Can Solar Panels Be Recycled?

Here's why installing solar panels and battery systems on your investment property is a great decision for Australian landlords.

As the demand for renewable energy in Australia grows, so does the need for skilled professionals to install and maintain solar energy systems such as solar panels. But these talented people don’t grow on trees. At Think, we make it our mission to find only the best people for our team. We recruit not only those who are skilled and have the right expertise for the job, but also those who are passionate about the environment and the role they play in working for a cleaner, greener world. As you can imagine, finding this potent mix of passion and proficiency is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. And that’s why we decided to call in the professionals. Why Finding the Right People Matters Renewable energy isn't just another industry. It's a dynamic sector that’s fast shaping the future of our planet. That’s why we need individuals who understand the intricacies of solar, battery, EV chargers, heat pumps, and other renewable technologies. But technical expertise is just one piece of the puzzle. We want to hire people who are driven by a genuine desire to make a difference. When recruiting for our team, we look for people who are: Innovative and Efficient: The renewable energy sector is constantly evolving. We need team members who are curious, creative problem-solvers who can push boundaries and develop cutting-edge solutions. Customer-Focused: At the heart of everything we do lies a commitment to our customers. We need individuals who are passionate about providing exceptional service, ensuring every customer feels empowered and supported on their renewable energy journey. Knowledgeable: A deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, technological advancements, and market trends is crucial for navigating the complexities of renewable energy. Building a Team That's Passionate About the Cause In the renewable energy sector, customer-centricity is so important. Technical skills can be learned, but passion for a cause and a desire to help people are qualities that come naturally to the right person. Our commitment to putting customers first drives every decision we make, and this ethos begins with our team. By ensuring that each member shares our values and commitment to excellence, we can guarantee that our customers receive nothing but the best—whether it's in the form of cutting-edge technology, impeccable service, or expert advice. We’re proud that our team now consists of more than 40 like-minded individuals that show up every day with a passion for making a difference. But we didn’t get there alone. Partnering with the Professionals Partnering with a recruitment agency has been one of the best things we’ve done to ensure our customers get the service and expertise they deserve. Our recruitment partner, WOW Recruitment , has helped us overcome several challenges when it comes to finding top talent for our renewable energy company. Here’s how: Leveraged their Network Recruitment agencies have access to a vast pool of pre-vetted candidates with specialised skills and experience in the renewable energy sector. This significantly reduced the time and resources we needed to dedicate to the recruitment process, allowing us to spend our time better helping our customers. Engaged in Targeted Searches A recruitment agency that specialises in renewable energy understands the specific skill sets and personalities needed for success in this industry. WOW tailored their search to attract a pool of talent that perfectly aligned with our company culture and values. Shared Industry Expertise WOW’s deep understanding of the job market dynamics within the renewable energy sector helped us, and continues to help us, stay competitive in terms of salary and benefits so we can make sure our team always feels valued. Prioritised Passion WOW assessed not just someone’s qualifications on paper but also their genuine interest and enthusiasm for the field. We were able to find individuals who were genuinely excited to be part of something bigger than themselves, who were invested in the company's mission, and who would go the extra mile to see our vision come to life. Scaling and Growing Our Team for a Sustainable Future As the demand for renewable energy solutions continues to grow, so too does the need for our team to expand. Similar to one of our fantastic partners, Tesla, we’re a highly ambitious company, and that’s why we’ve found that partnering with a recruitment agency becomes even more valuable during the growth phase. Because recruitment agencies have the experience and resources to manage a high volume of applications efficiently, they can help fill positions quickly and efficiently, making sure that our team has the capacity to handle increased solar power needs and offer comprehensive customer support. Through partnering with WOW, we’ve been able to scale our operations and position our passionate team as leaders in the renewable energy sector. Empowering Our Team, Empowering Our Customers Ultimately, finding the right people has a direct impact on every aspect of our business. A passionate, knowledgeable team translates into exceptional customer service, cutting-edge solutions, and a company culture that is driven by a shared commitment to sustainability. We’re also able to deliver exceptional service to a wider range of customers across Australia. With teams all over the country, including Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, the Southern Highlands, and Brisbane and the Gold Coast, we’re empowering more and more people to make the switch to clean energy with confidence. It's a win-win scenario for everyone involved: we gain the talent we need to thrive, our new team members join a rewarding career path, and together, we push the boundaries of what's possible in the exciting world of renewable energy. The Right People for the Job If you’ve been thinking about investing in solar power in Australia, our expert team of passionate solar installers can get the job done right. Our installation team is made up of fully-licensed and CEC-accredited electricians who absolutely love the work they do. With Think Renewable, you get a sustainable energy solution, an excellent return on your investment, and top-notch after sale care. Plus, you get a team of people who are here to help support you on your journey towards a more sustainable future. Get in touch with us today for practical solar power solutions that work for you. About WOW Recruitment WOW recruits for the future. That’s what makes them experts in recruitment for the renewable energy industry. The team at their Sydney recruitment agency understands the long-term goals of their clients so that they can inspire everyone to achieve lasting success. Their high-level research, in-depth process, and instinct for recruitment mean they’re equipped to take on even the toughest of briefs.

