Solar and Battery: Optimised vs. Non-Optimised vs. No Bill

Are you considering your options when it comes to a home solar and battery system? That's a smart move! But navigating the different options can feel overwhelming. At Reposit, we believe in providing clarity, so you can make the best choice for your home and energy goals.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down three key approaches: a basic solar and battery system without smart optimisation, a system that includes optimisation technology, and our "No Bill" offering. By understanding the differences, you'll be better equipped to decide which path to energy independence is right for you.

1. Solar and Battery System Without Optimisation

Imagine a standard solar panel installation paired with a battery. This setup allows you to generate your own electricity during the day and store some of it for later use, reducing your reliance on the grid.  

• How it Works: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity first powers your home and any excess charges the battery. When the sun isn't shining, your home draws power from the battery. If the battery is empty, you revert back to using electricity from the grid.
• Benefits:
  • Reduced Electricity Bills: You'll definitely see savings compared to having no solar or battery.
  • Backup Power: During a blackout, your battery might be able to provide power for essential appliances (depending on its size, your consumption and whether it is black-out capable).  
  • Increased Self-Consumption: As opposed to having solar without a battery, you can store your excess energy, meaning, you use more of the solar energy you generate, rather than feeding it all back to the grid (often at a lower rate than you buy it).  
• Limitations:
  • Suboptimal Grid Feed-in: Excess solar is typically fed back to the grid at a standard feed-in tariff, which in many states is only 3c per kilowatt hour (and dropping).
  • No Proactive Energy Management: The system operates reactively. It doesn't anticipate energy prices, the weather or grid needs to maximise your returns.
  • Potential for Wasted Energy: Without smart controls, your battery might not charge or discharge at the most economically beneficial times. For example, it might be full when grid prices are high and discharge when they are low (when you are on a time-of-use or demand tariff).

Who is this best for? Homeowners primarily looking for basic bill reduction and possibly some backup power, who are comfortable with a more passive energy management approach and don’t mind still paying some electricity bill.

2. Solar and Battery System With Optimisation

Now, let's add a layer of intelligence. A solar and battery system with optimisation includes smart software and controls that actively manage your energy flow to maximise savings and potentially generate revenue.  

How it Works: Similar to the basic system, but with a smart controller like Reposit’s Smart Controller, although other solutions exist. This controller uses algorithms to:

• Predict Energy Generation and Consumption: It learns your usage patterns and monitors weather forecasts.  
• Optimise Battery Charging and Discharging: It charges the battery when solar generation is high and electricity prices are low (if applicable) and discharges when your demand is high or grid prices are favourable.
• Participate in Grid Services (Potentially): Some optimisation systems allow your battery to participate in programs like FCAS, earning you revenue by helping to stabilise the grid. This is usually via your participation in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). There are many VPPs now available for participation in Australia, even energy retailers like Origin, Energy Australia and AGL now offer VPPs.
• Smart Export Strategies: The system can make intelligent decisions about when and how much excess solar to export to the grid for the best returns.

Benefits (in addition to basic system benefits):

• Increased Savings: By strategically using your battery and solar, you might be able to further reduce your electricity bills.
• Potential Revenue Generation: Participation in grid services through VPPs might be able to earn you income.  
• Enhanced Blackout Protection: Smart management can help preserve battery power for longer during outages (if your system is black out protection capable).
• Greater Energy Independence: You become a more active participant in the energy ecosystem.

Limitations:

• Ongoing Electricity Bills: While significantly reduced, you will still receive electricity bills for any network charges and grid consumption not offset by your solar, battery, or grid service earnings.
• Variable Earnings: Revenue from grid services can fluctuate based on market conditions.
• System Complexity: Requires a more sophisticated setup and ongoing software management.

Who is this best for? Homeowners who want to maximise their energy savings and potentially earn revenue from the grid, are comfortable with technology, and understand that they will still likely have electricity bills.

3. Reposit Power's "No Bill" System

Reposit takes optimisation to the next level with our integrated "No Bill" system. It's not just about reducing bills; it's about eliminating them altogether for a guaranteed period.  

How it Works: Reposit provides a comprehensive solution that includes:

• Optimised Solar and Battery System: Reposit installs high-quality solar panels, a robust battery, and our patented Smart Controller. 
• Reposit Customers Never See an Electricity Bill: For the life of your term (at least 7 years), you will never see an electricity bill. Reposit organises to become your Agent in the electricity system, taking any financial responsibility for your electricity bill. 
• Comprehensive Energy Management: Reposit manages the entire process, from system operation to grid interactions, with the goal of offsetting your electricity consumption based on your baseline.
• Fleet Generates Revenue: For more information about how exactly Reposit generates revenue to guarantee you No Bill view this article.

• Guaranteed "No Bill": For a period of at least 7 years, you won't receive electricity bills, providing unparalleled peace of mind.  
• Hands-Off Energy Management: Reposit monitors your system 24x7 and is alerted if anything seems out of the ordinary.  It's in our interest to ensure your system is running as best as it can otherwise it costs us money. If anything goes wrong, we’ll organise a fix. Even though your system might not be working at full capacity and you are drawing energy from the grid, you still don’t have to pay a dime - that’s the No Bill guarantee.
• Contribution to a Stable Grid: Your system actively supports the reliability of the electricity network.
• Future-Ready Technology: Our systems are designed to integrate with your future home electrification needs. 

• Initial Investment: The comprehensive nature of the "No Bill" system involves purchasing a solar and battery system. For more information on what this could cost, view our article on Pricing.
• Fair Use Policy: The "No Bill" guarantee is subject to a fair use policy based on your historical energy consumption and future needs.
• System Requirements: Reposit provides the entire system to ensure optimal integration and performance for the "No Bill" guarantee.  

Who is this best for? People throughout NSW, ACT, VIC and QLD who want energy independence and electricity cost certainty, are willing to make an upfront investment for long-term "No Bill" benefits, and prefer a fully managed, hands-off solution.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Ultimately, the best solar and battery solution for you depends on your individual needs, budget, and energy goals.

• If you're looking for a basic way to reduce your bills and have some backup, a non-optimised system might be a starting point.
• If you want to maximise savings and potentially earn some revenue while still managing your electricity bills, an optimised system is a strong contender, keeping in mind that only in rare cases, would you completely eliminate your electricity bill.
• If you desire cost certainty and a fully managed, hands-off approach to achieving zero electricity bills while actively contributing to grid stability, Reposit’s "No Bill" system offers a unique solution.

We encourage you to carefully consider your priorities and explore each option in detail. If the idea of a "No Bill" future interests you, we're here to answer all your questions and help you determine if it's the right fit for your home.

Have any questions about Solar and Battery systems? Get in touch today.