FAQ
How long do solar panels last?
25-30 years if maintained. Most panels come with a 25-year performance warranty.
Do solar panels still work on cloudy days?
Yes, they still generate power, but typically 10% – 40% efficiency depending on cloud cover.
Will solar panels increase my property value?
Yes, homes with solar often sell faster and for more in Australia, especially with rising energy costs.
How much money can I save with solar?
As an example, a 6.6kW solar system can save a household $1,000 – $2,500 per year depending on energy use and location. Even more can be saved by storing excess energy in a home battery.
What size solar system do I need?
The average Aussie home installs 6.6kW – 10kW, but the right size depends on your usage and goals.
Do I still get a power bill with solar panels?
This depends on the system size, if you have a battery to make use of the stored solar energy at night and your energy usage. There will also be a connection charge from Ergon each month, depending on which tariff(s) you are connected to.
What government rebates are available?
In QLD the main ones are the STC (Small-scale Technology Certificate) rebates, and the National Battery Rebate.
What is a feed-in tariff?
A credit from Ergon for excess solar you export to the grid. Rates vary and having been reducing over time, making battery storage and self-consumption a better idea.
Do I need to clean my solar panels?
Rain cleans most dust, but in dusty or coastal areas a professional clean can improve the energy efficiency.
How much does a home battery cost in Australia?
Around $8,000 – $10,000 installed, after rebates.
Is a solar battery worth it?
For high evening usage, rising energy costs, and blackout protection, yes! Payback is about 3 years once battery rebates are taken into consideration.
How long does a solar battery last?
10 to 15 years.
Which are the most popular home batteries in Australia?
Hinen, Sigenergy, Tesla, Sungrow and BYD
Which are the safest home batteries?
Hinen Batteries – are Lithium Iron Phosphate cell chemistry, have robust multi-layer protection architecture, have an advanced battery management system with cell-level monitoring, and are the only battery on the market to feature a built-in fire suppression system which delivers rapid response to faults.
Are there battery rebates in Australia?
Yes. The cheaper home batteries program is available now in Queensland.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
Yes. Batteries can be retrofit to most system.
What is a Virtual Power Plant?
A network of batteries which is the grids defence to keeping the lights on and keeping the high costs of electricity down during events. Electricity surges and spikes are generally caused by sudden large voltage increases in the network from storms and grid failures. Thousands of local home batteries joined in a VPP can provide a fast injection of energy to mange supply and demand.
How does a virtual power plant work?
Small amounts of solar energy stored in your home battery can be used by the grid when required to keep performance consistent.
What are the virtual power plant benefits?
VPP benefits include: An additional revenue stream, improved battery ROI, backup power for blackouts, grid stability and support, reduced carbon footprint, lower energy bills and effortless management with AI automation.
What is the community impact of a VPP?
By joining a Virtual Power Plant you’ll be part of a larger community working towards a sustainable energy goal. Your VPP participation directly contributes to a greener, more resilient local grid which benefits everyone.