Let’s say you’re serious about getting a solid solar setup. You want resilience in a power cut, but you’re not off-grid camping in a yurt — you’ve got fridges, modems, and maybe a pump that needs to keep running. Well, if you're looking for the best bang-for-buck backup experience while still staying on the grid, then buckle up: single phase solar systems are about to become your new best mate.

But wait, I’ve got a three-phase home — isn’t that better?

Yes… and no. Three-phase homes are common for big power users. But here’s the kicker: most homes, even with three-phase supply, use unbalanced loads. That’s a fancy way of saying your fridge might be sucking power from phase 1, while your heat pump is chilling on phase 2. That’s fine in the grid world — but in solar land? Things get funky real quick.

Load Balancing Inverters: Fancy Tech, Real-World Limits

So you could go the three-phase solar route with a load balancing inverter. These clever beasts (also called asynchronous generation inverters) send power unequally to the phase that needs it most. That’s better than a dumb three-phase inverter that just sprays power evenly whether you need it or not.

BUT. (Big but.)

Load balancing inverters still come with a ceiling: they can only push out one-third of their rated output to any single phase. So your 10kW three-phase inverter? It can only give 3.3kW to that water pump trying to fire up. And if the pump needs 4kW for its morning wheeze? You’re cooked.

Single Phase Solar: Built for Backup Brilliance

Single phase solar systems aren’t just simpler — they’re smarter when your goal is backup resilience. Why? Because a beefy single phase inverter can throw down some serious power when it counts.

Take the 8kW Sungrow Hybrid — it can push over 13kW for 10 seconds. That’s enough oomph to start up pumps, power heat pumps, or run the essentials without breaking a sweat.

But how much money can a single phase system actually save me?

Load shifting. The sparkies on install day can move most of your home onto one phase, so that solar powers most of your home.

Three phase appliances can't be shifted, but the truth is - most things are single phase.

What About the Grid, Bro?

We get it. There are purists out there saying, “Single phase on a three-phase home? That’s not proper!” But look — if it was truly a grid-wrecker, the regulators would ban it yesterday. The truth? A 5kW export limit per phase means your single phase system isn’t exactly blowing out transformers. Chill.

If you have the right size battery, timed loads such as hot water or pool pumps, and a mustard seed of common sense, you'll find a way to make the system very efficient.

So... Should You Do It?

Let’s break it down like a power bill:

• Want a seamless backup experience when the grid goes down? ✅
• Want ALL of the solar available to you when you're cooking in the kitchen? ✅
• Don't want solar being sent to the bedrooms when they're empty? ✅
  
• Running key appliances (like fridges, modem, water pump)? ✅
• Don’t need your pool heater and underfloor heating during an outage? ✅

Then yes, single phase might be your perfect match.

Sure, some parts of the house (like the induction hob) might not get power when the grid’s out. But we’re not talking survival here — we’re talking comfort.
Fire up the BBQ, grab a Hot tea, enjoy your Wi-Fi and Netflix.

Tips to Make It Work:

• Battery is a must. If you’re going over 8kW on single phase, get a battery. Non-negotiable.
• Don't go larger than 14kW on the panel array. Anything more is total overkill and you should go with a 3-phase, 15kW load balancing inverter.
• Don't start charging your solar battery until peak time. Because you don't want it fully charged before then, otherwise you'll be export limited.
• Be smart with your exports. Use apps and timers to avoid wasting energy during sunny overproduction hours.

In Summary...

If your solar goals include resilience, simplicity, getting bang for your buck, and saving as much as possible — a single phase system could be the way forward. Yes, it’s got export limits. And yes, it won’t keep your underfloor heating running.

But it's the only sure-fire way to ensure consistent, large output, in a grid outage with no weird inefficiencies.

Why Trust Equity Solar Brokers?

We don’t install panels, push brands, or sell the latest 10 panel special. We help you get the best solar deal with zero hassle, by comparing offers from top-notch solar companies, then cutting through the BS to give you clear advice that suits your home.

Thinking of going single phase on a three-phase home? Or just want a better backup game plan?

Flick us your details. Let’s talk.