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!
Your solar system might be underperforming. Here's how to optimize it with automation.
Introduction: The Convergence of Clean Energy and Smart Technology
The increasing adoption of residential solar power, battery storage, and electric vehicles (EVs) is revolutionising how energy is generated, stored, and used in the home. However, without intelligent coordination, these technologies often operate independently—missing key opportunities for efficiency and cost savings. This is where smart energy automation steps in.
Smart energy automation enables homeowners to manage all aspects of their energy ecosystem—generation, consumption, and storage—from a single, intelligent control system. By integrating solar PV systems, home batteries, EV chargers, and smart appliances, these solutions can optimise energy flows in real time.
This blog explores how smart energy automation is reshaping home energy management, covering its core concepts, technologies, market-leading products, key benefits, and challenges. It also outlines the companies and systems driving innovation in this space.
Main Concepts and Applications of Smart Energy Automation
Intelligent Energy Flow Management
At its core, smart energy automation is about managing where and when energy is used, stored, or exported. A smart energy system might decide to:
Power appliances directly from solar during the day,
Store excess energy in a home battery,
Use stored energy at night or during peak tariff times,
Or schedule EV charging based on solar availability.
This approach maximises self-consumption, reduces electricity bills, and improves energy independence. Solutions like SolarEdge Home enable dynamic control over energy sources and consumption, allowing the home to become a self-sustaining energy hub.
Optimised Charging and Discharging
Smart automation can optimise the charging of batteries and EVs to occur during:
Peak solar generation,
Off-peak tariff windows,
Or ahead of forecasted high-energy use periods.
For example, Home Assistant users commonly set up automations that delay battery charging until overnight rates apply or only charge the EV when solar production is high. This results in dramatic cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.
Load Management and Prioritisation
During grid outages or when battery charge is low, load prioritisation ensures critical devices (like medical equipment or fridges) continue to run, while non-essentials (like pool pumps or entertainment systems) are shut off.
SPAN smart panels take this further by giving users appliance-level control over circuits. This kind of granular management extends battery backup time and ensures business-critical or life-critical systems remain online.
Remote Monitoring and Control
Mobile apps and cloud dashboards give homeowners complete visibility into their energy system:
Solar output
Battery charge levels
EV charging status
Appliance usage
Apps like mySolarEdge or the SPAN Home App allow real-time insights, system control, and even adjustments from anywhere in the world. This remote capability turns energy usage into a data-driven, user-friendly experience.
Key Technologies, Companies, and Smart Energy Products
Smart Inverters and Power Optimisers
Modern smart inverters go beyond energy conversion—they communicate with batteries, EV chargers, and home automation platforms. Market leaders like SolarEdge offer DC-optimised technology with panel-level performance data and control.
These inverters are crucial for coordinating how solar power is used:
To charge batteries,
To run home loads,
Or to supply energy to the grid.
Battery Storage Systems
Batteries are the foundation of energy independence. Popular home battery solutions include:
Tesla Powerwall
LG Chem RESU
Alpha ESS
BYD
SolarEdge Home Battery
These batteries store solar power during the day and release it when needed—especially useful during peak tariff periods or blackouts. SPAN smart panels are compatible with 90% of these systems, highlighting the value of interoperability in the smart home energy space.
Smart EV Chargers
Smart EV chargers schedule vehicle charging when:
Solar generation is high
Electricity prices are low
The battery is full and exporting to the grid would be wasteful
SolarEdge Home EV Charger and SPAN Drive integrate directly with solar and battery systems to minimise charging costs and allow homes to "drive on sunshine."
Smart Electrical Panels
Traditional electrical panels are being replaced by intelligent control centres like:
SPAN Smart Panel
Leviton Smart Circuits
Lumin Smart Panels
These panels enable:
Real-time appliance-level insights
Remote control of circuits
Smart energy scheduling
Seamless integration with solar, battery, and EV systems
SPAN, for example, uses PowerUp technology to intelligently manage the addition of high-demand devices (e.g. EV chargers, heat pumps) without overloading home infrastructure.
Home Automation Platforms
Platforms like Home Assistant offer DIY-savvy homeowners a way to integrate and automate:
Solar inverters
Battery systems
EV chargers
Smart thermostats
Weather data
Time-of-use tariff schedules
Reddit and GitHub communities are rich with custom automations, enabling everything from solar-forecast-driven battery charging to real-time load shifting.
Benefits of Smart Energy Automation
1. Cost Savings
One of the top reasons homeowners adopt smart energy systems is to reduce electricity bills. By charging batteries and EVs at optimal times, avoiding peak tariffs, and increasing self-consumption, families can save up to 60% annually (as reported by SolarEmporium in Australia).
SPAN further supports cost saving with dollar-based energy insights tied to real utility rates, allowing homeowners to make informed adjustments.
2. Increased Energy Independence
A fully integrated solar, battery, and EV system can operate with minimal grid interaction—especially when paired with smart automation. Brands like SolarEdge and Alpha ESS enable homes to function as standalone energy systems, dramatically reducing exposure to rising utility costs or power outages.
