2025 SolarNerds annual industry review: PSW Energy, Western Australia

McKercher Corporation acknowledges the latest independent industry benchmarking from SolarNerds.com.au (2025 Awards Edition), which ranks PSW Energy (including Perth Solar Warehouse volume) among Western Australia’s top-performing installation companies in both rooftop solar and home batteries.

PSW Energy
Category
Volume
Market Share
2nd
Battery
10,398 kWh
3.06%
4th
Solar
6,128 kW
2.27 %
In the Western Australia (WA) solar retailer leaderboard for systems up to 100 kW, PSW ranked 4th in installed capacity in 2025, delivering a total of 6,128 kW across 724 systems, corresponding to a reported market share of 2.27%. In the battery storage sector, PSW ranked 2nd in WA, supplying 10,398 kWh across 673 systems, for a reported market share of 3.06%.
This recognition is significant because Western Australia’s market is both mature and highly competitive. According to the Solar Nerds report, WA installed a total of 269,913 kW of solar power across 30,678 systems in 2025, with 79.8% of this capacity coming from residential systems in the 0–15 kW segment. On the battery front, WA recorded 339,587 kWh across 19,192 systems, with an average installed battery size of 17.69 kWh. In this context, achieving a top-tier position indicates consistent delivery at scale, rather than just a single project or a temporary surge.
From a corporate standpoint, these outcomes highlight three core strengths we anticipate from the McKercher Corporation’s operational business: (1) consistent field execution, (2) a disciplined approach to system design and commissioning, and (3) a customer experience that remains reliable across numerous deployments. As a result, practical trust is fostered: families and businesses are more inclined to choose an installer that exhibits capability, consistency, and longevity, based on independently collected data.
Solar Nerds’ statistics are derived from the Clean Energy Regulator REC Registry and are based on STC registration data for systems up to 100kW; the report notes that installation dates can lag registration and may vary by up to 12 months. We see this methodology as a useful, standardised way to compare relative delivery performance across the sector using a common dataset.
Recognition at this level relies on the contributions of many individuals. It results from the hard work of electricians, apprentices, designers, schedulers, warehouse teams, customer service staff, and leaders who consistently execute the fundamentals well—day in and day out, across numerous projects. As McKercher Corporation continues to enhance its capabilities in electrification and distributed energy, we see these results as confirmation that PSW can foster long-term career opportunities in a growing segment of the Western Australian economy.

New solar & battery requirements: May 2026 changes

From 1 May 2026, significant changes to solar and battery installation requirements will reshape how renewable energy systems connect to Western Australia’s grid. Whether you’re a solar installer preparing for compliance or a homeowner planning your clean energy investment, understanding these updates is essential.

Contents

Key Changes: 1 May 2026

Increased inverter capacity limits

Households and small businesses on standard connection services can now install inverters up to 30 kVA (or an aggregate of 30 kVA across multi-inverter sites). This capacity covers rooftop solar, batteries, and other inverter-based sources combined.

What this means: Single-phase connections gain a substantial 15 kW increase in allowable installed generation capacity, bringing them more in line with existing three-phase arrangements. This change opens the door for homeowners who want larger solar arrays or comprehensive solar-plus-battery configurations.

Remote disconnection capability requirements

 All new and upgraded systems must include the ability to be remotely disconnected and reconnected by your electricity retailer. Systems without this capability must be export-limited to 1.5 kW.

This requirement, commonly called emergency solar management, already applies to most residential systems participating in the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS). The installer must configure this capability during installation.

For Homeowners: If you’re already receiving DEBS payments, your system likely meets this requirement. Ask your installer to confirm your current system’s compliance status before planning any upgrades.

Updated inverter standards

All inverters must comply with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 with the grid code set to “Australia Region B.” This Australian and New Zealand standard governs how grid-connected inverters operate, ensuring consistent behaviour across all installations.

Timeline and Transition Arrangements

Milestone
Date
Requirements commence
1 May 2026
Applies to
All new installations and system upgrades from this date

The requirements apply to installations commissioned on or after 1 May 2026. Existing systems that aren’t being upgraded continue operating under their current arrangements.

What Homeowners Should Know

Will my existing system need changes?

If you’re not upgrading your current solar or battery system, these requirements don’t mandate changes to your existing installation. However, if you’re planning any modifications, such as additional panels, battery additions, or inverter replacements, the new requirements will apply to the upgraded components.

