# Jousto

> Australia's independent energy decision platform for solar, battery storage, commercial energy, and off-grid and remote systems. Explore real catalogue options and installed pricing. Built on 24+ years of energy expertise by founder Denny Honen, a CEC-accredited solar and battery design engineer. Jousto supports customers through system choice, quoting and installation with its local dealer network.

Jousto serves all Australian states and territories: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT, NT.

## Key sections

### Product discovery & quoting
- [Find Solar & Battery Systems](https://jousto.com.au/search): Browse 10,000+ solar panel, inverter, and battery bundle options with real installed pricing
- [Help Me Choose](https://jousto.com.au/help-me-choose?mode=solar-battery): Guided solar and battery recommendations; compare available Good, Better and Best catalogue systems before choosing one
- [Instant Quote](https://jousto.com.au/get-quote): Match equipment from an existing quote and continue through the Jousto quote journey
- [Commercial Energy Assessment](https://jousto.com.au/commercial-energy-quiz): Property-specific commercial solar and battery assessment
- [Remote Energy Assessment](https://jousto.com.au/remote-energy-quote): Off-grid and remote energy assessment

### Category guides
- [Solar Panels & Battery Storage](https://jousto.com.au/search): Grid-connect and hybrid solar systems for Australian homes and businesses
- [Off-Grid & Remote Energy](https://jousto.com.au/off-grid-remote): Remote power systems, product information and use cases
- [Solar CCTV](https://jousto.com.au/solar-cctv): Solar-powered security camera systems
- [Solar Panel Cleaning & Bird Proofing](https://jousto.com.au/solar-cleaning-quiz): Professional cleaning quotes
- [Off-Grid Solar](https://jousto.com.au/off-grid-quiz): Complete off-grid energy system design
- [EV Charger Installation](https://jousto.com.au/ev-charger-quiz): Home EV charger quotes
- [Commercial Energy](https://jousto.com.au/commercial-energy-quiz): Commercial-scale solar and battery assessment

### Brand comparisons
- [Compare Solar & Battery Brands](https://jousto.com.au/solar-battery/compare): Sungrow, Goodwe, Fronius, Huawei, Tesla, BYD, AlphaESS, SolarEdge, Enphase, Deye, SAJ, SigenEnergy