3. Grid Resilience
Beyond the home, smart energy automation can help support the broader grid. Through programs like demand response or vehicle-to-grid (V2G), homeowners can sell surplus energy or reduce demand during peak periods.
This decentralised energy sharing model contributes to a more stable, decentralised, and renewable-friendly energy grid.
4. Environmental Impact
Smart automation ensures that solar power is used first, reducing the carbon impact of home energy. EVs charged via solar instead of grid electricity result in a net-zero driving experience, while prioritising battery storage over fossil-fuel-supplied grid energy can cut emissions significantly.
5. Backup Power and Outage Protection
Automated battery management provides critical load protection during blackouts. SPAN and SolarEdge systems allow users to prioritise circuits so essentials like lights, medical devices, and internet remain functional for hours—or even days—without the grid.
Challenges and Considerations
Initial Investment Costs
A major barrier to adoption is the high upfront cost of solar panels, batteries, smart panels, and EV chargers. Although the ROI is strong over time, affordability remains a challenge for many households.
Government rebates and incentives help reduce this burden, but adoption may be slower among lower-income groups until costs fall further.
System Complexity
Smart energy systems can be complicated, particularly when integrating devices from different manufacturers. Proprietary ecosystems like SolarEdge simplify this, but for those building custom systems, ensuring compatibility and proper configuration can be overwhelming.
Cybersecurity Risks
As homes become more connected, cybersecurity becomes a concern. Protecting access to energy controls, consumption data, and system settings requires:
Encrypted communications
Strong passwords
Frequent firmware updates
Homeowners should be mindful of choosing reputable vendors with clear security protocols.
Regulatory Factors
The economic return of smart energy investments is often influenced by local grid policies—like feed-in tariffs, net metering, or limits on battery discharges. Changes in policies (e.g. California’s NEM 3.0) can significantly affect ROI.
Installation and Maintenance
Smart systems must be installed by certified professionals, especially when involving high-voltage equipment. Maintenance of solar arrays, battery calibration, and software updates require ongoing attention to keep the system performing efficiently and safely.
Different Solutions and Approaches
1. Integrated Ecosystems (e.g., SolarEdge Home)
These "one-brand" systems offer:
Seamless compatibility
Centralised monitoring apps
Unified warranties and support
However, they may limit flexibility and lock users into a single brand ecosystem.
2. Custom Component-Based Systems
Using platforms like Home Assistant, users can build tailored systems using best-in-class components from multiple vendors. This offers flexibility, but requires more technical expertise.
3. Smart Panel-Centric Systems (e.g., SPAN)
Smart panels act as the brain of the system, connecting all appliances, batteries, and renewables into one central control platform. They simplify upgrades and provide high visibility and granular control.
4. Utility-Driven Programs
Energy providers like Oncor are investing in smart grid technologies and incentive programs that reward homeowners for reducing demand or integrating clean energy. These programs often include rebates or discounts for installing smart batteries and EV chargers.
The Central Role of Smart Electrical Panels
Smart panels have emerged as a critical control hub in modern homes. With real-time visibility, remote circuit control, and compatibility with renewable systems, they:
Enable efficient load prioritisation,
Reduce installation complexity,
And increase safety through overload detection and smart fuses.
As homes get smarter, the electrical panel becomes the nervous system of energy flow.
Home Automation Platforms: The Power of Personalisation
For tech-savvy users, platforms like Home Assistant offer unlimited control:
Automate battery charging based on solar forecasts,
Sync EV charging with off-peak grid pricing,
Control HVAC based on room occupancy and solar availability.
These platforms turn homes into truly intelligent energy ecosystems, often outperforming proprietary systems in flexibility and innovation.
Conclusion: The Future of Residential Energy is Intelligent
Smart energy automation is not a future concept—it's happening now. Homes with integrated solar, batteries, and EVs are already realising huge benefits in:
Cost savings,
Energy resilience,
And sustainability.
As technology advances, expect greater use of AI and machine learning to predict demand, optimise schedules, and deliver even more efficient systems. The rise of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) tech will allow EVs to play a role in national grid support. And as prices drop, these systems will become accessible to more homeowners around the world.
The home of the future is smart, connected, and self-powered—and smart energy automation is what makes it all possible.
⚡ Ready to Make Your Home Smarter, Greener, and More Cost-Efficient?
If you're looking to take control of your energy future—cutting costs, boosting efficiency, and increasing your home's independence—smart energy automation is your next step. Discover how you can seamlessly integrate solar, battery storage, EV charging, and more into one intelligent system.
👉 Explore smart energy solutions now at Jousto and unlock the power of automation for your home.
COMPANY
PRODUCTS
SERVICES
INFORMATION
OTHER USE CASES
© Copyright 2025. Jousto. All Rights Reserved. Lead Generation By Honen.
Phone: 0489 261 333
185 Morphett St, Adelaide, SA, 5000