inquire
Ocular	15	Discover
Orbis	25	Inquire
Pioneer IoT	3	Inquire
Scame PARRE S.p.A (Scame Italy)	43	Inquire
Sichuan WeiYu Electric Co. Ltd	4	Inquire
Sinexcel	5	Inquire
Schneider Electric	10	Inquire
Shenzen EN+ Technologies	4	Inquire
Starcharge	5	Inquire
Siemens	12	Inquire
Smappee	8	Inquire
Wallbox	19	Discover
Wineline Technology	2	Inquire
Zhejiang Benyi Electrical Co Ltd (ZJB)	6	Inquire
Xcharge	2	Inquire

Charge Up approved software and EV charger list (PDF download)

Software is an essential requirement for the WA business EV charger rebate. The software assists a user in understanding greater daytime (solar) energy utilisation. The scheme’s purpose is to have as many electric vehicles powered by renewable energy sources as possible while soaking up excess solar energy on the grid—and that’s an excellent outcome for humanity.

Make it easy, here’s the PSW all-in-one charger, software & installation solution ›

Approved software platforms

Highlighted blue are the software options compatible with the Perth Solar Warehouse all-in-one (software, supply and installation) Charge Up EV charger grant package. Essentially all but one software solution. Green are the Perth Solar Warehouse recommended software solutions. If it get’s a little overwhelming, reach out to sales support.

Software Platform	Pricing Arrangement All prices are in AUD and exclude GST	Brand of approved hardware that work with the approved software*	Turnkey Service Provided
CasaCharge	10% of the revenue generated by the managed hardware to the grant applicants for a term of 2 years. In case, grant applicant would like to provide charging free of cost to the end users, fees will be $100 per annum for a charger.	ABB, Circontol, Delta Electronics, EVBox, Ocular, Schneider Electric, Smappee	Yes
Chargebay	Standard pricing: Option 1 – Reporting and Access control only: $120 per annum per charge port Option 2 – Paid charging sessions: $300 per annum per charge port 2-year subscription up-front pricing: Option 1 – Reporting and Access control only: 2 year upfront – $200 per charge point Option 2 – Paid charging sessions: 2 year upfront – $500 per charge point SIM Card: Option 1 – Reporting and Access control only: $108 per annum Option 2 – Paid charging sessions: $108 per annum + $0.30 + 7.5% of the value of each public transaction.	ABB, Circontrol, Delta Electronics, Garo, Schneider Electric, Siemens	Yes
Chargefox	Base price: $330 per annum per charge port / $60 per month per charge port Comms (optional) price: $60 per annum / $5 per month Driver transaction fee: 5% per annum / 5% per month	ABB, Delta Electronics, JET Charge, Ocular, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Wallbox	No
EVNet – EV ChargePoint Management Software	Platform Fee:$275 per annum per charge port Management Fee:$0.05 per kWh delivered	ABB, Circontrol, EVBox, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Wallbox	Yes
E’Langa	Standard pricing:$170 per annum (single charge port)$300 per annum (dual charge port) 2-year subscription up-front pricing: $300 – single charge port $520 – dual charge port	ABB, Alfen, Circontrol, Delta Electronics, Elinta, EVBox, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Wallbox	Yes
Everty	Everty Starter – $300 per annum (single charge port) Everty Starter – $360 per annum (dual charge port) Everty Professional – $380 per annum (single charge port) Everty Professional – $600 per annum (dual charge port)	ABB, Delta Electronics, JET Charge, Schneider Electric	Yes
Noodoe EV OS	1 year licence to Noodoe Application Library: $179 2 year licence to Noodoe Application Library: $260 +15% of the value of each public transaction	CitaEV, Indra Renewable Technologies	Yes
Exploren OCPP Based Charger Management Software Platform	Monitoring & Reporting: $150 per annum per charge port Monitoring, Reporting & Billing: $250 per annum per charge port	ABB, Delta Electronics, Ocular, Schneider Electric	Yes
EVUp Upcharge	$495 per site per annum, for up to five charge ports	ABB, Circontrol, EVUp, Garo, Schneider Electric, Wallbox	Yes
Gemtek – Chargefox	$390 per annum per charge port	ABB	Yes
Halo Charging	$800 per annum per charge port + a fee of $0.20/kW	Shenzen EN+ Technologies, Wallbox, Xcharge	Yes
Jet Charge – Chargefox	Public subscription (4G data):$390.00 per annum per charge port Public subscription (base building internet): $330.00 per annum per charge port Private (non-public facing) subscription (4G data): $225.00 per annum per charge port Private (non-public facing) subscription (base building internet): $165.00 per annum per charge port	Circontrol, Delta Electronics, JET Charge, Schneider Electric	Yes
Noodoe EV OS	1 year licence to Noodoe Application Library: $179 2 year licence to Noodoe Application Library: $260+15% of the value of each public transaction	ABB, CitaEV, Delta Electronics, Fimer, Indra Renewable Technologies, Lite-On Technology, Noodoe	Yes
Smart Charge	$280 per annum per charge port	ABB, Circontrol, EVBox, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Smappee, Orbis	Yes
VistaCharge	$225.00 per annum per charge port. + $ 0.30 + 6% transaction fee applies to all billed sessions.	ABB, Circontrol, EVBox, Ocular, Schneider Electric, Smappee	Yes