### Energy guides & articles
- [The Complete Australian Guide to Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)](https://jousto.com.au/virtual-power-plants): Why some batteries are advertised for thousands less, every major VPP in Australia reviewed honestly (AGL, Origin, Powow, Engie, Energy Australia, Amber, Local Volts), government rebates explained, and real consumer voices — all in one independent guide.
- [Ducted AC Solar Battery Sizing: The Engineering Guide](https://jousto.com.au/ducted-ac-solar): Most solar quotes ignore ducted air conditioning entirely. This guide uses the real engineering formula — zoning, duct age, phase, and climate — to calculate what battery and inverter you actually need. Includes a free 6-step calculator.
- [What Actually Happens When Your Hybrid Inverter Fails?](https://jousto.com.au/hybrid-inverter-failure): Inverter faults are more likely than major blackouts. Here's the honest answer about what happens to your battery, fridge, and critical loads — and the questions nobody asks before signing.
- [Low Startup Voltage: The Hidden Number That Makes or Breaks a Battery Upgrade](https://jousto.com.au/hybrid-inverter-startup-voltage): Most quotes don't mention it — but startup voltage determines how early your battery wakes up every morning. Critical for retrofits, older strings, and three-phase systems. Read this before you sign anything.
- [The No-B.S. Solar Battery Sizing Guide](https://jousto.com.au/battery-sizing-guide): How much battery do you actually need? This guide cuts through the marketing and gives you a real sizing framework — overnight usage, arbitrage reality, EV load, and inverter shift explained.
- [The Solar Sponge & Smart Energy Hacks Every Homeowner Should Know](https://jousto.com.au/guides/solar-sponge-smart-energy-hacks): Australia's energy market has a hidden cheap window every day — here's how to charge your battery for 2–5¢/kWh and save $1,200+ per year.
- [What's the Best Solar Battery for Australian Homes in 2026?](https://jousto.com.au/guides/best-solar-battery-australia-2026): Tesla, Sonnen, Enphase, BYD, Alpha-ESS — here's a no-fluff breakdown of which battery suits which home.
- [Why Batteries Make Sense for Your Business — Even Without Solar](https://jousto.com.au/guides/why-batteries-make-sense-business): Time-of-use tariffs mean Australian businesses can now charge batteries cheaply during the day and avoid expensive peak rates — without a single solar panel on the roof.
- [Batteries Make More Financial Sense for SMEs Than Ever Before](https://jousto.com.au/guides/batteries-for-smes): Australian SMEs are paying peak rates when the sun is shining. Here's how a battery — with or without solar — changes that equation.
- [NSW Government Announces 50% Boost to Solar Rebates Starting 2026](https://jousto.com.au/guides/nsw-solar-rebates-2026): NSW homeowners are set to receive significantly higher solar incentives from 2026. Here's what the rebate boost means for your payback period.
- [Federal Government's $5 Billion Renewable Energy Fund — What It Means for Solar Buyers](https://jousto.com.au/guides/federal-5-billion-renewable-fund): The Federal Government's $5 billion commitment to renewable energy includes measures that will affect solar panel pricing and grid access for Australian homeowners.
- [Energy Arbitrage in Australia: How Smart Households Use the Grid to Their Advantage](https://jousto.com.au/guides/energy-arbitrage-australia): Most Australian households pay the same rate for electricity no matter when they use it. Smart households don't — here's how they use the grid's price swings to their advantage.
- [What Is an Energy Management System (EMS) — And Why Most Solar Systems Are Missing It](https://jousto.com.au/guides/what-is-energy-management-system): A solar panel generates power. An EMS decides what to do with it — and that distinction is worth thousands of dollars over a system's lifetime.
- [How Electricity Pricing Works in Australia (And Why It Feels So Expensive)](https://jousto.com.au/guides/how-electricity-pricing-works-australia): Australian electricity bills are among the highest in the developed world. Understanding why — and how pricing actually works — is the first step to paying less.
- [How to Read Your Electricity Bill (and Stop Overpaying)](https://jousto.com.au/guides/how-to-read-your-electricity-bill): Most Australians pay their electricity bill without understanding what they're actually paying for. This guide breaks down every line item so you can spot waste and negotiate a better deal.
- [Virtual Power Plants Explained: What They Are and Whether You Should Join One](https://jousto.com.au/guides/understanding-virtual-power-plants): Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) let your home battery earn money by selling stored energy to the grid during peak demand. Here's how they work, what you'll actually earn, and the trade-offs to consider.
- [How Much Solar Do I Actually Need? (Australian Sizing Guide)](https://jousto.com.au/guides/how-much-solar-do-i-need): Bigger isn't always better when it comes to solar. This guide shows you exactly how to calculate the right system size for your home, your bill, and your future plans.
- [Solar Panel Brand Comparison: Tier 1 Panels Explained](https://jousto.com.au/guides/solar-panel-brand-comparison): Not all solar panels are created equal. This guide compares the top brands available in Australia — Trina, REC, Jinko, Canadian Solar, and LONGi — across efficiency, warranty, and real-world durability.
- [Home Battery Storage: The Complete Australian Buyer's Guide](https://jousto.com.au/guides/home-battery-complete-guide): Battery storage is the fastest-growing home energy technology in Australia. This guide covers everything from chemistry to cost to whether it will actually save you money.
- [Tesla Powerwall vs Sungrow vs Alpha ESS: Which Battery Should You Choose?](https://jousto.com.au/guides/tesla-vs-sungrow-vs-alpha-ess): Three of Australia's most popular home battery brands compared side-by-side on price, performance, backup capability, and long-term reliability.
- [Ducted vs Split System Air Conditioning: Which Is Right for Your Home?](https://jousto.com.au/guides/ducted-vs-split-system-air-conditioning): Choosing between ducted and split system air conditioning is one of the biggest decisions in a home renovation or new build. This guide breaks down the real costs, comfort differences, and long-term considerations.
- [Heat Pump Hot Water: The Complete Guide for Australian Homes](https://jousto.com.au/guides/heat-pump-hot-water-complete-guide): Heat pump hot water systems use 60–75% less electricity than conventional electric storage systems. Here's everything you need to know before switching.
- [Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) Explained](https://jousto.com.au/guides/stcs-explained): STCs are the federal solar rebate that reduces the upfront cost of your solar or hot water system. Here's exactly how they work, what they're worth, and why installers discount them at point of sale.
- [Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU): How to Claim Every Dollar You're Entitled To](https://jousto.com.au/guides/victorian-energy-upgrades-guide): Victoria's Victorian Energy Upgrades program offers some of the most generous energy efficiency incentives in Australia. This guide covers everything from heat pumps to insulation to what's actually worth claiming.
- [Commercial Solar in Australia: Is It Worth It for Your Business?](https://jousto.com.au/guides/commercial-solar-is-it-worth-it): Commercial solar offers businesses some of the best returns of any capital investment available today — often 20–40% IRR. Here's how to assess whether it makes sense for your situation.
- [FoxESS vs GoodWe All-In-One Battery Systems: Which Is Better for Australian Homes in 2026?](https://jousto.com.au/guides/foxess-vs-goodwe-all-in-one-battery): GoodWe ESA vs FoxESS H1/H3 + EQ4800 — a practical Australian comparison covering blackout protection, safety engineering, app usability, backup power, pricing and who each system actually suits.
- [How Much Does Ducted Air Conditioning Cost in Australia 2026?](https://jousto.com.au/guides/ducted-air-conditioning-cost-australia): Ducted air conditioning costs $8,050–$25,000+ fully installed in Australia. This guide covers what drives the price, state-by-state variations, and how to budget accurately.
- [How Much Does a Split System Air Conditioner Cost Installed?](https://jousto.com.au/guides/split-system-air-conditioner-cost-installed): A bedroom split system costs $1,800–$2,500 installed in most capitals. Larger living area units run $2,500–$4,800. This guide explains what affects the price and how to compare quotes.
- [Hidden Costs of Air Conditioning Installation](https://jousto.com.au/guides/hidden-costs-air-conditioning-installation): The sticker price rarely tells the full story. Extended pipe runs, wall drops, coastal coatings, switchboard upgrades, and scaffolding can add thousands. Here's what to budget for.
- [Air Conditioning Installation Costs in Victoria](https://jousto.com.au/guides/air-conditioning-installation-costs-victoria): Split systems cost $1,800–$4,800 installed in Melbourne. Ducted runs $8,050–$25,000+. Victoria has the most complex AC licensing in Australia — VBA, ESV, and ARCtick all apply.
- [Air Conditioning Installation Costs in NSW](https://jousto.com.au/guides/air-conditioning-installation-costs-nsw): Split systems cost $1,800–$4,800 installed in Sydney. Ducted runs $8,050–$25,000+. NSW licensing, coastal salt air, and the Energy Savings Scheme explained.
- [Air Conditioning Installation Costs in Queensland](https://jousto.com.au/guides/air-conditioning-installation-costs-queensland): QLD's heat loads are higher than southern states — upsizing is common. Split systems $1,800–$4,800. Ducted from $8,050. Tropical, coastal, and licensing factors all covered.
- [Air Conditioning Installation Costs in South Australia](https://jousto.com.au/guides/air-conditioning-installation-costs-south-australia): SA summers regularly exceed 40°C — ducted is the most popular choice. Split systems $1,800–$4,800 installed, ducted from $8,050. SA sizing requirements and rebates explained.
- [Is Ducted or Split System Air Conditioning Cheaper to Run?](https://jousto.com.au/guides/ducted-or-split-system-cheaper-to-run): A split system cooling one room beats ducted every time. But whole-home zoned ducted can match multiple splits. The real answer depends entirely on how much of the house you condition and how often.
- [What Does a Fair Air Conditioning Quote Look Like?](https://jousto.com.au/guides/what-does-fair-air-conditioning-quote-look-like): A fair AC quote is written, itemised, and includes the unit model, capacity, installation variables, and compliance certificates. Red flags, green flags, and how to compare multiple quotes explained.
- [What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need? (Room-by-Room Guide)](https://jousto.com.au/guides/what-size-air-conditioner-do-i-need): The 125 W/m² rule gives you a starting point. A 20m² bedroom needs ~2.5kW. A 40m² lounge needs ~5kW. But orientation, ceiling height, and insulation all change the number.

