DON'T SETTLE FOR "DUMB" SOLAR – TRANSFORM IT INTO A SMART MONEY-SAVING POWERHOUSE
South Australians are upgrading their solar systems into intelligent, battery-ready assets. Join the smart solar revolution with a hybrid inverter + Jousto Energy Hub, and supercharge your savings and energy independence.
WHY STANDARD SOLAR ISN'T ENOUGH
Most solar owners already know the truth: traditional solar is leaving money on the table.
YOU'RE SELLING ENERGY FOR CENTS AND BUYING IT BACK FOR DOLLARS
In South Australia, feed-in tariffs have plummeted to near $0–$0.06/kWh, while you pay up to 30–50¢ per kWh from the grid. Ouch. That means every unit of solar you don't use yourself is basically a giveaway to your retailer, and you later pay a premium to buy power at night.
A "dumb" solar system only works when the sun is out. Come evening, you're back to full-price grid electricity. All that great solar output from noon? Without storage or smart controls, it's gone or sold for a pittance.
South Australia's sunny success has a flipside: on mild, bright days, the grid sometimes can't handle the flood of solar. New rules now require inverters to support dynamic export limits. If your system can't adjust, you risk being throttled down or even remotely switched off during critical times – losing generation you paid for.
Want to run your dishwasher at lunch to use solar? Or charge an EV cheaply? With a standard setup, it's manual effort (set timers, hope for sun) and often inconvenient. Many folks simply can't shift enough usage to daytime, so excess solar still goes to the grid for peanuts.
Imagine looking at your power bill and seeing charges for electricity you could have gotten free from your roof – if only your system were smarter. It's frustrating and feels like a missed opportunity.
1 in 4 new solar installations in South Australia are replacements or upgrades of older systems as people demand better performance and ROI.
The good news? There's a solution that fixes all of this. By upgrading to a smart solar PV system – combining a hybrid inverter with a Jousto Energy Hub – you can turn things around. Instead of feeding the grid for pennies, you'll feed your own savings.
MEET YOUR SOLAR'S UPGRADE: HYBRID INVERTER + JOUSTO ENERGY HUB = SMART SOLAR
This isn't just another solar system – it's an intelligent energy ecosystem built for the future.
HOW EACH PIECE WORKS TOGETHER TO DELIVER BIG BENEFITS
A smart solar system combines cutting-edge hardware with intelligent software to maximise your energy savings and self-sufficiency. Here's how it all works together:
- Hybrid Inverter: The heart of your system, ready for batteries and future expansion
- Battery Storage (Optional): Store excess solar for use when you need it most
- Jousto Energy Hub: The "brain" that orchestrates everything for maximum savings
- Smart Automation: Runs appliances when solar is abundant, minimises grid usage
- Real-Time Monitoring: See exactly where your energy is going and how much you're saving
THE KEY COMPONENTS OF YOUR SMART SOLAR SYSTEM
Each element plays a crucial role in transforming your solar experience.
GOODWE & FRONIUS HYBRID INVERTERS (BATTERY-READY)
At the heart is a state-of-the-art hybrid inverter from top brands like GoodWe or Fronius. These devices replace your old solar inverter. They don't just convert sunlight to usable power – they also manage battery storage seamlessly.
A hybrid inverter lets you charge a battery when there's surplus solar and draw from it when needed. It's designed for efficiency and easy expansion. For example, the GoodWe ET series supports high DC oversizing and has built-in UPS backup capability. The Fronius Gen24+ is renowned for quality and offers instant backup power via its PV Point and full-home backup option.
In short, these inverters are ready for whatever you throw at them – batteries, EVs, you name it – making your system truly future-proof.
BYD OR COMPATIBLE BATTERIES (OPTIONAL)
Pair the inverter with a robust battery bank (we offer globally trusted BYD batteries among others). This is your personal energy storage. Store excess solar power at lunchtime, use it at dinnertime – simple.
Modern batteries like BYD come in modular sizes (e.g. start with ~5 kWh, expand to 10+ kWh as needed). They use safe LiFePO4 chemistry and can discharge 100% of their capacity. What does that mean for you? More usable energy and more savings.
With a ~10 kWh battery, a typical SA home can save around $1,000+ per year on bills by avoiding peak rates. Plus, you gain protection from blackouts (keep the lights, fridge, and WiFi on when the grid goes down).
