PSW Editorial publishes practical guides to solar, batteries and home energy for Western Australian households. We explain how systems work, what to check before buying and what changes in policy or product support mean for your home. Our aim is to help you compare options, understand the trade-offs and ask useful questions before making a decision.
Ask for standby draw as well as peak efficiency when comparing batteries. HTW Berlin's whole-system tests show where energy losses occur, using a simulated household that differs from conditions in Perth.
Have removal and disposal priced in your solar replacement quote. Ask where the old panels will go and whether transport is included before accepting the total.
At the panel application stage, household contract terms were still unsettled. Check proposed payments and how participation could affect the energy left in your battery for home use.
Check the battery's exposure and heating demand before deciding whether pack insulation is worth buying. A sheltered Perth garage and an exposed inland shed present different conditions for a SigenStack assessment.
Keep your Powerwall 2 app notification available when discussing a recall replacement. Ask for any optional system upgrades to be quoted separately from the recall work.
For staged SigenStack expansion, check the controller model against the proposed combiner box. Confirm compatibility in current manufacturer documentation before ordering hardware for a later storage addition.
Site layout and backup requirements matter when assessing the announced Fronius Reserva Pro. Confirm Australian approval and pricing before including it in a system design.
Ask your installer to check the air conditioner’s starting load against the battery’s backup capacity on its phase. Have the quote identify which circuits will run during an outage.
Ask which contract amount your solar deposit is calculated on, including how discounts are treated. Check the written payment terms before paying a deposit.
Before paying a deposit, confirm the recipient's business details and get refund conditions in writing. Check the installer's credentials against public registers as part of reviewing the contract.
Western Power's notice required payment and complete project details at lodgement. It also specified new commissioning paperwork for projects already underway.
Check the proposed grid connection and your lease before sizing solar for a commercial roof. Export restrictions and landlord approval can affect which installation fits the site.