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From choosing the right solar system to installation, batteries, rebates and ongoing support, find answers to the questions Australian homeowners ask most.
Explore FAQs ↓Everything You Need to Know About Solar
Solar is a big investment, and we believe you should have all the information you need before making a decision. Browse our frequently asked questions below or contact our solar experts if you need help with something more specific.
Solar Basics
A solar power system uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity for your home or business. The electricity generated can be used to power your appliances, reducing the amount of electricity you need to purchase from the grid.
Solar panels generate DC electricity from sunlight. The inverter then converts this electricity into AC electricity that can be used by your home. Any excess electricity may be exported to the grid or stored in a compatible battery.
Your potential savings depend on factors such as your electricity usage, system size, roof orientation, shading, electricity rates and feed-in tariff. Our team can assess your electricity usage and recommend a system designed around your property.
There is no single system size that suits every property. The number of panels depends on your electricity consumption, available roof space, roof orientation, shading, panel technology and your future energy requirements.
Solar can still work on properties with some shading. However, excessive shading can reduce generation. During your assessment, we can consider your roof layout and shading conditions when designing the system.
Yes. Solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days because sunlight continues to reach the panels. However, generation is generally lower than on a clear, sunny day.
If your solar system produces more electricity than your property is using, the excess electricity can generally be exported to the electricity grid. Depending on your electricity retailer and plan, you may receive a feed-in tariff for exported energy.
In most grid-connected homes, yes. Solar generation changes throughout the day, so your property may still use electricity from the grid when your solar system is not producing enough energy. A battery can help increase your use of stored solar energy outside daylight hours.
Solar panels are designed to provide reliable electricity generation for many years. Different components have different expected lifespans and warranty periods, so it is important to consider the warranties offered by the manufacturers when choosing a system.
Choosing the Right Solar System
The right system size depends on your electricity usage, roof space, household size, energy habits and future plans. We can review your electricity bill and property details to help determine an appropriate system size.
Your electricity consumption, available roof area, roof orientation, shading, panel output, inverter capacity and future energy requirements can all influence the recommended system size.
We work with a range of established solar manufacturers. Rather than recommending one product for every property, we consider your system requirements, budget, roof layout and energy goals when selecting suitable equipment.
Single-phase and three-phase are different types of electrical connections. Your property's electrical configuration can affect the type and size of solar equipment that can be installed. We can assess this as part of your solar consultation.
Yes. Solar can be installed on double-storey properties, subject to suitable roof access, structural considerations, safety requirements and site conditions.
Yes. Solar panels can generally be installed on a variety of common roofing types, including tiled and metal roofs. The appropriate mounting method will depend on your roof structure and installation requirements.
It may be possible, but it depends on your existing inverter, roof space, electrical configuration and system design. If you think your energy needs may increase in the future, it is worth discussing this before installation.
Solar Batteries
Not every home needs a battery. A battery can be useful if you want to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it later when your solar panels are producing less or no electricity. Whether it makes financial sense depends on your energy usage and electricity plan.
During periods of solar generation, excess electricity can be used to charge the battery. The stored energy can then be used later when your home needs electricity, helping increase your use of your own solar energy.
The ideal battery size depends on your electricity usage, solar system size, evening consumption and how much energy you want to store. A battery should be sized around your actual energy requirements rather than simply choosing the largest available option.
In many cases, yes. Compatibility depends on your existing panels, inverter, system configuration and electrical setup. We can assess your existing system and determine suitable battery options.
Yes. A suitably sized battery can supply stored energy to your home after the sun goes down. How long it can power your home depends on the battery capacity and your energy consumption.
Not every battery installation provides backup power during a grid outage. Backup functionality requires compatible equipment and an appropriate installation. If blackout protection is important to you, tell us during your consultation so we can design the system accordingly.
Battery lifespan varies depending on the manufacturer, battery chemistry, usage, operating conditions and cycling. Always review the manufacturer's warranty and performance specifications when comparing battery systems.
Pricing, Rebates & Finance
Solar system pricing depends on system size, equipment, roof requirements, installation complexity and available incentives. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all price, we provide a proposal based on your property's requirements.
Government incentives may be available depending on your location, system type, eligibility and installation date. Incentive programs and eligibility requirements can change, so we recommend confirming the current applicable incentives when receiving your proposal.
Small-scale Technology Certificates, commonly known as STCs, can reduce the upfront cost of eligible small-scale renewable energy systems. The value depends on factors including the system size, location and applicable certificate settings.
Battery incentives may be available depending on the applicable federal or state program and your eligibility. Because incentive rules can change, we recommend checking the current eligibility requirements when preparing your battery proposal.
Finance options may be available depending on the finance provider, your circumstances and the current options offered. Ask our team about available finance solutions when requesting your solar proposal.
Your proposal can include the recommended system design, solar panels, inverter, installation and other applicable equipment or services. The exact inclusions will depend on your individual proposal and property requirements.