Charge Up approved software and EV charger list (PDF download)

Hassle-free. The WA business EV charger rebate made easy.

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Inquire with Perth Solar Warehouse. We’ll ensure your workplace eligibility with a few simple questions. Alternatively, here’s the checklist ›
Receive a quote detailing your Charge Up eligible EV Charger options, installation and software (required for application).
Apply to the WA Government website using our submission pack and the link below.

2023 WA business EV Charger rebate (Charge Up) online application ›

Extracted from: Charge Up WA business EV charger rebate guidelines (PDF download)

Example 1: Small Business installing an EV charger for employee use.

A small business owner (applicant) in the Greater Perth area with ten employees wishes to install one EV charger (with two ports) for staff use. The applicant or its employees may or may not already drive an EV. The applicant has several reasons for installing an EV charger:

To make it easier to replace existing business vehicles with EVs
To provide a workplace benefit for staff
To communicate to customers that the business cares about taking action on climate change

Opening hours for the business are 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays only, and EVs used or owned by employees are expected to largely remain on site during the working week. The applicant can therefore be confident that a significant proportion of the EV charging will occur during the day. The applicant obtains a quote from Perth Solar Warehouse and successfully applies for the grant.

Item	Total Cost	Business Covers	Grant Covers
Charger: One 7kW charger with two ports	$3000	$1500	$1500
Installation costs for one 7 kW charger	$4000	$2000	$2000
Software subscription for two years, $180 per annum, per port	$720	$180	$540
Total Cost	$7720	$3680	$4040

In this scenario, the applicant must be able identify a suitable location for a wall-mounted charger that is between two parking bays.

Example 2: A charity intends to install EV chargers at three sites within the Greater Perth area

The charity intends to install EV chargers at three sites to make replacing existing fleet vehicles with EVs easier. The charity does the following:

Arranges a detailed quote for each site – a quote for each site is needed as funded items (EV charger hardware, software and installation) are assessed on a site-by-site basis. Perth Solar Warehouse provides an all-in-one quote.
With the help of Perth Solar Warehouse, the charity considers which vehicles will use these chargers, how long vehicles are stationary, and whether they can charge at times other than the evening peak.

– The charity decides to install two 7 kW chargers at site 1, which will predominantly be used for overnight charging

– At the two other sites, the charity decides to install two 22 kW chargers to be used to provide daytime charging for pool vehicles

Installation at these sites represents the first phase of the charity’s electrification journey with Perth Solar Warehouse. The charity considers current and future software requirements and hardware compatibility when making choices for this phase.

