What energy security really means.
Solar panels alone switch off in a blackout, and a battery alone eventually runs flat. Real energy security comes from generation, storage and smart management working as one system.
What happens when the grid goes down.
Grid-connected solar must shut down when the grid fails, so it doesn't feed power into lines that line workers may be repairing. An Energy Security system isolates your home or site first, then keeps running.
- Detect: the Hub sees voltage or frequency leave safe limits.
- Isolate: your site disconnects from the grid in milliseconds.
- Switch: the battery and inverter form a local supply in under 20 ms.
- Prioritise: big flexible loads are shed so critical circuits last longer.
- Recharge: solar keeps topping up the battery, and a generator can start if needed.
- Reconnect: when the grid is stable again, the system resynchronises automatically.
Not every load is equal.
You choose what matters. The software makes sure the important loads always get power first.
Always on
Powered first, through any outage, for as long as the battery and solar allow.
Medical equipment, fridge & freezer, internet, lights, security, water pump
On while reserve allows
Runs during an outage until the battery reaches the reserve level you set, then sheds automatically.
Power points, TV, microwave, garage door, small air-con
Runs on surplus
Switched on when there's spare solar or cheap power, and off during outages and price peaks.
Hot water, pool pump, EV charging, ducted air-con, irrigation
How long would your power last?
A fridge, lights, internet and a few power points use about 0.3–0.6 kW on average. Whole-home with air-con can be 3–5 kW.
Rough estimate only. It assumes 90% usable capacity, an average of 4.2 peak-sun hours a day and a steady load. Your site assessment will give accurate figures.
Grid only vs solar vs a full Energy Security system
| Capability | Grid only | Solar only | Solar + basic battery | Energy Security system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower power bills | — | Daytime only | ✓ | Yes, plus tariff optimisation |
| Power during a blackout | — | No (shuts down for safety) | Only with a backup-capable setup | Yes, automatic |
| Switchover time | n/a | n/a | Varies | < 20 ms |
| Recharges during a long outage | — | — | Sometimes | Yes, from solar and generator |
| Load prioritisation | — | — | — | Critical, essential, flexible |
| Storm preparation | — | — | — | Automatic pre-charge |
| Live backup-hours estimate | — | — | — | In the Sentinel app |
| Generator integration | — | — | — | Auto-start and fuel saving |
General comparison. Capabilities of individual third-party systems vary.
Not sure what you need?
We'll review your bills, switchboard and the loads you can't live without, then recommend the right mix, honestly.