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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V2G & V2H explained: Using your EV to power your home
Energy Explained
 mins read

Your electric vehicle isn't just for getting around anymore. With bidirectional charging technology, that battery sitting in your garage can power your house, support the grid, and potentially cut your energy bills. Welcome to vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-home - the tech that's changing how Australians think about energy storage. Here's everything you need to know about using your EV as a giant mobile battery.

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.

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.

South Australians are revolting
In the Spotlight
 mins read

There’s a rebellion happening in homes across the country. Aussies are ditching power plans from traditional retailers. They're charging their batteries when energy is cheap. Selling it back when prices spike. And taking control of their energy, with smaller bills and faster payback. We’ve launched a new campaign to celebrate this shift: Australians are Revolting, a tongue-in-cheek nod to the everyday Aussies taking a calculated stand against overpriced energy – with solar and batteries on their side.

“We don’t get a bill anymore — we get cheques”: Anthony's journey with Amber
In the Spotlight
 mins read

In the heart of Sydney’s inner west, Anthony lives with his wife Bridget and their teenage son in a single-storey terrace that’s over a century old. It might not look futuristic from the outside, but inside - and especially on the roof - it’s a different story.

How to choose the best home solar battery
Energy Explained
 mins read

Installing a home battery is one of the smartest steps you can take to make the most of your solar system, reduce your energy bills, and prepare for a future powered by renewables. But with so many home battery storage options on the market, how do you choose the best home battery for solar? This guide walks you through the key factors to consider - whether you're just starting your solar journey or looking to upgrade your setup.

Why solar homes should get a battery
Energy Explained
 mins read

Australia has long led the world in rooftop solar adoption. More than 3.6 million Australian households have installed solar panels, taking control of their energy use and cutting their bills along the way. But while solar panels are an excellent first step, the next big opportunity for solar homes is clear: adding a battery.

Is Amber different from a traditional VPP?
Energy Explained
 mins read

As more households invest in solar, batteries, and smart energy technology, one term keeps popping up: Virtual Power Plant (VPP). And for good reason. VPPs represent an important piece of Australia’s energy future, allowing thousands of individual homes and devices to help stabilise the grid, support renewables, and create new income streams for households. Amber’s approach is often compared to a VPP. In fact, Amber qualifies as a VPP for the purposes of rebate schemes like the NSW battery rebate. While Amber for Batteries has some overlaps with traditional VPPs, such as how we allow household batteries to contribute to grid stability and the energy transition, the way we operate is quite different. Let’s unpack what those differences are - and why they matter for your household finances.

Customer spotlight: Clean power and clear wins for David
In the Spotlight
 mins read

A year after joining Amber with his two Powerwalls, David is $2,146 in credit. That’s after powering everything, including two Tesla EVs, hot water, heating, cooling and cooking for five people in a busy home. He says the "magic" happens on a handful of nights a year when prices spike.

Customer spotlight: No bills, just bank. Calvin’s $12K Amber success story
In the Spotlight
 mins read

Calvin lives in Stanmore, New South Walesin a fully electrified, mostly automated house. He’s made energy management a passion project that’s paying off with Amber.

Batteries: The bigger picture in the energy transition
Expert Insights
Energy Explained
 mins read

When most people think of home batteries, they’re thinking about one simple problem: "How can I store my solar so I can use it at night?" And for good reason. For years, that’s largely been how batteries have been marketed. A bit more independence from the grid. A bit more peace of mind if the lights go out. But as we move deeper into Australia’s renewable energy transition, that’s no longer the full story.