As Bluegum’s Marketing Coordinator, I spend a lot of time looking at photos of solar panels, batteries and hot water heaters to create the content you find on our blog, social media and website. However, this year I had the opportunity to attend All Energy in Melbourne, providing me with the perfect opportunity to see these products in context and learn more about them on a technical level.
If, (like me) you’ve never heard of All Energy, it is Australia’s largest clean energy expo held annually in Melbourne, and showcases clean energy solutions including solar, battery storage, EVs, hot water and emerging technologies. The event is a place where retailers, installers, electricians, suppliers and regulators come together to discuss developments in the industry and exhibit the latest products.
With this in mind, I expected to be overwhelmed given my limited industry knowledge. I was relieved to be guided through All Energy with my team. Plus it’s always nice to spend some time getting to know your new colleagues!
Premium products in focus
One of the first things that struck me when attending All Energy, was the sheer amount of products on display. Retailers from all over the world make their way to this expo, which means at every turn there is a new product waiting to grab your attention.
With the help of our A-grade electricians and sales team I got a quick lesson in which products really cut the mustard and stand out as reliable and premium quality within the industry.
Solar panels
The most recognisable product at All Energy were the solar panels. At first (to my untrained eye) they all looked similar. However, I soon learned the crucial difference between what makes a solar panel affordable versus reliable, and why these two qualities are not always synonymous.
Brands like REC and AIKO, in particular, are known for their efficiency and durability. Unlike other solar panels on the market, these brands focus on critical testing and take strategic measures to ensure the longstanding endurance of their products, such as reducing the number of solder points on panels which creates less points of failure.
Learning about the technical elements that make up a sustainable product like solar panels was far more interesting than I’d expected and made me keen to learn more about the other products Bluegum recommends to our customers too.
Batteries
While we all know solar panels turn sunlight into electricity, it wasn’t until I got to know the wide range of batteries on display at All Energy that I began to understand exactly how solar energy can power a home.
In learning about battery storage and getting to know high-end products made by Sigenergy, Telsa, BYD and Fronius, it quickly became clear why battery storage is one of the fastest-growing parts of the clean energy industry. Homeowners’ ability to have more control and reduce their reliance on the grid has created a surge in the amount of battery storage products available on the market.
Across my two days at All Energy, I became quite familiar with the batteries in Bluegum’s showroom, namely the Fronius Reserva and Tesla Powerwall 3. These products stood out at the expo because of how busy their booths were! The trust in these products by installers and regulators alike struck me as an important factor when customers decide which system to use in their homes.
The need for battery systems that grow with families and offer cost-effective energy solutions, introduced me to the advancements in batteries and helped me understand the growing incentives around going all-electric.
Hot water systems
Prior to attending All Energy, I knew next to nothing about hot water pumps, let alone the ones that can work with a solar energy system!
After visiting iStore and Reclaim‘s booths, I discovered their hot water pumps are far more efficient than traditional systems and can save households a considerable amount on energy bills. These pumps also integrate well with solar power systems, which makes them a smart upgrade for families.
Leaving All Energy with this knowledge, an all-electric ecosystem was beginning to make sense to me!
EV chargers
Working for an electric group, I am often surrounded by conversations around EVs and EV chargers. However, after seeing EV chargers in person and understanding how they integrate into an all-electric home energy system, things started to click.
Wall-mounted chargers were instantly recognisable as an essential convenience for any EV owner, with brands like Fronius offering home EV chargers that easily integrate into the electric ecosystem. Smart features that capitalise on peak and off-peak charging times also struck me as highly convenient and cost-effective.
Our expert's perspectives
Attending All Energy with our A-grades and sales team gave me a very well-rounded view of the industry. Our A-grades provided great context around technical developments for products like solar rail systems and inverters, while our sales team continued building strong relationships with our suppliers, discussing product updates and what the coming year will look like for the renewables industry.
The biggest takeaway from our team was the number of batteries on display. In comparison to previous years, our A-grades and sales team noted that the market for batteries has surged in the last twelve months. In the past, it was easy to recognise which brands were the clear leaders but with so many new batteries on the market consumers will have a lot more options now that there are government incentives for battery storage.
Watching our team in action was an immersive way to get to know clean energy and also understand our customer’s experience. Dipping your toes into renewables can be quite daunting! With the guidance of Clay, Bryce, Nick, Andrew and Cam, complex information was broken down in a way that made sense. This was a great experience as it also helped me to learn how I can relay the essential knowledge our customers need to make an informed decision.
Exciting industry developments
A few key booths held my attention at All Energy. Even though I am not an installer or have any technical knowledge, these particular retailers had engaging displays that seriously impressed me:
- Reclaim: Their booth was bright, staff were friendly and what they were offering was clear. Efficient, environmentally friendly, hot water pumps that are quickly becoming a favourite option for households that want to maximise their long-term savings.
- Schletter Rail: Their impressive display made it easy to understand how solar panels are securely mounted to rooves and how tilt advancements are becoming more effective.
- REC/TradeZone: Bluegum’s longstanding relationship with TradeZone made visiting their booth a rewarding experience, but seeing REC’s solar panels there was especially interesting. Their premium quality products and customer-focused approach made them feel like a trusted and knowledgeable brand that delivered value.
- Fronius: The Reserva battery had a strong presence at All Energy, showcasing its modular design that is slim and chic. I found the experience of learning about the Reserva to be highly informative and thorough, which gave me peace of mind when getting educated on all the technical elements of battery storage!
What this means for families in the Macedon Ranges
As a Macedon Ranges resident, Bluegum’s attendance at All Energy made three things clear to me:
- Batteries are quickly becoming a popular option for family homes.
- Government incentives to switch to clean energy continues to hold strong.
- Bluegum is positioned as an elite installer and supplier within the industry.
What struck me the most was the reassurance I felt knowing Bluegum’s commitment to reliable and premium-quality products cut through a lot of the noise at All Energy. With so many new products coming into the market, particularly batteries, customers are likely to be overwhelmed by the number of options available.
Families like my own can’t be expected to know exactly what to look for when making the switch to electrification. Having local experts who personally use the ecosystems they’re selling matters when making such a big decision about a long-term investment.
As a first time visitor at All Energy, I found that the Bluegum team gave me the perfect introduction to all things electric. I got to see what we do from a new perspective and came out of it with a new appreciation for the commitment our team makes to quality across all levels. From the suppliers we work with and products we recommend, to the quality of people we hire and the customers we assist, Bluegum’s clear commitment to the highest-calibre shone through at All Energy.
I will definitely be going again next year!
Chelsea Emerick
Marketing Coordinator