Install, Tech & Safety: How does an all-in-one battery system compare? 

In the vast landscape of solar products available, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. It’s normal to find yourself considering the most cost-efficient option for your solar setup while weighing up the options of different brands. On top of all of that, you’ll also be presented with an option to opt for an all-in-one inverter and home storage solution.

In our first instalment of the “is an all-in-one battery system worth it” series, we took a deep dive into the financial benefits of an all-in-one compared to a separate inverter and battery system. We covered everything from installation costs to warranty, equipment costs and more. In this instalment, we’re going to look closely at technological differences, backup capabilities and the Redback Technologies difference.

So, let’s dig in…

This is part 2 of a 2-part series. To read Part 1, click here.

Solar and storage: A quick recap

In a solar system, the unsung hero is the inverter. Think of it as the translator, converting the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into the alternating current (AC) electricity that powers our homes and appliances. Without inverters, the energy harnessed from the sun wouldn’t be compatible with our everyday electrical needs, making them a crucial component in any solar setup.

Then, the next step of ‘going solar’ includes the integration of home battery storage. During the sun-drenched hours, when your solar panels are working at full tilt, excess energy is stored in batteries for nighttime (or, a blackout). When the sun takes a break, or the demand for electricity spikes, these home storage systems kick in, ensuring an excess of power supply. Overall, when there’s a disruption to your solar supply, or an increase in your home’s power demands, an all-in-one (or battery system) can fill the gap without you needing to purchase grid power. Plus, it’s handy to be able to keep the lights and essential appliances on during a grid outage. Having a home storage system is like having a reserve of solar energy ready to go whenever you need it, offering a sense of energy independence and resilience.

On top of that, there’s also the all-in-one system, a nifty solution that combines the brains of the operation – the inverter – with the brawn – the battery system. This integrated powerhouse simplifies the solar energy setup, optimising efficiency and compactness. These systems intelligently juggle the flow of electricity between solar panels, inverters, and batteries, ensuring you get the most out of your solar investment. It’s a neat package that not only streamlines the setup but also takes your solar experience to the next level, offering a seamless and sustainable power solution for your home. Another benefit of an all-in-one is that it can be DC-coupled, meaning your solar panels can directly charge your home battery system without the solar-generated power needing to go through the process of changing the DC energy to AC.

How does an all-in-one install compare?

If you’re looking to save on space (or save yourself from an eyesore), an all-in-one might be the way to go. Not only can an all-in-one reduce the amount of visible (and touchable) wiring in an installation, but many other factors make an all-in-one much more than an ‘inverter and solar battery in the one cabinet’. Let’s take a look:

Safety

A separate inverter and battery system have a fair bit of wiring involved. Not only are they hooked up to each other, but there is a complex wiring structure that keeps the components going and gets them communicating with your solar panels. With separate systems, this often means a lot of external ‘bits’ like covered wires can be visible. While, if installed correctly, these ‘bits’ don’t pose a safety hazard, the idea of any external wiring can be a drawback for homeowners with children. When you’re working with an all-in-one system, a lot of that wiring is conveniently hidden inside the one unit, with the option of ‘stealth installs’ (i.e. installed so that wiring runs behind walls) also available on many systems – including Redback. Minimal exposed wiring is a huge safety aspect for those with children, grandchildren or pets, as it drastically reduces the risk of little fingers touching something that they shouldn’t.

Inverters of all types have the ability to disconnect from the grid during a power outage. This ensures that maintenance or repairs can be carried out safely without the risk of backfeeding electricity to the grid, which essentially allows technicians to get the lights back on quickly in the event of a blackout. But, a nifty thing about Redback’s all-in-one systems is their ability to kick in during a blackout and keep your essentials running – while other inverters have disconnected. There are even options to keep the battery charging on available sunlight even while that grid disconnect is occurring (but more on that in a moment).

