Replenishable Energy: Delivering Bespoke Solar and Battery Solutions in North Queensland
In this extensive conversation with Rollo Sheriff from Replenishable Energy, based in Cairns, we gain insight into the evolving landscape of solar energy, customer needs, and the importance of quality over cheap solutions. Below is a summary of the key points covered, highlighting Replenishable Energy’s approach to solar installations, maintenance, and their commitment to customer service.
Commitment to Quality and Longevity
Operating since 2011, Replenishable Energy has experienced the ups and downs of the solar industry. Sheriff emphasises that many companies that entered the market with cheap systems have gone out of business, leaving customers with “orphaned” systems—those without service support or warranty coverage.
His advice? It’s always better to pay a little more for high-quality solar systems rather than fall for cheap deals that can lead to frequent failures and non-existent warranties.
Bespoke Solutions: Tailoring to Customer Needs
Unlike some companies that offer “one-size-fits-all” systems, Replenishable Energy designs custom solutions to match individual energy needs. Whether dealing with homes, farms, or businesses, they assess consumption patterns, and future needs like EV charging, and even prepare systems for scalability.
Sheriff’s team avoids using subcontractors, preferring in-house employees who follow strict quality protocols. This ensures better control over installation standards, timelines, and after-sales service.
Challenges in Solar: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Support
A critical part of Replenishable Energy’s business is after-sales service. They not only install systems but also provide ongoing maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Sheriff stresses that solar systems, especially in tropical areas, require regular cleaning to avoid issues caused by dust, mould, and bird nesting.
Additionally, their systems are monitored to identify faults early—whether caused by human error during installation or changes made by electricians during other household repairs.
Batteries: A Key to Grid Independence
Sheriff discusses the growing importance of batteries for maintaining power in remote areas and during frequent outages. He praises Sungrow inverters for their reliability, explaining that having an integrated battery and inverter system from the same manufacturer avoids technical conflicts.
While Tesla Powerwalls remain popular, he points out that modular solutions like Sungrow are better suited for homes with higher energy consumption due to greater flexibility in expanding storage capacity.
After-Sales Service: A Customer-Focused Approach
Amanda, who manages the back office, highlights the importance of follow-up services. Whether customers need maintenance, or upgrades, or simply have questions, Replenishable Energy prides itself on being accessible and responsive long after the installation. She notes that many customers come back for additional systems or refer friends and family based on their positive experiences.
Commercial and Farm Installations
Replenishable Energy also works with commercial properties and farms, where solar can offer significant cost savings. Sheriff explains that many farms use solar to power irrigation and refrigeration, optimising their energy usage during peak sunshine hours. Commercial clients can also reduce demand charges by incorporating battery storage into their solar systems, further enhancing return on investment.
Adapting to New Trends: EV Integration and the Future of Solar
As EV adoption increases, Sheriff sees a need for the grid to evolve to support the additional load. While technologies like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems are promising, he advises that most homeowners should focus on dedicated home batteries for now, given the uncertainties around V2G integration and battery warranties.
Honesty and Transparency: No False Promises
Sheriff warns against misleading marketing tactics, such as promises of “free electricity” or exaggerated savings with small batteries. His team aims to educate customers honestly, helping them understand the real benefits and limitations of their systems. This transparency has earned them a solid reputation and numerous referrals.
Solar That Lasts, Service You Can Trust
Replenishable Energy stands out by offering custom solar solutions backed by a strong after-sales service program. They emphasise the value of long-term relationships with customers, ensuring that their systems not only meet today’s needs but are also prepared for future demands.
For homeowners and businesses in North Queensland, Replenishable Energy provides not just solar systems but peace of mind—helping customers reduce their reliance on the grid, manage rising energy costs, and build a sustainable energy future.
