Apr 29, 2025 | Uncategorised
What Do Solar Batteries Do?
While solar panels have become a familiar sight across Australian rooftops, there is still a lot of confusion about how solar batteries work. Batteries are a crucial part of the future of energy, yet many people don’t fully understand their role. With solar storage now central to discussions around household sustainability and energy independence, it’s important to know exactly how solar batteries work, how they store energy, and how they can help households reduce their reliance on the grid.
How Do Solar Batteries Actually Work?
At a basic level, solar batteries store electricity in chemical form. When solar panels produce power, the battery converts that electricity into stored energy using chemical reactions inside the battery cells. When the household needs to draw on the battery, that energy is converted back into usable electricity.
The most common type of solar battery in Australian homes is lithium-ion, which is lightweight, compact, and has a long lifespan. These batteries are smart — they monitor usage patterns, charge and discharge at optimal times, and integrate with solar inverters to manage energy flows automatically.
Key Battery Technologies: Tesla Powerwall & BYD Battery Box
Tesla Powerwall 3 is one of the most advanced home batteries available. It offers 13.5kWh of usable storage, a robust 10kW continuous output, and can operate in extreme Australian conditions (from -20°C to 50°C). One of its standout features is that it’s an all-in-one hybrid battery — it doesn’t require a separate inverter — and it supports full home backup and EV charging.
BYD Battery-Box Premium offers a modular stackable system, making it easy to scale depending on your energy needs. It’s often used in larger homes or properties with higher energy consumption. BYD batteries are known for their strong performance, long cycle life, and safety features, and they pair well with inverters from leading brands like Fronius and SMA.
Offsetting Grid Usage and Reducing Bills
By using a battery to store and use more of your own solar energy, households can significantly reduce how much electricity they need to buy from the grid. This means lower power bills and less exposure to rising electricity prices.
For most homes, evening and early morning are the peak times for electricity usage — when the sun isn’t shining. A solar battery steps in at these times, powering the home with stored solar energy instead of expensive grid power.
Blackout Protection
Another benefit is energy security. Many solar battery systems, like the Tesla Powerwall, offer backup power. That means if there’s a blackout, your home can stay powered using energy from the battery — keeping the lights on, the fridge running, and essential appliances working.
Not all batteries offer this feature by default, so it’s worth understanding what each system can do and whether backup power is a priority.
What About Feed-In Tariffs?
In the early days of solar, feed-in tariffs were generous — households were paid well for sending excess solar power back into the grid. Today, those rates have dropped significantly. This shift makes storing your own energy more valuable than ever.
Instead of exporting power at a low rate, using a battery means you can store that energy and use it yourself when electricity is more expensive. It’s a way of maximising solar savings and making your system work harder for you.
Final Thoughts: Batteries Are the Next Step in Home Solar
As more people install solar panels and aim to become more self-sufficient with their energy, batteries are a natural next step. They allow households to take control of their electricity use, protect themselves from rising prices, and contribute to a more stable and sustainable grid.
Understanding how solar batteries work isn’t just for electricians and engineers — it’s for anyone who wants to make informed decisions about energy. With smart storage, households across Australia can make the most of their solar investment and take a real step towards energy independence.
Mar 24, 2025 | Inverter Technology, Uncategorised
Fronius Verto Inverter Now CEC-Approved in Australia
Fronius, a global leader in solar technology, has recently received Clean Energy Council (CEC) approval for their latest innovation – the Fronius Verto inverter. Designed with versatility in mind, this cutting-edge inverter is ideal for small businesses, agricultural applications, and multi-residential buildings such as apartment complexes. With Fronius’ proven track record of quality and innovation, the Verto is set to redefine commercial solar installations across Australia.
What Makes the Fronius Verto Inverter Stand Out?
