 Between cyclones, bushfires, and hailstorms, Aussies are no strangers to wild weather and the power outages that come with them. And solar systems aren't immune. Those roof panels without battery back up won’t do much good if the grid around them has gone down, but what happens when the power comes back on? Sometimes, your solar will switch back on by itself, but that’s not always the case. A quick inverter reset should be your first step, and the good news is it’s a simple process. We’ll walk you through the basic steps to reset your solar system after a power outage. You'll learn why these shutdowns happen, and when to get some professional help from the experts at Local Power. Why do solar systems shut down during power outages?Unlike battery backup power systems, grid-connected solar installations in Australia can't operate during power outages. This might seem odd, especially if your panels are still receiving sunlight, but there are a few good reasons. Grid safetySafety features called anti-islanding protection make your solar system shut down during a blackout. The law requires this protection for all grid-connected solar systems as a safety measure to protect utility workers. Electricity flowing back into the grid could endanger workers while they repair damaged power lines. The back-feed of electricity into damaged grid infrastructure could also destroy expensive equipment and create hazardous conditions. How inverters respond to blackoutsGrid-connected Solar inverters come with advanced monitoring circuits that automatically disconnect and shut down when it detects a grid outage. So even though your panels are working, you'll face the same blackout as properties without solar. Even when power returns, your inverter will wait at least 60 seconds before turning back on to make sure you have a stable connection. Do I need to reset solar after a power outage?Not every solar system needs a manual reset after a power outage. Here are three key signs that your system might need an extra push. Check inverter lightsThe indicator lights can tell you plenty about the status of your inverter:
Look for error codes or blank screensYour inverter's display screen gives important diagnostic information, including:
Use your monitoring app or portalModern solar systems come with monitoring features that are a great way to get extra information:
Also be mindful, if your solar monitoring app shows your system as offline, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is off. Many modern systems are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or other methods, and an offline status could simply indicate a Wi-Fi connection issue. To confirm that your solar inverter is operating, always check the physical inverter itself. Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your Solar SystemBefore resetting, remember to give your system 5-10 minutes after power comes back on. Sometimes all your solar needs is a little extra time. If nothing happens, you can move on to the next step. If a power outage has occurred due to a storm, after the storm has passed, check there is no visible damage to your rooftop array, cabling, or inverter, before attempting to turn the system back on. This approach for resetting works for most standard solar setups and helps you get your system running safely again. 1. Turn off the solar supply main switchYou'll need to find your switchboard and look for the solar supply main switch. The switch should be clearly marked and controls electricity flow between your solar system and home circuits. Just flip it to the OFF position to start the reset. If your inverter is more than 2m away or not in sight from your switchboard, a second solar main switch will be adjacent to the solar inverter. 2. Switch off the inverter and DC isolatorsThe inverter is usually on a wall close to your switchboard. You’ll usually find the DC isolator switches as part of the inverter or mounted nearby. Switch them to the OFF position. If your system has multiple switches, remember to turn off each one. 3. Wait 5–10 minutes for full shutdownLet your system stay powered down for 5-10 minutes. It might feel like a long time, but your inverter needs this time to make sure all residual power is drained away. The inverter screen should be dark without any lights. 4. Turn on DC isolators and inverterAfter the wait, start the system by switching the DC isolators back on. This step connects power from your solar panels to the inverter. Turn on the separate power switch too if your inverter has one. 5. Switch on the solar supply main switchHead back to your switchboard and turn the solar supply main switch to ON. This step connects your solar system back to your home's electrical circuits. 6. Confirm system status on inverter displayTake a look at your inverter's display panel. The system should power up in a few minutes and show normal operation signs. Watch for green lights or regular power readings on the screen. What to do if reset doesn’t workWhile a restart usually solves most issues after a power outage, your system might still be having problems. But don't panic yet! There are a few more troubleshooting steps you can try before calling in the experts. Check for grid voltage issuesYour solar system's restart problems could stem from grid voltage issues. Grid voltage can stay unstable for several hours after major outages, which causes problems when most systems need stable voltage to work properly. The issue often resolves on its own. Inspect for physical damage or smellsTo get a full picture of your system's condition after the outage:
When to call a solar technicianA qualified solar technician should look at your system if:
Speak with Local Power TodayPower outages and solar system shutdowns can throw everything out of whack. But remember your system shuts down during blackouts for safety. Everything should return to normal when grid power returns, but if it doesn’t, you can follow the steps listed above to fix most issues.