JOUSTO ENERGY HUB – THE SMART BRAIN
Think of this small device as the conductor of your home energy orchestra. It's built on the powerful Home Assistant platform and acts as the central controller for all your energy devices.
What does it do? In short, it monitors, decides, and acts – all automatically:
- It monitors your solar production, battery level, household energy use, and even external factors like electricity tariffs or weather forecasts.
- It decides the best way to use your energy in real-time. For example, if your solar is flooding in and your battery is full, the Hub can trigger your hot water heat pump or start charging your EV right when there's surplus.
- It acts by sending commands to devices: turning on smart plugs or appliances, adjusting EV charger flow, toggling your heat pump, or controlling the inverter's charge/discharge settings – all based on what will save you the most money and keep you comfortable.
With Jousto Hub, your solar system becomes proactive. It doesn't just sit there; it optimises every watt. The Hub's open integration means it can talk to hundreds of devices. So as you add an EV or smart appliance, it's all seamlessly integrated into one brain.
Result: more of your solar is used by you, and less is wasted or exported cheaply. In fact, Jousto-enabled homes dramatically boost their self-consumption (using 70–90% of the solar they generate, versus ~50% in unmanaged systems) – meaning dramatically lower bills.
In summary: A hybrid inverter + battery gives you the hardware to store and use solar energy on your terms, and the Jousto Energy Hub gives you intelligent automation to maximise the benefit. Together, they turn an ordinary solar array into a smart solar power plant for your home.
Get My Smart Solar QuoteKEY BENEFITS: WHY "SMART SOLAR" PAYS OFF FOR YOU
When you upgrade to a smart solar PV system with Jousto, you're unlocking a suite of benefits that directly tackle the pain points of old-school solar.
DRAMATICALLY LOWER POWER BILLS
By increasing your solar self-consumption, you cut how much expensive grid electricity you need to buy. Every unit of solar you use yourself is one less unit you pay ~35¢ for.
With smart controls, we ensure you use as much solar as possible through daytime automation, battery prioritisation, and peak shaving strategies.
FAST PAYBACK & FUTURE REBATES
With current electricity prices, a typical solar+battery setup can pay for itself in ~7–10 years through bill savings – and that's without any extra incentives.
If you're upgrading an existing system, you still get the federal STC solar rebate (~30% off upfront in SA), plus any applicable battery rebates or loans.
BACKUP POWER & INDEPENDENCE
South Australia knows the pain of blackouts. With a hybrid system, you can keep critical circuits running for hours or days during an outage.
Beyond blackouts, many of our clients simply love the peace of mind that comes with producing and managing their own power. You'll buy minimal energy from the grid.
EV & FUTURE-READY
Planning an electric vehicle? A smart solar system is your car's best friend. The Jousto Hub can schedule your EV charger to juice up when solar production is high.
All our offered hybrid inverters meet SA's dynamic export compliance requirements – they are smart grid ready for the future.
EFFORTLESS CONTROL
You get a unified app/dashboard to see it all – solar production, battery charge, household consumption, and what devices are running. It's intuitive and actually fun to watch.
The system optimises things in the background, eliminating the guesswork of when to use, store, or export your solar energy.
SMART HOME INTEGRATION
Because the Jousto Energy Hub is built on Home Assistant, it can integrate far beyond just solar. You can link your smart air conditioning, lighting, and appliances to respond to energy events.
Create a truly intelligent home that automatically adjusts based on your energy production and consumption patterns.
HOW SMART SOLAR COMPARES TO STANDARD SOLAR
See the dramatic difference between traditional solar and a smart solar system with Jousto.
| Feature | Standard "Dumb" Solar | Smart Solar with Jousto |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Self-Consumption | ~30-50% (most solar exported) | 70-90% (maximised usage) |
| Evening Power Source | Grid only (expensive) | Battery power (stored solar) |
| Blackout Protection | None (shuts down) | Backup power available |
| Appliance Control | Manual timers only | Automated based on solar output |
| Battery Ready | Requires retrofit or replacement | Built-in battery compatibility |
| EV Charging | Manual scheduling required | Automatic solar charging |
| Dynamic Export Control | Limited or none | Full compliance with SA requirements |
| Tariff Optimisation | None | Automatic (uses cheap rates, avoids peak) |
| Monitoring | Basic production data | Comprehensive energy flows & savings |
| Future-Proofing | Limited | Ready for VPPs, EVs, new tech |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Absolutely. In fact, a significant number of our clients are homeowners who replace or retrofit their older solar systems. We can often use your existing panels and simply replace the old inverter with a new hybrid inverter (which immediately makes you battery-ready).
