Your home's electricity supply affects how much solar and battery you can install. Here's the difference, in plain English.
What's the difference?
Most Australian homes have single phase power — one live wire bringing energy in. Some homes (often larger or newer ones) have three phase — three live wires, allowing more power to flow.
Why it matters for solar
Your supply affects how large a solar system you can connect without a network upgrade:
- Single phase: typically limited to around 5–6.6kW of inverter capacity (rules vary by distributor).
- Three phase: allows much larger systems, with generation balanced across the three wires.
Why it matters for batteries
Batteries and EV chargers can draw or supply significant power. Three phase makes it easier to install a larger battery, charge an EV quickly, or export more to the grid.
Can you upgrade?
Yes — upgrading from single to three phase is possible but involves a network application and cost. For many homes it's not necessary; for others (large systems, fast EV charging, big batteries) it's worth it.
Not sure what you have?
Check your switchboard or main switch — it will usually be labelled. Or include a switchboard photo in your assessment and we'll confirm for you.