Resources

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

Solar power systems are divided into 3 main groups.

  • Pure solar
  • Stand alone
  • Grid Tied / Grid Interactive

Pure solar systems are used when the power demand is only required during daylight hours and it is not critical that they under perform during times of poor weather conditions or at night. Normally a system would comprise of a solar array (multiple modules), a controller and the device required to operate. A good example of this would be a solar pumping system where water is pumped daily. A solar pumping system could also be operated as a stand alone system.

Stand alone solar 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 daylight hours. 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 solar array, charge controller, battery bank and inverter. A good example of a this would be a home without any electricity grid connection.

Grid Tied solar systems are a specific type of system with the sole purpose of harnessing the suns energy and feeding that back into the electricity grid. In order to do this connection to the electricity grid is required. The solar array produces energy which is converted from DC to AC by a grid interactive inverter. A typical system would comprise of a solar array and grid interactive inverter.

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:

  • 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 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