Let’s take things back a step by introducing Origin Loop, and our Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Origin Loop is transforming the way people harness their solar energy by connecting hundreds of thousands of batteries and panels — and other energy assets like hot water systems and EVs — across countless locations and combining them into one big, virtual power station.

Why join the Loop?

The beauty of Origin Loop is its power to help balance the grid at times of peak demand, reducing the reliance on coal, gas and renewables that feed into the grid. When customers connect virtually to Loop, then generate solar energy through their home solar system and store it in their battery, Origin can pull on this stored energy. This energy can then be fed back into the grid, reduce the reliance on coal and gas. There are also perks in it for you too, at the moment, you’ll receive $1 – every time Origin discharges one kW of power from your battery and gives it to the grid.

There’s also a cherry on top, just to sweeten the deal. If you connect your eligible battery to Origin Loop on a no lock-in contract, you’ll get a $200 credit included on your next energy bill. That’s what we like to call a sign-up bonus. A little thank you for joining the VPP. On top of all that, you’ll get full visibility when Origin discharges power from your battery in our easy-to-use mobile app. And for added peace of mind, we’ll ensure you always have at least 20% of battery charge during a Loop event. So, you don’t need to worry about running out of power.

Tell me more about Loop…

We’re so glad you asked. Until recently, all the electricity you used in your home or business came from large power stations transported through power lines and distribution networks. But times, they are a’changing. 

Home energy is now more intelligent than ever. And smarter energy is all thanks to some of the smart folk at Origin. Our boffins built the Artificial Intelligence (AI) that powers Loop to help coordinate, and orchestrate, thousands of connected, remote energy assets virtually via the cloud.

Loop-connected product and services include home solar batteries, EVs with smart chargers, connected hot water systems, and even our energy saving reward program, Spike. And now we’re inviting more customers across Australia to join the Loop.

What if I don’t have a battery yet?

We can help! There’s a lot to consider, after all, you’re making a long-term investment with long-term rewards. So, we’ve pulled together a helpful guide about what you should look for when investing in a battery – and we made sure to have our experts weigh in.  A connected home really is the way of the future, and with Origin Loop, you can be sure that you’re making the most of your battery package – that extra $200 is really just the icing on the cake. Or the cherry on the icing of said cake. Whatever it is, you can have your cherry-garnished cake and eat it too.

The ‘fine print’ AKA eligibility

• You need to be a current Origin electricity customer or agree to sign up to an electricity plan with us and agree to our VPP BYO Terms and Conditions.
• Have a compatible battery and inverter installed at your home (from Tesla, AlphaESS, Sungrow, LG, Solax, GoodWe or Eveready with at least 5kwh capacity in the battery and at least 5kw capacity at the inverter).
• Have an operational solar system of at least 5kW capacity, that is compatible with your battery.
• Have continuous and reliable internet connection.
• Live in NSW, SA, VIC, QLD or the ACT

Whether you’re looking to switch to solar, get more from your energy assets, or simply keep your bills down, Origin Home can help show you the way.

The post Origin Loop and the benefits of battery storage appeared first on The Origin Blog.

What is a community battery?

A community battery is an energy storage system installed in a central location within the community – like a park, or an energy substation, or even on a power pole. It works like a big rechargeable battery, storing excess electricity including power generated from renewable sources during the day, such as solar panels, that is then shared by multiple households or businesses within a community. 

When there’s surplus renewable energy available, the battery stores it. Then, during periods of peak energy demand or when renewable sources aren’t producing, this energy can be supplied to the community. It’s like a collective energy bank, that benefits everyone involved!  

Why do we need community batteries?

The high uptake of rooftop solar – more than 3.5 million Aussie homes now have solar panels – has seen households generate large amounts of energy during the day. But, that’s also created a new challenge. The excess solar creates congestion on the transmission network – a bit like when there’s too many cars causing a traffic jam, slowing down your arrival at a destination. It’s the same when there’s too much solar in the electricity grid.  

A community battery puts this excess energy to good use, storing excess solar generated by rooftop panels and then sharing it back with the community – helping to balance the grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. It’s why we believe community batteries have an important role to play in Australia’s energy transition. 

How does it work?

Whether you have solar panels or not, you can enjoy the benefits of a community battery. If you’re eligible to access a community battery but don’t have solar, you can use a set amount of energy per day – and receive a rebate on your energy use. 

If you do have solar panels, it’s basically like renting storage space for your energy – without needing to install your own household battery. Excess solar (up to a set amount) is stored during the day and available for use when you need it. You’ll see savings in the form of credits every billing cycle for this exported energy. 