If your panels are 10+ years old or undersized, we might suggest adding or updating panels for maximum benefit, but we'll tailor the solution to your situation. The goal is to boost your savings with minimal hassle.
And don't worry – we handle the changeover process, including safely removing old equipment and ensuring you don't lose your feed-in tariff eligibility (unless you're upgrading from a very old legacy FiT – we'll advise case by case).
You can absolutely start with just the hybrid inverter (and the Jousto Hub) and add a battery later – that's the beauty of going hybrid. Your system will be fully prepared to "plug and play" a battery whenever you're ready.
In the meantime, even without a battery, the Jousto Hub can still smart-switch your appliances to use more solar in real time (increasing your self-consumption).
That said, adding at least a small battery now will unlock the full range of benefits (nighttime use, backup power, tariff arbitrage). Many customers take advantage of our bundle deals (which effectively give a discount on the battery when purchased with the inverter).
Remember, installing a battery at the same time as the inverter can save on labour costs overall. But if now's not the right time, rest assured your system is future-proofed for an easy battery addition later.
Great question. Most inverters or batteries come with basic monitoring apps and maybe some limited controls, but they operate in a silo. The Jousto Energy Hub is like a maestro that brings all the parts together.
It not only monitors solar/battery data, but also actively controls a wide array of devices in your home in response to that data and external signals (like electricity prices, weather forecasts, etc.).
For example, your inverter's app might show you how full the battery is, but it won't automatically turn on your electric water heater when there's surplus solar – Jousto will. It's also highly customisable – built on open Home Assistant tech – meaning it can integrate with over 1,000 products and services.
The Hub is essentially the brain, making real-time decisions to maximise your savings and comfort. Without it, you'd have to manually program a patchwork of timers and settings across different apps (and constantly update them). Jousto simplifies all that into one coordinated system.
As the saying goes, traditional solar gives you data, but Jousto gives you action.
Yes, the Jousto Hub is a small hardware device (plugged into your router) that runs the Home Assistant platform with our special Jousto smart energy profile on it. It's about the size of a TV streaming box. We ship it pre-configured and our technician will set it up during installation.
It does use the internet – for things like pulling electricity price data, weather info, and enabling you to control/monitor remotely via an app. However, all core automation can run locally if needed, so even if your internet drops, your Hub can continue executing schedules (your home stays smart).
An internet connection is recommended for best functionality and for us to provide remote support. Don't worry, the data usage is minimal (it's not streaming video or anything). And yes, it's secure – built on a trusted platform with encryption.
Think of it as a dedicated smart home controller focused on energy, sitting quietly on your network making clever choices for you.
We take care to ensure your transition is smooth. In South Australia, if you're on an older 44¢ feed-in tariff (from the early 2010s era), adding capacity or altering the system may affect that scheme – we'll advise you on the best course (some folks wait until that scheme expires in 2028, others find it's worth upgrading sooner for the new benefits).
For standard feed-in arrangements, a new inverter just needs to be re-registered with your retailer – we handle all paperwork, and you'll continue to get whatever feed-in rate your plan offers (likely much lower than it used to be, which is why we emphasize using your solar rather than exporting).
As for warranties: if we're replacing your old inverter, the new hybrid inverter comes with its own manufacturer warranty (often 5 to 10 years, extendable – e.g. Fronius offers up to 10-year warranties). Batteries also have 10-year performance warranties.
All work we do is by Clean Energy Council accredited installers, so your new system will be approved and under warranty. We also include a workmanship warranty on our installation. So you're covered on all fronts. No nasty surprises – just improved performance.
Very little. Solar PV systems in general are low-maintenance – no moving parts in the panels or inverter. Adding a battery and Hub doesn't change that much.
We recommend an annual check-up/clean for your panels to keep them efficient (dust and grime can reduce output). The hybrid inverter might send alerts if any issue arises, but typically they run without intervention.
The Jousto Hub is solid-state and doesn't require maintenance; occasionally software updates (which we can do remotely for you as part of support) to add features or security patches, much like updating an app. Batteries are also maintenance-free – just keep an eye on their performance via the app.
