Southside Solar & Electrical is a licensed solar energy provider based in Perth, Australia. We offer end-to-end solutions for residential solar PV systems, battery storage, & ongoing maintenance.
Our in-house team manages the entire process—from application & design to installation—ensuring tailored solutions & consistent after-sales support.
We specialise in grid-connected, off-grid, & hybrid solar systems, as well as EV chargers & hot water heat pumps. Our commitment to quality & customer satisfaction is reflected in our 5-star rating on SolarQuotes.
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Choose Southside Solar & Electrical for reliable, efficient, & comprehensive solar energy solutions.
https://southsidesolar.com.au/
0466 484 644
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Solar Panel Maintenance Perth – Why Servicing Protects Your Investment
Is your solar system operating at full capacity?
In this short video, Southside Solar and Electrical explain why structured Solar Panel Maintenance Perth is essential for protecting system performance, maintaining warranty compliance and sustaining long-term return on investment.
The Truth About Solar Panel Installation in Perth Homes
How profitable is Solar Panel Installation Perth really?
In this episode of Inside Solar Panel Installation Perth, we break down the real numbers behind residential solar systems in WA.
We discuss:
• Correct system sizing for Perth homes
• Roof orientation & performance output
• Inverter quality & long-term reliability
• Grid approvals & compliance requirements
• Battery integration strategy
• Long-term return on investment
Presented by Southside Solar and Electrical, this episode focuses on performance, compliance and sustainable cost reduction — not marketing hype.
Your inverter could be the issue. In this video, Southside Solar and Electrical shares expert insights into solar inverter replacement, optimisation & upgrade solutions for Perth conditions.
From monitoring performance to future battery integration — we help Perth homeowners and businesses get maximum value from their solar systems.
🎥 Watch the full video now:
https://youtu.be/FKPou2JaZo8?si=ntxCankMlOOP30Ey
Maximising savings after Solar Panel Installation Perth isn’t just about putting panels on the roof — it’s about how you use them.
In this episode of Inside Solar Panel Installation Perth, we discuss smart energy habits, system monitoring, maintenance insights & why post‑installation strategy makes a measurable difference to long‑term power savings.
Featuring practical advice from Southside Solar and Electrical, this episode is ideal for Perth homeowners looking to get more value from their solar investment.
Is it time to replace your solar panels in Perth?
Old or underperforming panels can reduce energy efficiency & increase your bills. Our latest video explains when to replace your solar panels and how Southside Solar & Electrical ensures a professional, compliant upgrade.
🎥 Watch the video now: https://youtu.be/srK_lIuL0EU?si=T-5rATTL32c_FiHQ
How to Choose the Right Solar System for Your Perth Property
Our latest episode of Inside Solar Panel Installation Perth breaks down how to size a system, select a reliable inverter, assess battery options & maximise long-term efficiency for WA homes & businesses.
Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7dy64pJmZSduCunr2twekf?si=QtP4l4HJS8u5ijFOmeT8Jw
Powered by Southside Solar & Electrical.
Need dependable solar panel replacement in Perth?
At Southside Solar & Electrical, we help homeowners restore system performance and maximise solar efficiency. Our qualified electricians replace old or damaged panels with premium, high-efficiency options that meet Australian standards.
✅ Full system inspection
✅ Safe panel removal & installation
✅ Performance optimisation
🎥 Watch now to see how our team keeps Perth homes running efficiently:
👉 https://youtu.be/1VkOTMuYYTU?si=VhVYSP4sWx57jQpK
The Truth About Solar Panel Installation in Perth Homes ☀️
Ever wondered what really happens during a Solar Panel Installation in Perth?
In this episode of Inside Solar Panel Installation Perth, the experts from Southside Solar & Electrical reveal the facts behind system design, installation, and performance optimisation for Perth homes.
Learn how professional solar design boosts efficiency & reduces long-term costs.
🎧 Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1AEVBsrh9IpPeR9TKxkYVz?si=tcxUFBDNTj6clgAF5Ah9nw
Powering Perth Businesses with Solar Panel Installation Perth
Energy efficiency is no longer optional — it’s essential. ⚡
In this video, South Side Solar explains how Solar Panel Installation Perth is helping homes & businesses cut energy costs, improve sustainability & gain long-term value.
💡 Local expertise, certified installations & reliable performance — that’s South Side Solar.
▶ Watch now: https://youtu.be/siouqnBcTjY?si=OnwtckAmSxerZyBb
How Solar Panel Installation Perth Is Transforming Local Businesses
Energy costs are rising — but Perth companies are turning to smarter solutions. ☀️
In this episode of The Solar ‘Panel’ Perth, we explore how South Side Solar helps local businesses reduce bills, improve sustainability & strengthen their bottom line.