If it still won’t come back on, or you’ve noticed any other unusual problems, get in touch with the team at Local Power. Our licensed technicians can inspect and repair your system to get you back on the grid in no time.  Bifacial solar panels can produce up to 30% more energy than traditional panels by using sunlight from both sides. These innovative double-sided panels tap into the full potential of reflected light from nearby surfaces and boost their power output. The Australian National University’s 2024 study revealed that bifacial technology can produce 20% more energy than traditional one-sided systems. However, this is not true for every set-up. Local Power can advise you on whether or not these panels are suitable for your needs, just call us on 07 305 44334. What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?The name “bifacial” tells us what these advanced solar panels are all about. The Latin word means “two-faced”, a perfect description of solar technology that has photovoltaic cells on both front and back surfaces. Definition and key featuresBifacial solar panels use a transparent backing instead of the opaque material found in regular panels. This design lets them absorb direct sunlight from the front while capturing reflected light from the ground or nearby surfaces on the back. The way these panels collect solar energy is completely different from traditional methods. These panels stand out because they can absorb light from both sides and produce up to 30% more energy than traditional panels. They work better in low-light conditions and fit well in many different settings. The “bifaciality factor” helps calculate how well the panel uses reflected light by comparing back efficiency to front efficiency. Snow, sand, or light-coloured roofs create perfect conditions for these panels. Their design captures energy from multiple light sources in these reflective environments. How they differ from monofacial panelsBifacial and monofacial panels are quite different in their structure. Regular monofacial panels have photovoltaic cells only on one side, with an opaque backing that blocks light from behind. They can only capture direct sunlight that hits their front surface. Monofacial panels cost less and are easier to install, which makes them popular for home rooftops. But they can only collect sunlight from one direction. Bifacial panels generate more energy per square foot, which is great for small spaces. The original cost is higher though. Your installation environment should guide your choice between these technologies. Reflective surfaces and elevated installations work great with bifacial panels. Standard rooftops with little rear reflection are better suited for monofacial panels. Common materials and design typesManufacturers make bifacial solar panels in several ways. Many use a dual-glass design where solar cells sit between two 2mm glass sheets instead of the usual opaque polymer backsheet. This makes the panels last longer, and manufacturers often back them with 30-year performance warranties. Some versions use glass-transparent backsheet designs. These panels balance performance and cost by combining front glass with a clear polymer backsheet on the back. You can also find frameless options that reduce edge shading and look more stylish. The cell technology in bifacial panels includes various designs like Passivated Emitter Rear Contact (PERC), Passivated Emitter Rear Locally-diffused (PERL), Passivated Emitter Rear Totally-diffused (PERT), and Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer (HIT). Each type offers different efficiency levels, ranging from 19.5% to 24.7% on the front side. How Do Bifacial Solar Panels Work?Bifacial solar panels work differently from conventional solar technology. These panels use a smart dual-collection system that changes the way we collect solar energy. Front-side vs rear-side energy captureThe front side of bifacial panels works similar to traditional monofacial panels and converts sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells. The real breakthrough lies in the rear side that has specialised cells. These cells absorb reflected and diffused light from the surroundings. A transparent or translucent material replaces the opaque backing found in conventional panels to make this dual-sided approach possible. Bifacial panels can generate electricity even without direct sunlight hitting the front surface. The rear side adds 5% to 30% more power based on how they’re installed. These panels also show better results in low-light conditions than single-sided panels. Role of reflective surfacesThe panels’ ability to work depends on how reflective nearby surfaces are, a property called albedo. Different surfaces bounce back varying amounts of sunlight. Fresh snow reflects exceptionally well (75-95%), while meadows reflect just 10-30% of incoming light. The ground materials play a key role in performance gains. White gravel, sand, and snow create the best conditions to maximise rear-side production. Dark surfaces like asphalt or soil absorb light instead of reflecting it, which reduces the benefits of bifacial panels. The height and angle of installation matter too. Raised mounts let more reflected light reach the panels, which leads to better energy production. Understanding the