Empower Solar Australia Reviews
About Empower Solar Australia
Highly reputable solar retailer, only solar company in Perth with 5 star Google ratings that has 250+ reviews.
Showroom, office & warehouse based in Canning Vale.
WA Electrical Contractor License: EC14699.
Huawei Premium Elite Partner; Fronius Solution Partner; SMA Powerup Partner; Tesla Certified Installer.
Workmanship Warranty
5
All Reviews
“Middle-man” Sales company and unhelpful battery manufacturer.
ESA’s sales were satisfactory although they adopted a ‘we know best what you need’ attitude, but then concluded that what was needed was what I had determined; a 10KWh battery. Installation was subcontracted to Western Fusion who initially installed the battery incorrectly; 2 wires were incorrectly connected which prevented the battery from functioning properly. It took 3 weeks for the installer to return to correct the fault. Western Power arrived unannounced an hour after the fault was corrected to inspect the installation. ESA treated the WP inspection report and required remedial actions as not of their concern and solely a matter between WF and WP. There have been subsequent instances when the battery system has failed to function correctly. ESA’s tech support have addressed one issue by contacting AlphaEss; another issue (wifi connectivity) which has recurred a few times was not addressed and dismissed as ‘standard’ for the battery. I have subsequently communicated directly with AlphaEss on this issue (see below). Overall, ESA give the impression of being a middle-man sales company who take little/no responsibility for the installed product or for the work of their installation contractor.
Battery - Alpha ESS
When the battery works it functions well in the storage and discharge of energy from the solar panels. The primary issue is the wifi connectivity and the frequent failure to display the power data (battery SoC, solar power generated, household load, grid offtake/feed). The availability of this data, in an app, is a selling point and is also a reason for choosing the battery. The absence of this data can be for periods of up to 24 hours and can prevent the management of the battery charge/discharge settings when the A/C is to be used either for cooling or heating (winter). After much discussion with AlphaEss, it is clear that the issue is inferior wifi hardware on the battery inverter. This conclusion is consistent with the view expressed by ESA, is implied by information on the AlphaEss website and has been implied by some responses from AlphaEss during discussion. The internet connection has been checked by both RSP (Aussie BB) and NBN which has included on-site inspection by NBN. The wifi ‘speed’ checked on devices adjacent to the battery demonstrate a strong wifi regime (740/95 Mbps on iPad M4). AlphaEss have sought to explain the erratic connectivity with claims that are contradictory and clearly intended to deflect attention from the root cause, including casting aspersions upon the adequacy of the RSP service quality. As such their post-sale support leaves a lot to be desired.
Excellent team
Review left 7 years after system installed
Excellent tradesmen. On time and completed install on day.
Battery - Empower Energy
It was a tricky installation on two storey roof in four separate groupings and a difficult cable run to the inverter and meter. The guys handled it with no complaints. Similarly when I requested some silicon to seal around where tiles were cut for the brackets to secure the panels because of proximity to the coast, they did this willingly. The presale was professional.
Solar Panel -
Chosen as one of a few offering salt resistance.