🎧 Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6GRowQXv1SWoZx4IfS5KjM?si=d1phGe2jSwuxFpwdad6b5w
How to Size Your Inverter & Battery System for Year-Round Reliability in Perth
Ensuring uninterrupted power supply in Perth requires careful planning when sizing your inverter and battery system. Perth’s climate, with long sunny summers and cooler, shorter winter days, means solar energy generation and consumption patterns change throughout the year. Choosing the right balance of inverter capacity and battery storage is key to ensuring efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Understanding Your Energy Load
The first step in system design is to calculate your energy consumption. This involves:
Reviewing electricity bills to identify daily, monthly & seasonal usage.
Categorising loads into essential (fridges, lighting, communications) and non-essential (pool pumps, entertainment systems).
Considering peak demand, which is the maximum energy drawn at one time, to ensure your inverter can handle it.
By identifying your base load (minimum daily usage) and seasonal spikes, you establish the foundation for system capacity requirements.
Sizing the Inverter
The inverter is responsible for converting DC power from solar panels and batteries into usable AC power for your home or business. Correct sizing is critical:
Match demand: The inverter should meet or exceed the peak load to avoid shutdowns.
Allow headroom: Oversizing slightly ensures capacity for future appliances or increased consumption.
Efficiency balance: An oversized inverter may operate inefficiently at low loads, while an undersized inverter risks overload.
Professional suppliers of solar inverters Perth can advise on models tailored to both residential and commercial applications.
Calculating Battery Storage Needs
Battery capacity determines how long your system can run without input from solar panels or the grid. Key considerations include:
Depth of discharge (DoD): Only a percentage of the battery’s capacity is usable.
Autonomy: How many hours or days you want backup power for, especially during cloudy winter weeks.
Recharge rate: Batteries must recharge quickly enough during daylight hours to cover night-time usage.
Lithium batteries, with higher DoD and longer lifespans, are increasingly the standard for reliable storage.
Seasonal Demand Changes in Perth
Perth households typically consume more energy in summer due to air conditioning, while winter days produce less solar energy. To design for year-round reliability:
Factor in lower solar generation in June–August when daylight is shortest.
Size storage to cover night heating loads in winter.
Consider smart load management, such as scheduling pool pumps or EV charging during peak solar hours.
This seasonal balancing ensures you don’t overinvest in equipment while still maintaining consistent reliability.
Steps to Right-Sizing Your System
Audit your load: Establish daily, peak & seasonal consumption patterns.
Choose inverter capacity: Match to peak demand with margin for growth.
Size batteries: Align with night-time loads & backup requirements.
Plan for seasonal variation: Adjust design for Perth’s summer/winter differences.
Engage experts: Local installers provide insights into regional conditions and regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
A well-sized inverter and battery system provides stable, cost-efficient energy across Perth’s changing seasons. By calculating energy loads accurately, matching inverter capacity to demand, and ensuring adequate battery storage, homeowners and businesses can achieve long-term reliability. Professional consultation with solar battery Perth specialists ensures your system is tailored for performance, resilience, and future energy needs.
Ensuring uninterrupted power supply in Perth requires careful planning when sizing your inverter and battery system. Perth’s climate, with l
Common Myths About Solar Panel Installation Perth – Busted!
Tired of hearing solar is “too expensive” or “doesn’t work on cloudy days”?
We’re setting the record straight in the latest episode of The Solar ‘Panel’ Perth. Discover how Perth homes & businesses are saving money and boosting sustainability with solar.
Diagnosing Common Inverter & Battery Faults in Solar Systems
This beginner-friendly guide explains the common reasons solar systems stop, slow down, or show error messages. It covers three everyday issues—overvoltage, underperformance, & error codes—and gives simple steps to try before contacting a licensed electrician in Perth.
First: basic safety
Do not open enclosures or covers. Internal parts hold dangerous voltages even when switched off.
Use the manufacturer’s on/off procedure only (usually labelled MAIN SWITCH (INVERTER SUPPLY), DC isolators, & battery switch).
If there is a burning smell, heat discolouration, or tripping breakers, turn the system off using the labelled switches & call a professional.
What the main parts do
Panels make DC electricity from sunlight.
Inverter turns that DC into household AC power.
Battery stores excess energy for night-time or peak tariffs.
Monitoring app/portal shows status, energy flows & fault messages.
Quick checks anyone can do
Is the system on? Look for a screen light or status LED on the inverter/battery. If blank, check the solar/battery switches & the relevant circuit breaker in the switchboard.
Internet/monitoring: If the app is offline, data & error messages may be missing. Reconnect Wi-Fi/Ethernet so you can see live status.
Time & date: Wrong time settings can block charging or exporting during the day. Correct the clock in the app if needed.