We design everything to be as hassle-free as possible. Of course, our team is always on standby if you have questions or need help optimising settings as your life changes (say, you get an EV or change electricity plans – we can help adjust the automation).
But overall, think of it like upgrading to a smart car – it mostly takes care of itself and just keeps on saving you money every day.
READY TO TURN YOUR SOLAR PANELS INTO A SMARTER, MORE PROFITABLE ASSET?
Join the savvy South Australians who have already made the switch to Jousto-enabled smart solar.
We'll analyse your energy usage and design a custom solution (hybrid inverter, battery, automation) to maximise your savings. No obligation, just actionable info.
Stop settling for less. Make your solar work for you 24/7 with a smarter setup – it's easier and more affordable than you think!
Improve Your Home’s Energy Star Rating Today
Why Energy Efficiency Is a Must in Modern Homes
Energy efficiency is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a necessity for today’s homeowners. With energy prices climbing and climate concerns growing, reducing your home’s energy consumption is one of the smartest investments you can make. A high energy rating doesn’t just lower your power bills—it boosts your property’s value, enhances comfort, and shrinks your carbon footprint.
Whether you’re buying, selling, renovating, or simply looking to cut costs, understanding your home’s energy performance is the first step. And improving it? That’s where long-term savings and sustainability begin.
What Is a Home Energy Rating—and Why Does It Matter?
A home energy rating provides a benchmark of how efficiently your home uses energy. In Australia, one of the most comprehensive tools available is the Residential Efficiency Scorecard, often referred to as the "Residential Scorecard." This system assesses how much energy your home uses for heating, cooling, lighting, appliances, and hot water. The score ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most efficient.
For new builds or major renovations, a NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) rating is typically required to ensure compliance with building codes. Meanwhile, existing homes can be assessed through scorecards or energy audits to guide future upgrades.
A high score means lower running costs, a smaller environmental impact, and better year-round comfort.
How Home Energy Ratings Benefit You
Here’s why a high energy rating is more than just a number:
Lower energy bills through reduced heating, cooling, and appliance usage
Improved comfort with consistent indoor temperatures and fewer draughts
Increased property value, especially as buyers become more energy-conscious
Eligibility for rebates or government incentives
Long-term sustainability, contributing to Australia’s net-zero goals
If you want a home that’s future-ready, your energy rating is where to start.
Understanding the Residential Efficiency Scorecard
In Victoria and expanding across other Australian states, the Residential Efficiency Scorecard provides homeowners with a comprehensive view of their home's energy performance.
At Jousto, we’re certified to deliver Scorecard Assessments, helping you understand:
Where energy is being lost or wasted
How much you’re spending on heating, cooling, and appliances
Which upgrades will deliver the biggest improvements and savings
You’ll receive a personalised report, complete with a star rating and tailored recommendations.
Explore more about our energy assessments here:
👉 https://jousto.com.au/do-it-for-me
Step 1: Seal Air Leaks and Boost Insulation
One of the fastest ways to boost your energy score is to reduce air leakage and ensure your home is properly insulated. Leaks can waste up to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy.
Focus Areas Include:
Windows and Doors: Apply weatherstripping or sealant around edges. Consider upgrading to double- or triple-glazed ENERGY STAR-rated windows.
Attic and Roof Spaces: Adding roof insulation can significantly improve both winter and summer performance.
Walls and Underfloor: Install insulation batts or foam panels to maintain thermal consistency.
Ductwork: Seal and insulate ducts to avoid heat loss in unconditioned areas.
Sealing and insulating are foundational steps that improve comfort and reduce HVAC system stress.
Step 2: Upgrade Your Heating and Cooling Systems
Heating and cooling typically account for around 40–50% of a home’s energy use. Optimizing these systems can have a major impact on your energy score and your utility bills.
Strategies Include:
Annual HVAC Maintenance: Keep systems running efficiently with professional servicing.
Smart Thermostats: Devices like Google Nest or Ecobee adjust temperatures automatically, saving energy based on usage patterns.
Replace Old Units: If your system is over 10 years old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump—an efficient solution for both heating and cooling.
Zoning Systems: These allow you to heat or cool only occupied areas, significantly reducing waste.
Our Scorecard Assessments include an evaluation of your current heating and cooling systems—and actionable advice on upgrades that matter most.
Step 3: Improve Appliance and Lighting Efficiency
Outdated appliances and lighting systems can silently drain energy—and cash. Upgrading these not only improves your home's efficiency but also contributes to your energy rating.
