Residential Solar Maintenance & Repairs

From detailed system inspections to urgent fault repairs, we keep your solar system running safely, efficiently and reliably for years to come.

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Over 71,000 Solar Panels Installed in a Single Year
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100+ 5-star reviews
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Official Delivery Partner for AGL
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Trusted by Thousands of Commercial & Residential Clients Across Victoria

At Winki, we help homeowners get the most out of their solar investment with fast, reliable maintenance and repairs that keep your system in top shape.

Whether it’s a performance drop, inverter fault, or just time for a routine check-up, our CEC-accredited technicians are ready to help. We diagnose, repair and optimise all solar brands and setups, even if we didn’t install it.

Our Difference

Free performance check

We start with a no-obligation system performance review. We’ll inspect your panels, inverter, cabling and mounting and advise if anything needs fixing or replacing.

Fast repairs & fault diagnosis

Got an error code or underperforming panels? Our experienced technicians quickly identify the root cause and carry out repairs or replace faulty components to restore your system’s performance. We minimise downtime to keep your energy flowing.

Preventative maintenance

We offer regular maintenance plans that include electrical testing and system optimisation, all aimed at preventing future issues and extending system life.

Support you can count on

Our dedicated in-house solar team is available all year round to provide reliable support, emergency service, or expert guidance. We don’t just install your system, we stand by it for the long run. Your peace of mind is our priority.

Completed Projects

Residential Installs

How We Work

Free site assessment

We are committed to providing a seamless solar experience, so we offer complimentary site assessments to understand your energy needs and create a tailored solar and battery solution for you.

End-to-end management

Everything is done in-house to ensure a hassle-free solar panel and battery installation process, from sales to design to installation by our CEC-accredited solar and battery installers.

Performance optimisation

From the design phase to installation, our priority is ensuring that your solar system and battery provides the greatest possible return on investment and delivers long-term savings.

Support & maintenance

Our commitment extends beyond solar system and battery installation. We can monitor your system's performance, providing peace of mind by ensuring its ongoing reliability for years to come.

Our guarantee

We use best-in-class products, back our work with a 10-year workmanship warranty and guarantee our team is accredited.

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Designed by experts

All solar panel & battery systems are designed by SAA-accredited designers. We only employ the best solar installers.

Straight-up quotes

All performance estimates are completed using accurate data and conservative when it comes to cost.

Installed by experts

All systems are installed by licensed electricians and SAA accredited solar installers.

Backed by warranties

10 year workmanship warranty. 10 year inverter warranty and 25 year product & performance warranties on solar panels.

RESIDENTIAL SOLAR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers To The Most Common Residential Solar Questions

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How do I know if my home is suitable for solar?

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:

  • the leading brands having adopted a safer, more thermally stable battery chemistry of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4).
  • the battery fire safety Australian Standard AS5139 was introduced in 2019 which all accredited installations must follow to achieve compliance.

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?

  • Retailers: Because rates change frequently, use the Victorian Energy Comparison tool for unbiased advice.
  • Home Upgrades: For draught-proofing and efficiency, Geelong Sustainability maintains a list of vetted local professionals.
  • Trusted Advice: A good consultant will review your specific energy bills and property layout. Always check reviews and community-trusted sources like Geelong Sustainability before committing.

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