Shading & cleanliness: New shade (trees, antennas) or dirty panels reduces output. If safe to view from the ground, check for obvious shade or dirt. Arrange cleaning if heavily soiled.
Recent work on site: Roof repairs, switchboard work, or re-wiring can disturb solar cabling or metering. Note any recent changes when speaking to an electrician.
Issue 1: Overvoltage (system turns off in the middle of sunny days)
What it looks like: The inverter works in the morning, then repeatedly shuts down around midday on clear days. The app may mention “grid voltage high” or similar.
Why it happens (plain English): When many homes export solar at once, the street voltage can rise. The inverter protects the property by turning itself off until the voltage falls.
What to do next:
Write down the times it shuts down (e.g., 12:10–13:20).
Take screenshots of the message in the app.
Restart once using the maker’s on/off steps (do not keep power-cycling repeatedly).
If the pattern continues, contact your electricity retailer or network operator and report suspected high voltage at the property. A licensed electrician can also check cable sizes, connections, & settings.
Issue 2: Underperformance (making less energy than expected)
What it looks like: Bills go up, the daily total in the app is lower than usual, or the battery charges more slowly than before—without any clear error message.
Common causes (simple list):
Shade or dirt on panels; very hot days can also reduce output.
Mixed panel directions on one input, or a weak panel in a group pulling the others down.
App schedules, “zero-export” limits, or tariff settings limiting power.
Loose or weather-affected outdoor switches and connectors.
What to do next:
Compare a clear, mild day this month with the same season last year in the app.
Check for new shade (growing trees, new structures).
Make sure any battery charge/discharge schedules match your tariff & time zone.
If output stays low, book a health check: an electrician can test strings, thermal-scan hot joints, & confirm settings.
Issue 3: Error codes (what they usually mean)
Every brand uses different wording, but most messages fall into a few groups:
Grid issue / overvoltage / frequency: Usually a street-supply problem or site voltage rise. Record times & contact the retailer/network if frequent.
PV voltage out of range / DC error: Panel wiring count or temperature effects need checking; an electrician may re-configure the strings.
Insulation / ground fault / RCD: Moisture or damaged cable. Turn off using the labelled switches & arrange service.
Relay/self-test: Internal safety parts or unstable supply. Requires testing by a professional.
Battery communication / BMS / temperature: Data cable, software, or temperature limits. Check that the battery area is cool & unobstructed; collect screenshots & call for support if it persists.
Battery problems explained simply
“Battery not charging/empty by evening”: Check schedules, cheap-rate windows, & time zone. Very hot or cold locations also slow charging. Keep vents clear.
“Battery percentage stuck at 100% or 0%”: The gauge can lose its place. Many brands provide a guided “full cycle” to recalibrate—follow the app/manual or ask a technician to assist.
“Battery drains faster than it used to”: New appliances, seasonal changes, or settings (e.g., backup reserve too low/high) can explain the change. If unchanged and still worse, book a service check.
“Noises, swelling, heat, or smell”: Turn off using the labelled switches & call a licensed electrician immediately.
When to call a professional urgently
Repeated shutdowns with burning smell or visible damage.
Water ingress after storms.
Breakers or safety switches that keep tripping.
Error codes returning immediately after a single safe restart.
Useful information to collect before a service visit
Photos of labels (inverter & battery model/serial number).
Screenshots of the app showing errors & the daily graph.
Dates/times when the issue occurs.
Any recent electrical or roofing work at the property.
Install date & warranty documents if available.
Simple care schedule
Every 3–6 months: Check the app is online, review daily/weekly graphs, keep the battery area ventilated, & arrange panel cleaning if very dirty.
Every 12 months: Ask for a routine solar/battery inspection (outdoor switches, connections, settings, firmware).
After heatwaves/storms: Visual check for loose covers, cracked conduits, or water marks (no opening enclosures).
Conclusion
Diagnosing inverter & battery faults relies on recognising patterns—midday shutdowns that suggest overvoltage, sustained low yield that signals shading or configuration limits, & clear error codes that pinpoint the affected part. Begin with safe checks, record timestamps/screenshots, verify time zones/schedules, & avoid repeated resets to preserve logs. If issues persist, engage a licensed electrician experienced with Solar inverters Perth to confirm grid voltage, string health, metering & communications, then calibrate storage for a dependable solar battery Perth setup that restores performance, protects warranties & minimises downtime.
This beginner-friendly guide explains the common reasons solar systems stop, slow down, or show error messages. It covers three everyday iss
Diagnosing Common Inverter & Battery Faults in Solar Systems in Perth
Solar systems have become increasingly popular across Perth for their long-term savings and environmental benefits. However, maintaining peak system performance requires prompt identification and resolution of inverter and battery faults. Understanding these common issues not only prevents costly downtime but also extends the operational lifespan of your solar investment.