It's no secret that electricity prices in Australia have been steadily climbing for years. In fact, electricity prices have increased by an average of 72% over the past decade .

Thanks to Australia's abundant sunshine, many of us have turned to solar power not just as a nod to environmentally-friendly practices but as a savvy financial move. While it's tempting to simply enjoy the benefits of clean energy generation and storage, understanding how to optimise your solar battery is key to maximising its lifespan and its power. Like any other technology, proper care and operation are essential to getting the most out of your solar battery storage system. That’s why we've put together some of the best actionable tips you can try today to optimise your solar battery storage system. Understanding Solar Battery Storage Before diving into optimisation strategies, it’s crucial to understand what a solar battery storage system does. Essentially, this system acts as a bank for solar energy, capturing and storing the excess power produced by your solar panels during peak sunlight hours. Solar panels can only generate electricity when the sun is shining, but of course, you don’t just switch off all of your energy sources at sunset. This is where the solar battery storage system comes into play. Solar batteries provide a continuous energy supply, ensuring that the excess energy generated on sunny days is not wasted but instead saved for nighttime or cloudy days, when solar panels are less effective or inactive. How to Optimise Solar Batteries The key to maximising the potential of your solar battery lies in efficient management of charging and discharging, maintenance, and constant monitoring. So let’s get into it. Charging and Discharging Strategies 1. Maximise Solar Charging To ensure your battery is primarily charged by solar power, you can monitor your system's energy production and consumption patterns. Aim to run high-energy appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during peak solar production hours to reduce reliance on the grid and increase your energy savings. 2. Discharge Smartly Avoid discharging your battery too quickly. Set your system to supply power during peak tariff periods if your energy provider charges variable rates based on the time of use. This way, you use your stored solar energy when it’s most financially advantageous to you. 3. Understand Your Battery’s Capacity Knowing your battery's capacity and depth of discharge (DOD) limit is vital. The DOD is the amount of depletion of the battery—if your battery is drained completely, its DOD will be 100%, but when it’s fully charged, the DOD will be 0%. The manufacturer of your solar battery will have particular guidelines for the recommended DOD; for example, they may not recommend letting the battery deplete entirely. Always aim to keep within these guidelines, as discharging beyond the recommended DOD can significantly shorten your battery’s lifespan. Maintenance for Longevity 1. Regular Check-ups Just like any other component of your home, your battery system requires regular maintenance. Early detection of issues can prevent costly repairs down the line, so make sure to schedule inspections with a certified technician to ensure all of the parts are functioning correctly. 2. Keep It Cool Batteries operate best in cool, stable temperatures. Extreme heat can be detrimental to their lifespan and efficiency, so consider installing your battery in a shaded or internally cool area of your home. Maybe think about adding ventilation or air conditioning if you live in a particularly hot region. 3. Update Your System Software Like your computers and smartphones, software updates can optimise your battery system's performance and introduce new features that enhance efficiency. Ensure that your system's firmware is always up-to-date by checking in with your provider or setting up automatic updates if available. Monitoring and Adjustment 1. Use Monitoring Tools Most modern solar battery systems come with monitoring tools that provide real-time data on energy production and consumption. Use this data to adjust your energy use patterns and improve your system's efficiency. Identifying trends can help you make informed decisions about when to use your stored energy. 2. Adjust Settings Based on the Season As the seasons change, so will your energy needs and solar production levels so you’ll need to adjust your system settings accordingly. For example, you might choose to store more energy during summer when production is high and use more grid energy in winter, depending on your consumption needs and the specifics of your solar setup. 3. Engage with Your Energy Provider Some energy providers offer programs or incentives for feeding excess solar energy back into the grid. Get in touch with your provider to understand how you can make the most of these opportunities, balancing the benefits of grid export against the advantages of storing energy for personal use. Embracing Technology for Enhanced Efficiency 1. Smart Home Integration If you have a smart home system, integrating your solar battery into this system can help you automate your energy usage and prioritise solar energy for high-demand periods, enhancing overall efficiency. 2. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances One thing that can really take the pressure off your solar battery is to invest in energy-efficient appliances. Less energy use means less need to draw from your battery storage, maximising the solar energy you can use directly. Finding the Balance Optimising your solar battery storage system is an ongoing process that requires attention and adjustment. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure your system operates at peak efficiency, providing maximum savings and environmental benefits. Remember, every solar battery storage system is unique, and strategies that work for one household may not be as effective for another. It’s about finding the right balance that suits your energy needs, lifestyle, and goals. As one of Australia’s leading solar battery specialists, Think Renewable is committed to helping you navigate this journey, offering expert advice and support every step of the way. We are a proudly 100% Australian-owned and operated business with local customer service support and offices in WA, NSW, and QLD. We make solar simple, affordable, and sustainable. Together, we can make the most of your investment in renewable energy, creating a more sustainable future for all Australians. Contact us for more information.