Item	Total Cost	Charity Covers	Grant Covers
Chargers at site 1: Two 7kW chargers	$4000	$2000	$2000
Installation costs for site 1	$8000	$4000	$4000
Chargers at site 2: Two 22kW chargers	$7000	$3500	$3500
Installation costs for site 2	$10000	$5000	$5000
Chargers at site 3: Two 22kW chargers	$7000	$3500	$3500
Installation costs for site 3	$12000	$7000	$5000
Software subscription for two years	$4000	$1000	$3000
Total Cost	$52000	$26000	$26000

The WA Government has contributed less than 50 per cent of the installation costs for site 3 because of the funding cap of $5,000 for installation costs for each site (in the metropolitan area). However, because 75 per cent of the software subscription costs are funded, the total Government contribution is still a 50 per cent share of project costs

Example 3: Café owner in regional Western Australia intends to install
EV chargers to increase its patronage

The owner of a café, which operates from 7 am to 3 pm in a regional area (applicant), intends to install an EV charger to draw more visitors to the business. The applicant engages Perth Solar Warehouse to provide a quote and assist with the grant application. The following considerations apply:

The cafe does not have a suitable location to install a less expensive wall-mounted charger, so the applicant has decided to install pedestal-mounted (free-standing) chargers.
The applicant does not own the car park where the chargers will be installed, so arranges the completion of a landowner consent form.
The applicant wants users to pay a fee and has chosen a software package to enable this. By working with PSW trusted EV software suppliers, Perth Solar Warehouse ensures that the EV charger selected is compatible with the software to be used.
The applicant wants EV drivers to know about its charger and ensures it is listed on an online charging map.

The applicant can get many quotes, but time is short. Your path of least resistance to reach out to Perth Solar Warehouse for a WA business EV charger rebate easy application package. Your grant is later approved. The grant funding contributions to the project costs are summarised in the following table.

Item	Total Cost	Cafe Covers	Grant Covers
Chargers: Two 22kW chargers (each with 2 ports)	$16000	$8000	$8000
Installation costs	$12000	$6000	$6000
Software subscription for two years, $250 per annum, per port	$2000	$500	$1500
Total Cost	$30000	$14500	$15500

There is no funding cap on grant contributions for EV chargers and software, 50 per cent and 75 per cent of these costs, respectively have been covered by the grant

As the café is located in regional Western Australia the regional co-funding cap on installation of $10,000 applies. The grant can meet 50% of the total installation costs, which is $6,000 (compared to a maximum of $5,000 for charger installations in the Greater Perth area)

You can sift for days on end, although less than 80 of those are left. Or you can go straight to the all-in-one solution to access the 2023 WA business EV charger grant. Your locally based electric vehicle charging infrastructure, software and installation package.

EV Charging Rebates

Advantages of Solar Analytics over conventional solar software

Solar Analytics Special by Perth Solar Warehouse

Considering a Solar Analytics energy monitoring option when your existing solar inverter has a free monitoring software solution seems superfluous to your requirements. Therefore, as monitoring software, what benefits does Solar Analytics offer towards monitoring your energy system? One truth we can’t avoid is that energy is digital from 2023, and the hype surrounding this particular software is real.

A lot has changed since the initial release of Solar Analytics. Equally, what you can expect from this Australian energy software pioneer has changed. Let’s not waste your time. At the bottom of this post are the 8 advantages of Solar Analytics over conventional inverter included software. However, all of this may make little sense without understanding what has changed since the original version.

The original concept positioned Solar Analytics as an arbitrary platform built to operate independently with your solar energy system and power supply. Arbitrary as the software would leverage a small independent device (hardware) that would be mounted within your switchboard and connected to the internet via a 3G/4G cell connection, ensuring system monitoring without loss of WiFi interference.

Extending the independent nature of the monitoring platform, reading energy data was achieved through CT (Current Transformer) clamps connected around the cables where energy monitoring was to occur. Completing the installation, a simple hardwired power supply connection within a switchboard was required to energise the Solar Analytics device.

Users would receive independent solar energy system performance analysis based on Bureau of Meteorology data for the local region, advanced cost-saving analysis using local energy supply tariffs, independent insight identifying system errors through its proprietary algorithm and detailed energy profile insight. An overall feature-rich and user-friendly energy monitoring software that, in the simplest terms possible, kept a solar energy system honest, even without a stable internet connection. Game changing.

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Solar Analytics is a software company, and in such a scenario, it’s often better to concentrate on software-related developments than procuring hardware. Therefore what you can expect has changed slightly. Solar Analytics has secured deals with selected energy hardware manufacturers for Application Programming Interface (API) access to populate energy data through the Solar Analytics platform.