Cost implications

The remote management capability requirement may affect equipment selection and commissioning processes. Most modern inverters sold in Australia already support the necessary communication protocols, but installation and commissioning costs may include additional setup time for configuring remote management functionality.

When obtaining quotes, ask installers to confirm that pricing includes all compliance requirements for the new standards.

Verifying your installer's compliance

Reputable installers will be familiar with these requirements well before the May deadline. When selecting an installer, ask specifically about their process for meeting the new Western Power technical requirements and how they’ll configure remote management capability through your electricity retailer (Synergy for most residential customers).

Future opportunities

These requirements establish the foundation for participating in new energy products. Once compliant systems are installed, you may gain access to virtual power plant programs, flexible export arrangements, and other retailer products that compensate you for providing grid services.

Compliance Guide for Installers

Critical technical requirements

Installers must ensure all new and upgraded installations meet these specifications:

  • Inverter capacity: Up to 30 kVA aggregate for sites on standard connection services
  • Inverter compliance: AS/NZS 4777.2:2020, grid code set to “Australia Region B”
  • Remote management: Systems must support disconnection/reconnection by the customer’s retailer, or be export-limited to 1.5 kW
  • Configuration responsibility: Remote disconnection/reconnection capability must be set up at the point of installation

Retailer-specific processes

If you’re not upgrading your current solar or battery system, these requirements don’t mandate changes to your existing installation. However, if you’re planning any modifications—such as additional panels, battery additions, or inverter replacements—the new requirements will apply to the upgraded components.

The CSIP-AUS protocol

The WA Government’s interoperability statement promotes the Common Smart Inverter Profile – Australia (CSIP-AUS) as the preferred communication protocol. While the new rules don’t specifically mandate CSIP-AUS, the government encourages retailers to adopt this open-source protocol for managing compliance.

CSIP-AUS offers several advantages: it’s nationally consistent with other Australian states and territories, it’s already supported by most solar and battery equipment sold in Australia, and its open-source nature reduces costs for equipment manufacturers.

Essential Resources

Next Steps

For Homeowners: If you’re considering solar or battery installation, now is an excellent time to begin planning. Contact a qualified installer to discuss how the new requirements affect your options and what opportunities for grid participation might become available after May 2026. McKercher Corporation’s team at PSW Energy or Perth Solar Warehouse can help you navigate these changes and design a system optimised for both current performance and future opportunities.

For Installers: Review the updated Western Power technical requirements and familiarise yourself with Synergy’s DER Functionality Requirements before the 1 May deadline. Ensure your team understands the commissioning processes for enabling remote management capability, and confirm that your equipment is CSIP-AUS compatible.

McKercher Corporation is committed to helping Western Australians navigate the evolving renewable energy landscape. Contact PSW Energy or Perth Solar Warehouse for local expert guidance on compliant solar and battery installations that position you for the opportunities ahead.

$328 million: WA Labor’s Proposed Solar Battery Rebate

West Australian Premier Roger Cook behind a podium announcing the proposed WA solar battery rebate ahead of the election

Western Australian homeowners are set to benefit from a significant boost to their solar energy capabilities, thanks to the Labor government’s proposed Residential Battery Scheme. This initiative, with its substantial rebates and interest-free loan promise, is designed to bridge the gap of home battery storage to more people.

A game changer for home energy requiring greater consideration

The centrepiece of the Residential Rebate Scheme is a limited rebate program, offering up to $5,000 for households connected to the main grid (Synergy) and an even more substantial $7,500 for those in regional areas served by Horizon Power. Financial assistance will significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing a home battery system, a key barrier for many homeowners.  With no second round announced, the $328 million allocated will serve an estimated 20 to 30,000 homes within a 900,000-dwelling network across the state.

To support middle to low-income households in adopting the proposed WA solar battery rebate/Residential Battery Scheme, the government is introducing a no-interest loan to bridge the adoption gap. This initiative will allow eligible households to borrow up to $10,000 to cover the remaining costs, saving an anticipated $1500 per annum reduction in home energy costs.  

Benefits beyond savings

The proposed scheme brings advantages beyond the $1500 p/a in electricity bill savings. Until now, solar battery storage has enjoyed a steadily increasing organic adoption rate among an early adopter market segment. With a proposed WA solar rebate, a broader market can now experience the benefits of energy storage with solar.

