Solar and battery options
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Why solar?

The Australian home of the future is smart and fully electric, powered by solar energy. Thanks to the abundant sunlight we receive each year, Australia is among the first countries in the world where running an all-electric home is more affordable than traditional alternatives.

Solar energy is cheaper, cleaner and more environmentally friendly.  
  
The benefits of installing rooftop solar are: 

  • Reduce your household electricity bills
  • Allow you to use solar power to charge an electric vehicle
  • Help reduce the use of gas and eliminate gas bills altogether
  • Significantly reduce your household greenhouse gas emissions
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How does solar power work?

Solar technologies 

There are two main types of solar power technology: solar photovoltaic and solar thermal. 

  1. Solar photovoltaic (also known as solar PV) absorbs sunlight and converts it into electricity.
  2. Solar thermal absorbs the sun’s heat and converts it into energy (also known as thermal energy). It is commonly used for rooftop solar hot water systems. 

Solar PV is the more popular and widely adopted solar technology.  It converts sunlight into electricity via a solar PV cell. The most common form of solar PV cell is encased in glass and an aluminum frame to form a solar panel. Then, when sunlight hits a solar panel, the light energy is converted into DC electricity. 

Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight. While they produce the most energy on clear days, they can still operate and generate power when it’s cloudy. 

Solar panels generate DC (direct current) electricity. DC electricity is also used to charge batteries and is discharged by a battery. AC (alternating current) electricity is used to power appliances in your home or business and is supplied by the electricity grid.

Steps to getting a home solar system

Determine the size of your solar system

Work out your home’s electricity usage and the system size your rooftop can support.

Work out costs, savings and rebate eligibility

Learn about pricing plans, tariffs, government subsidies, rebates and loans, as well as how your system could pay for itself.

Choose the best rooftop solar design

Find a system design that meets local regulations, meets your home’s current and future energy needs and if you need to add a battery as well.

Select a retailer or solar installer

Learn what to look for and how to select a reputable solar retailer and qualified installer, who can install and connect your system safely and professionally.

Prepare your home for installation

Depending on the size of your system, installation could take up to three days. Speak with your installer to determine their access and safety needs.

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Solar system maintenance

Solar and battery systems don’t need a lot of maintenance, however, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure your system keeps working to its potential.

Monitoring your system
Your system’s monitor will show if your power generation is less than it should be. It will also show if your battery is not charging or discharging properly. Additionally, your inverter may show a fault if there’s an issue.

Maintaining your system
Regular maintenance will make sure your system keeps working properly while also help to identify issues before they cause any problems. It’s also advisable to service your system every two years, though the service should be performed by an accredited installer or qualified electrician, who will:

  • Clean the solar panels
  • Clear the area around and under the panels
  • Test the system’s electrical components
  • Inspect cables, switches and other parts of the system
  • Inspect any fault history of your inverter and battery

 

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Cleaning your solar panels

A thin layer of dust can drastically reduce your panels’ efficiency, so the cleaner they are, the more power they can generate. While normal rainfall can rinse away loose dirt and pollen, it may not remove caked-on grime, oily residue or bird droppings as easily.

Early morning or late evening during early spring or late autumn is the best time to clean as your panels are cooler. Cleaning solar panels in full sun can cause water to evaporate too quickly, leaving streaks.

Never use a pressure washer to clean solar panels as it can damage them. Instead, use a ladder and long, telescopic brush to clean panels, or if you must climb onto the roof to clean, always remember to use a safety harness.

When cleaning your panels, follow these steps:

  • Turn the solar system off
  • Inspect panels for any damage
  • Rinse panels with water
  • Apply mild, soapy water
  • Gently scrub (with a soft bristle brush) and rinse
  • Dry panels with squeegee

 

You should also consider hiring a professional solar panel cleaner who will use specialised tools and are trained to clean without damaging panels or voiding warranties. They will also inspect your solar panel to inform you about any early signs of damage.

Warning

Always use a safety harness when climbing on your roof. Consider hiring a professional cleaner.

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