WiFi connectivity has become more stable over the last decade, so the need for a cellular connection is an avoided expense. Migrating to API data (minus the additional hardware) provides an installation and device cost-saving for users to engage with the Solar Analytics software. Conversely, users receive only the information that the hardware can report. Therefore, if the system is just solar (inverter only), the information within is purely solar production-based. Production-based monitoring powered by Solar Analytics deeper monitoring insight ensures your system performs as promised from the point of sale.

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Solar Analytics shot to popularity as an affordable advanced energy insight solution simplified for every day users. Delivering the need-to-know information on a user-friendly dashboard while reporting independently of an energy system through self-learning (AI) and other local data sources not integrated with basic solar monitoring tools. The more digestible the information, the more users could react better to invoke bill savings success.

Original Solar Analytics: In the past, the average initial cost of Solar Analytics from Perth Solar Warehouse, including installation and a residential subscription package, ranged from $790 to $1590. A breakthrough cost, considerably less than previous independent energy monitoring solutions. Although, still a significant investment for many to consider after already purchasing a solar energy system.

Many installation types are different and not always in range of a WiFi connection. The cellular capabilities of the original Solar Analytics concept was a strength in many instances. If leaning toward the original, this monitoring solution remains available using the Wattwatchers Auditor range, purchased here. Wattwatchers Auditor requires installation by a suitably qualified electrician plus Solar Analytics subscription costs.

Perth Solar Warehouse no longer provides this service.

New Solar Analytics: Purchase a Solar Analytics compatible inverter through Perth Solar Warehouse, and we will activate Solar Analytics advanced energy monitoring access at no cost. Activation facilitates an initial free subscription period with subscription options starting from $40 per year beyond the trial period—digitalising energy, so it has the potential to rescue up to $400+ in extra savings annually.

Current Solar Analytics enabled devices available from Perth Solar Warehouse:

Inverter	Initial cost ¹	Trial period ¹	Annual cost ¹	Inverter review
GE	$0	1 year	$40	Coming
Goodwe	$0	30 days	$40	Discover
Fronius	$0	30 days	$40	Discover
Sungrow	$0	30 days	$40	Discover

1. Column value valid for within 30 days of the article post date. Please inquire if this period has lapsed.

Given that new Solar Analytics is only as capable as the hardware installed, the best thing you can do to see what the software can do for you is to add an energy consumption monitor while installing your Solar Analytics enabled inverter.

A termed ‘smart meter’, ‘energy monitor’ or ‘power sensor’ that works alongside your solar inverter, which monitors grid supply power flow (import and export) independent of your Supply meter. Energy monitors are most cost-effective when purchasing your solar energy system as a portion of the installation cost can be absorbed.

Inverter/ meter	Cost with solar ¹	Retrofit cost ¹	Download
Goodwe Home Kit	• 1-phase: $390 ² • 3-phase: $590 ²	• 1-phase: $890 ² • 3-phase: $1090 ²	Datasheet
Fronius Smart Meter	• 1-phase: $390 ² • 3-phase: $590 ²	• 1-phase: $890 ² • 3-phase: $1090 ²	Datasheet
Sungrow	• 1-phase: $390 ² • 3-phase: $590 ²	• 1-phase: $890 ² • 3-phase: $1090 ²	Unavailable

1. Column value valid for within 30 days of the article post date. Please inquire if this period has lapsed.

2. Nominated price: Supply & installation with adequate switchboard accessibility/provisions available to accommodate the additional circuitry and associated components. Additional installation costs may apply, inquire or learn more via PSW Energy (affiliate business).

Deep monitoring insight. Gain a greater understanding of what is occurring with your energy system with actionable data.
Increased data point analysis. More significant data consideration of local weather conditions and other variables provides improved information.
Independent daily performance review. Patented algorithms ensure your energy supply is working as promised.
Save more money. Through improved knowledge, understand your energy profile in a user-friendly manner that hardware manufacturers need improvement to deliver.
Outstanding user experience. Your software is only as good as its useability. Unfortunately, inverter manufacturers have a lot of ground to make up in the software department—hardware manufacturers first, software developers second. Solar Analytics offers the most elegant and insightful monitoring platform available.
Historical data logging. Ideal for comparing past performance, and many inverter manufacturers such as Fronius (see Fronius Solar.web Premium) have begun charging subscriptions to retain this feature beyond 3 days of logging from $33 per year.
Battery sizing tool. Self calculating battery sizing based on historical data accumulation. Don't over invest on battery size requirements. Average battery cost; $1000 p/kWh, the precise battery sizing is crucial. This feature alone makes Solar Analytics outstanding.
Australian made software. Australian designed and built software gets you. It's not developed elsewhere and altered for the Australian market. It encompasses your needs such as tariffs and associated data points first. That's more relevant data for better energy saving decisions.