bifaciality factorThe bifaciality factor shows how well the rear side works compared to the front under similar conditions. Today’s bifacial panels have factors ranging from 65% to 90%. To name just one example, see a panel that produces 500 watts from its front side and 350 watts from its rear, giving a bifaciality factor of 70%. This measurement helps calculate how well a panel can use reflected light. Panels with higher bifaciality factors can generate more extra energy, especially in areas with reflective surroundings. Pros and Cons of Bifacial PanelsSolar panel choices require a full picture of bifacial technology to make a smart investment decision. Advantages: higher yield, durability, aestheticsBifacial panels shine brightest in their power generation capabilities. Research shows these panels produce 10-20% more power than standard monofacial modules. The numbers become even more impressive with single-axis trackers, reaching 30-40% higher output. The durability benefits of bifacial panels stand out clearly. Their dual-glass construction provides excellent protection against weather extremes like wind and hail. This resilient infrastructure extends their lifespan to 30 years, which beats the typical 25-year warranties that come with regular panels. The visual appeal of bifacial panels adds another compelling reason to choose them. Their modern, frameless design creates an attractive look. This makes them a perfect fit for projects where looks matter as much as performance. Disadvantages: cost, installation complexity, site dependencyThe benefits of bifacial panels come at a price. The system costs about 5% more than similar monofacial setups. Adding single-axis tracking pushes this difference up to roughly 15%. Setting up these panels brings its own challenges. The panels need exact positioning to capture maximum rear-side energy. Installers must get the mounting height right (usually 1 metre works best), adjust the tilt angle (2-15 degrees more than regular panels), and space rows properly (6-8 metres apart). This detailed work leads to higher labour costs and takes longer to complete. The location’s characteristics play a big role in the panel’s performance. Results vary based on how much light reflects off nearby surfaces (albedo). These panels work great in areas with bright surfaces like snow, sand, or white concrete. However, they offer little advantage in spots with dark ground cover or poor reflected light. A thorough site evaluation becomes vital before investing in this technology. Are Bifacial Solar Panels Worth It?You’ll want to think over your specific situation before investing in bifacial solar panels. These advanced panels won't benefit everyone equally. When they make financial senseBifacial solar panels become economically viable when their extra energy output makes up for their higher costs. The backside generates bonus energy without any extra work. These panels work great on flat commercial rooftops with white membrane surfaces and can boost energy production by 4-5%. They cost about 10% more than standard monofacial panels but can generate 5-30% more energy. The math looks better in places where space is tight but energy needs are high. The panels produce more energy as you move them away from reflective surfaces, which lets more light hit the backside. Ideal environments and use casesThese panels shine brightest in places with:
Regular home rooftop installations don’t work well since the house blocks the rear side. Ground-mounted setups with reflective coverings work best, making them a perfect fit for bigger commercial or utility projects. Payback period and ROI considerationsBifacial systems can pay off quickly under the right conditions. Some studies show they can pay for themselves in just 3-4 years. A 6.6kW bifacial system on a white metal roof that produces 15% more power could pay back in about 3.4 years. Studies of different ground surfaces found that setups with 0.4 albedo (highly reflective surfaces) paid off in 5.21 years, 3.52% faster than similar monofacial systems. This quicker payback time and longer 30-year lifespan create great long-term value despite the higher original cost. Make the Smart Solar Choice with Local PowerBifacial solar panels are changing the game, boosting energy output by up to 30% by capturing sunlight on both sides. They’re tougher, more efficient, and ideal for large-scale projects or reflective surfaces. But they’re not for everyone. That’s where Local Power comes in. Our experts cut through the noise to help you choose the right system for your site, your needs and your budget. Whether you’re a homeowner or running a business, we’ll design a tailored solar solution that delivers real results. Don’t leave your solar setup to guesswork. Contact Local Power today and make every ray count.   