As an example for our Ipswich trial, after factoring in a monthly subscription fee, homes with solar could save up to $260 per year – and homes without solar could save more than $180 per year. 

Is there a community battery near me?

Depending on where you live, you may be able to access a community battery trial right now – but if not, there could be one coming to your neighbourhood soon. We’re currently involved in several trial programs, which will ultimately see around 80 community batteries accessed by 1,500 customers. This includes a program with Energex in the Queensland suburb of Ipswich, where we’re well on the way to our target of 35 batteries. 

In New South Wales, we’ve partnered with Endeavour on battery projects in western Sydney (Bungarribee), the South Coast (Kiama and Shell Cove) and the Southern Highlands (Bowral), and with Essential in regional locations including Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie, Armidale, Bathurst and Dubbo. 

The most recent battery launch, in August 2024, was with Ausgrid in the iconic Australian suburb of Bondi.

The post What are community batteries and how do they work? appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Two thirds of Aussie homes with solar have plans to install a battery within the next five years_[i] to help reduce their reliance on grid energy – signifying a growing appetite for more self-sufficient and sustainable homes. However, the process of disconnecting from the grid is still out of reach for the majority of Aussies – at least without significant up-front costs and a tolerance for occasional disruptions to power supply.

So, what does going off-grid actually mean for your home and your hip-pocket? We’ve put together some quick info on becoming a self-sufficient household, and why staying connected to the grid is a good safety net.

What are the benefits of battery storage for going off the grid?

Home batteries allow you to bank excess solar energy generated during the day so you can use it later, reducing your reliance on grid energy and helping to bring your energy bills down. For homes without battery storage, excess energy generated by their solar system is sent back to the grid – which means they’re not unlocking the full potential of their solar system.

Home batteries, such as the Tesla Powerwall and the LG Resu10 store excess solar energy generated throughout the day, providing power at night, on cloudy days, or when there’s a spike in energy use at home.

What’s required to go completely off the grid?

Going off-grid means completely disconnecting your home from the national energy grid, and relying solely on the energy generated from your household solar and battery storage system. To power a typical Aussie home, you’d need to install battery storage and back-up generators to ensure your home has enough power when the sun goes down.

Why should I stay connected to the grid?

The national energy grid provides a reliable and uninterrupted supply of energy when batteries are depleted, or when solar systems aren’t generating enough energy from the sun – like on consecutive cloudy days. So, staying connected to the grid provides peace of mind (especially on colder days when heating and warm showers are a must).

In some situations, it’s possible to completely remove yourself from the national energy grid by investing in the right technology. However, a more reliable option is to choose a home battery and enjoy the reassurance of grid-power when needed.

At Origin, we make going solar easy

Choosing which company will install your solar system is important. We’ll help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation⁺

Ready to go solar? 

⁺ Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post What does it mean to go off-grid? appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Sun’s out, power’s on

The best way to get the most out of your solar is to make sure you’re using as much of your power as you can during the day. And some hours of the day are better than others. If your solar panels face north, they tend to get the most energy between 10am and 2pm. If they’re east facing, they tend to get the most sun in the morning, and west-facing – you guessed it – tend to generate the most during the afternoon.

So, get out your compass, get your bearings and flick on your appliances at the right time to ensure your panels are doing the heavy lifting during the day. Want to make things even simpler? Invest in a timer and set your appliances accordingly.

Trim back trees

The sun is all powerful. Unless there are leaves in its way. To make sure your solar panels are getting all the rays they can, trim back trees and branches that might be creating shade. Who knows, you might find a love of topiary while you’re at it. While you’re up the ladder pruning, make sure you also remove any other debris like leaves, random frisbees, balls and anything else that might be shading your panels.

Keep things clean

Most things are better when they’ve had a clean. Like a car after a road trip. Your teeth after eating garlic pasta. And, of course, your solar panels. In fact, dirty solar panels can lose 20% of their energy output. We recommend getting your panels professionally cleaned every 6-12 months to remove any dust, bugs and dirt that may have accumulated on your roof. That way there’ll be nothing in the sun’s way, and your panels will be so clean your neighbours will see the sparkle.

No sun? No problem

If you want to harness the power of solar when the sun isn’t shining, a battery is a great investment. But how do you know which battery is right for you? As a rule of thumb you should look at how much energy you use and compare that with how much energy your solar panels create.