Fronius Solar.web Premium ›

Seeking a local installer with in depth Solar Analytics knowledge? Perth Solar Warehouse Sales Support can assist with Perth’s most extensive online range of high-grade solar options.

Solar Analytics

Are the benefits of REC Solar panels worth the cost?

Bottom corner of an REC Alpha Pure R solar panel with an abstract green, blue and yellow graphic background.

One of the most awarded solar panel brands for innovation over the last decade, the 2023 range of REC Solar panels is, without doubt, some of the most evolved market-wide. With such heavy investment into research and development of highly developed technology, a cost premium is inevitable. However, given that many lower-priced substitutes exist, it’s always wise to consider whether the cost of REC Solar panels is worth the additional expense.

REC Solar may not be a household name. However, this wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries is more than entrenched and respected amongst solar enthusiasts due to a successful decade of producing innovative technology. Since exceeding expectations with an Intersolar Award in 2015 for the REC TwinPeak range, more and more researched investors have begun demanding REC Solar panels.

Accolades continued when REC released the REC Alpha range in 2019 (Intersolar Award 2020), facilitating the widespread adoption of superior-performance Heterojunction (HJT) cell technology. In 2022, REC enhanced the Alpha range by developing it to be entirely lead-free, an issue that plagued all competing solar panels. A revolutionary development claiming the REC Alpha Pure range the esteemed Intersolar Award 2022.

From 2023, two world-class REC Solar panels will be available, each resonating with a distinct module purchaser, with one Alpha model phased out by the end of Quarter 1. Primarily differentiated by cell technology, REC solar panels come in three formats; Heterojunction (Alpha), N-Type (N-Peak) and P-Type (Twinpeak). However, the N-Peak series is no longer available on the Australian market due to limited market appeal.

Model	Power	Efficiency	Temp COEF (°C)	Download
Alpha Pure R	410 W	21.2%	-0.26%	Datasheet
Alpha Pure	400 W	21.6%	-0.26%	Datasheet
Twinpeak 5	400 W	20.3%	-0.34%	Datasheet

Alpha Pure R (410 W): Lead-free 3rd generation Intersolar Award-winning (2020, 2022) Heterojunction cell technology for optimal energy generation potential. More than efficiency, Alpha Pure R’s leading temperature coefficient of -0.26%°C (lower the better) assists the most significant energy harvesting ability in temperatures above 25°C.

Alpha Pure (400 W): The 2nd generation REC Alpha solar panel that attracted worldwide recognition for the second time (Intersolar 2022), paving the way for lead-free solar and a better future.

Twinpeak 5 (400 W): Hard not to love a solar panel in its 5th Generation prime. The REC Twinpeak 5 is the Award-winning (2015) split-cell module technology now used by competing solar module manufacturers globally. We understand, nothing beats an original.

The base product warranty of all REC Solar panels is 20 years. An additional 5 years is equipped upon installation and registration by an REC Certified Solar Professional bringing the total product warranty period to 25 years. Such a program assists end-user module purchasers in knowing the installer is brand aligned with greater product knowledge for successful implementation.

It’s important to note that even though the Performance warranty of all REC Solar panels is 25 years, the annual maximum power output degradation varies slightly (0.25%) within the Performance warranty period.

Model	Product warranty period	Performance warranty period	1st year degradation ¹	Annual degradation ^1,2	Download
Alpha Pure R	• 20 yr ³ • 25 yr ⁴	25 yr	2%	0.25%	Warranty
Alpha Pure	• 20 yr ³ • 25 yr ⁴	25 yr	2%	0.25%	Warranty
Twinpeak 5	• 20 yr ³ • 25 yr ⁴	25 yr	2%	0.5%	Warranty

Warranted maximum power output degradation within a nominated period at Standard Test Conditions.
Annual warranted maximum power output degradation at Standard Test Conditions, beyond year-1 for the remaining performance warranty period.
Base warranty period.
Protrust warranty applicable upon activation after installation (Perth Solar Warehouse is a certified REC Solar Professional for Protrust activation).

