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!
Solar Panel & Battery Sizing Guide for Australians
Australia’s sunny climate, combined with rising electricity prices and growing environmental awareness, has created the perfect conditions for homeowners to invest in residential solar panel and battery systems. But while going solar is a smart move, determining the right size for your system is critical to maximizing benefits—both financially and environmentally.
This guide is designed to walk you through the most important considerations when sizing your solar and battery system. Whether you're aiming to cut your power bills, reduce grid dependence, or boost your home’s value, this resource offers an unbiased, data-driven path to help you make the best decision.
Why System Sizing Matters
A solar system that’s too small might not generate enough energy to meet your household needs. On the flip side, an oversized system can lead to unnecessary costs and underused capacity. The right system size is one that perfectly aligns with your current and future energy use, fits your property’s physical characteristics, and supports your long-term financial and lifestyle goals.
Step 1: Understand Your Energy Consumption
The most critical input when sizing a solar panel system is your actual energy usage. Start by reviewing your past electricity bills—ideally for the last 12 months. This will help you calculate:
Monthly average usage (kWh)
Daily energy demand
Seasonal variations (e.g., more cooling in summer, heating in winter)
For the most accurate picture, request interval data from your energy provider or access it via your smart meter dashboard. This data reveals when you use electricity throughout the day and whether you’ll benefit most from solar energy during daylight hours or from storing power for use at night.
Step 2: Consider Usage Patterns and Future Growth
Energy usage isn’t static. Households often see increased energy demands due to:
Adding air conditioning systems
Buying electric vehicles (EVs)
Installing heated pools or spas
Expanding family size or adding home offices
Anticipating these changes ensures your solar and battery system is future-proof, helping avoid costly upgrades later on.
Step 3: Maximize Daytime Self-Consumption
Solar panels produce the most energy when the sun is shining. If your household uses most of its electricity during the day, you’ll naturally self-consume a larger portion of your solar power, which increases ROI. If your usage peaks at night, consider integrating battery storage to capture excess solar power and use it after sunset.
This is especially important if feed-in tariffs in your area are low. It's generally more economical to consume your solar energy than to export it to the grid.
Step 4: Evaluate Roof Size, Orientation, and Shading
Physical space is another critical determinant of system size. Here’s what to assess:
Available roof area: A typical residential panel is ~1.7m². Calculate how many can fit on your unshaded, north-facing roof sections.
Orientation: In Australia, north-facing panels provide the highest yield. East- or west-facing can also be viable but may generate less energy overall.
Tilt: Optimal angles typically range from 15–35 degrees. Too flat (<10°) may reduce performance.
Shading: Trees, chimneys, and nearby buildings can decrease output. Use tools like SunSPOT to evaluate shading impacts.
Step 5: Consider Regional Climate and Sunshine Hours
Solar performance varies by location. For example, systems in Brisbane or Perth may produce more electricity than identical systems in Hobart or Melbourne due to higher sunshine hours.
Use data from the Bureau of Meteorology to understand your area's average daily solar exposure. As a rough benchmark, each kilowatt (kW) of panels can generate about 4 kWh/day, but that number will shift depending on your local climate.
Step 6: Budget, ROI, and Government Incentives
Solar costs in Australia vary, but general pricing falls between:
$4,000–$5,500 for 3 kW systems
$6,000–$9,000 for 6.6 kW systems
$10,000–$13,000 for 10 kW systems
Key financial considerations include:
Payback period: How long it takes for savings to cover your system cost
STCs: Small-scale Technology Certificates can reduce upfront costs significantly
State rebates: Vary by region—check with your local government
A well-sized system delivers a solid return on investment in 4–6 years, depending on usage and tariff structures.
Step 7: Understand Electricity Tariffs and Feed-In Rates
Electricity plans affect solar ROI. If your plan includes:
Flat rates: Simplifies sizing, focus on total daily usage
Time-of-Use (TOU) rates: Involves peak/off-peak pricing—battery storage becomes more valuable
Feed-in tariffs: Typically lower than grid prices; storing solar energy is more cost-effective than selling it
Designing your system to minimize reliance on grid electricity during peak times can result in significant long-term savings.