If the battery is too large, the solar system will rarely be able to charge it fully. And if it’s too small you’ll be sending much of the power you’ve generated back to the grid. We know trying to find a Goldilocks battery (one that’s just right) can be confusing, which is why we have a handy guide to help you find the right one for you.

Join the Loop

If you do have a battery, or are thinking about getting one,  Origin Loop is a great program to be part of. It’s our Virtual Power Plant (VPP) – a smart, innovative, energy network that transforms the way people harness their solar by connecting batteries far and wide, so even more Australians can have cleaner energy.

When you’re a Loop member your battery will connect to our Virtual Power Plant. We can then draw on the power in your battery and feed it into the energy grid at peak times.

Being a Loop member means there’s less reliance on gas and coal, so it’s better for the environment. But it’s also better for you. You’ll receive $1 every time Origin discharges one kW of power from your battery and gives it to the grid. Right now we’ll also give you a $400 credit on your next energy bill when you connect your Tesla Powerwall to Origin Loop on a no lock-in contract.

To give you peace of mind, we’ll always make sure you have at least 20% of battery charge during a Loop event. Plus how much energy we discharge is completely transparent and you can track it all in our app. As a Loop member, you’ll be helping the environment, getting more from your solar, and getting a stack of savings. It’s win-win-win.

The post How to get the most out of your solar panels appeared first on The Origin Blog.

As we increase renewables in the energy grid, we need to increase battery storage across Australia to capture excess renewable energy generated during the day so we can use it later when needed.  

And helping to bring batteries to more Aussies, is South-East distributor, Energex. Their ambitious neighbourhood battery project, in partnership with Origin, is set to launch across Queensland suburbs.  

How do neighbourhood batteries work?

Imagine a network of 35 state-of-the-art batteries, with an impressive, combined capacity of up to 2,100kWh (that’s enough to light up the Gabba for 5 hours), ready to serve approximately 500+ customers. Energex’s visionary neighbourhood battery project aims to explore how these batteries can support the energy transition and deliver benefits to households and local communities.  

Eligible residents can rent a share of the neighbourhood battery, virtually storing and accessing locally generated solar energy. The stored energy can be used during times of high-demand (or peak periods), helping to reduce pressure on the energy grid and reducing peak-hour energy costs. The best part? This opportunity is open to all residents – those with and without rooftop solar panels. It’s a win-win scenario, helping to bring down the electricity bills and carbon footprint of participants. 

Trialling neighbourhood batteries in Ipswich

Ipswich was handpicked for this new trial, as 33% of homes and businesses have rooftop solar systems that export energy into the network. And as Queensland’s fastest-growing city, the surge in solar adoption could place some strain on the existing energy infrastructure. So, this neighbourhood battery trial is one way we can meet rising energy demands, without undertaking a potentially costly network upgrade – while also delivering benefits to participants.  
 
Batteries are key to Australia’s renewable energy future. As we transition to a cleaner energy system, we need more battery storage to capture excess renewable energy generated during sunny hours and help to stabilise the grid. That’s why we’ll start to see more neighbourhood, or community, batteries popping up around Australia – with affordability and accessibility top priorities. 

How to get involved

Registration is now open to Ipswich residents for the neighbourhood battery trial. Empower your household, and your neighbourhood, by signing up today!  

The post Powering the future with neighbourhood batteries appeared first on The Origin Blog.

We’re taking part in a few community battery trials across Australia right now, and one of them is in Bungarribee Blacktown, Sydney. The residents in this area are ideal candidates to welcome Western Sydney’s first community battery – 95% of homes have rooftop solar.

This community is leading the way in rooftop solar, and residents will now be able to store excess solar energy to use later, without having to purchase and install their own home battery. Batteries store excess renewable energy generation and provide power during peak demand periods, and also help to manage variations in renewable energy – like when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.

Hey neighbour

Expected to run for at least 12 months across the Endeavour Energy network, the battery trial will involve 10 batteries with a total capacity of up to 640kW, serving around 350 customers.

The trial will look at how community batteries can support the energy transition and investigate the benefits to customers and the wider community.

Customers can rent a portion of the battery to virtually store and access neighbourhood solar energy, helping to reduce their household energy costs when they take part. The stored energy can be used by participating homes for a small fee, helping to manage demand in peak periods.

This inclusive approach will empower all residents – those with and without rooftop solar, to experience the benefits of battery storage, including bringing their energy bills down and reducing their carbon footprint.

