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!
What Solar Quotes in SA Don’t Tell You
Introduction: More Than Just a Quote
South Australia has established itself as one of the country’s most solar-savvy states, with thousands of households investing in renewable energy. Yet, despite the widespread uptake, many homeowners still approach solar power through the lens of price-first thinking. Standard solar quotes—while useful as a starting point—often gloss over the deeper, more valuable aspects of a high-performing solar system.
This guide reveals the often-overlooked components of a smart solar setup: from inverter types and battery storage, to grid connection nuances, hidden costs, and future-proofing strategies. Whether you're a first-time buyer or upgrading an existing system, understanding what standard quotes miss will help you make a confident, informed decision.
Decoding Standard Solar Quotes: What's Usually Included (and What’s Missing)
What You’ll Typically See in a Solar Quote
Most initial solar quotes in South Australia include:
Number of panels, their wattage, brand, and model
System size in kilowatts (kW)
Inverter brand and model
Post-rebate cost (factoring in STCs)
Basic installation costs
Warranty on parts and sometimes workmanship
A rough mention of feed-in tariffs (FiTs)
These quotes are designed to provide a quick estimate—often just enough to pique your interest.
What’s Often Left Out
However, key components that significantly affect the efficiency, savings potential, and usability of your system are often missing, such as:
Panel orientation and tilt specifics
Type and strategic selection of inverter (hybrid vs. standard)
Battery integration potential and VPP opportunities
Real-time monitoring (especially consumption monitoring)
South Australia–specific grid connection rules and export limitations
Additional installation costs (roof upgrades, switchboards, etc.)
Customised self-consumption advice
Future scalability and smart home compatibility
Optimising Orientation and Tilt: Adelaide's Unique Advantage
In Adelaide, north-facing solar panels at a 35° tilt are generally ideal, matching the city’s latitude. But quotes rarely address whether your home’s roof pitch, orientation, and shade profile require customisation.
For example, east-west orientations can provide a flatter generation curve, which is great if you use more electricity in the mornings and evenings. Quotes that ignore your usage patterns and property layout miss the opportunity to tailor your system for maximum daily efficiency.
Always ask:
What direction will my panels face?
How does this match my power usage habits?
The Inverter: Your System's Brain, Not Just a Converter
Inverters are more than just a DC-to-AC box. They:
Determine energy conversion efficiency
Influence how the system integrates with batteries
Impact monitoring capability
Affect system longevity
A hybrid inverter is essential if you want the option to add a battery later. Premium inverters like Fronius or SMA tend to last longer and include better warranties, while budget options may reduce upfront costs but risk earlier failure.
Ask your installer:
Is the quoted inverter hybrid-ready?
Why was this brand and model chosen?
What is the efficiency rating and warranty period?
Battery Storage: Energy Independence and Bill Reduction
A battery can:
Store solar energy for use at night
Reduce grid reliance
Improve blackout protection
Potentially earn revenue through Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)
In South Australia, programs like the Home Battery Scheme (if active) can help offset costs. However, many quotes don’t explain the financial pros and cons of batteries—especially payback periods and VPP trade-offs (like reduced battery lifespan or limited control over energy use).
Consider asking:
What battery sizes and brands are available?
What’s the expected ROI based on my usage?
Will I be enrolled in a VPP? If so, how does it work?
Monitoring Systems: Your Secret to Real Savings
Monitoring is often oversimplified in quotes. While most systems include basic solar production monitoring, the real value lies in consumption monitoring—which shows how and when you use power.
Benefits of advanced monitoring:
Spot performance issues early
Shift usage to maximise solar savings
Track battery behaviour in real time
Improve return on investment through behavioural changes
If consumption data isn’t included, ask for an upgrade. It's one of the easiest ways to make the most of your solar system.
Grid Connection and Export Limits in South Australia
South Australia has unique rules around grid connections. SAPN currently uses flexible exports, allowing up to 10kW per phase—but only if your home has a reliable internet connection.
If you can’t meet these requirements, you may be restricted to just 1.5kW per phase, significantly reducing your ability to earn from excess solar.
Key questions to ask:
Will I qualify for flexible exports?
What’s the maximum inverter size for my property?
Are there internet requirements I need to meet?
Understanding these grid rules is crucial for accurate savings estimates.
Hidden Costs That Could Surprise You Later
Solar quotes often focus on the "best case" base price. However, many homes require additional work, including:
Roof repairs or reinforcements
Switchboard upgrades or rewiring
Smart meter installation
Special racking systems for tile or Kliplok roofs
Council permits or heritage restrictions
Internet upgrades for monitoring or flexible exports
Additional installation labour in multi-storey or steep-roof homes
Battery installation costs not included upfront
Ongoing maintenance or cleaning costs
Be sure to ask:
Are there any extra installation requirements for my roof or switchboard?
Will I need a smart meter or new internet hardware?