Thinking of going solar? Don’t forget the battery. While solar panels get all the glory, it’s your battery that keeps the lights on after sunset. Choosing the right size battery is key to making your system efficient, reliable and cost-effective. Most Aussie households chew through around 16kWh of electricity a day, but that doesn’t mean you need a 16kWh battery. From daily usage and solar system size to backup needs and budget, there are a few factors to weigh up. In this guide, we break down the essentials: how solar batteries work, how to calculate the ideal size for your home, and how to decide between partial or full-home backup. Whether you’re chasing energy freedom or just smaller power bills, we’ll help you find your sweet spot. Understanding Solar Battery BasicsWhat is a solar battery?Solar batteries store the extra electricity that your solar panels generate. These storage systems let you keep surplus energy instead of sending it back to the grid. You can use this stored power when your panels stop producing at night, or when solar generation is low on cloudy days. Solar batteries work through chemical reactions between their main parts. These include an anode (negative), cathode (positive), electrolyte, and separator. The charging process moves ions from cathode to anode. These ions flow back to create an electrical current when you need power. Most home solar batteries today use lithium-ion technology. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries last 12-15 years. Standard lithium-ion versions typically last 10-12 years. Battery capacity comes in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This measurement tells you how much energy these batteries store and release. How solar batteries work with solar panelsSolar batteries and panels team up to create a detailed energy system for your home. Your solar panels turn sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity during the day. This power runs your household appliances first. Any extra energy charges your battery. The system works differently after sunset or on cloudy days:
Why battery size matters for Australian homesThe right battery size makes your system work better. Australian households use about 16kWh of electricity each day. Two-thirds of this power gets used when the sun isn’t shining. Your battery size determines how independent from the grid you can be. A 10kWh battery powers basic appliances like lights and refrigerators for about 10 hours during outages. This calculation uses typical Australian household power usage. Your specific energy needs help determine if this capacity works for your home. Battery size affects your savings too. The first few kilowatt-hours of storage pay for themselves faster because you use them every night. Solar panels with the right size battery can cut electricity bills between $1,000 and $2,200 per year. Key Factors That Affect Solar Battery SizeYou need to think about several connected factors to pick the right solar battery. These elements will help you figure out the exact battery size your Australian home needs Your daily electricity usageThe size of your battery mainly depends on how much electricity your household uses. Australian homes use between 16-25 kWh each day. Larger households might use up to 30 kWh or more. Most homes use about 70% of their electricity at night when solar panels don’t produce power. To cite an instance, if you use 16 kWh daily, you'll need about 11 kWh from stored energy or the grid. Time of use and energy tariffsYour electricity tariff structure shapes your battery size choice. A bigger battery makes more sense for homes with time-of-use rates because higher peak rates between 4pm - 9pm can be offset by a battery. This makes smart battery usage more valuable. These pricing structures can help you get the most value from your battery. Solar panel system size and outputYour solar array’s capacity affects your ideal battery size by a lot. A 5kW solar system typically produces 20-25 kWh daily in the best conditions. Notwithstanding that, the output changes based on where you live, how your roof faces, and the season. Your battery capacity should match your solar production for the best results. Your backup power goalsThe amount of backup power you need matters. You’ll need a smaller battery for just essential circuits compared to powering your whole home. Add up the power needs of critical appliances like your fridge and main lights. The backup duration is key; you should decide if you need power for hours or days. Budget and cost per kWhThe cost of a solar battery in Australia typically ranges from $1000 to $2,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of storage capacity. A 10kWh system might set you back around $14,000 before any incentives. The federal battery rebate cuts about 30% off upfront costs, which makes bigger systems available to more people. How to Calculate the Right Battery SizeThe right battery size will save you money and provide adequate storage. You need to assess your energy patterns and backup needs carefully. Using your energy bills to estimate needsYour electricity bill holds the key information to determine the right battery capacity. Most electricity bills will indicate your daily usage however taking your total kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption and divide it by the number of billed days will identify your daily usage. This number will help with all your calculations. Bills from different seasons will show you how your storage needs change throughout the year. What size solar battery do I need for my house?Australian homes use about 16 kWh each day. People consume 70% (about 11 kWh) at night when solar panels don't produce power. The best way to estimate battery size is to multiply your solar panel system size (in kW) by 1.5. To name just one example, a 12 kWh battery would work well with an 8 kW solar system. Solar battery size calculator: how it worksBattery calculators need these key details to find your ideal capacity:
