Frequently Asked Questions

Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this to alternating current (AC) that your home appliances use. Any excess power is either stored in a battery or exported to the grid.

The cost depends on system size, panel quality, and inverter type. After applying the federal STC rebate, a typical 6.6 kW residential system is significantly less than the pre-rebate price. We provide an itemised quote during your free consultation based on your specific property.

This depends on your energy consumption, roof space, and goals. A 6.6 kW system suits moderate usage, while 10 to 13 kW is better for larger households or homes planning to add a battery or heat pump. We size every system based on your actual energy data, not a generic estimate.

Quality solar panels are warranted for 25 years and typically continue producing power well beyond that. Performance degrades gradually. Most panels still produce over 80% of their rated output after 25 years. Inverters typically last 10 to 15 years before needing replacement.

A standard residential installation is typically completed in one to two days. The process from initial consultation to commissioning, including design, paperwork, and grid connection approval, usually takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on your distributor.

Yes. Victoria receives sufficient sunlight for solar to deliver strong returns, even in winter. With current electricity prices and available rebates, most systems pay for themselves within 3 to 5 years and continue saving money for decades after.

Yes, but at reduced capacity. Expect 10 to 50% of normal output depending on cloud coverage. Just because there is sunlight outside does not necessarily mean your system is operating at peak output, as production is based on solar irradiance (W/m2) and not just direct sunlight. If you have a battery, stored power can help compensate as your household draws from both the solar system and battery simultaneously.

This is called oversizing, and it is intentional. Your solar array is sized larger than the inverter input capacity because panels only hit peak output for a short window when the sun is directly overhead. By oversizing, your inverter reaches its full AC capacity for longer periods throughout the day, generating significantly more electricity overall. Some energy is clipped during brief peak moments, but the gains during morning, afternoon, and variable conditions far outweigh what is lost.

Usually, however it depends. Every month of the year produces different solar generation. On the best summer days you receive roughly 300% more generation than on an average winter day. Because of this, there may not be enough generation in winter to cover your daytime usage and charge the battery. We aim to design your system so your electricity bill is as close to neutral as possible over a 12 month period. In winter months, we can set you up with wholesale energy providers to automatically top up your battery during low cost periods when solar generation is insufficient.

Batteries make financial sense when your electricity tariff has a large difference between peak and off-peak rates, or when your feed-in tariff is low. They also provide value through backup power during outages. With Victorian battery rebates now available, the payback period has shortened significantly.

Battery prices depend on capacity and chemistry. Costs have dropped substantially in recent years and continue to fall. We provide specific pricing in your quote after assessing your energy profile and needs.

Your solar panels charge the battery during the day. When your panels are not generating (evenings and cloudy days), your home draws power from the battery instead of the grid. A battery management system controls charging and discharging automatically.

The duration your battery can supply power overnight depends on its capacity (measured in kWh), your overnight energy consumption, and whether the battery was fully charged during the day. For most households, a correctly sized battery should provide power throughout the night. However, running high consumption appliances like air conditioners or heaters can affect this. We offer personalised assessments to determine the optimal battery size for your needs.

Yes. Most modern solar systems are battery ready. Both Sigenergy and Sungrow hybrid inverters support batteries. If you have an older inverter, our team will review whether an AC-coupled battery solution is suitable. An AC-coupled battery does not directly have solar panels connected to it. It can be installed alongside a normal solar inverter that isn't a hybrid. Alternatively, the inverter may require replacement. Government incentives like the Solar Victoria Battery Rebate can help reduce upfront costs.

Our inverters are typically IP65 rated, meaning they are dust tight and can withstand low pressure water jets from any direction. Batteries range from IP55 to IP65 depending on the model. While they can handle dust and water exposure, we recommend installing them in a shaded and well ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight and heavy rainfall. All installations are completed according to manufacturer specifications and Australian electrical regulations.

With the right solar system and battery storage, you can power your home around the clock. During the day, solar panels generate electricity directly. Overnight, the battery takes over. A well-sized solar and battery system can achieve 80% or more grid independence for most households. For those looking to go further, our Environmental Service Pod (ESP) combines solar, battery, and heat pump into one integrated system designed for near-complete grid independence.

Most home batteries are warranted for 10 years or a set number of charge cycles (typically 6,000 to 10,000 depending on the model). With the right install in a suitable, protected location, a quality lithium battery will continue operating well beyond the warranty period. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which we install, have a longer cycle life than other chemistries.

Battery sizing depends on your overnight energy consumption, how much excess solar you generate during the day, and whether you want full backup capability during outages. For homes still on gas, a 10 to 24 kWh battery is typically sufficient. For fully electric homes, 24 to 48 kWh is more appropriate. We size your battery based on your actual interval data, not a generic estimate.

It depends on the provider. Some electricity retailers offer VPP plans that control when your battery charges and discharges at their convenience. Where appropriate, we may recommend a third party control device which allows your battery to connect and automate with the wholesale market without surrendering charge and discharge control. Our consultants assess the most economical and viable VPP solution based on your interval data (your smart meter electricity usage patterns).