To help you avoid the cowboys and find a trustworthy solar energy installer in Australia, we’ve put together a few important things you’ll need to consider.

Discover a smarter, eco-friendly solution for hot water in Australia with the heat pump system. Learn how it outshines traditional solar systems in performance and sustainability.

The 1st of January is an important date for many people around the world, but if you’ve been thinking of installing solar panels, it’s less of a celebration and more of a disappointment. Why? Because the solar rebates offered by the Australian government decrease on this date every year. What is the STC rebate? If you’ve been looking into installing solar panels, you might be familiar with the STC rebate, but, like anything related to government policy, it can be pretty complex. The general gist of this government grant for solar panels in Australia is to encourage homeowners and businesses to install solar systems by offering financial incentives. This particular incentive, known as the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (or SRES), was introduced in 2011 by the Australian Federal Government. Under this scheme, whenever you buy solar, you’ll be awarded a certain number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (or STCs). These STCs can then be passed on to your solar installer in exchange for a discount. The number of STCs you’ll be given depends on a few things, including the size of the system you’re purchasing and the area where you live. Similar to investment stocks, the value of an STC changes according to the market. Why are the STC rebates decreasing? The STC rebates are decreasing because the entire STC rebate programme is being phased out and will end in 2030. To do this, the government is slowly reducing the number of STCs available for people who install solar systems. That’s why each year on the 1st of January, the number of STCs that you’re entitled to receive decreases. For example, if someone in Brisbane purchased and installed a 6.6kW solar power system in 2022, they would have received 82 STCs (a discount of about $3,116*). If the same person waited until 2023 to purchase, they would only receive 72 STCs (a discount of about $2,736*). Every year you wait to have a solar system installed is another year you miss out on more STCs and a bigger discount. *Based on an average STC price of $38. What kind of discount can I receive? As we mentioned, the amount of STCs you can receive, and therefore how much money you can save, depends on a few different factors. These include the size of your solar panel system, the zone you live in, the value of STCs at the time of installation, and the year that you have your system installed. 1. The size of your solar panel system The number of STCs you can receive is based on how much ‘green’ electricity your system will produce. For example, the bigger your solar panel system, the bigger the amount of electricity produced and the more STCs you’ll receive. 2. The STC zone you live in Australia has been separated into four different zones according to how much solar energy each area can generate. Every zone has its own rating—for example, Alice Springs (Zone 1) can generate more solar energy than Sydney (Zone 3) due to higher amounts of sunlight, so it has a higher rating of 1.622. The higher the rating of your zone, the more STCs you’re eligible to receive. To make it easier for you, take a look at the Zone Map below. 

