The July rebate rush has caught most of the industry off guard. In this episode of Solar Outsiders, Alan Kemp speaks with Lewis from Go Solar. He breaks down exactly what’s happening behind the scenes — and what batteries and inverters are still available.
Why Stock Is So Tight Right Now
The federal government dropped the solar battery rebate bomb in April and May. But details were unclear. Retailers didn’t have enough time to plan. Some sold systems under one rebate amount, only to later learn it was lowered.
For example:
WA originally had a $5,000 rebate for 20,000 homes
This was cut to $1,300 for 100,000 homes
NSW replaced the rebate with a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) incentive
This has caused confusion, cancellations, and panic buying.
Popular Brands Are Selling Out Fast
Lewis says many wholesalers are out of stock for July installs. Some systems won’t be available until late August or even September.
Here’s what’s selling out or already gone:
Growatt – heavy demand
Sungrow – August availability
FoxESS – late August
Sigenergy – most in-demand model
Sungrow – limited backup output
Some wholesalers are using this tight supply to upsell panels alongside batteries, creating further frustration.
Growatt Is a Strong Player
Growatt is one of the only brands still offering decent stock — and they’ve been in Australia for 15 years. That’s longer than most.
They offer:
Single-phase and three-phase hybrid inverters
Up to 30kW systems
Battery-ready XH and XH2 models
DC and AC coupling
200% solar oversizing
The Growatt Hub Features:
Up to 11 batteries
50.3kWh usable storage
Charge and discharge at full 30kW
All-in-one unit with smart meters
Support 7 days a week
Sigenergy vs Growatt: Who Wins?
Sigenergy is the golden egg. Everyone wants it. But stock is scarce. Some wholesalers make promises but can’t deliver. Installers are having to reschedule, or worse — lose jobs.
In contrast, Growatt’s hub is already delivering in July for some wholesalers, including Lewis.
Comparison Highlights:
Feature Growatt Hub Sigenergy Sunro
Battery Capacity 50.3kWh 20kWh 25.6kWh
Backup Power High Moderate Lower
Smart Meter In-built Extra gateway 5-day support
AC/DC Coupled Yes Limited Yes
Availability July (limited) August August+
Advice to Retailers and Customers
Retailers:
Order now. Stock is moving fast.
Don’t wait for cheaper prices — they may never come.
Customers care more about availability than cost right now.
Customers:
Don’t wait to “get 10 quotes.”
The best stock is already gone.
If you’re offered a good hybrid system, lock it in now.
You may wait 2–3 months for installation. That’s normal.
What’s Still Coming?
Expect the Growatt 8–10kW SPM Hybrid single-phase inverters to be on the CEC list by September. That means more stock by end of year.
Bonus: New Solar Panel Tech
Lewis also discusses the upcoming Jinko 475W dual glass panel:
High efficiency: Over 24%
Smaller size: Same dimensions as current 440W
Model: JKM475-48-HL4M-DV
Expected in late 2024
Final Thoughts
This rebate chaos has forced the industry to adapt quickly. Retailers are stretched, wholesalers are juggling stock, and customers are often unaware of what’s going on.
But there is stock — if you move quickly.
Remember:
Ask your installer what’s available right now.
Don’t chase a perfect deal — just chase availability.
If you’re in Brisbane, reach out to Alan Kemp directly for Growatt systems.