We aim to provide clear and transparent proposals based on the information available about your property. If additional site requirements are identified, these will be discussed with you before any additional work is undertaken.
Solar Installation
Installation time depends on the size and complexity of the system, roof type, access and site conditions. Many residential installations can be completed within a day, although more complex installations may require additional time.
Requirements can vary depending on the installation and property. Our team will advise you beforehand if access to the property or electrical equipment is required.
Once installation is complete, the system is commissioned and the required processes are completed so the system can operate. You will also receive information about your system and monitoring where applicable.
Grid-connected solar systems may require applications, approvals and connection processes depending on your electricity distributor and system configuration. These requirements are considered as part of the installation process.
Solar installations are designed to be mounted securely while protecting the roof structure. Our installers follow appropriate installation practices, although existing roof condition and site-specific factors can affect installation.
Electricity Bills & Solar Savings
Not necessarily. Your electricity bill can still include charges and electricity purchased from the grid when your solar system is not producing enough energy. The goal of a correctly designed system is to significantly reduce your reliance on grid electricity.
Solar does not necessarily eliminate every electricity charge. Your bill can depend on your energy consumption, solar generation, electricity rates, feed-in tariff, fixed charges and how much electricity you use from the grid.
A feed-in tariff is the rate your electricity retailer may pay you for eligible electricity that your solar system exports to the grid. Rates vary between retailers and electricity plans.
One of the most effective ways to use more of your solar energy is to run suitable appliances during periods of solar generation. A battery may also help store excess energy for later use.
Yes. Providing your latest electricity bill can help us understand your current usage and grid consumption. We can then use this information together with your property details to recommend a suitable system.
Monitoring & Support
Many modern solar systems include online monitoring through a manufacturer's mobile application or monitoring platform. The exact app depends on the inverter or battery installed at your property.
First, check your internet connection and confirm that the inverter is powered and operating normally. If the issue continues, contact us and provide screenshots of the monitoring application where possible so we can help investigate the issue.
Do not attempt electrical repairs yourself. Take a photo or screenshot of the fault message and contact our team. We can help determine the next steps and, where required, arrange technical support or an installer inspection.
There can be several reasons, including inverter faults, communication issues, grid conditions or system faults. Check your monitoring system if available and contact us with any fault information so we can help investigate.
Yes. Our team can assist with system-related enquiries, monitoring issues, warranty matters and other support requirements after installation.
Warranty & Maintenance
Solar systems can have separate warranties for panels, inverters, batteries and installation workmanship. Warranty terms vary by manufacturer and product, so your specific proposal and product documentation should be checked for the applicable warranty periods.
Solar systems generally require relatively little routine maintenance, but it is important to monitor system performance and address faults or unusual performance when they occur.
Rain can naturally clean panels, but dust, dirt, leaves, bird droppings and other debris can accumulate over time. Depending on your location and surroundings, professional solar panel cleaning may help maintain performance.
If you notice cracked glass, physical damage or unusual panel behaviour, avoid touching the damaged equipment. Take clear photos if it is safe to do so and contact us so the issue can be assessed.
Already Have Solar?
Depending on the issue, we may be able to assist with assessing an existing system. We can help determine whether further troubleshooting, inspection, repair or replacement may be appropriate.
An existing system may be upgradeable depending on its age, inverter, panel configuration, available roof space and electrical setup. We can assess the existing system before recommending an upgrade.
It may be possible. Battery compatibility depends on the existing inverter and system configuration. An assessment is recommended before selecting a battery.
Yes, inverter replacement can be considered where an existing inverter has failed, reached the end of its service life or is no longer suitable. The replacement needs to be compatible with your system and electrical requirements.
There can be several reasons, including reduced system generation, increased household consumption, equipment faults, monitoring problems, shading or changes to your electricity plan. Providing your latest electricity bill and monitoring information can help identify potential issues.
We may be able to assist depending on the system, issue and required work. Existing systems installed by other companies may require an inspection or additional information before we can determine how best to help.
Questions About Make My Solar
Make My Solar is an Aussie-owned and operated solar retailer and installer serving customers across selected areas of Australia. Contact our team to confirm whether we service your property.
Yes. Make My Solar is an Aussie-owned and operated solar retailer and installer focused on helping Australian households and businesses make better use of solar energy.
Yes. We assist with solar solutions for residential and business properties, with system recommendations based on the property's electricity requirements and available space.
Yes. We can provide battery solutions for suitable new solar installations as well as certain existing solar systems. Battery compatibility and sizing are assessed based on your property's energy requirements.
Contact our team to discuss your property and energy usage. Having your latest electricity bill available can help us understand your current consumption and prepare a more suitable recommendation.
Your latest electricity bill is one of the most useful pieces of information. We may also need details about your property, roof type, number of storeys, electrical phase and your current or future energy requirements.
Proposal time can vary depending on the information available and the complexity of your property. Once we have the required information, our team will work to prepare your proposal as quickly as possible.
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