This information should be interpreted alongside the full REC Solar warranty document.

Protrust fact sheet download

In 2010 after considering 200 possible global locations, REC nominated Tuas, Singapore, as its new centralised global manufacturing hub. Renowned as one of Asia’s most evolved commercial centres, Singapore provides a strategic base to ensure ease of international distribution while emersed in a society that understands the importance of maintaining high-quality standards. Continuing to ensure the REC name is synonymous with its tagline of Solar’s most Trusted a decade later.

Award-winning technology will always cost more than the market average, positioning the Alpha range of REC solar panels within the higher calibre of capital investment requirements. As a gauge, an approximate 20% price difference exists between Twinpeak 5 and Alpha Pure R series REC Solar panels when combined as a package after the current zone 3 STC subsidy (Perth & Bunbury region).

Defining overall economic viability, leading technology is always the most desirable. However, a trusted brand’s most economical option may be more appealing for project feasibility. The good news is that REC Solar panels are superior to most competing solar panels by technical specifications, justifying an increased investment potential.

Model	Sample System Size	Average Cost per kW ¹	PSW Price
Alpha Pure R	6.6 kW	$1165	Shop
Alpha Pure	6.6 kW	$1165	n/a
Twinpeak 5	6.6 kW	$938	Shop ›

1. Average cost per kW installed (after STC value deducted as a point-of-sale discount), considering average inverter cost compatible with the sample system size.

Ensure these REC Solar panels and their nominated prices are our best. Get your copy of the latest Perth Solar Warehouse catalogue.

As the most common small-scale system size (residential), a 6.6 kW system is used as an example. Considering all inverter types, the average cost has been divided to provide an Average Cost per kW. To assist with research and for comparative purposes, the average cost can be multiplied by any nominated system size for a general price. This content is not a substitute for a quoted price.

Quick links: The PSW Price on alternative system sizes 3 kW, 10 kW or 13 kW.

Final chance. Your copy of the latest Perth Solar Warehouse catalogue.

Catalogue

When considering REC Solar panels, your making a considered investment into your future energy security. Therefore and considered investment surrounds your solar inverter as your centralised point of interaction. The following inverters have some of the most evolved energy ecosystems.

Hybrid Inverter: Huawei SUN2000-L1 or M1. A proven hybrid inverter within Australia with a consistently evolving product suite. Maximise the oversizing capabilities of your preferred REC solar panels, if limitations exist, by adding a Huawei LUNA battery. For a one-energy ecosystem solution, the Huawei EV FusionCharger AC arrives mid 2023.

Review: How does a Huawei inverter compare to European alternatives?

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Innovative: Equipped with award-winning software, SMA’s new hybrid inverter range is potentially the next best contender as an energy ecosystem leader, with its new range of hybrid inverter technology arriving in mid 2024.

Review: SMA solar inverters maximise energy production with one huge feature

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Hybrid inverter: Fronius GEN24. When you occupy 20% of the Australian inverter market share, there’s a reason. Over the last decade, Fronius has earned a reputation for building dependable solar inverters, leading the way in energy ecosystem development with the new release of the Fronius GEN24 range.

Review: Is a Fronius inverter worth the extra expense

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Since claiming the prestigious Intersolar Award in 2020 and 2022 with its next-generation HJT (Heterojunction Technology) cell design, the REC Alpha series has been on the lips of many. As with any superior technology, an increased capital investment requirement will render these particular REC Solar panels out of reach for many.

Should investment criteria exist more around the REC brand than the latest Heterojunction photovoltaic technology, selecting a previous Intersolar award-winning cell formation, the Twinpeak series, provides outstanding value where budget limitations exist.

No matter the preferred selection criteria, the overall long-term benefits, due to manufacturer strength, and as a company consistently at the forefront of innovation, REC Solar panels are without-a-doubt a class above. Overall justified by many industry experts as worth the additional cost for long-term energy harvesting yeild and improved property value potential from superior aesthetic appeal. The ability to improve energy investment satisfaction awaits through REC.