  • Synergy Tariff flexibility: An alternative to the Home Plan A1 tariff is the Synergy Midday Saver Tarrif or the EV add-on Tarrif. Many energy users use an adequately sized battery to bridge the Peak period surcharge until grid costs are lower.
  • Increased Energy Independence: With a home battery, households become more energy self-sufficient, removing the dependence on grid power. Further, shielding customers from increasing supply rates and providing resilience during power outages.  
  • Environmental Contribution: By utilising solar energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, homeowners can play a role in Western Australia’s transition to a cleaner energy future.

Locally proven industry collaboration

To ensure the smooth rollout of the Residential Battery Scheme, the government is partnering with key providers in the solar industry. PSW Energy and Perth Solar Warehouse are among the first companies to announce a commitment to local representation in the program. The program will provide eligible homeowners access to quality battery systems and professional installation services.

A diverse mix of providers tends to surface where rebates are involved. Choosing a proven West Australian solar company [list] will help ensure greater confidence in company availability once the proposed WA solar battery rebate runs out.

Eligibility and implementation

While the contents of eligibility criteria have yet to be released, the proposed WA solar battery rebate will be available to a broad range of households. The no-interest loan program will be means-tested to ensure that those who need it most can access it.

The Residential Battery Scheme is slated to commence on July 1, 2025, assuming Labor is re-elected in the upcoming March 8 election. This timeline gives homeowners time to research their options and prepare for the installation of their new battery systems. With internationally shipped stock forecasted and pre-ordered from manufacturers, adequate supply to meet demand is expected in late 2025, emphasising a limited product availability window for the eligible 20 to 30,000 candidates.

The WA Labor government’s proposed solar battery rebate and loan scheme represents a significant step towards empowering homeowners to take control of their energy supply while shielding energy market volatility. By making home battery storage more accessible, the Residential Battery Scheme promises to save households money while contributing more sustainable and diverse power to Western Australia’s energy mix.  

Source:

WA Labor to power-up cost of living relief with home battery scheme

How to guide: WA solar battery rebate & interest-free loan

West Australian solar battery rebate options in 2025

Perth Solar Warehouse Adopts Cutting-Edge Jinko Bifacial Solar Panel

Rendered image of the Jinko Tiger Neo All black Bifacial on an abstract background of black, blue and purple waves

Perth, Western Australia – December 17, 2024 – Perth Solar Warehouse (PSW) announces the adoption of the evolutionary Jinko Tiger Neo All-Black Bifacial solar panel with Dual-Glass to succeed the monofacial Jinko Neo ‘Satin’ series. This innovative addition to the product lineup underscores PSW’s commitment to providing customers with the most advanced, aesthetically pleasing solar solutions available.

Jinko Solar, an AAA-rated and BNEF Tier 1 solar panel manufacturer, consistently delivers high-performance solar technology. The Jinko Tiger Neo All-Black Bifacial panel is no exception. Built on the foundation of N-type TOPCon cell architecture, this panel offers superior efficiency, enhanced low-light performance, and improved high-temperature performance, ensuring maximum energy generation throughout the day, even in Perth’s varied climate.

Key features and benefits:

Bifacial Technology: Captures sunlight from the front and rear surfaces, boosting energy production from front surface specifications.

Dual-Glass Construction: Provides exceptional durability and resistance to moisture, extreme temperatures, mechanical stress, and UV degradation.

N-type TOPCon Cells: Offer superior efficiency, enhanced low-light performance, and improved high-temperature performance.

Streamlined Aesthetics: All-black design seamlessly blends with any rooftop.

Improved Warranty Certainty: Perth Solar Warehouse is a Jinko-approved installation company that ensures warranty compliance and peace of mind.

“We are excited to introduce the Jinko Tiger Neo All-Black Bifacial solar panel to our customers,” said Derek McKercher at Perth Solar Warehouse. “This panel represents a significant advancement in solar technology, combining performance, durability, and aesthetics. The evolution of the Jinko Neo ‘Satin,’ we are confident it will be popular for homeowners and businesses looking to maximise their solar investment.”

Availability

The Jinko Tiger Neo Bifacial solar panel with dual-glass is available in the greater Perth and Bunbury region of Western Australia through Perth Solar Warehouse and PSW Energy in standard installed packages of 3.9, 6.6, 10, 13, and 19 kW.