Energy-Saving Tips:
Switch to LEDs: They use up to 80% less electricity and last 25x longer than incandescent bulbs.
Opt for ENERGY STAR Appliances: Fridges, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers with the ENERGY STAR label use less power and water.
Unplug Phantom Loads: Electronics in standby mode still use power. Plug them into power boards you can switch off easily.
Use Energy Monitors: These help you identify which devices consume the most electricity.
Replacing just a few key appliances can lift your rating significantly and start saving you money instantly.
Step 4: Maximize Water Heating Efficiency
Water heating is often the second-largest energy user in a household. Making your system more efficient is one of the simplest ways to cut energy use.
Key Improvements:
Install a Heat Pump Water Heater: This is up to 3x more efficient than a standard electric system and is often eligible for rebates.
Wrap Pipes: Insulated pipes lose less heat, saving energy over time.
Low-Flow Fixtures: Reduce hot water use in showers and taps.
Cold Water Washing: Most modern detergents work well in cold water, saving hot water for when it’s truly needed.
Our assessors evaluate your hot water system as part of the Scorecard and can recommend cost-effective upgrades with fast payback periods.
Step 5: Consider Solar and Renewable Energy
Once your home is running efficiently, it makes even more sense to generate your own energy. Solar systems can dramatically lower your power bills and carbon footprint.
Renewable Options:
Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Systems: Capture free power from the sun to run your home.
Solar Hot Water Systems: Use thermal energy to heat your water directly.
Battery Storage: Store solar energy for use at night or during grid outages.
Feed-in Tariffs: Earn money for exporting surplus power back to the grid.
At Jousto, we’re specialists in smart solar systems, automation, and solar curtailment technology—ensuring you get the most value from every ray of sunshine.
We also guide homeowners through available state and federal solar rebates, helping you reduce upfront costs.
Step 6: Conduct a Professional Home Energy Audit
A home energy audit is the best way to identify where your home is underperforming and what you can do about it.
There are two types:
DIY Audits: Use checklists to inspect for drafts, appliance inefficiencies, and insulation issues.
Professional Scorecard Assessments: Certified experts provide detailed analysis, energy use modeling, and recommendations.
Why Choose Jousto?
Our team provides accredited Residential Efficiency Scorecard Assessments backed by the Department of Energy. You’ll get:
A complete home energy profile
A 1-to-10 efficiency score
Prioritized upgrades based on cost-effectiveness
Guidance on rebates and financial incentives
Advice tailored to your home's size, layout, and climate zone
Book your assessment here:
👉 https://jousto.com.au/do-it-for-me
What to Expect After Improving Your Energy Rating
Once you’ve implemented changes based on your Scorecard, you’ll notice benefits immediately and over time:
Lower bills: Optimized systems and insulation reduce demand for electricity and gas.
Better comfort: Even indoor temperatures, fewer drafts, and quieter systems.
Increased property value: A high-efficiency rating is attractive to future buyers.
Environmental impact: Reducing your household’s carbon footprint contributes to a cleaner planet.
Incentive eligibility: Many rebates are tied to energy assessments or improvements.
Government Rebates and Incentives to Help You Save
Improving your home’s energy rating doesn’t have to break the bank. Across Australia, a range of state and federal programs can offset upgrade costs, including:
Victoria Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program
Solar Victoria rebates
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)
Home Energy Upgrade loans and grants
Our team will help you navigate available rebates, so you can maximize savings and minimize hassle.
Energy Rating Is the New Property Value Indicator
As buyers become more energy-conscious, homes with higher energy ratings are standing out in the market. Energy-efficient homes often sell faster and for higher prices—not to mention they’re more comfortable to live in and cheaper to run.
If you're planning to sell or refinance, boosting your energy score is a smart way to increase equity and appeal.
Take Control of Your Home’s Energy Future
Energy efficiency isn’t just about technology—it’s about making informed, strategic decisions. Whether you’re starting with insulation or ready for solar, every step moves you closer to a home that’s cheaper to run, more sustainable, and future-ready.
Ready to Boost Your Home’s Energy Rating?
Jousto is here to help. As certified providers of Residential Scorecard Assessments, we’ll assess your home, identify improvements, and guide you toward smarter energy choices.
👉 Book your Residential Scorecard Assessment with Jousto
Let’s build a home that works better for your wallet—and the planet.
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