Smart EV Charging with Solar | Save Energy, Save Money | Jousto

DRIVE ON SUNSHINE – SMART EV CHARGING POWERED BY YOUR SOLAR

Automatically charge your EV from solar and cheap off-peak power with the Jousto Energy Hub. Slash your charging costs and reduce your carbon footprint.

GoodWe Authorised Partner CEC Accredited Installers Australia-Wide Service

WASTING SOLAR POWER? PAYING TOO MUCH FOR EV CHARGING?

Without a smart system, your EV might be charging from expensive grid power even when your solar panels are producing excess energy.

💸

HIGH CHARGING COSTS

Charging an EV on standard grid electricity can add over $1,000/year to your bills – negating the savings of going electric.

☀️

SOLAR OVERFLOW

When you charge without a smart system, excess solar often goes to the grid for mere cents, while your EV might draw power from the grid.

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

Time-of-use discounts, free solar hours, and your home battery's output – a regular charger can't take advantage of these, leaving savings on the table.

📱

JUGGLING APPS & TIMERS

Manually switching plugs or using multiple apps (solar app, EV app, etc.) is a hassle. It shouldn't require constant attention to charge efficiently.

MEET JOUSTO – YOUR HOME ENERGY BRAIN

Jousto brings together a smart EV charger and a powerful home energy hub. It's not just an EV charger – it's an energy automation system that knows when to draw from your solar, when to tap off-peak grid, and even how to share energy with your battery.

Jousto Energy Hub

THE JOUSTO ADVANTAGE

Our intelligent system connects to your solar, battery, EV charger, and appliances to automatically optimise when they run – turning a standard setup into a money-saving smart energy system.

  • Solar-Optimised Charging: Charges your EV using 100% solar power whenever available
  • Tariff Intelligence: Schedules charging to exploit cheaper night or midday rates, avoiding expensive peak times
  • Works with Any EV Setup: Use our recommended GoodWe Smart Charger or make your existing plug-in charger smart
  • Unified Control: One app to monitor your solar, battery, and EV in one place
Get My FREE Quote

HOW DOES JOUSTO SMART CHARGING WORK?

Our system is designed to be simple to use while delivering powerful results. Here's how we make your EV charging smarter:

1

ENERGY HUB INSTALLATION

We install the Jousto Energy Hub device at your switchboard – it talks to your solar inverter, battery, and EV charger.

2

SMART EV CHARGER

We set up a GoodWe EV charger OR integrate your existing charger via a smart plug. The Hub communicates with the charger to control charging in real-time.

3

MONITORING & CONTROL

CT sensors monitor solar production and household usage. Jousto's intelligent software decides when to turn the EV charging on, off, or modulate it.

4

USER SETTINGS

Through the Jousto app, you set your preferences – e.g. "solar only mode", or "charge by 7am to 80%" – and Jousto automates the rest.

No solar? No problem – Jousto will simply use off-peak schedule to ensure you still save money. You can always upgrade with solar later.

Get Started Today

WHY CHOOSE JOUSTO?

Our smart EV charging solution offers benefits that standard chargers simply can't match.

💰

SLASH CHARGING COSTS

By prioritising free solar energy and cheap rates, you could charge at effective rates of just a few cents per kWh (some users pay $0 when solar covers it!).

FAST OR FLEXIBLE – YOU DECIDE

Need a quick charge? Override to boost at full power from grid + solar. Otherwise, let Jousto trickle-charge on sunshine. You get the best of both worlds.

☀️

MAXIMISE YOUR SOLAR INVESTMENT

Every kWh sent to the grid earns maybe 5-10c; using that in your EV saves you ~30c/kWh. Jousto ensures your solar goes into your battery or car first.

🔋

EXTEND BATTERY LIFESPAN

By managing the load, Jousto avoids overloading your home or grid connection. It can prevent your home battery from cycling unnecessarily.

🔮

FUTURE-PROOF AND SCALABLE

Planning to get a battery or a second EV later? Jousto is ready – it can coordinate multiple devices and receives updates to support new tariff structures.

🛠️

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT & INSTALLATION

Our team handles everything – from system design to installation by accredited electricians, and after-sales support.

OUR EV CHARGING SOLUTIONS

Choose from our range of smart EV chargers or integrate your existing charger with the Jousto Energy Hub.

GoodWe EV Charger 7kW POPULAR

GoodWe EV Charger 7kW

Single-phase AC charger with IP66 weatherproofing, perfect for most Australian homes. When paired with the Jousto Energy Hub, it becomes a solar-aware smart charger.