Imagine a world where you have the power to store the sun's energy during the day and use it at night or during cloudy days. That's where battery storage comes in. By coupling battery storage with your solar system, you can unlock a whole new level of energy independence and significantly reduce your reliance on the grid. Australia, with its abundant sunlight, is the perfect place to embrace solar power. In recent years, solar installations have been soaring across the country. According to the Clean Energy Council, Australia reached a phenomenal milestone of 2 million solar installations in 2021, with one in four Australian households now equipped with solar panels. However, relying solely on solar panels to power your home during non-sunny hours can be a challenge. This is where battery storage shines. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider integrating battery storage with your solar system: 1. Self-Sufficiency and Resilience With battery storage, you no longer have to worry about blackouts or power interruptions. By storing excess energy generated from your solar panels during the day, you can tap into that stored power when needed, ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted energy supply. This level of self-sufficiency adds an extra layer of resilience to your household, providing peace of mind during extreme weather events or unforeseen circumstances. 2. Maximising Solar Investment Investing in solar panels is a smart financial decision, but without battery storage, much of that potential energy goes to waste. By adding battery storage to your solar system, you can capture and use the excess energy generated during the day, reducing your need to rely on grid-supplied electricity during peak times. This ultimately maximises the return on your solar investment by minimising your electricity bills and potentially even earning you credits through feed-in tariffs. 3. Shifting Towards a Sustainable Future By combining solar power with battery storage, you contribute to the broader movement towards a sustainable and green future. Battery storage helps to make the most efficient use of renewable energy, reducing the need for fossil fuel-based power generation. As more households adopt solar systems with battery storage, we collectively move closer to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable energy system that benefits both our planet and future generations. What Will Your Battery System Cost? Now that you understand the advantages of integrating battery storage with your solar system, you may be wondering about the cost and availability. It's important to note that battery storage costs have been steadily declining in recent years, making it an increasingly viable option for homeowners. Additionally, an increasing number of energy retailers and government incentives are making battery storage more accessible and affordable. Diverse perspectives and experiences are essential in understanding the benefits and challenges of battery storage. It's crucial to seek advice from renewable energy experts and explore different viewpoints to find the right solution for your unique circumstances. Collaborating with renewable energy providers can help you evaluate the financial feasibility, installation, and maintenance requirements of battery storage systems. Summary At Think Renewable, we believe in a future that's powered by clean, renewable energy. Battery storage is an integral piece of the puzzle, allowing us to make the most of our solar systems and create a sustainable future. Embrace the power of battery storage and unlock the full potential of your solar investment! Ready to take the next step? Think Renewable’s expert team of solar and battery specialists will ensure you get the best deal possible, connecting you with the ideal solar battery system for your household’s needs. Contact us to get started.

Just how do solar panels help with climate change? Find out here why solar power is a key player in Australia’s charge towards net zero.