Expert Insights on Solar, Batteries and Power Bills

A collection of energy explainers, customer stories and industry perspectives from our crew here at Amber.

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What size solar system do I need? An Australian homeowner's guide
Energy Explained
 mins read

Getting solar quotes and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the different system sizes? You're not alone. With 6kW, 6.6kW, 10kW systems and everything in between, it can be tricky to know what's right for your specific situation.The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal solar panel system size depends on your household's energy usage, when you use that energy, your roof space, and your future plans. Let's break down how to work out what size solar system actually makes sense for your home, your usage patterns, and your budget.

Solar rebates & incentives in South Australia (2025 guide)
Energy Explained
 mins read

South Australia is absolutely crushing it when it comes to solar adoption - over 53% of homes already have panels soaking up those 2,500+ hours of sunshine each year. And honestly? The rebates and incentives make it a no-brainer. Whether you're in Adelaide thinking about your first solar setup, or anywhere else in SA considering adding a battery to your existing system, there's money on the table to help make it happen. Here's everything you need to know about solar rebates South Australia has on offer in 2025.

Introducing Amber’s ROI calculator: see how fast your battery can pay for itself
 mins read

You’ve asked, and we’ve listened. One of the most common questions we get from customers is: “How long will it take for my battery to pay for itself?” That’s why we’ve built the Amber return on investment (ROI) calculator. It’s a simple, transparent tool that gives you a tailored estimate of how long it could take for your battery and solar setup to pay for itself - based on your real situation.

Off-peak vs peak electricity times explained
Energy Explained
 mins read

If you’ve ever looked at your energy bill and wondered why the cost of your electricity changes depending on the time of day, you’re not alone. The idea of paying different rates at different times can feel a bit mysterious. But understanding it can help you take control of your bills and your environmental impact.

Are solar batteries safe? A look at home battery safety in Australia
 mins read

If you’ve seen headlines about battery fires or safety warnings, you might be wondering whether it’s actually safe to install a solar battery at home. The good news? When installed by accredited professionals and used as intended, solar batteries are extremely safe - and tens of thousands of households across Australia are already using them with zero issues. Here’s what you need to know about lithium-ion battery safety, the real (and rare) risks involved, and how to set your battery up for long-term, safe performance.

How long do solar batteries last? A guide to lifespan and warranty
 mins read

If you’re thinking about getting a home battery (or already have one), you’ve probably wondered, “How long do solar batteries last?” It’s a fair question. Batteries are a big investment, and if you’re using yours to cut bills, back up your home, or power your place with more renewables, you’ll want to know how long it’ll hold up. So what’s the real solar battery lifespan? Let’s break it down.

Lessons learned on V2G: trial updates, early results, and next steps
 mins read

V2G is one of the most exciting opportunities in the energy world today, allowing your car to not just use electricity, but to provide it back to the grid when it’s needed most, and your home when it isn’t. But with that excitement comes plenty of questions. Where is the tech actually up to? Which chargers and vehicles are compatible? How do I get involved? Here’s what we’ve learned so far, and what’s coming next.

What is a VPP? A guide to virtual power plants in Australia
 mins read

You’ve probably heard the term “VPP” thrown around - especially if you’ve got solar and a battery, or you’re thinking about getting one. But what actually is a virtual power plant? And what does it mean for your home, your bills, and the future of our energy system? Let’s break it down - what a VPP is, how it works, and why it could change the way we use energy at home.