Are future service or monitoring subscriptions needed?
Maximising Solar Benefits: Self-Consumption is Key
In 2025, most SA feed-in tariffs range from 5.5c to 11c/kWh, with reduced rates for larger exports. In contrast, the electricity you don’t buy from the grid saves you up to 35–40c/kWh.
Strategies to boost self-consumption:
Run washing machines, dishwashers, and pool pumps mid-day
Use smart timers and home automation tools
Install electric hot water or heat pump systems
Charge electric vehicles during daylight
Use battery storage to shift power to evenings
Leverage smart systems like Jousto to automate appliance use
Most quotes don’t include self-consumption advice—yet it’s the #1 driver of return on investment.
Future-Proofing: Think Ahead, Save Later
Your energy needs will likely grow. Think:
Electric vehicles
Smart appliances
More occupants or larger homes
Price increases for grid power
New tech like AI-driven energy automation
To future-proof your system:
Slightly oversize your panel array
Choose a hybrid inverter
Opt for quality components with 10–25 year warranties
Ask about smart home compatibility
Ensure the system is modular and scalable
Investing with tomorrow in mind reduces future costs and ensures your system remains relevant and efficient.
10 Smart Questions to Ask Your Installer
To make sure you're seeing the full picture:
What direction and tilt will my panels be installed at, and why?
Is the inverter hybrid? What brand and efficiency does it offer?
What battery options are available, and are any government rebates still active?
Will I be part of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)? What are the pros and cons?
Does monitoring include consumption data? Can it be upgraded?
What export limits will apply to my home, and will I need internet upgrades?
Are there extra costs for my roof type, switchboard, or location?
What’s your advice for increasing my self-consumption?
How easy is it to expand or upgrade this system later?
Are you CEC-accredited, and what’s the workmanship warranty?
Conclusion: Choose Knowledge Over Just Cost
In the rush to "go solar", it’s easy to be swayed by the cheapest quote. But when it comes to long-term value, knowledge is power. A truly optimised solar system is one that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your future goals.
By asking the right questions and understanding what standard solar quotes may leave out, South Australian homeowners can unlock deeper savings, greater energy independence, and peace of mind for years to come.
Don’t just settle for a solar system—choose a smarter one.
How Jousto Helps South Australian Solar Owners Optimise Every Watt
While choosing the right solar panels and inverter is crucial, what you do with your solar power after installation is where the real value lies. That’s where Jousto steps in—offering powerful, automated energy management tools that go well beyond what’s covered in most solar quotes.
Real-Time Monitoring That Goes Deeper
Most basic solar systems only show what your panels are producing—not how you're using that power. Jousto provides detailed, real-time insights into both solar generation and household energy consumption, down to the appliance level. This allows you to:
Spot inefficient devices or high-consumption habits
Adjust behaviour to use more solar when it’s available
Verify that your system is performing as promised
Automate Energy Usage for Maximum Self-Consumption
Jousto doesn’t just track your energy—it automates it. Their platform connects with smart appliances, allowing you to:
Schedule heavy-use appliances like dishwashers or pool pumps to run when solar output is highest
Automatically adjust usage based on wholesale electricity pricing (ideal if you're on time-sensitive tariffs)
Optimise solar + battery combinations for greater independence from the grid
This automation is particularly valuable in South Australia, where electricity rates fluctuate and feed-in tariffs are modest compared to the cost of grid power.
Solve the Feed-In Tariff Trap
With Jousto, instead of sending excess energy back to the grid for just a few cents per kWh, you can redirect that power to where it saves you the most. That might be:
Heating water
Charging an electric vehicle
Pre-cooling your home
Powering appliances at strategic times
It’s like having a solar-savvy energy manager in your pocket.
Make Your Solar System Smarter—Even After Installation
Unlike one-time installers, Jousto stays with you long after your panels are up. Their tools help homeowners:
Fine-tune performance over time
Adapt to changing usage patterns
Easily expand or integrate new tech (like EV chargers or home batteries)
Track long-term energy savings and payback progress
Why It Matters
Most solar quotes focus on equipment and installation—but Jousto focuses on outcomes: lower bills, higher efficiency, and smarter power use. Especially if your quote lacks self-consumption strategies or detailed monitoring, Jousto fills that gap with intelligent, automated control.
Ready to Get More from Your Solar System?
Don’t let your solar investment stop at installation. Whether you're looking to automate energy usage, maximise self-consumption, or future-proof your setup, Jousto offers the smart tools and support to make it happen.
Want someone to manage it all for you? Jousto’s “Do It For Me” service handles setup, optimisation, and monitoring—so you can save more without lifting a finger.
👉 Let Jousto do it for youPrefer to take control yourself? The Jousto platform empowers you with real-time data, intelligent automation, and appliance-level insights.
👉 Explore how Jousto works
With Jousto, you're not just going solar—you’re going smarter.
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