Steve Hill
Steve Hill is a renewable-energy executive with a deep background in Australian solar and energy efficiency, spanning consulting, project management and business development. He founded Elite Smart Energy Solutions, a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer focused on smarter, lower-cost energy for homes and businesses. Steve contributes to Energy Matters, one of Australia's longest-running solar publications, and has appeared on its Road to Zero podcast. He helps Australian homeowners cut through the noise on rebates, batteries and going solar.
29 guides by Steve Hill
Victoria Feed-in Tariffs 2026: What Retailers Actually Pay Now
Victoria scrapped its minimum feed-in tariff in July 2025. Here is what retailers are actually paying Victorian solar owners in 2026, and what it means for your exports.
NSW Feed-in Tariffs 2026: The IPART Benchmark and What Retailers Pay
IPART's 2026-27 benchmark fell to 3.4 to 6.5 c/kWh. Here is what that means, why it is only guidance, and where the much higher evening rates come in.
Queensland Feed-in Tariffs 2026: SEQ vs Regional Rates
Queensland has two feed-in tariff systems. South East QLD is deregulated with rates up to 10 c/kWh, while regional Ergon customers get a regulated 6.006 c/kWh.
Sigenergy SigenStor Review Australia (2026): Price, Specs and Is It Worth It?
What a Sigenergy SigenStor actually costs installed in Australia, what the federal battery rebate takes off, and the homes its modular all-in-one design suits.
Sungrow Battery Review Australia (2026): SBR vs SBH Price and Specs
What Sungrow's SBR and SBH home batteries cost installed in Australia, how the two ranges differ, and why you also need a compatible Sungrow inverter.
Fox ESS Battery Review Australia (2026): Price, Specs and Is It Worth It?
Fox ESS is one of the cheapest ways into home storage in Australia. Here is what the EP11 and EQ4800 actually cost installed, and the trade-offs.
Home Battery Prices Australia 2026: Installed Cost Tracker
What the main home batteries actually cost fully installed in Australia right now, side by side, with cost per usable kWh and what the federal rebate takes off.
Tesla Powerwall 3 Review Australia (2026): Price, Specs and Is It Worth It?
What a Powerwall 3 actually costs installed in Australia in 2026, what you get after the federal battery rebate, the specs that matter, and the homes it does and doesn't suit.
STCs vs LGCs: The Solar Certificates Your Business Needs to Understand (2026)
Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) and Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are how business solar gets subsidised. Here's the difference, what each is worth, and which one your system uses in 2026.
Commercial Solar Rebates & Incentives in Australia 2026: The Complete Guide
Every rebate, certificate and tax break your business can claim on solar in 2026, including the new STC expansion to 1 MW. What each is worth, who qualifies, and how to stack them.
Is a Home Battery Worth It in Victoria in 2026?
The honest answer for Victorian homes: on money alone a battery is a long payback, but the federal rebate, the FiT changes and backup value shift the maths. Here's when it's worth it and when it isn't.
Is a Home Battery Worth It in South Australia in 2026?
South Australia has the highest power prices in the country, which helps a battery, but its state scheme is closed. Here's the honest 2026 maths and when a battery pays off in SA.
Is a Home Battery Worth It in Western Australia in 2026?
WA has the best battery deal of the mainland states, because a state rebate still stacks on the federal one. Here's the honest 2026 maths and when a battery pays off in WA.
Home Battery Brands Compared: Australia 2026
Powerwall, Sigenergy, BYD, Sungrow and Enphase compared on capacity, warranty, VPP and price, plus how to pick the right one for your home and how the federal rebate applies.
How to Choose a Solar Quote Service in Australia (2026)
Most 'get solar quotes' websites are matching services, not installers. Here's how the models differ, how they make money, and how to pick one without getting bombarded by sales calls.
Solar Feed-in Tariffs by Retailer 2026: State-by-State Comparison
What Australian retailers actually pay for exported solar in 2026, state by state. Plus the trap most people fall for: chasing a high feed-in tariff instead of using their own power.
What Changed in Australian Solar Rebates in 2026
Solar and battery rebates changed a lot in 2026. Here's every change that matters, when it happened, and what it means for what you can claim now. Kept current.
SA Solar Owners: You Sell Power For Cents, Then Buy It Back At Peak
South Australia has the highest power prices in the country. Your panels export all day for a few cents a unit, then you buy that same power back at peak rates after dark. Here is the maths, and what the 2026 battery rebate does about it.
What “No Net Cost” Solar Really Means (and What It Doesn't)
“No net cost” solar doesn't mean free. Here's exactly how the rebate and finance work, what it really costs, and how to spot the dodgy “free solar” offers.
Solar Power Packages: The Good, The Bad, and The Costly
Solar packages look shiny and all-inclusive, but sometimes leave homeowners wondering what half the stuff does. Here's how to spot a good one from a marketing trap.
Solar Rebate Explained: Your 2026 Guide to Saving On Your Solar Investment
Understand Australia's solar rebates, STCs, and battery programs. Cut through the jargon and discover how much government help you actually qualify for.
20kW Solar System: Price, Output & Suitability Guide
Is a 20kW solar system right for your home? We break down real costs, daily output, roof space needs, and whether bigger is actually better.
What Size Solar Battery Do I Need for My Home? kWh Requirements Explained
Find the perfect solar battery size for your home. Learn how to calculate your energy needs and avoid paying for storage you don't use.
Solar Savings Estimator: Calculate Your Energy Savings & Payback Time in Minutes
A solar savings estimator turns your electricity usage and system size into real dollar figures, showing potential savings without guesswork or sales spin.
Solar Power Installation Price in Australia 2026: What You'll Actually Pay
Understand what goes into solar installation costs, government rebates, and true payback periods for Australian homes in 2026.
Is Solar Electricity Worth It in 2026? A Realistic Assessment
Solar can cut electricity bills by 50 to 90% for Australian homes, but it's not magic. Here's what you need to know about costs, savings, and payback periods.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need? Easy Calculator Guide for Australian Homes
Most Aussies love solar but struggle to explain system sizing. Learn how to calculate your exact panel needs based on usage, roof space, and location.
What Does A Home Battery Cost? 2026 Prices By Home Size
A straight answer, by home size, after the 2026 rebate. What a battery lists for, what the government takes off at the invoice, and what you actually pay on the day.
Commercial Solar Rebates in 2026: What Your Business Can Claim
The federal rebate already takes thousands off business solar, and from 1 October it covers systems up to 1MW. What your business can claim, what it really costs, and how $0 upfront works.