Blog

Blackout Protection 101: What Happens to Solar Panels During a Power Outage? If you live in Queensland or along the east coast, you know all too well how it goes when a nasty storm rolls through: the rain falls, thunder booms, and BANG!... the lights go out, your air con stalls, and your neighbours all start reaching for their torches. But your house has solar panels installed on the rooftop, so surely they can keep the power running while the sun is still shining, right? If you have a standard grid-connected solar system, your panels will generally shut down during a power outage, even if

Can You Add a Tesla Powerwall 3 to Your Existing Solar System? If you already have solar panels on your roof, adding a battery could help you get more out of the electricity they generate. Instead of exporting excess solar to the grid during the day and buying electricity back in the evening, you could just store that extra energy for when your household needs it. For those weighing up their options to upgrade to a complete home energy ecosystem, the Tesla Powerwall 3 is an excellent choice. The Tesla Powerwall 3 combines battery storage with an integrated solar inverter and can even provide

Solargain Mornington Peninsula Named One of Australia’s Top Solar Installers for 2026 We are thrilled to announce that Solar 360 Australia | Solargain Mornington Peninsula has been officially shortlisted and recognised as one of Australia's Top Solar Installers for 2026 at the recent All Energy Conference in Melbourne. This prestigious award, granted by EUPD Research, stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in the renewable energy sector. For those unfamiliar with the awarding body, EUPD Research is a globally respected, independent organisation that specialises in

Solar Installation Boom: Why Spring is the Best Time to Go Solar Spring is sprung! We all know the usual culprits: flowers blooming, birds swooning, bees buzzing… and solar panels popping up? It’s true, though; you may see way more solar panels appearing during the spring months. In fact, spring may just be the best time to go solar in Australia! With more daylight, milder temperatures, and some seasonal financial incentives, September to November is prime time for solar installations across the country. If you’re considering going solar this year but waiting for the right time, spring into

Half a Million Batteries Later: Australia Is Entering the Age of Energy Independence For decades, Australians have relied on a centralised electricity grid to power their homes. When the grid worked, we barely noticed it. When it failed, we reached for torches, packed into shopping centres, or sat in our cars running the air conditioning while waiting for the lights to come back on. But something fundamental is changing. Australia has now installed more than 507,651 home batteries under the Federal Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program since July 2025, a remarkable milestone that signals

Right on the heels of the successful Cheaper Home Batteries Program, the Australian Government introduced its Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) last month. From 1st July 2026, eligible households with smart meters may opt in to receive up to 3 hours of free electricity in the middle of every day. The SSO has been introduced as part of reforms to the Default Market Offer (DMO), which applies to households and small businesses in South Australia, New South Wales, and South East Queensland. The reforms aim to strengthen consumer protections and provide an exciting opportunity for homes to save money on

It can be a disheartening sight: in the middle of a long, bitter winter, you receive a high electricity bill only six months after installing your new rooftop solar panels. What could this mean? Wasn’t installing solar supposed to be one of the most effective ways to save money? Do not worry – you’ve done nothing wrong! Solar is one of the most effective and easiest ways to save money in the long term, but it takes time to earn it back. So although you will not see a $0 energy bill right away, other factors explain your high winter energy bill: how much solar your system produces in winter and

With the next federal election just under two years away, there is a lot of talk about Australia’s energy, specifically its renewable energy policies. While different efforts have been made across various states and territories, the national strategy ultimately helps shape and direct everyday Australians' attitudes toward renewables. Dependent on the elected governments, Australia’s commitment to its renewable energy transition under SDG 7 is progressing quickly, and homeowners are set to play a bigger role than ever before. From battery incentives and electrification programs to ambitious

Installing solar is one of the best ways to save money on your energy bills and even earn some back. And the best part is, there is benefit to solar installations no matter where you are in Australia! From sunny Queensland and Western Australia to homes with solar panels in Melbourne , rooftop solar can continue generating useful energy throughout the year. And yes, you heard that right: solar is worth it any time of the year, even in winter! Many people often wonder whether solar panels actually work when it’s cloudy, cold, or rainy… and if it’s even worth installing rooftop solar in places

Installing solar panels is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy costs and increase your home’s sustainability, but many homeowners are unsure whether council approval is required before work can begin. While most residential solar systems are exempt from planning approval, there are important exceptions involving heritage overlays, structural modifications, and local regulations. Here’s what you need to know before installing solar panels on your property in Australia. Does Installing Solar Panels Require Council Approval? Every council will vary slightly from state to state, so

Energy Saver Loan Available to Solargain Customers in Southern Tablelands Following the success of similar energy efficiency programs in the ACT, NSW homeowners now have access to the Home Energy Saver Loan, offering a practical way to upgrade their homes without the burden of interest payments. Funded by the NSW Government and delivered by Brighte, this program helps eligible households invest in energy-saving technologies that can reduce energy bills and improve home comfort. What Is the NSW Home Energy Saver Loan? The Home Energy Saver Loan provides eligible NSW households with access to: 0

EV Charging in Australia: What It Really Costs (and How to Pay Less) As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates across Australia, one question comes up again and again: How much does it actually cost to charge an EV? The answer isn't as simple as you might think because it depends entirely on how and where you charge. From ultra-fast public chargers to solar-powered home setups, the difference in running costs can be substantial. While EVs are generally cheaper to run than petrol or diesel vehicles, understanding the various charging methods can help you make informed decisions about