A returning customer in Georges Hall wanted lower bills and protection from storm-season blackouts. We swapped out their old inverter, kept their existing solar panels, and installed our first SAJ HS5 EK70 all-in-one battery system.
(5 × 9kWh modules)
hybrid inverter
through the inverter
existing panels
A customer coming back for more
We first worked with KD about two years ago, when our team installed solar on their Georges Hall home. Since then, they've seen their electricity bills drop by around 50%.
The next step was a battery, so they could store their solar power and cut their bills further. There was a second reason too. Georges Hall is prone to floods and blackouts, especially in the lead-up to storm season, and KD wanted the whole house to keep running when the grid goes down.
We noticed about a 50% drop in our electricity and power bills. So just carrying on from that, we thought we'd go with a battery system to store some power and further reduce the bills. KD, homeowner, Georges Hall
The system
| Battery system | SAJ HS5 EK70 all-in-one |
|---|---|
| Storage | 45kWh (5 × 9kWh modules) |
| Inverter | 10kW single-phase hybrid |
| Backup | Full home backup, 63A straight through the inverter |
| Monitoring | Wireless, with no communication cable back to the switchboard |
| Solar | Existing panels retained |
| Configuration | DC-coupled |
Why we went DC-coupled
Many battery retrofits are AC-coupled: the old solar inverter stays, and a second inverter is added for the battery. Energy from the panels then gets converted from DC to AC and back to DC before it's stored, and each conversion loses some energy.
We took the old inverter out completely. KD's existing panels now feed straight into the SAJ hybrid inverter, which manages the solar, the battery and the house from one unit. The panels they already paid for keep working, and more of their energy ends up in the battery.
- Solar panels
- Original solar inverter
- No battery storage
- No power during blackouts
- Same solar panels, kept in place
- One 10kW SAJ hybrid inverter
- 45kWh of battery storage
- Whole home backed up
The installation
This was our first install of the HS5 EK70, and it's a clear step up from SAJ's earlier models. The inverter and battery modules stack together as one unit, and there are no small communication cables to run between components.
Because the modules are 9kWh each, 45kWh only takes five of them. The system also has no communication cable running from the switchboard to the inverter, because monitoring is wireless. Fewer connections means less to troubleshoot after installation, which saves time for us and the homeowner.
It's much easier to install. Very time efficient. It's all in one stackable, no fussing around with little cables and communication cables. Aamin, Sydney Solar & Electrical
Working with SAJ
SAJ supported this project from start to finish, and Mo Zhu from their team came out to the site on install day. Here's what stood out for us.
Easier and faster to install
The modular, all-in-one design is much quicker to fit than older SAJ models. Fewer cables means fewer chances for problems after commissioning.
Excellent technical support
SAJ's technical team was responsive and knowledgeable throughout the project, and was quick to help whenever we had a question.
Backing on site
Having SAJ on site for our first HS5 install shows the level of support they give installers, and it lets us recommend their systems with confidence.
The result
KD now has a single, efficient system. Their existing panels charge a 45kWh battery directly, the house runs on stored solar well into the evening, and when storms take out the grid the whole home stays powered.
They're very prompt, they worked within our budget. They gave us a quote, they've stuck to that quote as well. They're very clean. They clean up after themselves. It's like they were never here. KD, homeowner, Georges Hall
- Not pushy, with a design tailored to the property
- Worked within budget and stuck to the quote
- Finished on time, and early on install day
- Left the site clean
Meet Aamin
Aamin is the owner of Sydney Solar & Electrical and has worked in the solar industry for more than eight years. We don't use sub-contractors. Every installation is done by our own in-house team, and Aamin is on site for every job to make sure it's done properly, with no shortcuts.
We're not just here to install your system, take your money, and disappear. We're here to support you for the lifetime of your system. Aamin, Owner
Thinking about adding a battery?
Whether you're starting fresh or upgrading an existing solar system, we'll design a battery setup that suits your home and your budget.