FAQs for Residential Solar Customers

1. Are solar panels worth it in Australia? Yes! With abundant sunshine, high electricity costs, and generous government incentives, most homeowners see a return on investment within 3–6 years, with decades of savings.

2. How much do solar panels cost for a home? A standard 6.6kW system costs between $5,000–$9,000 after government rebates, depending on panel quality and installer rates.

3. What rebates are available for residential solar? Homeowners can access STCs, which provide upfront discounts on solar installations. Some states, like Victoria, offer additional rebates and interest-free loans.

4. How do solar feed-in tariffs work for homeowners? Feed-in tariffs pay homeowners for excess solar energy sent back to the grid. Rates vary by state and retailer, typically ranging from 5–15c per kWh.

5. Are solar batteries worth it for home use? Solar batteries store excess energy for night-time use, reducing reliance on the grid. While prices are dropping, payback periods currently range from 7–12 years.

6. What size solar system do I need for my home? System size depends on household energy usage. A 6.6kW system suits most families, while high-energy users may need 10kW+ systems.

7. Do solar panels work during a blackout? Only if paired with a battery storage system, as grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down during blackouts for safety reasons.

8. How long do solar panels last? Most panels last 25+ years, with warranties typically covering at least 20 years of performance.

9. Do I need to clean my solar panels? Yes, occasional cleaning (every 6–12 months) improves efficiency, especially in dusty areas. Rain helps, but professional cleaning maximizes output.

10. Can I install solar if my roof is shaded? Shading reduces efficiency, but optimisers or micro-inverters can help. If shading is significant, a ground-mounted system or community solar option may be better.