FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What size solar power system do I need for my home?

If you’re wondering what size solar panels to install at your home, here are a couple of points to consider before reaching out to a solar panel installer in Melbourne. The size of the solar panel depends on various factors including; roof size, your electricity bill, your energy consumption plans, and your budget. In Melbourn, Victoria, there are currently regulations in place that restrict the size of the solar panel system depending on the number of service meters. If you are a single phase property you are capped at under 5kW solar system. With 260W solar panels, this is a 4.94kW system that will produce on average 21kwh per day. If you have 3 phases you can go up to a 12kW solar system and produce 52kwh per day. To figure out the best solar panel system for your home, speak to the best solar panel installation companies in Melbourne and ask for their assessment. Let them analyze your electricity bill and your daily power consumption pattern and suggest the right size for your needs.

How to identify reliable, government-approved solar installers in Melbourne?

When it comes to solar panel installation, some people have unfortunately not had the best of ‘luck’ with their investment and have lost a lot of money – thanks to solar cowboys and cheap solar bargains. Here is a list of factors to bear in mind while choosing a reliable solar panel installation company.

Find out how long it has been since the company started solar panel installation services. Make sure they give you references of previous solar panel installations done by them that you can verify. It is best to go with solar panel installation companies that have been around and doing installations for at least 3-4 years.
Check if the solar panel installers are accredited Retailer by the Clean Energy Council
Make sure that the solar panels and solar inverters being sold by the solar panel installation company is still in production. Remember that your warranty cannot be fulfilled if your solar panels and solar inverters are not in production. Watch out for “end of line” products often sold in “special sales!”
Getting a bargain is great but we don’t recommend you choose a 25-year investment solely on price!
Watch out for aggressive sales techniques. Always take your time to review the information shared by your solar panel installation company before taking the final call.
Only go with brands that have offices in Australia. If your solar panel installation company goes under, you want to be able to phone someone in Australia to get your warranty honoured.
Stick to Tier 1 solar panels from companies that have been producing solar power panels for more than 5 years.
Reliable and efficient Solar panel installation companies always take time to get to know you and your power usage. The assessment is key in finding out the most cost-effective and power-saving solar panel system for your home.

How does solar energy work?

Before you reach out to a solar panel installer and start discussing the best prices for setting up a solar system at your home, it is important to understand how solar energy works. Let us give you a quick insight into the physics of electricity produced using solar panels.

Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels capture the sun’s UV light, converting the energy into a DC electrical current. Solar energy is being created from light, not heat. Usually, a solar inverter is installed on the side of the house to convert the DC to AC allowing you to use the electricity for your pool, fridge, TV or any other electrical appliances. Solar panels only produce energy during daylight hours, so you will benefit most from a solar system if you can use the power during the day.

Surplus solar energy from your solar panel is fed back into the grid. In Melbourne, electricity retailers pay between 10c and 12c for every kWh you send back. It is possible to store your energy in batteries, however, at this stage, they are very expensive, incredibly large, and not very efficient.