Seeking a more specific REC product? As a trusted REC Solar Professional, Perth Solar Warehouse sales support can assist.

REC Solar Panels

How do Suntech solar panels compare in the modern era?

Suntech Solar Panels by Perth Solar Warehouse

If there’s anything you should take away from this post today, it’s that Suntech is one of the most significant technological developments to come out of Australia in recent history. More than just another BNEF Tier-1 solar panel manufacturer, Suntech solar panels are designed to perform in the enduring Australian conditions, while founded off the back of Australian ingenuity and investment.

All seems well and good having an Australian founded and designed product history, although, what does this mean if Suntech solar panels are not Australian-made? Truth be told, a lot more than many would expect.

Despite a financial blip over a decade ago, Suntech has been resurrected and remains one of the few solar panel manufacturers who continue to invest millions into the Australian economy through renewable energy R&D in collaboration with well known and respected Australian universities.

Suntech has become an evolved brand perfectly adapted to the new world. There is no doubt the connection between Suntech and Australia is as strong as the brand’s inception two decades ago.

60-cell or 120 half-cut cell Suntech solar panels are where 97% of residential homeowners should be looking. Therefore, considering such, there is some exceptional value to be had within the Suntech range.

Almost all Suntech 60-cell polycrystalline solar panel variants have been exhausted locally, therefore, we’ll stick to listing only the available monocrystalline variants.

Residential 60-Cell (120 – 132 half-cell):

Model	Size (W)	Effcy (%)	Wt (kg)	Status	Datasheet
HIPower ^{120-half-cell, mono}	350 – 370 W	19.2 – 20.3	20.3	New
Full Black ^{120-half-cell, mono}	350 – 370 W	19.2 – 20.3	20.3	New

As one of the original solar panel manufacturers to boast a 15 & 25-year warranty, it appears to have become a new norm for many solar panel manufacturers to separate themselves from the pack. In a nutshell, the Suntech solar panels warranty is broken up into two.

Performance warranty defines the rated output degradation (subject to Standard Test Conditions) overtime should the module remain intact. Suntech solar panels are accompanied by a 25-year linear performance guarantee which states the solar panel shall not degrade by more than 0.7% per annum after the first year at standard test conditions.

Product warranty:

Model	Period	Warranty
All Suntech Solar Panels	15-years

Performance warranty:

Model	Period	Year-1	P/A after
All Suntech Solar Panels	25-years	2.5%	0.7%

Period: Degradation period, Year-1: maximum warranted output degradation in the first year, P/A after: maximum warranted output degradation per annum within the nominated Period after Year-1.

Perth’s Suntech Pro’s and locals you can trust. Google & SolarQuotes 4.9/5

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Predominantly in multiple branches across China depending on the specific module type. However, did you know that Suntech also has manufacturing facilities in Germany and Japan?

It’s fair to say that the Suntech solar panels installed in Australia are derived though from Suntech’s fully automated production facilities in China. A well publicised, high-quality manufacturing line which presents exceptional value for the final product produced.

Internationally though, Suntech’s global support spans the essential continents where widespread distribution exists for the product:

NSW, Australia.
Dubai, U.A.E.
South Africa.
Hong Kong.
Germany, Europe.
Wuxi, China.

Suntech solar panel options resonate with premium customers seeking good technology value. A BNEF Top 20 [Q2, 2024] manufacturer globally, all currently produced Suntech Solar panels must push innovative boundaries or remain on trend to compete with similar high-volume manufacturers. However, you’re purchasing more than a solar panel and investing in a brand that is more likely to have warranty assurance for the intended period. Expect competitive value for the technology inside.

After the current zone 3 STC subsidy (Perth & Bunbury region), the average costs for a grid-tie solar-only Suntech solar energy system are as follows;

	Model	Sample System Size	Average Cost per kW ¹	PSW Price
	Ultra V Pro	6.6 kW	$756	Discover
	Ultra V Pro Bifacial	6.6 kW	$908	n/a

1. Average cost per kW installed (after STC value deducted as a point-of-sale discount), considering average inverter cost compatible with the sample system size, and based on values relevant within 30 days of the article post date.