Quick links/ references

Product introduction: New Black: Jinko Tiger Neo all-black bifacial solar panel with dual-glass

Jinko Solar review: Which Jinko Solar panels should you consider in 2025?

Shop with PSW Energy: Jinko solar packages › 

About Perth Solar Warehouse

Perth Solar Warehouse is a leading solar solutions provider in Western Australia committed to providing customers with the highest quality products and services through refined digitalised process. A McKercher Corporation subsidiary, customers enjoy a proven sustainable energy buying experience with over 20 years of locally proven business bankability.

Perth Solar Warehouse In-house Solar Installation Service Bucks Industry Trend

In-house CEC Accredited solar installers Perth WA

It’s known that verticle integration of sustainable energy infrastructure supply businesses provides improved customer outcomes. Therefore, why do many companies avoid executing the installation directly? Reducing risk is the answer, yet this potentially compromises a critical component when supplying sustainable energy infrastructure. Many firms hire certified installation firms through outsourcing agreements to implement their product. Begging the question, who is your installer and who holds the installation warranty?

It’s logical to assume the organisation you purchased the product from, and you would be correct. However, layers of complexity arise in the event of an issue, often overlooked at the point of sale. Organisations that use outsourced services usually don’t carry implementation licences, saving on maintaining a skilled blue-collar workforce. Support, though often lags as the failure, and cost must be discerned between two parties. All of which isn’t too bad if a resolution with minimal downtime can be managed behind the scenes.

Perth Solar Warehouse focuses long-term attention on infrastructure supply and in-house installation services. The launch of sustainable energy infrastructure supplier Perth Solar Warehouse encouraged a greater demand for in-house skilled technicians who knew specialised products intimately from one organisation.  

Based in Perth, Western Australia, possessing in-house CEC accredited solar installers ensures a streamlined process that no longer requires the on-going major developmental attention as any alternative emerging sector.

The implementation of Perth Solar Warehouse is to deliver as a hassle-free option for any person searching for trusted solar power and energy equipment online. With transparent products, pricing and the ability to be one of the industries most trusted sources for related news, we have done that. Now, Perth Solar Warehouse will continue forward with strong foundations and its assured assets of in-house CEC accredited solar installers.

Operated solely in Perth, Western Australia, the solar services installation division continues to outperform initial expectations through the implementation of strict, on and off site disciplines. Those of which are lacking through third party service based businesses within the solar industry.

A realisation of the requirement for advanced skilled installation practices came to attention while observing alternative service based businesses. Not just in the solar energy industry but across a broad spectrum of service based industries. We realised there was a way to do it better, so we utilised what we knew and developed a series of exclusive practices and workflows.

Alternative businesses preach about being the best. However, what defines the best? There is no point competing in a business environment unless what one offers is better or different to what’s already available for consumers. Customer satisfaction plays a vital role within the implementation of the in-house solar installers which Perth Solar Warehouse possess. These resounding actions connect with people while separating and highlighting the industries best.

Perth Solar Warehouse Provides Sustainable Energy Infrastructure to an Astute Local Demographic

Solar Panels Perth WA by Perth Solar Warehouse

DONE BETTER AND DIFFERENTLY

McKercher Corporation Pty Ltd has officially launched a new implementation department for the Perth solar sector. The launch comes after an extensive 24-month research and development period. The advanced installation service department is to commence exclusively with principal brand Perth Solar Warehouse (formerly Power Made Easy).

Facilitating an elite installation component for solar power systems in Australia is a process of refinement. A formula of unique installation methods assisted with advanced technology allows the service department to remain cost competitive to the industry average. Employing a rigged process adaptable to diverse and unique projects enables our exclusive service department to offer industry leading warranties on all fronts. A must when implementing advanced technologies

A PRODUCT IS ONLY EVER AS GOOD AS ITS MAKER

The real beauty is the simplicity behind the new Perth Solar Warehouse exclusive installation department. An evolution of what is expected by trade services. Solar power in its designed form is a sustainable energy technology. However, a product is only ever as good as it’s maker, no matter what materials one utilises. With this new structure, Mckercher Corporation can ensure solar photovoltaic power is a lasting, experience for anyone.

An exciting development within McKercher Corporation and one of which will enable future projects to evolve efficiently through solid implementation foundations. As McKercher Corporation expands to a new level, key businesses withing the McKercher corporation group are intended to grow alongside the developments to ensure diversity through the company.