Step 8: Comply with Local Network Constraints
Australia’s energy networks often impose limits on how much solar you can install or export:
Single-phase connections may limit inverter size to 5 kW
Export limits may apply above certain thresholds
Approval processes are often required for systems over 5–10 kW
Speak with your installer or network provider to understand local rules before committing to a system size.
Sizing Your Solar System: Key Calculations
Method 1: Daily Usage / Daily Sunlight Hours
Use this simple formula:
Required Solar Size (kW) = Average Daily Usage (kWh) / Average Daily Sunlight Hours
Example: 30 kWh/day / 5 hours = 6 kW system
Add a buffer of 20–25% to account for losses and inefficiencies. A 6 kW system might become 7.2 kW with this margin included.
Method 2: Roof Area and Panel Specs
Standard panel: 1.7m², 400W capacity
30m² sunny roof = ~17–18 panels
18 x 400W = 7.2 kW system
If space is limited, opt for high-efficiency panels to maximize output in a smaller footprint.
Online Calculators to Assist You
Tools like SunSPOT (developed by Australian engineers), CHOICE Solar Estimator, and SolarQuotes.com.au offer valuable simulations.
They help estimate:
System size
Output based on postcode
Savings and payback time
Use them to cross-verify your findings, but always follow up with a qualified installer for a site-specific assessment.
Sizing Your Battery Storage: Key Factors
1. Backup Power Requirements
Decide what appliances you want to run during blackouts (e.g., fridge, lights, modem). Calculate total power (Watts) and usage hours to determine the needed battery capacity in kWh.
Example: 100W fridge + 50W lighting for 6 hours = 0.9 kWh. Factor in battery depth of discharge (~80%), so usable capacity = 1.125 kWh.
2. Self-Consumption Goals
If you use 10 kWh of electricity at night, your battery should store at least that amount of usable energy. This allows you to operate independently from the grid after dark.
3. Time-of-Use (TOU) Tariffs
Batteries can be charged during off-peak hours and used during peak demand, saving you money. Estimate your peak hour usage and match your battery size accordingly.
4. Matching Battery to Solar Array Size
Your battery should match or slightly exceed your solar generation surplus. For instance:
6.6 kW solar system → ~25–28 kWh/day
Assume 50% exported = 12–14 kWh → choose a 10–13 kWh battery
Common pairings:
6.6 kW system + 10 kWh battery
10 kW system + 13–15 kWh battery
Battery Sizing Tools and Guidance
Websites like SolarCalculator.com.au and SolarQuotes.com.au also offer battery estimators. Input your solar system size, usage goals, and budget to get a suggested battery capacity. These tools provide a great starting point, but a local installer will provide the most accurate guidance.
Direct Tools and Calculators from Jousto
Jousto simplifies solar decision-making by offering direct integration with SunSPOT, Australia’s most trusted solar and battery sizing tool.
What is SunSPOT?
SunSPOT is a free, not-for-profit solar and battery calculator created by Australian photovoltaic engineers. It evaluates your:
Location and sunshine hours
Household energy usage
Roof orientation and shade
Tariffs and feed-in rates
How Jousto Uses It
By embedding SunSPOT into its platform, Jousto helps homeowners estimate system size, savings, and battery ROI—with total transparency. It’s ideal for comparing battery options, running what-if scenarios, and calculating payback periods.
Learn more or try it out at: jousto.com.au
Independent Solar & Battery Design
What sets truly optimized solar systems apart is not just the tech—it’s the approach.
Independent design means building a system that’s tailored to your needs, not influenced by vendor relationships or sales quotas. It ensures:
Objective component selection (panels, inverters, batteries)
Design flexibility for future upgrades
Performance that matches your household’s real-world needs
Financial modeling that factors in rebates, TOU tariffs, and more
By prioritizing you, independent solar design results in smarter, more cost-effective solutions.
Conclusion: Make Your Solar Investment Count
Sizing your home solar and battery system correctly is more than a technical task—it’s a strategic decision. By considering your energy usage, roof and climate factors, tariff structures, and long-term goals, you can invest with confidence.
Remember:
Start with your own data
Use reputable tools like SunSPOT
Consult with qualified, independent experts
Focus on value, not just system size
Take the Next Step
💡 Ready to size your system the smart way?
Use the free SunSPOT calculator via Jousto and get a detailed, unbiased system estimate today.
Empower your energy future—on your terms. by clicking here: https://jousto.com.au/
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