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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Australian homeowners ask about solar — answered honestly.
Costs & Savings
How much do solar panels cost in Australia?
A standard 6.6kW system costs $4,000–$8,000 after federal STC rebates, depending on your state, panel quality, and installer. Premium panels and larger systems cost more. See our full cost guide for detailed pricing by system size and state.
Solar Panel Costs Guide →How much will I save on my electricity bill?
A typical 6.6kW system saves $1,200–$2,500 per year depending on your electricity rate, sun hours, and how much solar you self-consume. South Australia sees the highest savings due to the highest electricity rates nationally. Victoria and Tasmania see lower savings due to fewer sun hours.
What's the payback period for solar?
Most systems pay for themselves in 3–5 years and last 25+ years. After payback, every dollar saved is pure profit. With electricity prices rising 4–6% annually, the value increases every year.
Payback Period Explained →Are solar panels a good investment?
Solar offers better returns than most traditional investments. A $6,000 system that saves $1,800/year is a 30% annual return. Over 25 years, total savings can exceed $60,000. Even on conservative estimates, solar comfortably outperforms savings accounts and most managed funds.
Do I need to pay for solar upfront?
Not necessarily. The ACT offers 0% interest loans up to $15,000 through the Sustainable Household Scheme. Victoria offers interest-free loans alongside rebates. Many installers also offer buy-now-pay-later options through partners like Brighte or Plenti. Some offer lease arrangements, though buying outright gives the best long-term value.
System & Installation
What size solar system do I need?
System size depends on your electricity usage. As a rough guide: 5kW suits 1-2 person households (bills under $300/quarter), 6.6kW suits 3-4 people ($300–$700/quarter), 8-10kW suits larger households or those with pool pumps, and 10-13kW for very large users or EV owners. Our scorecard recommends a specific size based on your actual bill.
Does my roof need to face north?
North is ideal (100% efficiency), but east and west-facing roofs still perform well at about 80-85% efficiency. Flat roofs can have panels tilted to the optimal angle. Even south-facing roofs can work with modern high-efficiency panels, though output is reduced to about 65%. Split systems across multiple roof faces are also common.
How long does installation take?
A standard residential installation takes 1 day for panels and inverter. Larger systems or those with batteries may take 1.5-2 days. The approval process (grid connection application, permits) can take 2-6 weeks depending on your distributor and local council.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity from light, not direct sunlight. On overcast days, output is reduced to about 10-25% of peak capacity. Annual production figures already account for average cloud cover in your area — the sun hours figure we use is based on real historical weather data, not clear-sky assumptions.
How long do solar panels last?
Most quality panels carry a 25-year product warranty and a 25-30 year performance warranty guaranteeing at least 80-87% of original output. In practice, panels often last 30-40 years with gradual degradation of about 0.3-0.5% per year. Inverters typically last 10-15 years and may need replacement once during the panel lifetime.
Do I need to clean my solar panels?
In most cases, rain does an adequate job of keeping panels clean. However, if you're in a dusty area, near construction, or have panels at a low tilt angle, occasional cleaning (once or twice a year) can improve performance by 2-5%. Never use abrasive cleaners or high-pressure washers — a soft brush with water is sufficient.
What happens if I move house?
Solar panels are considered a permanent fixture and add value to your property. Studies show solar homes sell for 3-4% more on average. You cannot take the panels with you, but you can negotiate a higher sale price. The new owner benefits from the existing system.
Batteries
Should I get a battery with my solar?
It depends on your situation. Batteries make the most sense if you have high evening electricity usage, low feed-in tariffs (under 5c/kWh), high electricity rates (over 30c/kWh), or access to a state battery rebate. Our scorecard gives you a personalised battery recommendation.
Solar Battery Guide →How much does a solar battery cost?
Home batteries cost $5,500-$14,000 installed, depending on size and brand. A 10kWh battery (suits most homes) costs around $8,000-$10,000. A 13.5kWh Tesla Powerwall costs $10,500-$14,000. State rebates can reduce this significantly — VIC offers up to $8,800 for batteries.
Can I add a battery later?
Yes, but it's usually cheaper to install both at the same time. If you plan to add a battery later, ask your installer to fit a hybrid inverter now — this avoids replacing the inverter later. AC-coupled batteries like the Tesla Powerwall can work with any existing inverter.
Do batteries work during blackouts?
Most modern batteries offer backup capability, but it must be configured during installation. Some batteries back up your entire home, others only essential circuits (lights, fridge, internet). Discuss backup requirements with your installer before purchase.
Rebates & Incentives
What solar rebates are available in Australia?
The main incentive is federal STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates) worth $2,500-$4,500 for a typical 6.6kW system. Some states offer additional rebates: Victoria ($1,400 panel rebate + $8,800 battery rebate), SA (battery scheme), ACT (0% interest loans to $15,000), and TAS (interest-free loans).
State Rebates Guide →How does the STC rebate work?
STCs are certificates created when you install solar. Your installer claims them on your behalf and applies the value as an upfront discount on your invoice. You don't need to do anything — the discount is automatic. The value depends on system size, your STC zone, and how many years remain until the scheme ends in 2030.
STC Rebate Explained →Is the solar rebate going down?
Yes. The STC scheme reduces by one year annually, meaning fewer certificates are created and the discount shrinks each year. In 2026, a system earns STCs for 4 deemed years. By 2029, it'll only be 1 year. The scheme ends entirely in 2030. This creates a genuine incentive to install sooner rather than later.
Can renters get solar rebates?
Renters cannot directly access most solar rebates, as they require home ownership. However, some states are developing rental-specific programs. Landlords can access rebates to install solar on rental properties in some states. Community solar programs are another option for renters.
Solar for Renters →About SolarScorecard
Is SolarScorecard really free?
Yes, completely free. We make money from installer partnerships — when you request quotes through our platform, installers pay us for the introduction. Your score, analysis, and all content on the site are always free.
How accurate is the solar score?
Our scoring algorithm uses Bureau of Meteorology sun data, current state electricity rates, live STC values, and real system cost data. The score provides an accurate indication of your home's solar potential and estimated savings. For an exact quote, you'll need a site assessment from an installer — which is why we connect you with vetted local professionals.
Will I get phone calls if I use SolarScorecard?
Not unless you explicitly request installer quotes. Getting your solar score does not share your details with anyone. If you choose to request quotes, up to 3 vetted local installers may contact you — but only after you opt in.
How do you choose which installers to recommend?
All installers in our network are CEC-accredited (Clean Energy Council), locally based, and have verified reviews and track records. We audit installer quality regularly and remove underperformers. We'd rather recommend fewer great installers than many mediocre ones.