From $1,189
Get a Quote
GoodWe EV Charger 22kW

GoodWe EV Charger 22kW

Three-phase AC charger for faster charging speeds. Ideal for homes with three-phase power and EVs that support higher charging rates. Smart features when connected to the Jousto Energy Hub.

From $1,483
Get a Quote
Jousto Energy Hub

Jousto Energy Hub

Make any EV charger smart! Our Energy Hub can control your existing charger via a smart plug, allowing you to charge from solar and off-peak power without replacing your current hardware.

From $449
Get a Quote

HOW JOUSTO COMPARES

See how our smart charging solution stacks up against traditional EV charging options.

Feature Regular Charger Jousto Smart Charging
Uses excess solar Draws grid even if solar available Charges only on solar surplus by default
Time-of-Use aware Manual (user must set car timer) Automatic – follows tariff schedule you set
Upfront hardware cost $$ (if buying a solar smart charger like Zappi) $ Works with existing charger or affordable GoodWe unit
Integrated control Charger alone Coordinates with solar & battery (via Hub)
Monitoring Charger app (separate) One app for all energy (solar, battery, EV)

REAL RESULTS

"We installed Jousto with a 6kW solar system, and now my commute is essentially free. I love checking the app and seeing my car charged 100% from solar! During recent storms, we even used the car battery to power essential appliances when the grid went down."

Michael T.

Michael T.

Brighton, Melbourne

Solar Utilisation: 90% | Annual Savings: $1,240

"As a shift worker, I'm rarely home during daylight hours to charge my EV on solar. Jousto solved this by charging my car overnight on super off-peak rates, then using my daytime solar for the home battery. The system is completely automated – I just plug in and forget about it."

Sarah L.

Sarah L.

Norwood, Adelaide

Off-Peak Charging: 95% | Annual Savings: $980

EV CHARGING FAQs

Will this work with my car model?

Yes – Jousto works with all EVs and PHEVs. We either interface through the charger or directly with certain car APIs. From Teslas to Nissan Leafs, we've got you covered. Our system is compatible with all J1772 standard plugs, which is the Australian standard for EV charging.

Do I need a specific solar inverter or battery?

No specific brand needed. Jousto is compatible with most common solar inverters (Fronius, SolarEdge, GoodWe, Sungrow, etc.) and batteries. We'll check compatibility or use sensors to gather data if direct integration isn't available. Our system works with both new and existing solar setups.

What if I don't have a home battery?

No problem – Jousto will focus on your solar and grid. You can add a battery later and Jousto will integrate it then. Many of our customers start with solar + EV charging, then add battery storage as a future upgrade when they're ready.

Can I still charge my car quickly if needed?

Absolutely. You can always override to charge at full power (e.g., if you need to top-up in a hurry). Jousto's app allows you to switch to Fast Charge mode, after which it can revert to smart mode automatically. This gives you the flexibility to charge quickly when needed while still optimising for solar and off-peak rates most of the time.

Is the GoodWe charger any good?

Yes – GoodWe's 7kW (single-phase) and 22kW (3-phase) chargers are robust and affordable. They come with IP66 weatherproofing and a 2-year warranty (extendable). We pair it with Jousto to add smart features beyond its standard capabilities, giving you a great balance of cost and performance.

How much does this setup cost?

It depends on your configuration. Our GoodWe chargers start around $899, and the Jousto Energy Hub (with installation and setup) starts from $699. We'll provide a tailored quote – and remember, it's an investment that can pay itself off through energy savings in a few years. Also, financing options and any applicable rebates can make upfront costs easier.

How many solar panels do I need to charge my EV?

As a rule of thumb, we recommend about 1.5 kW of solar per 10-15 km of daily driving. For example, if you drive 50 km per day, an additional 5-6 kW of solar would cover your EV charging needs. However, this varies based on your driving habits, EV model, and local conditions. Our team can provide a personalised assessment based on your specific situation.

READY TO DRIVE ON SUNSHINE?

Join the growing number of Australian homeowners who have transformed their EV charging experience. It's time to reduce your bills, make full use of your solar, and enjoy the convenience of automation.

No obligations – just honest advice. Find out how much you could save.

Currently serving Adelaide, Melbourne and expanding Australia-wide.

solar

How Fast Can a Commercial Energy System Be Installed? | Jousto

February 25, 20254 min read

Switching to a commercial energy system—whether it's solar power, battery storage, or a combination of both—is a smart investment for businesses looking to cut electricity costs and improve sustainability. However, one of the most common questions business owners ask is: How long does it take to install a commercial energy system?

The answer depends on several factors, including system size, complexity, site conditions, and approval processes. While smaller systems can be installed in a few days, larger commercial setups may take several weeks to a few months.

