Home / How It Works
How SolarScorecard Works
Most solar sites just want your details to sell to installers. We give you a comprehensive, personalised analysis first — so you know exactly where you stand before talking to anyone.
Answer 6 Quick Questions
We ask about your postcode, roof direction, electricity bill, household size, battery interest, and home ownership. Takes about 60 seconds.
Get Your Personalised Solar Score
Our algorithm analyses your answers against real Australian solar data to produce a comprehensive scorecard rating your home out of 100.
Review Your Full Report
Your scorecard includes a detailed breakdown, 10-year savings projection, recommended system size and cost, environmental impact, and how you compare to other homes in your area.
Connect With Vetted Installers
If you want to take the next step, we'll match you with up to 3 vetted, local installers who specialise in systems like yours. They already know your scorecard details, so quotes are faster and more accurate.
Scoring Methodology
How We Calculate Your Score
Your solar score is a weighted composite of five factors, each scored out of 100 and then combined into your overall rating. Here's exactly what goes into it.
Sun Exposure
25%Based on Bureau of Meteorology peak sun hours data for your postcode. Northern QLD and WA locations score highest (5.5+ peak sun hours/day), while southern Tasmania scores lower (3.5–4 hours/day). Most of mainland Australia scores well here.
Roof Suitability
20%Your roof's orientation relative to north. North-facing roofs score 100%, east/west-facing around 80%, and south-facing significantly lower. Flat roofs score moderately well. This is often the biggest variable between otherwise similar homes.
Savings Potential
25%Calculated from your electricity bill, local tariff rates, feed-in tariff value, and recommended system size. Higher bills and higher electricity rates both increase your savings score — sometimes a home in a high-tariff state will save more than one in a sunny state.
Rebate Value
15%Federal STCs (based on your STC zone) plus any applicable state rebates. Victoria's Solar Homes rebate, SA's Home Battery Scheme, and WA's DEBS all boost your score. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries program (from August 2025) further adds value for battery-interested homes.
Battery Benefit
15%Analyses whether a battery makes financial sense for you based on your self-consumption ratio, feed-in tariff, and electricity rate. Low feed-in tariffs and high evening usage push this score up, while high feed-in tariffs and low bills make batteries less beneficial.
Comparison
SolarScorecard vs Traditional Quote Sites
Most solar comparison websites skip the analysis and go straight to collecting your phone number. Here's how our approach is different.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SolarScorecard really free?
Yes — 100% free, always. We make money when you choose to get installer quotes and an installer pays us a referral fee. The scorecard tool, educational content, and all analysis is free with no strings attached.
How accurate is the solar score?
Our scores use real Bureau of Meteorology sun data, current electricity tariffs from state regulators, live STC rebate values from the Clean Energy Regulator, and market-rate system costs. They're designed to give you a realistic picture — not an inflated sales pitch. That said, every roof is unique, so we always recommend getting a professional site assessment before making a final decision.
What happens to my data?
We only use your data to generate your scorecard. If you choose to request quotes, we share your scorecard details with up to 3 local installers. We never sell data to marketing companies, telemarketers, or third parties. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Will I get phone calls?
Only if you explicitly request installer quotes in the final step. If you just want your score, that's it — no follow-up calls, no emails, no spam. We respect your inbox and your phone.
Why should I trust SolarScorecard over other sites?
Most solar comparison sites are essentially lead generation forms — they collect your details and sell them to installers before giving you any useful information. We give you a comprehensive, data-driven analysis first, so you're informed before you talk to anyone. Our incentive is to be accurate, because better-informed homeowners make better customers.
How do you choose which installers to recommend?
Every installer in our network must be CEC-accredited (Clean Energy Council), carry appropriate insurance, be locally based in your area, and have a verified track record. We review and audit our installer network regularly. Quality over quantity — we'd rather have fewer, better installers.
Can I use SolarScorecard if I'm renting?
You can absolutely use the tool to check a property's solar potential — renters often use it to understand their home's suitability. However, you'll need your landlord's permission to actually install solar panels. Our score can be a useful conversation starter with a landlord who might benefit from adding solar.
How often is the data updated?
We update our data sources regularly. STC values are checked against the Clean Energy Regulator weekly. Electricity tariffs are updated when state regulators publish new rates (usually annually). State rebate programs are monitored continuously. System cost data is refreshed quarterly using industry benchmarks.
FREE · 60 SECONDS · NO PHONE CALLS