We service the greater Melbourne and Geelong region.
Answers To The Most Common Residential Solar Questions
If you have a roof with good sun exposure (ideally north-facing), minimal shading and use a fair amount of electricity during the day, solar is likely a great fit. We’ll assess your property to confirm suitability.
A solar battery stores the excess energy your panels generate during the day so you can use it at night or during power outages. It’s ideal if you want energy independence, more savings, or backup power.
Prices vary based on system size and brands chosen. As a guide, a 6.6kW system without battery starts around $4,000–$6,000 (after rebates), while adding a battery like Tesla Powerwall may bring the total to $12,000–$15,000. We’ll tailor a quote to your needs.
Yes! Most systems are battery-ready and we can retrofit a compatible battery to your current setup after assessing your inverter and panel configuration.
Most batteries have a warranty of 10 years and a lifespan of 10–15 years. Brands like Sigenergy, Tesla and Sungrow offer high-quality, long-lasting solutions with strong performance guarantees.
However, actual longevity depends on how well the system is maintained, including the condition of the battery terminal, since corrosion or loose connections can influence efficiency over time. Eventually, every system reaches a point where battery replacement becomes the cost-effective choice, especially if capacity loss affects household energy needs. Regular inspections help you identify early signs of wear and keep the battery operating at its best for as long as possible.
How do the Federal rebates work? The Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebates are calculated on the usable storage capacity of your battery, and any additional solar capacity you are installing. Generally, larger solar and battery systems attract a higher rebate; however, we recommend sizing the system to your actual needs rather than just maximizing the rebate.
Solar STC rebates are only applicable to new capacity, but keep in mind that for the battery STC rebate it can only be claimed once per address – so it may be worth speaking to a consultant you trust to size up the battery to your specific needs. More information on the program rules and eligibility can be found here: Eligibility information for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program – DCCEEW
Note that you may also be eligible for Victorian rebates on top of the Federal rebates.
Are the Federal rebates for batteries ending? No, but they are proposing to change the rules for battery installations after May 2026. Generally speaking, the new rules mean that larger batteries (larger than 14 kWh storage) receive fewer rebates than before, and the rebates will reduce more quickly every 6 months until the program ends in 2030.
The Federal Government’s proposed changes to the battery STC rebate program can be found here: Cheaper Home Batteries Program – DCCEEW.
Is solar worth it if feed-in tariffs are so low? Absolutely. The value of solar now lies in self-consumption – using your own clean energy as it’s generated. By running heavy appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, heat pumps, pool pumps etc.) during the day or storing excess energy in a battery for night use, you avoid buying expensive power from the grid.
What if I’m not home during the day? Solar is often still worth it – but not always! Many modern appliances can be set to run on timers during peak sun hours. Combining solar with a battery is the most effective way for those away during the day to capture and use their own power later. We recommend you speak to an installer you trust to have an honest conversation about whether your electricity usage justifies a solar and / or battery system.
Should I get a battery, and what size? With battery prices decreasing, they are an excellent tool for energy independence. The “right” size depends on your household’s evening or early morning energy use. We recommend consulting a professional to analyse your electricity usage and avoid over-investing in capacity you won’t use.
What is a VPP, and should I join one? A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) links your battery with others to support the grid during periods of high demand. During these periods, although usually short-lived (a few minutes, sometimes longer) your battery will export some of its energy to the grid. In exchange, you receive financial incentives from your electricity retailer offering the VPP. It’s a personal choice – while your participation in a VPP can generate some extra savings, a well-sized system often provides enough independence without needing to join one.
Are solar batteries a fire risk? Battery technology is safer than ever, and Australia has some of the strictest installation regulations globally. While lithium-ion incidents are reported, solar batteries account for a tiny fraction of these cases (the reported fires are almost exclusively related to cheap batteries in electronic devices such as power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters etc.).
Overall, battery fire safety has improved substantially for two main reasons:
To ensure maximum safety, always choose reputable brands and accredited installers.
Will my battery really last 10 years? Yes, quality brands should last at least 10 years. Most of the top battery brands include a 10-year product warranty that guarantees at least 70% of their original storage capacity at the end of the decade. Longevity depends on proper system design and usage patterns, so it is essential to get a solution tailored to your home.
Will my solar panels work during a blackout? Not by default. Most solar systems shut down during a power outage for safety reasons. To keep your existing or new solar system running, you need a specific battery setup capable of integrating with it. In some cases, to allow the solar to keep running during an outage, a replacement of your existing solar inverter may be required. Speak to our team to understand the best options for your situation.
What is the “Emergency Backstop”? Mandatory for systems installed after October 2024, the Backstop allows network providers to remotely turn off solar exports during rare periods of extreme grid instability. This does not stop your solar from powering your home; it only prevents excess energy from being sent to the grid. Your new system must stay internet connected to achieve compliance with Backstop – otherwise it will be set to 0 kW export until internet connectivity is restored.
Is there a “Solar Export Tax” in Victoria? As of January 2026, the Victorian Government has not introduced charges for exporting solar energy. If policies change, we can easily configure your system for “zero export” to ensure you are never charged for sending power back to the grid.
Does solar damage the grid?
No. The grid already supports the transfer of energy from any source with various protections in place to ensure the grid operates as harmoniously as possible with contributions from all energy sources (coal, hydro, gas, wind, battery, biogas and solar).
It is the responsibility of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and local Distributors like Powercor, CitiPower, Jemena, Ausnet and United Energy in Victoria, to ensure that the grid is kept stable by doing things like upgrading infrastructure, imposing system safety regulations, or limiting excessive solar exports including by activating Emergency Backstop in extreme cases.
Additional solar does not ‘hurt’ the grid, but new technologies including batteries will make future solar installations more beneficial to electricity consumers such as homes and businesses.
Where can I get reliable advice on retailers and upgrades?