### How Jousto works
- [How It Works](https://jousto.com.au/how-it-works): Four steps through the Jousto customer journey
- [For Homeowners](https://jousto.com.au/for-homeowners): What homeowners need to know
- [For Businesses](https://jousto.com.au/for-offices): Commercial solar and battery guidance
- [Standard Installation](https://jousto.com.au/standard-installation): What is included in a standard solar installation
- [Installer Marketplace](https://jousto.com.au/installer-marketplace): Instant Quote enquiries for solar and battery businesses with their own sales operation; concierge support only within agreed packages
- [Jousto Dealer Network](https://jousto.com.au/dealer-network): Homeowner guidance, current regional coverage, and a managed dealer program combining sales assistance, shared Solar VA administration and agreed customer support

### Calculators & tools
- [Solar Calculator](https://jousto.com.au/solar-calculator): Estimate solar savings for your home
- [Savings Estimator](https://jousto.com.au/savings-estimator): Model bill savings from solar and battery
- [Ducted AC Solar Sizing Calculator](https://jousto.com.au/ducted-ac-solar): Size your battery for ducted air conditioning (engineering-grade)
- [Live Spot Energy Prices](https://jousto.com.au/spot-energy-price): Real-time NEM spot prices across Australian states

### State-specific solar & battery guides
- [Solar NSW](https://jousto.com.au/solar/nsw) | [Solar VIC](https://jousto.com.au/solar/vic) | [Solar QLD](https://jousto.com.au/solar/qld) | [Solar SA](https://jousto.com.au/solar/sa) | [Solar WA](https://jousto.com.au/solar/wa) | [Solar TAS](https://jousto.com.au/solar/tas) | [Solar ACT](https://jousto.com.au/solar/act) | [Solar NT](https://jousto.com.au/solar/nt)

## About Jousto
- Founded and operated by Denny Honen, CEC-accredited solar and battery design engineer with 24+ years of Australian and international energy experience
- Independent platform — not owned by or affiliated with any manufacturer, brand, or installer
- Revenue model: lead aggregation — we connect consumers with installers, never take a commission on hardware
- All pricing shown is realistic installed pricing (supply + labour + commissioning) with government rebates (STCs, VEECs, REPs, ESS) applied
- SAA-accredited installer network covering all Australian states and territories

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