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!
Cut Power Bills in SA with a Scorecard Assessment
I. Introduction: The Energy Cost Dilemma for South Australians
Rising electricity costs in South Australia have made energy efficiency a key concern for households across the state. With temperatures that swing from scorching summer heat to cold winter nights, the average home can quickly rack up power bills if it’s not built or maintained with energy performance in mind.
While there are countless energy-saving tips, rebates, technologies, and products on the market, the path to genuinely lowering your electricity costs often starts with one clear, accessible step: a Residential Efficiency Scorecard assessment.
This blog will explore why a Scorecard assessment is the smartest first move you can make toward energy savings—offering clarity, actionable insights, and a solid foundation for every future upgrade. We’ll also show how Jousto, a South Australian smart energy automation provider, works hand-in-hand with Scorecard improvements to take your power savings even further.
II. What Is the Residential Efficiency Scorecard?
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard is a national assessment tool developed under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). It’s designed to evaluate how energy-efficient your existing home is—especially in relation to fixed appliances and the building's ability to retain comfort in hot and cold conditions.
Unlike theoretical energy-saving guides or DIY checklists, the Scorecard involves a qualified assessor visiting your home to measure and document:
Construction materials and insulation levels
Window types and their shading
Heating and cooling systems
Hot water systems
Lighting
Solar PV systems (if present)
Based on this, you receive a comprehensive report covering:
⭐ Energy Star Rating
A 1 to 10 scale that reflects how efficiently your home uses energy—primarily the cost of running fixed appliances. A higher rating = lower running costs.
❄️☀️ Comfort Ratings (Hot and Cold)
Shows how well your home maintains comfort without using heaters or air conditioners. More bars indicate better performance.
⚙️ Appliance Efficiency Breakdown
Identifies the fixed appliances contributing most to your energy bills, including their estimated annual running cost.
📋 Personalised Recommendations
Actionable, ranked advice on improvements that will make the biggest difference to comfort and cost savings—often linked with potential rebates.
III. Why a Scorecard Assessment Is the Easiest First Step
1. It Provides a Clear and Personalised Starting Point
With so many home energy tips online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What’s relevant to your home? What actually works?
A Scorecard assessment cuts through the noise by showing you exactly where your home sits in terms of energy efficiency. You’ll understand which areas are costing you the most and where improvements will have the biggest return.
2. It Identifies Specific Weak Spots
Unlike generic advice, the Scorecard identifies the real inefficiencies in your home. Is heat escaping through the ceiling? Are your single-glazed windows killing your aircon’s efforts? Is your old hot water system silently draining your energy budget?
Knowing exactly what’s wrong helps you fix the right things—in the right order.
3. Action Plans Are Prioritised for Impact and Budget
The recommendations you receive are not just a to-do list—they're ranked based on which changes will deliver the biggest energy savings or comfort improvements. This helps homeowners:
Plan home upgrades over time
Apply for targeted rebates
Avoid wasting money on minor tweaks with little effect
4. The Metrics Are Easy to Understand and Track
The Scorecard’s star ratings and comfort bars give you at-a-glance insights into how your home performs. They also allow you to track improvements—if you add insulation or upgrade your heating system, you can reassess and see your score rise.
5. It Can Unlock Rebates and Incentives
In South Australia, having a Scorecard assessment can qualify you for certain state and federal energy upgrade rebates. Some lenders also consider the Scorecard when offering green home loans or interest rate discounts.
IV. Comparing the Scorecard to Other Energy Strategies
While the Scorecard is a strong standalone tool, it’s often compared with other approaches like online energy-saving tips or smart energy automation. Here’s how it stacks up:
✅ Compared to General Advice
Scorecard: Site-specific, based on your home
Tips: Broad and non-personalised
Verdict: Scorecard wins on clarity and relevance
✅ Compared to Energy Automation (e.g., Jousto)
Scorecard: Focuses on building performance and fixed systems
Jousto: Focuses on usage timing, automation, and optimisation
Verdict: Best used together for maximum savings
In fact, let’s explore how these tools complement each other perfectly.
V. How Jousto Complements the Scorecard
Jousto is a South Australian company specialising in smart energy automation for homes and businesses. While the Scorecard shows you what to upgrade, Jousto helps you use your energy smarter every day.
What Jousto Does:
Automates when appliances run based on energy prices
Maximises solar self-consumption
Manages battery charge/discharge cycles
Prevents exporting energy during negative pricing events
Integrates with Home Assistant for advanced energy control
Why You Still Need the Scorecard First
Even the most intelligent energy automation system can’t perform well if your home is fundamentally inefficient. For example:
If your ceiling isn’t insulated, Jousto can’t stop your heater from working overtime
If you have halogen downlights, no scheduling app can reduce their inefficiency
If your home leaks air, Jousto’s automation won’t save your aircon from overworking
The Scorecard gives you the blueprint. Jousto gives you the controls.
Once your home’s efficiency is upgraded, Jousto ensures every watt of solar and every cent of your battery investment is used optimally. This powerful combination helps South Australian homeowners:
Lower energy bills significantly
Avoid bill shocks from peak pricing
Automate daily energy choices with zero effort
Increase comfort year-round
Real-World Example
Imagine a family in suburban Adelaide:
They receive a Scorecard and learn their home scores 4 stars
The assessor identifies poor insulation and an old gas heater as key issues
They upgrade insulation and switch to a reverse-cycle system
Their rating jumps to 7 stars, and energy use drops
Next, they install solar and pair it with Jousto. Now, Jousto:
Charges the battery during solar peak or low grid prices
Runs the hot water system mid-day from solar
Avoids exports during negative FiT events
Automates cooling during cheap energy windows
The result? Comfort, lower bills, and no need to think about any of it.
VI. Benefits of Starting with the Scorecard
Let’s summarise the biggest benefits of the Scorecard:
VII. Who Should Get a Scorecard Assessment?
Perfect for:
Homeowners planning renovations
Households struggling with seasonal energy bills
Solar owners who want to increase self-consumption
Renters negotiating upgrades with landlords
Anyone applying for a green loan
Assessments are delivered by accredited professionals and take around 2–3 hours. Many providers offer services throughout metro and regional South Australia.
VIII. How to Book a Scorecard Assessment
Booking is easy. Here’s how to get started:
Visit the official Scorecard website or search for accredited assessors in your region
Book an assessment—many offer quotes based on your location and house size
Prepare access for the assessor to view heating/cooling systems, roof space (if safe), and fixed appliances
Receive your report—including your energy star rating and upgrade advice
Use the findings to access rebates or implement changes
IX. Final Thought: Knowledge + Automation = Maximum Impact
A Residential Efficiency Scorecard provides the knowledge.
Jousto delivers the action.
Together, they form a powerful toolkit for South Australians aiming to cut power bills and boost home comfort.
If you’re ready to take control of your energy costs:
Start with the Scorecard: Find out how your home performs and what to improve
Follow with smart tech like Jousto: Optimise usage based on price and production
You don’t need to become an energy expert—you just need the right tools and advice.
✅ Take Your First Step Today
Book a Residential Efficiency Scorecard assessment and uncover exactly where your home can improve. Then, let Jousto automate your energy savings around your improved home performance.
🔍 Start with knowledge. Act with automation. Save more, stress less.
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