A virtual power plant network helps with grid stability by enabling the distribution of excess power to homeowner batteries at rapid speed, to lower the voltage of electricity in the grid during peak times. Additionally, VPPs mean sustainable power can be generated, stored and distributed at optimal levels for the benefit of the whole community - ie more power can be stored during peak sun times for use later when demand is higher than supply.

The virtual power plant, VPP, is a service provided by an energy supplier. This supplier centrally controls the network of household solar panels and solar batteries using Wi-Fi technology and software that analyses, manages, collects and distributes the available power as required. In return for an agreed amount of access to the homeowner's battery and stored power the energy supplier offers incentives and payments, for example a provider may offer an additional payment on top of the regular feed-in tariff.

As a part of our free site assessment, our team will determine whether a battery is the best option for you. Solar batteries allow you to use your own solar-generated energy to power your home at night, reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, and protect you against power outages. Even if a battery is not the right decision for you today, our solar energy installations are future-proofed and ready for the addition of a battery when you are ready in the future.

Yes! With the price of solar systems decreasing and the increase in money the energy companies will pay you for what you don't use, now is the time to invest in your energy future. There are two ways that a professional solar system can save you money: first by providing free energy for you to use to run your appliances when you are home and the sun is shining; and, secondly, by enabling you to sell excess power back to the energy companies when you are producing more than you need or when you are not home.

Solar panels do need to be cleaned once or twice a year to keep them working at optimal levels. Dust and debris allowed to accumulate on the panels will reduce the amount of light the solar panels can absorb. Use soapy water and a soft brush or sponge to wipe the panels down. If it is not safe for you to do this yourself contact us at Ocean Breeze today and organise one of your team to help you out.

A feed-in tariff for your solar system is the rate your electricity retailer will pay you for any excess electricity produced by your solar system that is fed back into the electricity grid.

• Battery technology is fast becoming more affordable: lithium-ion batteries can store solar power during the day for use at night making solar solutions even more advantageous.

• Solar power can save you money: every kilowatt of electricity generated by your solar system reduces the cost of your energy bill.

• Environmental benefits: solar power reduces the potential for global warming and creates sustainable, clean energy.

• Future proof your home: homebuyers are increasingly recognising the value in buying a home with solar capability and this is likely to increase as electric cars become common on our streets.

The cost of installing solar solutions is decreasing whilst at the same time, the efficiency of the technology is always improving. In most cases, a solar solution installed today will have paid off your initial investment in around five to six years, through savings in power bills. As electric vehicles become more common on the streets, generating free electricity in your home to charge your car could become an added benefit in the future. At the same time, each of these steps helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on fossil fuel - the ultimate goal for us all!

What are solar batteries? Rechargeable solar batteries store the ‘excess’ electricity generated from a panel array, boosting energy capacity and making power available for use at night time or on cloudy days.Recent design improvements and price drops in lithium-ion batteries have made solar storage more viable than ever before.

Assess your energy needs before investing in a battery or batteries. There’s no point buying more capacity than you can use — surplus electricity should instead be fed into the grid for a profit. If all the appliances in your home are electrical, they can be powered by solar. Battery storage systems are a serious safety risk if incorrectly installed and may have implications for insurance coverage, so when choosing a solar solution make sure to use a reputable installer.

To keep your solar system working efficiently, panels will need to be cleaned from time to time. Aim to do this at least once a year, preferably twice. At the same time it is a great idea to check if any trees have grown branches that cast shade across your panels. If any components are damaged, always contact a trained professional to inspect your system.

Solar inverters are an essential component of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. They are what converts the direct current (DC) output of solar panels (the energy collected from the sun) into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what is used by the appliances in your home.

Inverters can be monitored via a computer program or device app to check energy generation, consumption and correct operation of the system. Several types of inverters are suitable for home systems.

Solar panels capture the energy of sunlight and convert it into electricity. This is known as a photovoltaic system, usually called solar PV. Panels come in a range of different wattages and power levels. Numerous brands are available, with new technologies and efficiencies frequently emerging. Although solar panels look similar, levels of power, quality and reliability vary greatly.

A fully-exposed rooftop is ideal for solar. Where that’s not available, make sure the panels are installed in the sunniest location. There is a standard 10-year product warranty for solar panels in Australia, as well as a 25-year performance warranty. Be aware that some manufacturers may no longer be in business one or two decades down the track should you need to make a claim.

Solar panels capture the energy of sunlight and convert it into electricity. This is known as a photovoltaic system, usually called solar PV. Panels come in a range of different wattages and power levels. Numerous brands are available, with new technologies and efficiencies frequently emerging. Although solar panels look similar, levels of power, quality and reliability vary greatly.

A fully-exposed rooftop is ideal for solar. Where that’s not available, make sure the panels are installed in the sunniest location. There is a standard 10-year product warranty for solar panels in Australia, as well as a 25-year performance warranty. Be aware that some manufacturers may no longer be in business one or two decades down the track should you need to make a claim.