Battery storage: the future of energy

As Australia transitions to a lower carbon energy system and we increase renewables in the energy grid, we need to increase battery storage across the country. This will allow us to capture excess renewable energy generated during the day to use later and help to stabilise our energy grid. That’s why batteries are a key part of Australia’s future energy mix.

And because more and more Aussies will use battery storage in the future, bringing down the cost of batteries for everyone is key. That’s why community batteries, just like the new Bungarribee Blacktown battery, are so important.

Eligible Bungarribee residents can register to take part in the Bungarribee Blacktown battery trial.

The post Big battery power for local communities appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Let’s start from the beginning…

Can I go off-grid with solar panels?

Yes, you can go off-grid with solar panels. An off-grid solar system is a stand-alone system that generates electricity using solar panels and stores any excess energy not consumed immediately onsite in batteries. This type of system is generally only advisable for people who live in remote areas where there is little to no access to the electrical grid. 

Whilst off-grid solar systems are self-sufficient, meaning they can provide electricity for your home or business without being connected to the electricity grid, there are some important things to consider.  
 

What’s the difference between off-grid solar and grid solar?

Off-grid solar refers to a system where the solar panels aren’t connected to the electricity grid, meaning it generates and stores electricity independently from utility companies. This type of system is typically used in remote areas where there’s no access to the electrical grid, or by individuals who no longer want to be reliant on the grid. 

Grid solar, on the other hand, refers to a system where the solar panels are connected to the electrical grid. This type of system generates electricity and feeds any excess back into the grid, allowing the homeowner to receive bill credits or payments for the excess power they produce. This type of system is typically used by households who have access to the electrical grid and want to use solar energy to lower their energy bills. 

The key difference between off-grid and grid solar is the level of dependence on the electrical grid. Off-grid systems operate independently, while grid-tied systems are connected to and interact with the grid. 

Off-grid systems also require a larger initial investment, which can be beyond the budget of most households. Cutting the cord to the energy grid also comes with its own challenges, the biggest being the possibility of going without power for periods of time – there’s no back-up when your solar system isn’t generating electricity and your stored battery energy is exhausted.  

How many solar panels are required to run a house off the grid?

The number of solar panels required to run a house off-grid depends on several factors, including:  

• The average daily electricity consumption. 
• The type and efficiency of the solar panels. 
• The geographical location of the house, and the amount of available sunlight. 

The exact number of panels you’ll need will vary depending on the specific energy needs of your household. We recommend consulting with a professional solar installer who can conduct a detailed assessment of your energy needs and provide a customised solution for your needs. 

Importantly, the amount of panels required is only one consideration. You’ll also need to ensure you have ample battery storage, as not only will you need to generate enough solar energy to meet your daytime energy needs, you’ll also need to have plenty stored away to meet your needs when the sun isn’t shining. Allowing for back-up energy to be stored in order to get through extended periods with reduced solar, such as winter which can be a dark/wet period, or even during cyclone season if you live in the tropics.

Undertaking regular maintenance of your batteries and panels is also essential. You’ll need to ensure your setup is functioning properly, and optimally, to ensure you’re storing enough energy to meet your needs.

How can I reduce my reliance on the grid?

It’s not all or nothing when it comes to solar – you don’t need to go off-grid to reduce your reliance on it. Installing a solar battery without cutting your connection to the grid strikes a great happy medium, allowing you to store excess energy generated by your solar panels for use when the sun isn’t shining. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing you’ve got a reliable source of energy, even during power outages or when the grid is down. 

And if you have a battery, connecting it to our Virtual Power Plant – Origin Loop – gives you the opportunity to increase your energy independence and earn rewards at the same time. Households who connect their home battery to Origin Loop, and agree to make their battery available to discharge some of their stored energy back to the network during periods of high demand, can receive a receive a credit on their electricity bill each month for five years.
 
Invest in a quality solar battery today and take control of your energy future.

The post Is going off-grid realistic for the average household? appeared first on The Origin Blog.

A particularly interesting insight from our report was discovering that customers with solar are more optimistic about their ability to manage, and save, on their energy bills than households without it. With that in mind, if you’re considering solar for your house, you might be curious about exactly how this technology works. Let us break down the ins and outs of converting sunlight to energy.

The basics of how solar panels work

So, how do solar panels work? Solar panels are made up of units called solar cells AKA ‘photovoltaic cells’. The term ‘photovoltaic’ relates to the production of electricity by substances exposed to light and is a special property that some materials have.

High purity silicon is used to make most solar cells and when carefully manufactured, acts as a semiconductor. The semiconductor properties of silicon can then be used to make solar cells.