Yes, you can switch electricity providers at any time, and your consultant will direct you to the most economical retailer during your consultation. However, we strongly recommend that you do not switch providers until the meter configuration is completed, as this can create delays with your grid connection. Compare both feed in tariffs and general electricity rates, as a higher feed in tariff does not always mean lower overall bills.

A heat pump extracts heat from the surrounding air and uses it to heat water, similar to how a fridge works but in reverse. For every 1 kW of electricity consumed, a heat pump can produce 3 to 4 kW of heat. This makes them roughly three times more efficient than a traditional electric hot water system.

Heat pumps are more efficient, produce no on-site emissions, and can be powered by solar. Gas systems are being phased out in new Victorian homes, and gas prices continue to rise. For most households, a heat pump is the better long-term choice, especially when paired with solar panels.

Hydronic heating circulates warm water through panels, radiators, or underfloor pipes to heat a space. Our system uses radiant ceiling panels that transfer heat directly to objects and people in the room, like the warmth you feel from the sun, rather than blowing hot air.

Our hydronic ceiling panel system operates at roughly one-third the running cost of conventional ducted heating and cooling. When paired with our polyvalent heat pump and solar panels, the running cost drops further, potentially to near zero for solar-generated hours.

If you value comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency, yes. Hydronic radiant systems produce no dust circulation, no noise, and deliver more even temperatures than ducted or split systems. The upfront cost is higher than a basic split system, but running costs are significantly lower over the life of the system.

The power will typically be off for 2 to 6 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the system, whether metering changes are required, and any switchboard upgrades needed. Once your installation date is booked, we will give you an accurate estimate based on your specific installation.

Yes. After installation, the system must stay turned off until the Electrical Inspector has signed off and issued the Certificate of Electrical Safety. Activating the system prematurely can lead to safety hazards and regulatory issues. Our team will let you know when it is safe to turn on, and in most cases the inspector will turn on the system for you.

There are four stages after your install. First, we schedule an inspection with a licensed electrical inspector, which typically takes 5 to 28 business days. The inspector is independent of EES and will book directly with you. Second, your DNSP reconfigures your smart meter, which takes up to 20 business days. Once the meter is updated, your system begins exporting to the grid. Finally, we help you set up with a wholesale energy provider or VPP if appropriate.

You receive a credit on your electricity bill for surplus solar energy exported to the grid. The Victorian Essential Services Commission sets a minimum feed in tariff, but rates vary by retailer. The ESC reviews the minimum rate and the Victoria Default Offer annually on July 1st. Your consultant will help you find the best rate after your system is connected and your meter has been reconfigured.

Use the monitoring app (iSolarCloud for Sungrow, mySigen for Sigenergy) to track real time performance. Check the inverter display, where a green light typically indicates normal operation. Look for solar feed in credits on your electricity bill, and if they are missing or lower than expected, there may be a problem. If you are drawing power from the grid while the sun is shining, your system may not be working correctly. Contact us if you notice any inconsistencies.

Check your system performance using the monitoring app to ensure it is generating the expected output. Adjust your energy usage habits by running energy intensive appliances during daylight hours. If you do not have a battery, consider adding one to store excess solar energy for night time use. We monitor every system and can help identify if there is a performance issue.

You have two options. You can leave the system at the property, where it will increase the real estate value. The new owners will receive all system details, warranties, and monitoring access. Alternatively, we can remove and reinstall your system at your new home at a cost that depends on the equipment and installation complexity.

If you change internet providers or your WiFi network, you will need to reconnect your inverter to the new network. You can do this yourself through the mySigen app (Sigenergy) or iSolarCloud app (Sungrow). Connectivity issues are the most common problem we see, usually caused by the WiFi router being too far from the inverter. If you cannot reconnect, contact us and we will help.

Solar panels are processed through certified recycling organisations such as PV Industries and Reclaim PV. Inverters and batteries are handled according to environmental regulations. Where an inverter has not yet reached the end of its useful life, we look to donate or repurpose it for communities and low-income households. We also offer lower-cost inverter alternatives for customers who may not be able to afford a brand new system. Companies such as B-Cycle are also working to bring cutting edge battery recycling for home systems in the near future.

Victorian households may be eligible for the Solar Victoria solar panel rebate, the battery rebate, and the federal STC discount. Eligibility depends on property value, household income, and previous rebate claims. As a Solar Victoria and NETCC (New Energy Tech Consumer Code) approved seller, we confirm your eligibility and may assist you with the submission of your application.

You do not need to apply separately. We handle the rebate application as part of your installation process. The discount is applied to your final quote, so you only pay the post-rebate price.

We service Greater Geelong, Torquay, the Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula, Golden Plains, and wider regional Victoria. We are based in Moolap and we are a local team, not a franchise or call centre.

Every installation comes with our 10 year workmanship warranty, covering the installation itself. Product warranties (panels, inverters, batteries) are provided by the manufacturer and typically range from 10 to 25 years depending on the product.

Book a free consultation or call us on 0427 664 827. We will assess your property and provide a detailed, no obligation proposal.