Solar, Renewables & EV
Battery Management System (BMS)
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Battery Management System (BMS): Monitors and controls battery charging, discharging, temperature, and health. Prevents overcharging, extends battery life, and ensures safe operation of solar storage systems.
Demand Response
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Demand Response: A smart energy strategy where consumers adjust usage based on grid signals (e.g. pricing, demand peaks). Helps stabilise the network and reduce wholesale energy costs.
Net Metering
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Net Metering: A billing system that credits solar system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. Net usage is calculated as energy consumed minus energy exported.
PV System
Last Updated: April 25, 2025PV System: A photovoltaic system includes panels, inverter, wiring, and mounting to convert sunlight into usable electricity. May be grid-connected or off-grid, and is sized based on energy needs.
Green Energy Rating
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Green Energy Rating: A performance score reflecting how energy-efficient or renewable a product, building, or appliance is. Includes systems like NABERS and NatHERS. Often tied to sustainability certifications.
Feed-In Tariff
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Feed-In Tariff: A payment credited to consumers for excess solar energy they export to the grid. Rates vary by state and retailer. Feed-in tariffs are a key incentive for solar adoption in Australia.
Load Shedding
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Load Shedding: The controlled reduction of electrical load to prevent grid overload or balance supply and demand. Can be automatic or scheduled. May affect EV charging or solar export capabilities.
Smart Meter
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Smart Meter: A digital electricity meter that records consumption in real time and can communicate data to your retailer. Enables time-of-use tariffs and integrates with solar and battery systems.
AC Charger
Last Updated: April 25, 2025AC Charger: The most common type of home EV charger. Delivers alternating current which is then converted by the vehicle’s onboard charger. Typically slower than DC fast chargers.
DC Charger
Last Updated: April 25, 2025DC Charger: A fast-charging unit that delivers direct current (DC) power to EV batteries. Reduces charge time significantly compared to AC options. Often used in commercial charging stations.
Type 2 Charging Port
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Type 2 Charging Port: The standard EV charging connector used in Australia and Europe. Supports single- and three-phase charging. Found on most public and home chargers.
EV Supply Equipment (EVSE)
Last Updated: April 25, 2025EVSE: Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment refers to the hardware that charges electric vehicles. Includes the charger, cable, connector, and smart control features. Must be installed on a dedicated circuit.
Solar Isolator
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Solar Isolator: A manually operated switch that disconnects the solar array from the rest of the system for safety during maintenance or emergencies. Required by Australian solar installation standards.
MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)
Last Updated: April 25, 2025MPPT: A technology used in solar charge controllers and inverters to optimise the match between the solar array and battery/inverter. Increases system efficiency by dynamically adjusting voltage and current.
Solar Battery Storage
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Solar Battery Storage: Stores excess solar energy for use at night or during blackouts. Lithium-ion batteries are most common, and installation must meet AS/NZS 5139 safety standards.
Off Grid Power
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Off Grid Power: A standalone power system that operates independently from the main electrical grid. Requires solar panels, inverters, batteries, and backup generators to ensure continuous supply.
Hybrid Inverter
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Hybrid Inverter: Combines the functions of a standard inverter with battery management capabilities. Allows power to be drawn from the grid, solar, or battery, optimising energy use and storage.
Grid Connect System
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Grid Connect System: A solar setup connected to the electrical grid. Allows households to draw power when solar is insufficient and export excess energy back to the grid under a feed-in tariff scheme.
Solar Panel
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Solar Panel: A photovoltaic (PV) module that converts sunlight into electricity. Rated in watts, panels are installed on rooftops or ground mounts and are a foundational element of solar energy systems.
Inverter
Last Updated: April 25, 2025Inverter: A key component in solar systems, inverters convert DC electricity from solar panels into usable AC electricity for household or grid use. Must comply with Clean Energy Council standards in Australia.