The Fronius Verto is designed for flexibility, safety, and high-performance, making it an excellent choice for more complex or larger-scale solar installations. Here’s what makes it a standout choice:
1. Maximum Flexibility & Performance
- Available in 25, 27, 30, and 33.3 kW power categories
- Four high-current MPP trackers ensure optimal performance even in complex system designs
- Wide voltage range allows for seamless integration into existing systems or new installations
- Dynamic Peak Manager technology for improved output in partial shading conditions
2. Built-in Safety & Reliability
- Integrated Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) for fire risk reduction
- Built-in surge protection ensures system longevity and peace of mind
- ISO27001-certified data security system ensures safe data storage in European-based servers
3. Smart Energy Integration
- Seamless compatibility with the Fronius Wattpilot (EV charging) and other Fronius smart products
- Compatible with heat pumps, smart home systems, and e-mobility solutions
- Supports Fronius EMIL software for automated energy distribution across multiple locations
Why Choose Fronius?
Fronius continues to lead with its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. While they may be a premium investment, they deliver robust warranties, European manufacturing, and a focus on longevity and repairability, they’re a reliable long-term investment for commercial energy systems.
Fronius also prioritises sustainability, using recycled materials and designing products for longevity and repairability.
Interested in upgrading your commercial solar system?
Chat with our expert team to see if the Fronius Verto is right for your project.
👉 Contact Us to learn more or request a quote.
Dec 9, 2022 | Uncategorised
To the Dunton Group team,
Congratulations on winning Tesla’s Installation Excellence Award for your Powerwall installation at Stanleys Rd, Red Hill South. Our team were impressed by the significant effort taken to reconfigure the site for backup, and the high level of fit and finish demonstrated throughout.
Your efforts created the best outcome for the customer – well done!
Regards,
Tesla team
Nov 11, 2022 | Inverter Technology, Solar System, Uncategorised
All-Energy Australia 2022 – Conference & Exhibition at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center
The team from Dunton Group attended All-Energy Australia 2022 recently. Held at Jeff’s Shed, All-Energy is the country’s largest clean energy event. With over 200 speakers, and 250 domestic and international suppliers, All-Energy Australia is a great opportunity to chat to the leading brands and discover the up-and-coming new technology in the renewable energy space.
It was a busy two days, the event had 10 stages filled with back-to-back educational sessions, covering the latest innovations, energy policy, government initiatives and project developments across solar, hydrogen and wind energy, energy storage, electric vehicles and a whole lot more.
There was a lot to get excited about with so many new products and technology being released to help power our everyday lives more sustainably. The number of quality Electric Vehicle charging options coming to Australia is something to look forward, for those currently driving an EV you’ll love the features and options becoming standard on all EV chargers. For the rest of us waiting on the right EV to come to market, we can help you prepare your home or business for what’s needed to meet the growing demand in energy requirements.
One of the themes that we noticed at the event was the awareness of the challenges our industry is currently facing as the decarbonisation deadline draws nearer, the focus on integrated solutions was pleasing. Recognised companies are looking at a full stack strategy where customers can experience an integrated product family of solar, batteries, energy management platforms, virtual power plants, and electric vehicle chargers into one super solution. We’re excited to be able to offer a fully integrated option in the near future. By making one sleek, integrated product family, we can have an entire solution under a single brand.
We had a fantastic time exploring new technology, meeting new suppliers and catching up with old friends. Stay tuned to our newsletter and social pages for more updates and new solutions coming soon!
If you would like to explore the benefits of renewable energy, make sure you get in contact with us for a chat about the options available.
Dunton Group are strong advocates of the benefits of solar power and green energy, our team are Mornington Peninsula locals who cherish this beautiful corner of the world that we’re lucky enough to call home. By providing homes and businesses with a reliable solar energy solution we’re doing our small bit to help the future of our planet.
Aug 5, 2022 | Inverter Technology, Solar System, Uncategorised
Battery Storage For Your Renewable Energy Generated at Home or Your Business
For those of us with a solar system or thinking about installing a new solar solution at your property, the discussion of a battery storage option will undoubtably be had. At Dunton Group we closely monitor the developments and new technologies available in renewable energy opportunities. We have installed a wide variety of battery storage units across the Mornington Peninsula and beyond in recent years.
