Practical Power Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers about PPS, battery storage, solar, savings, installation, backup power, energy plans and future EV charging.

How much could I save with PPS?

PPS estimates savings using each household’s actual electricity bill over a period of time. By reviewing usage, tariffs and energy-cost information, we can compare system options and recommend a battery or solar-battery setup that is appropriate for the home.

The PPS calculator helps show estimated annual savings, customer price, payback period and return on investment. The aim is to recommend a system based on your household’s real energy use, not guesswork.

How do we know if we qualify for battery rebates?

Battery rebate eligibility depends on the scheme rules, the property, the battery system, whether a previous battery rebate has been claimed at the site, and whether the premises has new or existing solar.

PPS can assess likely eligibility before proceeding, but final confirmation is completed through the approved installer and required compliance process.

Are VPP rebates included in the displayed system price?

VPP rebates are separate from the standard system price unless clearly stated.

A VPP rebate may be available after installation through a participating retailer, depending on the customer’s chosen plan and program terms. Participation usually means the retailer or VPP operator may have some level of access to control or draw from the battery under the program terms.

How does the battery system work?

In simple terms, the system is designed to store usable energy when it is available and then power the home later when grid electricity may be more expensive.

The exact strategy depends on your bill, solar production, tariff structure, battery size and household usage pattern.

How can the battery charge during a free-power period while the home is also using appliances?

If your household is on an eligible time-based energy plan, the battery may be scheduled to charge during the available free-power or lower-cost period.

The home can still use electricity during that same period. However, the battery charging rate and appliance usage share the available system and grid capacity. If the home is using a lot of power at the same time, the battery may charge more slowly or may not reach full charge within the window.

PPS reviews your usage, tariff structure, inverter capacity and battery size to create a practical charging strategy for your home.

Why does PPS recommend GoodWe?

PPS recommends GoodWe because it provides a strong combination of battery and inverter integration, practical installation options, monitoring, manufacturer support and warranty backing.

The goal is to use a reliable system that supports the PPS approach: practical sizing, bill-led recommendations and long-term household energy value.

How long does a battery last and what is the warranty?

PPS installs GoodWe battery systems. Warranty coverage depends on the exact product model, installation requirements, commissioning and manufacturer warranty terms.

PPS will confirm the applicable warranty details for the exact battery and inverter package recommended for your home.

Where does the battery get installed?

A battery system is ideally installed somewhere practical and close to the switchboard where possible, but the final location must be confirmed by a site inspection.

The battery should be protected from direct sunlight where practical and must be installed in a compliant location. It should not obstruct exits, evacuation paths or unsuitable habitable areas.

How long does installation take?

Most installations take around 1–2 days, depending on the system size, site layout, switchboard condition and installation complexity.

PPS will provide a clearer timeframe after the site inspection.

Can the battery provide essential or whole-home backup during a blackout?

Battery backup is possible, but it usually requires additional backup configuration and electrical work.

Some homes may only need essential circuit backup, such as lights, fridge, TV and Wi-Fi. Broader or whole-home backup may also be possible, but this depends on the switchboard, inverter capacity, battery system, household loads and site design.

PPS can assess the right backup option after reviewing your switchboard, battery system and the circuits you want supported.

Are both single-phase and three-phase homes compatible?

Yes. Battery and solar-battery solutions can be designed for both single-phase and three-phase homes.

The exact equipment and configuration depend on the property, switchboard, existing solar, battery size and installation requirements.

Would I need to change electricity provider?

Not always. The right electricity provider depends on your current plan, tariff structure, meter setup and whether you want to participate in eligible time-based energy offers.

PPS can review whether your current plan is still suitable, or whether another retailer may offer a better outcome based on the way your battery will operate. It is important to compare the full plan, not just one free or discounted period.

What is Solar Sharer and how does it relate to battery storage?

Solar Sharer is designed to give eligible households access to a free electricity period during the middle of the day, subject to eligibility, retailer participation and sign-up.

For a battery household, this may create an opportunity to charge the battery during the day and use stored energy later. PPS reviews whether this type of plan actually suits your household before building it into your recommendation.

Do I need a smart meter for Solar Sharer or time-based energy plans?

A smart meter is generally required for time-based energy plans because the retailer needs to measure when electricity is being used.

If your bill already shows peak and off-peak usage, this may indicate that your home already has smart-meter or time-of-use metering. PPS can help confirm this using your NMI, retailer, a meter photo or during the site inspection.

If we had an EV, could it be charged by this system?

Yes, an EV can be charged using the home energy system, but the best strategy depends on battery size, household usage and driving habits.

A practical approach may include small top-up charges during the week and daytime charging where possible, especially when solar generation or lower-cost energy is available.

Will the battery reduce reliance on non-renewable power?

A battery can help your home use more renewable energy by storing solar or eligible daytime energy for later use.

For homes with strong solar production, a battery can reduce the amount of solar energy exported to the grid and increase the amount used inside the home. It can also reduce reliance on grid electricity during evening and overnight periods.

Does the quoted price include GST?

PPS will clearly state whether your quoted system price is GST inclusive.

Any additional works, such as switchboard upgrades, meter-board defects or backup-power configuration, should be identified before the customer commits to installation.