Understanding the Role of Solar Inverters & Batteries
Solar inverters convert DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity suitable for household or business use. Meanwhile, solar batteries store excess energy for use during peak hours or grid outages. When either component underperforms or fails, the system’s overall efficiency is compromised.
1. Overvoltage and System Shutdowns
One of the most frequently encountered inverter issues in Perth’s high-sunlight conditions is overvoltage. This occurs when the inverter receives more electricity than it can safely handle, triggering an automatic shutdown. Causes include:
Grid voltage fluctuations (common in suburban networks)
Incorrect system configuration
Panel oversizing without proper voltage matching
Troubleshooting Tip: Use voltage logging tools to identify fluctuations. An experienced technician can adjust inverter settings or install voltage optimisers to stabilise performance.
2. Underperformance of Solar Batteries
In a typical solar battery Perth setup, performance degradation can stem from:
Poor temperature regulation (excessive heat in summer months)
Inadequate charging cycles
Faulty battery management system (BMS)
Early signs include faster-than-normal depletion, failure to charge fully, or limited discharge capacity. If left unchecked, it may lead to full battery failure and void warranties.
Troubleshooting Tip: Review BMS logs and ensure the unit operates within the manufacturer’s optimal temperature range. Cleaning air vents and repositioning the battery may help avoid overheating.
3. Inverter Error Codes & LED Indicators
Modern inverters display error codes that signal issues such as:
Isolation faults
Grid faults
Overtemperature warnings
Arc faults
Each manufacturer uses unique codes, but red or flashing LED lights typically signal an urgent fault.
Troubleshooting Tip: Reference the manufacturer’s manual for error code meanings. Resetting the inverter may clear minor faults, but persistent codes require professional diagnosis.
4. Communication Failures Between Inverter & Battery
Many systems now rely on hybrid inverter setups that must synchronise with the battery’s BMS. Communication faults result in:
No charge or discharge activity
Incorrect performance reporting
Data loss from monitoring apps
Troubleshooting Tip: Ensure firmware is updated and check the physical data cable or wireless connection. Reset both the inverter and battery to reinitiate the handshake protocol.
5. Grid Compliance and Western Power Settings
Perth-based systems must comply with Western Power voltage and frequency settings. Non-compliance can lead to frequent shutdowns or restricted export to the grid.
Troubleshooting Tip: Confirm inverter configuration matches local DNSP (Distribution Network Service Provider) parameters. This may require certified installer support for software-level adjustments.
Preventative Measures for Long-Term Reliability
Regular maintenance inspections: Identify early-stage faults before they affect performance.
System monitoring apps: Use platforms that track inverter output and battery health in real time.
Firmware updates: Keep inverter and battery software up to date for improved compatibility and fault resolution.
Professional servicing: Engage a licensed solar technician for annual system health checks and recalibration.
Choosing the Right Support in Perth
When troubleshooting issues with solar inverters Perth or ensuring optimal function of your solar battery Perth, it’s essential to work with professionals experienced in local conditions, electrical regulations, and technology-specific diagnostics. Whether it’s addressing error codes or replacing failing components, prompt action safeguards your system’s return on investment and long-term performance.
Conclusion
Effective solar system operation hinges on timely fault diagnosis and informed intervention. Overvoltage, underperformance, communication errors, and inverter faults are all common but manageable with the right technical insight. For Perth households and businesses, proactive troubleshooting and ongoing maintenance are critical in maximising solar output and reliability.
If you’re experiencing persistent solar system issues, consider consulting a qualified solar technician who understands the nuances of Perth’s grid and climate.
Maintaining system performance requires identification and resolution of inverter and battery faults. Understanding these common issues prev
Solar Panel Installation in Perth — What to Expect
What really happens during a solar panel installation in Perth? In this episode of The Solar ‘Panel’ Perth, we speak with a rep from Southside Solar and Electrical to walk through the full process — from property assessment and tailored design to professional installation and aftercare.
✅ Clean Energy Council-accredited installers
✅ Customised system sizing
✅ Premium products (Jinko, REC, Tesla Powerwall)
✅ STCs & DEBS rebates support
✅ 10-year workmanship warranty
Perth averages 3,200+ hours of sunshine annually — making it one of the best places in Australia for solar energy. In this episode of The Solar ‘Panel’ Perth, we break down the real reasons more locals are investing in solar panels — from lower electricity bills to energy independence and future-proofing homes & businesses.
🎧 Learn how Southside Solar and Electrical is helping Perth residents tap into smart solar solutions tailored to their usage, roof type, and budget — using premium tech like Jinko & REC, with CEC-accredited installations & 10-year workmanship guarantees.