“Light is made up of photons,” Mark Kerr, Origin’s Group Manager of Large-Scale Solar and Operations, says.

“When solar cells absorb certain photons from sunlight, electrons within the solar cell can become excited. These excited electrons can then move through the conductors and wires in the solar panel to create electricity that can power your home”.

How do heat and light affect solar panels?

It’s no secret that Australian summers are famous for being bright and sunny. One issue that often comes with extreme amounts of light is heat – and too much heat can reduce the efficiency of solar panels. So, with spring, autumn and summer being prime times in Australia for high-efficiency solar power production, how can you be sure that your solar panels can weather the conditions?

A well-engineered solar panel, from a trusted supplier, will be designed to operate under Aussie conditions. And, as long as your panel gets enough light, you can feel confident knowing your system will do its job efficiently.

Another question that occasionally pops up, is whether it’s possible for there to be too much light for a solar panel to handle? Of course, some light is reflected away, and often panels contain design elements that capture and re-focus some reflected light, but too much light is rarely an issue for a solar panel. With the exception being if light is “concentrated” on to the solar panel (for example using mirrors) – this can certainly cause problems.

What does the future hold for solar energy?

It’s clear that solar will be a major ingredient in the energy mix of the future. In 2021 more than a quarter of Australia’s total electricity generation came from renewable sources, and that this was predominantly driven by the small-scale solar sector, which saw a record 378,451 rooftop solar installations.

So, how’s that technology that we know so well going to change?

At Origin, we’re already looking to the future. Until now, solar’s popularity has been driven by electricity savings that can be made during the daytime – but we’re looking towards a future where solar can power your entire home (and car) 24/7.

Batteries open a whole new world by enabling savings when the sun isn’t shining. The last 12 months have seen a shift in battery prices, reducing them for the first time and making the option of battery storage a more economic reality for many Aussie households. Whether this be with a flash new Tesla Powerwall, one of the LG Energy range of batteries or a complete solar, battery and grid managed energy service with Origin’s Virtual Power Plant – Loop – more Origin customers are realising the savings benefits of coupling their solar with batteries.

When we look outside the home, electric vehicles (EVs) also present a unique opportunity for solar solutions. With solar, and home batteries, able to charge the family car and eliminate another household cost – petrol. To effectively manage this energy ecosystem of the future, Origin Loop, has been designed to connect and manage a households end to end energy usage.

Get solar sorted at your place

At Origin, we’ll help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation⁺

⁺ Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post How do solar panels work? appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Why go solar?

Installing solar panels will create a new source for your home’s power usage. Which means you won’t always be drawing power from the grid, so your energy costs will be lower. This will also help to reduce the amount of coal based energy you use, also helping reduce your carbon footprint.

What do you need to do before you install solar panels?

Solar isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re asking yourself whether investing in solar is right for your home, there are a few things to consider:

• Understand your own energy usage
  
  Being aware of your energy usage will help to determine the solar system and size that will be most appropriate for your home.
  
  
• Where your solar panels will be installed
  
  The location of where your solar panels are installed is very important. The orientation and slope of your roof determines how often your panels will be exposed to the sun. Areas of your roof that just spend the day in the shade are not ideal due to the limited amount of exposure.
  
  
• What’s your roof made of?
  
  Something that could be overlooked in your budget is the material your roof is made of. Materials such as tin, concrete, terracotta and slate have different requirements when it comes to attaching the solar panels. This will affect the time it takes to install the panels and ultimately the cost of installation.
  

What will be installed?

1. Solar panels

Solar panels are how your home will be able to harness the power of the sun to provide the electricity run your household. Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into Direct Current (DC). The number of solar panels you need depends on the quality of each panel and your energy needs.

2. Solar inverter

A solar inverter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a solar energy system. A solar inverter regulates the electricity coming from your solar system. It converts the DC generated by the solar panel into Alternate Current (AC) which is how your home receives the power. 

3. Solar battery

As an option, you can install a solar battery. A solar battery stores excess energy generated by the solar system during the day rather than pushing it out to the grid. This stored energy can then be used throughout the night when the sun has stopped shining. 

If you use the majority of your energy at night, this is for you! This will reduce the power your home will draw from the grid to compensate for the lack of sun, saving you money.

4. A digital meter

Your energy use and habits are easily tracked with a bidirectional digital meter. This data is then provided to us so we can issue bills based on your usage.

Why choose Origin?

At Origin, we’ll help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation⁺

Ready to go solar?

⁺ Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post Solar installation explained appeared first on The Origin Blog.