With the recent well publicized increase in energy prices we have been inundated with enquiries from customers looking for ways to optimize their ability to utilize renewable energy. With the feed in rate constantly dropping, the return on investment period for battery storage is becoming more appealing for a lot of properties on the Mornington Peninsula and across the greater Melbourne area.
The Victorian Government also has incentives available including a $2,950 rebate for eligible customers. There of course conditions so feel free to get in touch with a member of the Dunton Group team for more details.
Another Government incentive is the Virtual Power Plant (VPP), a pilot program that brings Virtual Power Plants to your doorstep. Connecting Victorian households to create and share power, saving money on energy bills and reducing the reliance on the grid.
The VPP pilot program offers higher solar battery rebates at a fixed rate of $4,174 towards the upfront cost of a solar battery and installation to eligible Victorians who join an approved VPP program. There is of course conditions to be met to ensure you are eligible and it is recommended to visit the Solar Victoria information page or contact a member of the Dunton Group team for more details.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options in solar battery storage available in Australia…
Tesla Powerwall 2
You have no doubt heard of the Tesla Powerwall, we have completed some incredible solar systems with a huge number of panels and multiple Tesla Powerwall 2 battery storage units to power the whole house. The Powerwall 2 has 13.5kw storage from an AC coupled battery that is compatible with any existing or new solar system. It also has one of the best solar battery monitoring apps available today. Plus the Tesla Powerwall 2 can optimize its operation with time of use tariffs to help you through the expensive evening peak periods using solar battery power. As you would expect from a strong brand like Tesla, the Powerwall is supported by a 10 year warranty and is widely regarded as the best battery storage option currently available.
Powerwall is a battery that stores energy, detects outages and automatically becomes your home’s energy source when the grid goes down. Unlike generators, Powerwall keeps your lights on and phones charged without upkeep, fuel or noise. Pair with solar and recharge with sunlight to keep your appliances running for days. Powerwall reduces your reliance on the grid by storing your solar energy for use when the sun isn’t shining. Use Powerwall alone or combine it with other Tesla products to save money, reduce your carbon footprint and prepare your home for power outages.
At Dunton Group Solar & Electrical we strongly recommended the Tesla Powerwall 2 as a reliable and high performing battery storage option, having installed plenty in recent years we can confidently say they are a product we would happily install at our own homes.
Sonnen EVO 10kw
The Sonnen battery option is new to Australia and we’re excited to install the product shortly. It is also an AC coupled battery that is compatible with all existing and new solar systems.
The sonnenBatterie Evo is a fully integrated AC coupled storage system designed for outdoor and indoor installations. German engineering and design that is optimised for performance backed with a 10 year or 10,000 charge cycle warranty on all components.
Red Earth
If you’re a fan of the TV show The Block then you would likely have heard of the Australian owned RedEarth battery. It is an AC coupled battery with hybrid inverter, Red Earth’s own Troppo battery uses safe lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) technology.
RedEarth energy storage is an Australian owned and operated manufacturer of energy storage systems. Dunton Group have recently been appointed as an authorized reseller and installer of RedEarth products.
Sungrow
The SunGrow Hybrid with battery and single and three phase inverter is another emerging option for storing solar energy in Australia. The option provides the opportunity to either remove the existing inverter and replace with a hybrid option or add to a stand alone solar system. Backed by a 10 year warranty it is a high value option.
Enphase IQ Battery
Due for release early 2023 is this all in one battery backup power option is perfect for any current or future Enphase Microinverter customers. The IQ Batteries leverage a distributed architecture to provide maximum reliability. Each battery includes multiple bi-directional IQ Microinverters to switch energy from DC to AC and back again.
If you would like an accurate and in-depth analysis of what potential savings you could gain and the payback time frame of installing a quality solar system or battery storage option, make sure you get in contact with us for an obligation free analysis.
The Dunton Group are strong advocates of the benefits of solar power and green energy, our team are Mornington Peninsula locals who cherish this beautiful corner of the world that we’re lucky enough to call home. By providing homes and businesses with a reliable solar energy solution we’re doing our small bit to help the future of our planet.
