EnergyAustralia and Redback launch intelligent energy management system

EnergyAustralia has announced the launch of the Redback Smart Hybrid System — next-generation technology created to put families and businesses in control of their energy consumption.

The Redback Smart Hybrid System, developed through EnergyAustralia’s partnership with Brisbane-based start-up Redback Technologies, combines a solar inverter, a battery enclosure and intelligent energy management software into the one package. When paired with solar panels and compatible batteries, Redback transforms a standard solar system into an intelligent energy management system.

“The Redback system is the next generation in energy storage and management, with a sharp ability to learn and respond to how people consume their energy based on their preferences,” EnergyAustralia Executive – NextGen Andrew Perry said.

“This is the future of energy technology, created with one aim: to put the customer in the driving seat so they can decide how they use, store and even sell their solar energy.”

The Redback Smart Hybrid Inverter has a 5 kW power output. When combined with the Redback battery enclosure and compatible batteries, the system can store up to 13.2 kWh of electricity — enough to meet 75% of the average home’s daily energy needs. Its modular design means that customers can start with as little as 3.3 kWh of storage and add more battery units over time, offering flexibility.

In automatic mode, the Redback Smart Hybrid Inverter stores excess solar in the battery. At times when there isn’t enough solar available, the battery discharges, minimising draw from the grid to help keep costs down. The system is also capable of predicting household usage patterns and solar energy production using machine learning and algorithms developed by Redback.

The management system has the ability to connect into pool pumps and in the future control smart appliances in the home to help reduce reliance on the grid and ultimately save money. Should the lights go out, customers can choose to have their system installed so that it can provide power to their home during a blackout.

“We are bringing the new generation of Redback technology to market — giving Australians access to a seamlessly integrated hardware and software package that enables customers to save money by consuming more of the solar energy they produce on-site,” Redback Technologies Founder and Managing Director Philip Livingston said.

“There’s never been a better opportunity for Australia’s energy industry to take proactive steps toward a grid powered by renewables. With the launch of the second-generation Redback Smart Hybrid System we are not only putting consumers in control of their energy, we’re paving the way for a clean energy tomorrow that will benefit future generations.”

The new Redback Smart Hybrid System is available through EnergyAustralia and its dealer network.