Understanding usable vs total capacityBattery specs show both total and usable capacity, a vital difference. Total capacity shows the maximum energy a battery can store, but you can only use part of it without damage. A 10 kWh battery with 80% DoD gives you 8 kWh of usable energy. Modern lithium batteries offer DoD ratings up to 94.5%. Lead-acid batteries are nowhere near as efficient. Formula: Daily usage ÷ DoD × Days of autonomyHere's how to calculate your required battery capacity: Battery Capacity = (Daily Energy Consumption × Days of Autonomy) ÷ DoD Days of autonomy means how long your battery powers your home without recharging. Grid-connected systems need 1-3 days, while off-grid setups need 3-5 days. Let’s say your daily usage is 16 kWh and you want 2 days of autonomy with 80% DoD batteries. Your calculation would be: 16 kWh × 2 ÷ 0.8 = 40 kWh of battery capacity.  Choosing Between Partial and Whole-Home BackupChoosing between full home or essential circuit backup is a significant decision you’ll face while planning your solar battery system. Your choice will affect the battery size needed for your Australian home. What is partial home backup?Partial home backup keeps your essential circuits running during power outages. This setup powers your most important appliances such as:
What size battery backup do I need for my house?Australian homes just need a 5-10 kWh battery for partial backup of essential appliances. A good rule is to have battery storage equal to at least 25% of what you use daily, plus 2 kWh for backup. To name just one example, if your home uses 20 kWh daily, you should get at least a 7 kWh battery. Whole-home backup: is it worth it?Whole-home backup keeps every appliance and circuit in your house running during blackouts. This option gives you unique convenience but costs substantially more, you’ll need bigger batteries and inverters. This setup makes sense if you often lose power, use medical equipment, or want complete comfort without any compromises. How many batteries do you need for full coverage?Your household’s energy use determines the number of batteries needed. The average solar battery holds about 10 kWh, so most Australian homes would need:
Take Control of Your Energy Future with Local PowerChoosing the right solar battery size is key to unlocking true energy independence and savings. By understanding your household’s energy needs and matching them with the right battery capacity, you can maximise your solar investment and enjoy reliable power day and night.
Ready to find the perfect solar battery for your home? Contact Local Power today and let our experts help you power your life on your terms.  Thinking about getting a solar battery? You should probably know how long they last before buying. Solar PV systems now power around 4 million Australian homes and businesses. Solar batteries, which collect some of the excess power generated, typically last 5-15 years, depending on the technology and usage. Your battery’s life expectancy depends on several vital factors, such as climate, battery type and technical aspects. Here’s everything you need to know about the lifespan of solar batteries. Climate Impact on Battery Performance in AustraliaAustralia’s climate zones create unique challenges for solar battery systems throughout the country. The weather conditions from the tropical north to the temperate south affect how long these batteries last and how well they perform. Solar batteries in Australia’s temperate climates can last 15-17 years, while those in the warmer northern regions typically last only 12-14 years. Most solar batteries work best between 20-25°C. Their performance starts to decline as temperatures climb above 30°C because higher heat speeds up chemical reactions that damage internal components. The changing seasons also affect battery efficiency throughout the year. Solar panels generate up to 30% more power in summer than winter, which lets batteries fully charge within 4-6 hours of good sunlight. Winter output drops to just 40-60% of summer capacity, which slows down charging rates and reduces stored energy. Harsh weather creates additional challenges for battery systems. Solar panels produce only 20-50% of their usual output on cloudy days, which leads to slower battery charging. Rain can cut power generation by 70-80%, and batteries might drain faster than they can recharge. High humidity can cause moisture problems that lead to corrosion and reduced battery quality. A recent UNSW study showed climate change will affect solar battery performance, with degradation rates expected to double by the end of the century. Research shows that modules degrade faster in hot, humid regions compared to drier areas in central Australia. The right installation location helps batteries last longer. Batteries need protection from direct sunlight and should be placed in well-ventilated areas. Where possible, they should also be shielded from extreme temperatures that could shorten their lifespan. 
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July 2025
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