In this guide, we’ll break down the installation timeline, key factors that influence it, and how Jousto ensures a smooth and efficient installation process.

solar

Factors That Affect the Installation Timeline

The time required to install a commercial energy system varies based on several factors. Here are the main elements that determine the overall timeline:

1. System Size and Complexity

  • Small commercial solar systems (10–50kW) – Typically installed within 3–5 days.

  • Medium systems (50–100kW) – Installation may take one to two weeks.

  • Large commercial systems (100kW–1MW) – Can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the project.

The larger and more complex the system, the longer it will take to design, approve, and install.

2. Site Assessment & Energy Audit (1–2 Weeks)

Before installation begins, a thorough site assessment and energy audit is conducted to:

  • Evaluate roof space, shading, and structural integrity.

  • Assess energy consumption patterns to determine the best system size.

  • Identify switchboard and electrical infrastructure requirements.

This step is crucial in designing a system that maximises savings and efficiency.

3. Approvals and Permits (2–8 Weeks)

Commercial energy installations often require various approvals, including:

  • Grid connection approval from the electricity provider.

  • Council permits (if structural changes are needed).

  • Government rebates and incentives application processing.

These approvals can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on local regulations.

4. Procurement of Equipment (1–4 Weeks)

Once approvals are in place, the necessary components—such as solar panels, inverters, battery storage, and mounting structures—are ordered.

Delivery times depend on:

  • Stock availability – Some high-demand components may have longer lead times.

  • Custom equipment requirements – Larger or more advanced systems may require special orders.

5. Installation and System Setup (3 Days – 6 Weeks)

The actual installation process depends on system size and complexity:

Installation Timeline for Different Systems:

chart

6. System Testing & Commissioning (1–2 Weeks)

Once installed, the system undergoes testing and commissioning to ensure:

  • All components are functioning correctly.

  • The system is safely connected to the grid.

  • Monitoring software is set up for real-time energy tracking.

This step usually takes one to two weeks and is critical for ensuring long-term performance.

7. Final Inspection and Handover (1 Week)

After commissioning, a final inspection is conducted to:

  • Confirm that the system meets safety and compliance standards.

  • Provide the business owner with operational training on using and monitoring the system.

  • Submit all necessary paperwork for government incentives and rebates.

Once completed, the system is ready to operate and start delivering energy savings.

Estimated Total Timeline for Installation

The full installation process, from initial consultation to final activation, typically takes:

  • Small commercial systems: 4–8 weeks

  • Medium systems: 2–3 months

  • Large commercial installations: 3–6 months

How Jousto Ensures a Fast & Efficient Installation

Jousto is committed to delivering fast, high-quality installations while minimising disruptions to business operations. Here’s how Jousto ensures a smooth process:

1. Expert Site Assessments

Jousto’s team conducts detailed energy audits to design a system that perfectly matches your business needs, reducing delays caused by miscalculations.

2. Handling All Approvals & Paperwork

Navigating approvals can be time-consuming, but Jousto manages the entire process, including:

  • Grid connection applications

  • Council and regulatory permits

  • Government rebate submissions

3. High-Quality Equipment & Reliable Supply Chain

Jousto works with trusted suppliers to ensure quick delivery of:

  • Premium solar panels

  • Advanced battery storage solutions

  • Reliable inverters and mounting systems

4. Professional Installation by Certified Technicians

Jousto’s installers are fully licensed and trained to complete the job safely and efficiently.

5. Post-Installation Support & Monitoring

After installation, Jousto provides:

  • System monitoring setup for real-time tracking

  • Maintenance and support services

  • Guidance on optimising energy usage for maximum savings

Common Questions About Commercial Energy System Installation

Will My Business Experience Disruptions During Installation?

Jousto plans installations carefully to minimise disruptions. Most businesses can continue operating as usual during the process.

Do I Need to Upgrade My Electrical System?

Some commercial properties may require switchboard upgrades or additional wiring to handle the new energy system. Jousto assesses this during the initial site visit.

Can I Install a Battery Later If I Start with Solar?

Yes! Jousto can design a solar system that’s battery-ready, allowing businesses to add storage when needed.

How Soon Can I Start Saving After Installation?

Savings begin immediately once the system is switched on, with most businesses seeing significant reductions in electricity bills from the first month.

Conclusion

The installation of a commercial solar or battery system takes anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on system size and complexity. While approvals and equipment procurement can take time, Jousto’s streamlined process ensures a fast, hassle-free installation.

Investing in a commercial energy system can lead to massive cost savings, greater energy independence, and long-term sustainability benefits.

🔹 Ready to install a commercial energy system? Contact Jousto today for an expert consultation and get started on your energy savings journey!

Back to Blog