Convenience

Space and safety go hand in hand when it comes to solar installations. The all-in-one solution takes up less wall space on your house, making it ideal for those with limited space. Additionally, when you have a separate inverter and battery system, there are options (where compatible, of course) to connect your inverter to a home battery storage system from a different manufacturer. But, by keeping your equipment all from the one manufacturer in an all-in-one solution, you squash the risk of incompatible components from different brands, while also having one convenient point of call for support and warranty.

The simplified wiring and integration of an all-in-one also mean less space inside the switchboard, reducing the need for additional meters and protective devices that could incur extra costs (and potentially take up more room).

When it comes to monitoring, having one system created by the one brand also means that all of your monitoring is in one app, under one unit (while also securing a more streamlined installation). If you have a separate inverter and battery system from different manufacturers, chances are you’d need to look at two different apps to get usage statistics on your consumption and generation. Then, you’d need to try to make sense of the inverter and battery system together to try and get a general idea of how the system is performing. By having an all-in-one system from a sole manufacturer, you’d then have one system, in one app, ready to explain exactly how the components are working together.

Aesthetics

Having everything consolidated into one tidy cabinet ensures a clean and seamless installation process. The setup resembles a sleek box, with minimal visible wires, providing an aesthetically pleasing addition to your home or business. Additionally, the all-in-one system offers the flexibility of a stealth installation, where any extra wires can be discreetly tucked behind a wall for a seamless appearance. This not only enhances the overall look but also maximises space utilisation and reduces clutter. To illustrate the contrast between a traditional inverter and battery setup versus an all-in-one installation, here’s a visual comparison so you can discern the differences firsthand and appreciate the streamlined elegance of the all-in-one solution.

Slide the slider to see the difference between an all-in-one and a system made up of separate components.

Power, power, power

Redback’s all-in-one Smart Hybrid systems feature a unique Blackstart capability, allowing the battery to be recharged even during a power outage. This is particularly advantageous in ensuring continuous power availability. Notably, solar systems disconnect from the grid during blackouts to prevent sending power back into the grid, a safety measure for repair crews. However, with a DC-coupled all-in-one system, this grid disconnect still occurs for safety reasons, but your solar array can still replenish your battery using sunlight. This ensures that essential appliances remain powered throughout a prolonged blackout, provided there’s sufficient sunshine available.

Moreover, Redback systems offer a seamless transition from primary power to backup circuits in the event of a blackout. This transition occurs rapidly, within under 10 milliseconds, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply (or UPS). In fact, the transition is so smooth that you may not even notice that there’s been an outage! This feature enhances the reliability and convenience of the system, ensuring continuous operation even during unforeseen disruptions in the grid.

What’s the verdict?

So, is an all-in-one a good solution for those wishing to maximise their return on investment in a convenient, streamlined and intelligent way? The answer is a resounding yes! The all-in-one all-in-one system marries the intelligence of the inverter with the resilience of the battery system, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a compatible, cost-efficient and convenient solution to solar generation and storage.

If you already have solar panels (and an inverter) and want to add an all-in-one system, the great news is that you definitely can do so. Your options are to either keep your existing inverter and add your all-in-one as a separate entity and then add more solar panels (also known as PV) on your roof. Or, you can replace your existing inverter with an all-in-one and attach it to your existing panels. But overall, having an existing inverter isn’t a barrier to starting on your all-in-one journey!

By opting for an all-in-one solution with Redback Technologies (via our Smart Hybrid or Smart 3-Phase Hybrid), you’re opting for a sleek, unified solution with minimal exposed wiring, blackout support, and inbuilt Smart Load Control. To get started on your all-in-one journey, or to learn about how Redback’s all-in-one solutions can work for you and your family, your best bet is to get in touch with a verified installer.

Overall, by combining a compatible inverter and home battery storage system in one neat cabinet, all-in-one solutions are emerging as a popular option for homeowners and businesses alike. Is the future all-in-one? Only time will tell.

This is part 2 of a 2 part series. Keen to learn more about how all-in-one solutions can help your finances? Check out part 1 here.