Ensure these Suntech solar panels and their nominated prices are our best. Get your copy of the latest Perth Solar Warehouse catalogue.

A 6.6 kW system is an example of the most common small-scale system size (residential). Considering all inverter types, the average cost divided provides an Average Cost per kW. The Average Cost per kW is multiplied by any nominated system size for general system cost guidance. This content is not a substitute for a quoted price.

Quick links: Alternative system size prices: 3 kW, 10 kW or 13 kW. OR build your ideal Suntech solar panel and inverter combination with online installed prices on PSW Energy: Sunetch solar package – variable sizes ›

Hassle-free solar. From a local company you can trust. Google & SolarQuotes 4.9/5

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It’s one thing to know which Suntech solar panels to consider; this is only half the question. Some know precisely their inverter or battery preferences. However, for those seeking further inspiration, try these popular product pairings for an assured future-ready energy system.

Standard Inverter: Goodwe DNS-G3 or SDT-G2. It’s hard to ignore Goodwe as an inverter consideration. It may be at the more affordable end of the spectrum, but it just works. Great software, outstanding local support, and a solid reputation—unquestionably, Goodwe builds dependable solar inverters.

Review: How good is a Goodwe for your project

Hybrid Inverter: The most advanced hybrid inverter solution we’ve ever seen. Start here, and add on essential elements as you need. Sigenergy’s Sigen Inverter become ‘Sigenstor’ when you add battery modules. Bonus: Up to 25 kW DC (bidirectional) EV charging capabilities available. Mind-blowing!

Review: Sigenergy’s ‘SigenStor’ is a game-changer for Australia

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European inverter: Fronius GEN24. When you occupy 20% of the Australian inverter market share, there’s a reason. Over the last decade, Fronius has earned a reputation for building dependable solar inverters, leading the way in energy ecosystem development with the new release of the Fronius GEN24 range.

Review: Is a Fronius inverter worth the extra expense

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When selecting the ideal solution for your home, with cutting-edge specifications, each Suntech solar panel within the range will undoubtedly have a best-case scenario—we’ve compared variants stocked and available in Perth, Western Australia, at the time of writing. For most Perth Solar Warehouse turnkey energy solutions, the ideal Suntech solar panel in 2024 is the Ultra V Pro Bifacial with its n-type TOPCon solar module technology using a semi-transparent ‘all-black’ (reduced heat retention and improved performance) aesthetic appeal. Enjoy an output boost in most scenarios with enhanced bifaciality.

Select the 440W format (bigger isn’t always better) as the perfect system multiplier for customers looking to maximise their solar rebate within most system size categories without batteries: 3.9 kW, 6.6 kW, 10.5 kW, 13.2 kW, and 19.8 kW. 440W is Suntech’s most advanced residential/ light commercial size format solar panel.

Are you seeking a specific Suntech Solar product? As one of Perth’s proven Suntech solar panel installation companies for end customers, we can facilitate your ideal solution with frontline West Australian product knowledge developed over a 20-year business history. Contact Perth Solar Warehouse sales support for a Suntech Solar-certified installer servicing the Perth and Bunbury regions of Western Australia.

Solar Panels Suntech

Contents

Cost guide

Alternatives

8 best solar inverters by category

Best budget

SAJ Electric

Best value

Goodwe

Best all-round

Huawei

Best hybrid

Fronius GEN24

Best German-made

SMA

Best module-level optimisation

Enphase

Best off grid

Selectronic

Best software

SMA

Staff choice

Contents

Pros & cons

Fast facts

Eligibility

Approved EV chargers

Approved software

Easy applying

How it works: Funding examples

Contents

Pros & cons

Original Solar Analytics

New Solar Analytics

What does Solar Analytics cost?

Get more from new Solar Analytics

8 Advantages of Solar Analytics

Contents

Pros & cons

Which to consider

What is the warranty

Where are they made

What do they cost

Pairing options

Which is ideal for you

Contents

Which to consider

What is the warranty

Product warranty:

Performance warranty:

Where are they made

What do they cost

Pairing options

Which is ideal for you

What's your cost? It's free to ask

What's your cost? It's free to ask

What's your cost? It's free to ask

Your interest-free solar price in a few questions.